Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

My guest today is Gina Mathew, a Baltimore-based writer, producer, and the founder of Couture Rani, a digital magazine that covers fashion, style, beauty, and entertainment for the global South Asian diaspora. Although she has spent most of her career in television production, her passion is launching and developing new ventures and digital media platforms, specifically in media, fashion, and lifestyle spaces. Gina has her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Journalism from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and holds a Master’s degree in Publications Design, an integrated graphic design and writing program from the University of Baltimore. Let’s hear more of Gina’s story!

TWEET: “Find out how to turn your #passion into your #paycheck with #CoutureRani.”

Finding the right path:

Have you always been clear about your path and your passion? For some people, it takes years to get to that place, and most college students don’t have it all figured out. Gina explains why internships and experience matter more than your college degree. She advises you to pick a major you love, but not be in a hurry to “figure it out.” Because of Gina’s varied interests, she didn’t really know what to pursue upon graduation from college. She ended up working for a PR firm, but really wanted to be in TV news.

TWEET: “There’s a different #energy when you’re doing something you #love and can make it your #career.” #CoutureRani

New ideas might sound crazy . . .

Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that sound unbelievable at first. Gina decided to use her experience to connect global consumers with artists and designers in India---this was her first business idea, and the one that led to the launch of her e-commerce site. Her dream of Couture Rani resonated far beyond what she imagined. With this “crazy” new idea, she helped change American ideas about Indian fashion.

TWEET: “To most people, #Indian fashion was just about wedding clothes.” #CoutureRani

When you just have to walk away

Have you felt burned out and frustrated with a new venture? Gina went through these difficulties and admits that she “just had to walk away for a while.” She knew she needed a real job and stability, which sometimes happens when you chase your dreams. It’s the chance to recalibrate, figure things out, and make a fresh new start. Gina had to ask herself, “Do I have the energy and commitment for another start up?”

Gina’s ONE action item for dream chasers: “If you have something you want to do, absolutely pursue it. Don’t let anything hold you back.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:15] Gina’s college path
• [4:30] Gina’s dad: an artist in advertising in India
• [5:13] College degree or internship: which is more valuable?
• [11:23] From DC to Baltimore
• [15:40] Blogging about Indian fashion, just in case her launch idea came true
• [20:40] From blogging to an e-commerce site in 2011
• [24:27] Frustrated, uninspired, and burned out
• [29:40] Today? Enough talk—time for action
• [38:40] Sustaining the vision
• [41:25] Not repeating past mistakes
• [48:50] Permission to try again
• [53:58] Gina’s ONE action item for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Gina’s Website

Gina on Facebook

Gina on Instagram

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “I didn’t know if I had it in me to #launch something new again.” #CoutureRani

TWEET: “Be wise enough not to repeat the same #mistakes.” #CoutureRani

TWEET: “That next thing you do could be what ends up being your life...

My guest is Rebecca Kay Thompson of RKT Wellness Solutions. She’s a lifestyle and wellness coach who brings a holistic approach to solving a broad spectrum of challenges, from health and wellness to relationship coaching, personal finance, and home/office organization. Her honest and practical coaching style helps her clients become proactive in maintaining a fulfilling life of whole wellness. Rebecca emphasizes the simple question, “What does wellness mean to YOU?” This allows her clients to look at the big picture, break down shortfalls, and then focus on improvement. Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree in Leadership Development from Villanova University, where she graduated with many accolades in her 40’s! After conquering her personal battle to achieve wellness, Rebecca has recently added nutrition coaching to her 20-year repertoire.

TWEET: “Ep 92 is all about #wellness and how to make it a way of life!” #RebeccaKayThompson

“The Wellness Factor”

Are you experiencing wellness? Of course, this can mean different things to different people. In addition, the motivation to pursue wellness takes many different forms. For Rebecca, it took losing her mother to pancreatic cancer in 2013, after watching a lifetime battle against wellness. Through chronic illness and countless medications, Rebecca watched her mom struggle and die “the slowest, most torturous death.” When she found herself falling into the same pattern, she put the brakes on her misery from being overweight, unhappy, and unwell. She gives us insight into the critical “Aha moment.”

TWEET: “A #sanctuary day is taking the time to be #mindful about myself.” #RebeccaKayThompson

“What the universe says to you . . .”

Have you come home from a day’s work and simply felt unfulfilled? If this is a recurring feeling, then you may need to take the first step like Rebecca did. She said, “That’s it. I’m going to pursue my dream.” She tells of the many great things that have happened in her life since she changed her focus. A job to pay the bills isn’t the same as one that fulfills your passion and chases your dreams. Rebecca explains why you may need to rethink your college degree field, figure out the next step, and create the BEST version of yourself.

TWEET: “When you’re #passionate about something, it will change the world.” #RebeccaKayThompson

New Dreams?

How many dreams can you chase at once? Can they change over time? The answers are that you can chase as many dreams as you want, and YES, they can change over time. For example, Rebecca wants to write a book someday; she also wants to be a hero. No one knows what the future holds or what opportunities may come, but remember this: multiple dreams ARE allowed and you ARE allowed to change them!

TWEET: “When the #universe speaks to you, #LISTEN.” @RebeccaKayThompson

Rebecca’s Recommended Action Step: “If you want to be a pig farmer, then call yourself a pig farmer!” Whatever it is that you want to be, create the best version of yourself and don’t forget to dress the part!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:25] Rebecca’s “Sanctuary Day”---What is it?
• [6:00] Getting to the point of WELLNESS
• [12:10] Get a coach to guide you to your dream
• [16:15] The example of Cornell Thomas (See Episode 59 and 76)
• [20:17] When the universe speaks to you . . . 
• [24:40] Could your college degree have been WRONG?
• [30:29] How many dreams can you have?
• [32:55] You’re allowed to change dreams!
• [36:55] Rebecca’s Recommended Action Step for Dream Chasers

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Rebecca on LinkedIn

Rebecca on

My guest today is Anthony Rice, with whom I’ve been friends for a long time. He’s been creating art his whole life, with the female form being his muse. His passions have included many forms of art, but his recent craze centers around photography. Anthony has taken body painting to a new level with his “Transflections,” a digital mix of reflections and transformations that create other-wordly images, with each image being a unique mix of form, shapes, and color that can never be recreated. Join me to hear more of his story and his unusual artistry.

TWEET: “Learn how @aricephoto is making his living from his #art and pushing his #creative boundaries!” 

What’s YOUR superpower?

Have you ever thought about what your superpower is? Anthony explains how he pinpointed his superpower as being the natural instinct required to “figure things out.” He uses the example of how he created his first website back in 1996, when NO ONE knew how to do that! He says the key is to stay focused and keep at it until that light bulb moment happens.

TWEET: “#Art takes a long time to be able to live off of it and put a roof over your head.” @transflexions

Don’t be afraid of something NEW!

Are you afraid when it comes to trying something new? Anthony explains his hopes for the future of his “Transflections,” with 3D intricate designs. He wants to do animation and morph the designs. He admits that he still has a lot to learn, but knows that this is where his future is headed, as he studies, does research, and learns more about the technique.

TWEET: “Seeing that image on the wall that’s really nice, is my #reward.” @transflexions

Where to focus next:

Are you an artist or entrepreneur who needs to figure out that NEXT focus? Anthony knows his next steps are in promoting his work on social media and building his brand. He’s done the research and knows he has to get his name out there among the stiff competition. He has a goal to get more name recognition for A.Rice Photography and become a trending artist. 

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Be true to the idea or dream. Have tunnel vision, even amidst life’s changes. Allow your dream to morph into whatever it needs to be.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:50] The way I met Anthony
• [3:42] Anthony’s background in computers
• [6:25] His “day job” at Apple vs. his passion for art
• [7:35] The focus on photography
• [8:40] Love for the art of creation
• [10:10] Anthony’s signature medium?
• [11:10] A new technique for the future
• [16:28] What is a “muse”?
• [17:32] Guidance for other creatives
• [20:35] What Anthony’s working on next: social media and his brand
• [26:20] On collaborations 
• [29:25] Anthony’s ONE action for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Anthony on Twitter

Anthony on Instagram 

Anthony on Facebook

Anthony’s Website

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “You can’t appreciate the ups unless you’ve had some downs.” @transflexions

TWEET: “It’s not the #destination, but the #path.” @transflexions

https://youtu.be/lzh_9tmE6JQ

I’m talking today to MJ and Josh of MJx Music and Justwavyj. They are friends who met in their freshman year of high school and then went on to the same college, both studying computer information systems. MJ and Josh went on to work at one of the top consulting companies in the world, but success felt “average.” They decided to live a life chasing their dreams every day, as they fuel their passions for music and video. Join us for their inspirational story!

TWEET: “Chasing #Dreams that fuel #passions for #music - that’s today’s topic with MJ and Josh. “

Trying to get out of the 9-5 life:

So, how do they make it work? How do you make the decision to really chase your dreams? MJ and Josh share about their weekly process leading up to their “Sunday sessions” in releasing new music. They’ve gotten positive feedback and say that true success is impacting just one person each week with their music. 

TWEET: “We feel #successful if we #impact ONE person each week with our #music.” #MJxMusic

Balance:

The word balance sounds so easy and relaxed, doesn’t it? Balance is full of work, commitment, and choices. It’s giving 100% to work when it’s time to work, and giving 100% to music when it’s time for that. MJ and Josh explain the sacrifices they have made to follow their dreams with their music, and what they wear as daily reminders of the need for balance.

TWEET: “The by-product of an ugly process can be #inspirational.” #Justwavyj

It’s all about how you spend your time:

What could you do with just a few hours each day? MJ and Josh figured that just four hours each day totals 1460 hours/year. That’s about 60 workdays in all. What could you accomplish as a side hustle in that time frame? MJ and Josh give their opinion about time allotment and commitment. We all HAVE the time to commit to something!

TWEET: “What if you took your work #energy and put it into your #passion?”

Guest Recommendation: Action steps for dream chasers to take: Josh says that you need to find one person for accountability and support, because it makes all the difference. MJ says to start doing it now, and have patience. 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:35] The reason for their We’re Dreaming song and how it came to be
• [5:25] Writing lyrics/planning the videography
• [7:50) The conversation that led to their “dream-chasing,” and the JMU video
• [13:21] The ramifications of working “on the side”
• [15:30] Balance and equaling each other out
• [17:25] How to keep your personal life from suffering
• [19:45] Responsibilities
• [22:40] What can YOU do with a side hustle?
• [24:50] The significance of the trinity of social media: Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram AND their crazy commitment to their followers
• [29:05] Learning on the fly and plans for the future
• [33:05] Action for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

MJ on Facebook

MJ on Instagram

MJ on Youtube

Josh on Facebook

Josh on Instagram

Josh on YouTube

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “I can’t #give all of me to all of you, because I have to give more of me to me.”

TWEET: “If your #dreams aren’t big enough to make people #laugh, then maybe you need to reevaluate.”

TWEET: “What could you accomplish in just four hours a day with a...

My guest today is Mike Domitrz, host of The Everyday Mindfulness Show and the author of Can I Kiss You? Mike is a leading voice in helping kids, parents, educational institutions, and the US military discuss dating, sexual decision-making consent, and sexual assault. He speaks to tens of thousands yearly around the world, providing positive how-to skill sets and helpful insights to romantic relationships, sexual intimacy, and being safer. His podcast features special guests and a unique cast of over 70 people who stop by to add to the fun and thought-provoking conversations. Is Mike a dream-chaser? You bet! He’s on a mission to create a culture of consent and respect through the Date Safe project.

TWEET: “Be a part of creating a culture of #consent with Mike Domitrz” @datesafeproject

Can I Kiss You?

How does a book like Mike’s come about? He explains why he wants to bring awareness to behavior and why people want to keep reading the book. His goal for the book was to transform our culture and how it views sexual decision-making. Sexual violence is definitely not a new thing, but dream chasers like Mike are on the move to create a safer environment.

TWEET: “Every #survivor deserves to have a #voice.” @datesafeproject

What are we learning from TV and movies?

We need role modeling of the behavior we are seeking, and guess what? You won’t find that behavior modeled in movies and on television. Mike explains why his “ask” system is better than the status quo in relationships and why the paradigm needs to be shifted. We don’t even realize how often these types of violations happen.

TWEET: “We’ve only started to create a safer—not safe—environment.”

Where does mindfulness come in?

Am I really aware of how my words and actions are impacting culture? Probably not! In the workplace, at home, or with friends, we just don’t realize the power of our words and how many people can be affected by them. Why do we judge others? Why do we sexualize them? Why do we say inappropriate things to them or about them? These are the questions Mike wants you to consider!

TWEET: “Giving people specific words and skill sets to use takes out the #sexualization.” @datesafeproject

Guest Recommendation: Mike’s ACTION for a dream chaser to take:

“Ask for what you want and then respect the answer.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:30] Mike’s book
• [2:32] Nothing new about sexual violence
• [3:24] When the victim is blamed
• [4:35] How this Mike’s dream mission relates to chasing dreams
• [7:00] The effect on workplace environments
• [8:50] How TV and movies affect behavior
• [11:50] The prevalence of sexual assault
• [13:28] Owning your words and their impact
• [16:35] “It’s not me!”
• [19:43] Words for parents
• [22:53] How Mike learned about the skill sets needed
• [25:00] How Mike’s work has changed over 20 years
• [26:55] It’s never too late
• [28:10] Skill sets to keep in mind
• [32:30] Has there been improvement?
• [34:10] Mike’s ACTION for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Mike on Facebook 

Mike on Twitter

Mike’s Website

Mike’s Podcast Website

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “There is nothing new about #sexual #violence. Help create a culture of #consent.

TWEET: “Ask for what you want then #respect the answer.”...

Alison Cardy is an expert coach who runs an international career coaching team specializing in guiding people through career changes. She personally coaches a handful of select clients on creating greater alignment and success in their life, love, and work. She has the unique ability to zero in on the perspective shifts and small tweaks that create the biggest positive results. She’s written the 5-star rated bestseller Career Grease: How to Get Unstuck and Pivot Your Career. Her work has been featured in many publications. Alison is eager to share some great tips and experiences with us today.

TWEET: “You get expert help for your car, and your #career should be no different.” @cardycareers

• Getting Unstuck

Have you ever felt stuck? Most people probably feel this way at one time or another—or maybe several times! Alison’s specialty is helping people get unstuck from jobs, degrees, or careers that haven’t been a perfect fit. Sometimes we just have to ease the gunk away so we can move forward. Alison’s solution is a structured, systematic process in finding clarity.

TWEET: “Going through multiple #career changes doesn’t make you an expert on career change.” @cardycareers

• Things that hold people back

What holds people back from making changes? Alison has a few reasons that so many fail to ask for help. Some people just don’t realize that helpful resources are available. The idea that work can be fulfilling and purposeful is a relatively modern idea. Some people think “going back to school” is the solution to find what they want to do. Some go about solving the problem in the wrong way, which leads to analysis paralysis and looping thought patterns. Finally, as helpful as friends and family might be, they are not the best go-to resource for career advice, for various reasons.

TWEET: “Going ‘back to school’ is a seductive idea for many.” @cardycareers

• Commonalities among stuck people

Why do people seek help? The answer is because they are in pain. They’ve tried other things and they feel hopeless. When pain brings people to this point then they are ready to put in the work to sort things out and fix the pain. If only they could figure that out sooner, then they could increase their level of engagement and be willing to ask for help.

TWEET: “The idea that “you can do anything” is really stressful.” @cardycareers

• GUEST RECOMMENDATION: Think of something you can do that gets you out in the world, talking to real people about what you want to be doing.
• OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:
• [1:25} “Career Grease”—where the book title came from
• [5:15] How stuck people find Alison
• [7:30] Get professional help for your career
• [9:40] Things that hold people back
• [21:00] The solution for the next generation
• [25:40] Why Alison doesn’t work with people straight out of college
• [27:25] Commonalities among stuck people
• [32:41] Taking charge and ownership
• [35:15] Ask for help
• [37:30] Alison’s action for a dream chaser to take

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Alison’s Website

Alison on Facebook

Alison on Twitter

Alison on LinkedIn

Free gift: Step-by-Step Career Change E-Course, sign up at

Raj Stewart is an academic researcher turned healthcare consultant. He’s passionate about bringing an evidence-based, patient-centered perspective to practical healthcare issues. He works on a wide variety of projects and helps with coaching and training for companies that interact with government agencies and private medical insurers. Reading scientific literature and policy takes much of his time, but he manages to find time for travel, DJ gigs, record collecting, soccer, and family. He’s been my friend for over 15 years, and I’m excited to have him on the show!

TWEET: “Raj Stewart shares how to follow your #dream while enjoying the #journey.”

Why college?

What do you think? Is college necessary? Many people think it’s just a waste of time. Raj was raised to know the value of education. College was encouraged in his family as the next step of evolution in the development of a young adult. College gives opportunity to expand horizons and interact with all kinds of people. You learn how to think and have exposure to many things. In short, Raj explains that college gives you a safe place to make mistakes!

TWEET: “#College is just one of many life paths.”

You aren’t the only one!

Do you realize that others are affected by the actions you take? Every successful person gains the perspective that they are uniquely important, but NOT the only person in the world. We all are part of a larger, inter-connected whole. Even in pursuing goals, it’s not all about me!

Rule in/Rule out

Raj’s philosophy might just change your life! He shows how to live your life as a series of “rule in or rule out” opportunities. Not many paths in life are linear and straightforward. Ask, “Will this aid me in an overall goal?” You have choices that either help define what you WANT to do or let you know what you DON’T WANT to do. Dead ends aren’t the enemy, but you must realize when they appear. Realizing you are stagnant is the FIRST step to evaluate and change!

TWEET: “There is nothing wrong with a bad decision that you learn from.”

Raj’s Recommendation for Dream Chasers: “Read and talk to others.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:20] Raj’s card-game abilities
• [3:55] College: important or not?
• [8:22] Jumping into the real world without college
• [12:35] You aren’t the only thing in the world
• [16:25] Raj’s current career
• [20:05] People who don’t directly use their college degrees
• [23:40] How you look at life: rule in or rule out
• [26:55] What do to at a dead end
• [28:35] Signs of a dead end
• [35:00] Raj’s Recommendation for a dream chaser

Resources Mentioned on the Show:

Raj on LinkedIn

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “#College: the first opportunity to spread your wings with a safety net.”

TWEET: “I look at life’s steps as very productive stops and starts.”

TWEET: “There is really no wrong way to #chaseyourdreams.”

https://youtu.be/BCN8G2g0E1M

Joe Wilner is a life coach, licensed clinical psychotherapist, and drummer from the band Yes You Are. He’s created the You Have a Calling initiative, which includes a blog and an online community helping people discover and pursue their life’s work and mission. Through deep and personalized coaching, he helps ambitious, creative, and spiritually-minded individuals make a greater impact, grow as leaders, and design a soulful life of inspiration. He’s here to share his dream chase journey!

TWEET: “Find out what your #calling is! @JRWilner shares his calling in today’s show!”

The path that sometimes leads to “Now what?”

Have you felt that “stuck” feeling? You’ve worked hard to establish yourself in a position, like Joe did in his private practice, but “Now what?” Is this ALL there is? Joe knows what it’s like to find success but wonder, “Where am I headed and who do I want to become in this life?” Many times, there is MUCH MORE out there. Joe explains how to branch out, while committing and embracing a new dream.

TWEET: “Have you ever asked yourself, where am I headed and who do I want to become in this life?” @JRWilner

The Interesting Chasm

To reach full potential, you have to build on the possibilities. Joe says to KEEP PUSHING, even when you’re not sure where you’re going. Joe describes the “interesting chasm” between having security and stability and following your passion and chasing dreams. “Sometimes you have to be in the flow between these two banks of the river.” Many people have forgotten how to dream and see what’s possible for them.

TWEET: “There is an interesting chasm between #security and #passion in following #dreams.” @JRWilner

Small shift, small changes

Sometimes all you need is a SMALL SHIFT. Often, it’s not the pursuit of a grand dream, but the quality of chasing your dream by making small changes. Your dream won’t always have a “security blanket.” Dreams require vulnerability and sometimes, irresponsibility in following them. You have to be willing to take the risk and realize that not everyone will accept and embrace what you want to do.

TWEET: “Starting small is underrated.” @JRWilner

GUEST RECOMMENDATION: “Get curious and playful. Take ONE step in a direction that is interesting to you and will bring more passion and zest to your life.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:16] Joe’s newsletter and the idea behind it, and how drumming became part of his life
• [5:38] Flexibility: balancing the practice with touring as a musician
• [8:06] Using the psychotherapy background to help people
• [11:21] Common challenges in dream-chasing
• [14:09] What happened to “believing in yourself”?
• [17:26] The evolution of a life path
• [19:16] Helping people grow their passion
• [23:38] Freedom from the 9-5
• [26:31] Fear of what your family may see
• [29:50] Be realistic about your vision
• [33:22] Joe’s online community
• [35:20] Joe’s ONE ACTION for dream chasers

Resources Mentioned on the Show:

Joe on Instagram

Joe on Facebook

Joe on Twitter

Joe’s Website 

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “I had to step into the #risk of following my #passion.” @JRWilner

TWEET: “I am surprised at how many people have forgotten to #dream.” @JRWilner

TWEET: “Surround yourself with people who are #positive and #supportive.” @JRWilner

https://youtu.be/NqsF1NdhYY0

Dr. Carlise Bethel is the first African-American to graduate from University of Maryland Baltimore County with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology. She has worked and received many accolades in the field of cancer research. After taking a non-conventional path after her Ph. D., she is five years into her career in teaching biology and health professions classes at a high school in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Carlise is married and the mother of two kids, and a personal friend and mentor of mine. Join me to hear her story!

TWEET: “My life-changing moment was receiving a #microscope for a birthday present as a kid.” #CarliseBethel

Switching Gears:

Have you experienced those moments of confusion and uncertainty about your future? You know, those times when it seems like everyone else seems to know exactly what they want to do with their lives, and you are the one who “doesn’t have a clue.” Carlise shares how this experience affected her life, and how taking a developmental biology class literally changed the course of her life. This was where “it all came together.” Working in the lab led her into the Ph.D. program and the Meyerhoff graduate program. While completing her research, she got married and went on to have two kids. Listen to Carlise’s advice about finding other options and reconnecting with what you LIKE to do.

TWEET: “Nobody can tell you what you’re supposed to do; you just have to #work through it.” #CarliseBethel

Transitions:

Does everyone experience transitions? Of course we do; it’s just that some of us don’t recognize them while going through them. Carlise shares how relating to people and connecting with others can make you feel less isolated and alone. Everyone goes through lulls, but getting support and building a mentor network can make all the difference. One of the big keys is to build your toolbox with resources you can turn to when things seem to stall out. This is how to stay grounded and connected during a transition time.

TWEET: “I’ve been through so many #transitions that I’m sure there are more of them ahead.” #CareerLove

Feeling “Teacher-y” and Making a Difference:

As a teacher, moments come when you enjoy what you do; it’s those times when your students “get it.” Carlise shares a personal story about her students creating a lasting resource from which they keep on learning. The beauty is that they worked and learned together to find deeper understanding. Teachers have to develop this learning culture in the classroom and give students the freedom to make mistakes and offer ideas freely.

TWEET: “The things that tell you what you DON’T want are just as important as those that tell you what to do.” #Passion

GUEST RECOMMENDATION: “Do something with your dream every day. It will become a part of you and a habit if you touch it every day.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [3:30] Hooked on science: how it began
• [4:00] Why the veterinarian dream died
• [5:50] Dark time: figuring out what to do
• [8:30] Identifying the “dark times” of uncertainty
• [13:20] Learning patience and figuring it out
• [16:30] Building a mentor network: connecting and relating to others
• [20:45] From Ph.D. to the next career path: high school teacher??
• [21:05] Another transition ahead for Carlise?
• [25:40] Express your “teacher-y-ness”
• [34:30] Recognizing the “sorting-out period”
• [38:50] Not always learning the same way/taking a different approach
• [41:00] Would you change, re-do, or restart anything?
• [43:25] One action for a dream chaser to take

Links of Interest:

Carlise on Twitter

Carlise on

Jennifer Nappier entered the University of Maryland Baltimore County as a pre-med biology major, but she changed her path and graduated from law school eight years later. January 2017 marks her tenth year as part of the Maryland Bar Association. Jennifer started her career as a staff attorney for a non-profit, representing victims of domestic violence. She then moved to the Maryland Department of Labor, working with unemployment insurance appeal hearings. In October of 2015, she was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. Join us for some interesting insights!

TWEET: “#Goals and #dreams are fluid and changing.” #JenniferNappier

From Doctor to Lawyer:

Is there something you’ve “always wanted to be”? For Jennifer, it was being a doctor that dominated her childhood dreams, mostly because of her love of all things science. She was determined to be a pediatrician until she ran head-on into chemistry classes in college. After deciding she had suffered through enough, she took a law class, loved it, and completely changed her career path.

Helping those who want to be heard:

Jennifer’s extensive work with people who are “down on their luck” has taught her that acknowledging and hearing them means everything. As an ALJ, she works with people who have had bad experiences with the law and the court system. Jennifer operates within the premise that everyone deserves the chance to be appreciated, heard, and considered. 

TWEET: “Everyone deserves to be appreciated, heard, and considered.” #Respect #JenniferNappier

How Social Life Changes:

Do you struggle to maintain social relationships? Does chasing your dreams sometimes mean leaving a social life behind? Jennifer says that the two concepts are not mutually exclusive. She shares how we need to find new ways to maintain relationships and face the challenges of keeping up with friends and family. Some people get lost in chasing their dreams, but it’s important to be there for friends and family and not being consumed by work. 

TWEET: “Take a day off just for yourself.” #SelfCare #JenniferNappier

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:45] Being an Administrative Law Judge
• [5:45] From pre-med to law
• [10:30] Don’t do it for someone else!
• [11:35] TV lawyers’ income: NOT the norm
• [14:41] Jennifer’s time at the House of Ruth
• [18:25] A planned career path?
• [24:40] New aspirations
• [26:35] Work/Life balance
• [32:52] Changing social life: keeping up with each other
• [34:03] Self-care
• [37:33] One action for dream chasers

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

“I realized I didn’t want to be a #doctor badly enough to suffer through more #chemistry classes.” #careerchange

“Learn to say NO without being apologetic for it.” #Boundaries #Empowered

https://youtu.be/0OBxbHMLwhg