🌱 Episode Overview

The first interview of 2026 sets the tone for Root to Rising’s mission: creating space for women to share their stories, find confidence, gain knowledge, and live with purpose.

Christine Hummel is joined by Rory Latoria, a health coach, yoga and Lagree instructor, and former advertising professional, for a deeply honest conversation about identity, career pivots, self-trust, and breaking away from the “should” path many women feel pressured to follow.

This episode explores what happens when you pause, listen to your inner voice, and give yourself permission to evolve—even when the path forward feels unclear.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Rory’s personal journey from Midwest roots and a traditional college-to-corporate path to exploring wellness, coaching, and purpose-driven work
• How “shoulds” shape career and life decisions—often without us realizing it
• Why COVID became a turning point for self-reflection and change
• The power of being uncomfortable and why growth requires it
• How patience, self-trust, and community play a role in finding clarity
• Why time may actually be long, not short—and how that mindset changes everything
• Christine’s perspective on motivators, leadership, and being okay with discomfort
• Advice for college students and young professionals feeling stuck or uncertain

🧠 Key Themes & Takeaways

1. The “Should” Path vs. the Self-Led Path
Rory reflects on how expectations—from society, culture, and even ourselves—can quietly steer decisions. Awareness is the first step toward change.

2. Success Isn’t Linear
There is no “normal” career path. Many opportunities come from relationships, curiosity, and being open to what you didn’t even know existed.

3. Growth Requires Discomfort
Christine shares how being uncomfortable became a catalyst—not a barrier—for confidence, leadership, and long-term fulfillment.

⏱ Notable Moments

• 00:01 – Christine welcomes listeners to 2026 and introduces Rory
• 01:05 – Rory on trusting herself and redefining identity
• 05:44 – From advertising to luxury residential technology
• 09:08 – Choosing a major without truly knowing why
• 13:27 – Why entrepreneurship isn’t encouraged enough
• 16:58 – Advice for women afraid to leave the “should” path
• 22:08 – COVID as a pause that changed everything
• 27:28 – Being uncomfortable as a requirement for growth
• 29:06 – Christine on motivators, leadership, and learning
• 36:12 – Big dreams, self-doubt, and fear of not trying
• 39:35 – Advice for students and recent graduates

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

✔ Women navigating career uncertainty
✔ College students or recent graduates feeling stuck
✔ Anyone questioning the traditional path they were told to follow
✔ Listeners seeking clarity, patience, and self-trust
✔ Women craving honest conversations about growth and purpose

*To learn more about Rory click https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEbkSzdWlp_gEAg0JXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1769728691/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.instagram.com%2fyourgalror%2f/RK=2/RS=x96dfv_P5eWOuyPRaoYt18bVoBI-