In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Leanne Paul to talk about what it really looks like to step away from a career, come back, and keep moving forward without waiting for permission. From social work to IT, from staying home with kids to rebuilding momentum in tech, Leanne shares how asking for opportunities, staying curious, and valuing soft skills shaped her path. This conversation is a reminder that time away doesn’t erase your experience and that growth often starts when you speak up.

Key Takeaways 

• Asking opens doors faster than waiting quietly.
• Time away from work builds skills that matter more than we realize.
• Soft skills carry across industries and roles.
• Growth doesn’t require a linear career path.

In this episode, Leanne mentions Mothers and More. Mothers & More is a support and advocacy network for mothers navigating career shifts, pauses, and returns while raising families. Through local chapters and online communities, it connects women who want honest conversation, shared resources, and reassurance that their choices and experience still matter.https://www.mothersandmore.org/about-us/

Connect with Leanne Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-paul-9108a740/

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