What if your biggest fear became your greatest strength?

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you. Meet Sarah—a fearless innovator who turns fear into fuel. As a Research Innovation Director, she uncovers what holds women back—and what sets them free.

But here’s the twist: Sarah lives with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Instead of letting it define her, she’s made it her superpower—speaking openly about anxiety, burnout, and loss to spark real conversations. 

And in a profound turn, she became an end-of-life doula, learning firsthand what truly matters in the end—and how it can transform the way we live right now.
This episode will change how you see fear, resilience, and life itself. Don’t miss it.

You’ll learn:
-How embracing discomfort can fuel your growth and bold decision-making.
-The secret to leading with courage—why congruence, empathy, and unconditional
positivity matter in your life and work.
-What Generalized Anxiety Disorder really is—and how sharing your story can turn fear into
strength.
-Why vulnerability makes leaders more impactful—and how you can use it to inspire others.
-What becoming a Death Doula teaches about truly living—and how it can shift your
perspective on life.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womeninthepenthouse


Follow Sarah:

• Instagram: @sarahthedeathdoula
• Linkedin: @sarah-askew 
• Email: [email protected]

Follow Serena: 

• LinkedIn: @serena-wangyj 

Follow Women In The Penthouse Podcast here:

•  Instagram: @womeninthepenthouse 
• TikTok: @womeninthepenthouse 
• LinkedIn: @womeninthepenthouse 
• Email: hello@womeninthepenthouse 

00:00 Intro
04:09 Sarah’s Personal Journey: From Insight Director to Death Doula
11:11 Advice from a Senior Business Leader
12:21 A Defining Moment: Losing a Close Friend
17:40 Understanding and Managing Fear
24:46 Authentic Leadership: Sharing Generalized Anxiety Disorder at Work
31:20 Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
42:44 Death Anxiety and the Path to Becoming a Death Doula
46:18 Limitless Living and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
56:55 Don't Compare Your Day One to Someone Else’s Chapter Ten
1:00:08 Embracing Aging and Ageless Confidence
1:10:06 Holding Space: Lessons from End-of-Life Work
1:22:22 Time Machine: Letter to Future Self & Advice for 20-Year-Old Self
1:30:22 The Penthouse Rule