Happily Visible | Marketing Yourself, Personal Branding & Self-Promotion for Women Entrepreneurs

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In this episode, we talk about Ioana's beautiful journey from small-town Texas to Barcelona, Spain - how she left everything behind to chase her dreams to build a career in a suitcase.

If you're listening to this as a working mother, maybe feeling lost in a job that doesn't fulfill you, or maybe freelancing but feeling like you're constantly on a hamster wheel, I want you to know that there's another way.

You can build systems that protect you. You can create products from your expertise. You can set up streams of income that don't require you to trade every hour for a dollar. It's not easy, and it's not instant, but it's absolutely possible.

Key Takeaways:

Scarcity kills sustainability: You cannot build a lasting intuitive business based on fear and short-term thinking

Contracts are your safety net: Short-term projects are fine for short-term money, but long-term success requires protective agreements

Systems trump scrambling: The All-In system emerged from crisis but became the foundation of consistent client acquisition

Professional relationships require mutual respect: If you give notice, they should too

Passive income is possible: Digital products can create freedom while you focus on family

Teams amplify your impact: You don't have to do everything yourself – collaboration accelerates success

Risk-taking is essential: The biggest breakthroughs come from the biggest leaps

Mindset creates possibilities: Believing in endless possibilities isn't naive – it's necessary for growth

How to build a business that travels with you

Enjoy x Meli

Ready to explore freelance writing as your path to your own freedom? Then connect with Ioana and learn more about her courses and coaching here:

Follow Ioana's journey on Instagram: 

⁠ioana_writingbusinesscoach ⁠

Check out her freelance writing profile or book content orders on LinkedIn:  ⁠Ioana Wilkinson⁠

Book freelance writing mentorship (where I work with you 1:1 to build your freelance writing business) 

⁠[email protected]⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Buy her self-paced course (the ultimate step-by-step guide to building your freelance writing business) 

• ⁠[email protected]⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

If you got value from this episode - share it with a friend who needs to hear it.

Sign up for my newsletter "Your Next Chapter. Meaningful. Free. Finally Yours."

Rebuilding Your Next Chapter & need strategy + visibility? work with me / Mama, What's Next?

You know that feeling when someone asks "What do you do?" and suddenly you freeze because you don't have an answer anymore? Or when you wake up in the morning and for a split second forget that you don't have that job to go to anymore? If you've ever lost a job that meant everything to you, you'll know it's not just about the paycheck. It's about losing your whole sense of who you are.

Today I want to talk about something most of us never prepare for - career grief. The real, deep sadness that happens when we lose not just our income, but our identity, our sense of belonging, our whole sense of purpose. And why it's completely normal to feel like you're mourning something that was never supposed to die.

Today I speak with Laverne McKinnon who spent years climbing the ladder in entertainment at CBS, helping develop shows like CSI and Criminal Minds. She was the person advocating for writers, championing stories, literally changing people's careers. Until the day she was asked to leave.

Today she helps people feel their way through sad times like this, understand career grief and rebuild their life to rise up again.

We talk about why career loss hits so deep. She explains to me what disenfranchised grief means, a new term I learned.

Today was another beautiful conversation with someone that chose to dedicate their life and career to helping other people rebuild theirs - and how lucky am I that I get to speak to these beautiful souls, just like Laverne.

Enjoy x Mel

If Laverne's story resonated with you and you want to learn more about her work with career grief, you can find her on LinkedIn at Laverne McKinnon, IG on https://www.instagram.com/lavernemckinnon or visit her website at https://lavernemckinnon.com, or join her community on Substack athttps://moonshotmentor.substack.com where she offers workshops, meditations, and ongoing support for just $5/month

⁠⁠

If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

You're sitting there with your coffee getting cold, scrolling through job ads that used to make your heart race.

But now? Nothing.

Just this heavy feeling in your chest because the work that once fit you perfectly feels like it belongs to someone else entirely.

I've been exactly where you are right now. After my daughter was born, I had twenty years of marketing experience under my belt—work I absolutely loved. But when I sat down to go back, it hit me like a truck. I had changed so much, but I hadn't updated my work to match who I'd become as a mother.

And here's what I realized sitting on my bedroom floor two and a half years ago, feeling completely lost: your comfort zone isn't keeping you safe. It's quietly stealing your dreams, one "maybe next year" at a time.

Why staying comfortable is actually the most dangerous thing you can do (for yourself and your family)

I talk about how we tell ourselves we're being practical, being smart, waiting for the right time. But really? We're just scared. And while we're waiting to feel ready, our kids are growing up and we're staying stuck.

The inner work that actually changes everything

I share exactly what I did when I realized I couldn't keep living this way—the journaling, the reading, the coaching that helped me see what I really wanted. Not what I thought I should want, but what actually lit me up inside.

How I landed my dream job in a field I'd never worked in

This part still gives me chills. I flew back to Australia with my baby, no job, no apartment—just this deep knowing that I was on the right path. And six months later, I was working in corporate social responsibility, doing work that stretched me every single day.

Your next step (because I know you're ready)I give you simple, doable things you can start this week. Not overwhelming stuff—just gentle pushes that will get you moving toward work that actually fits who you are now.

"If your old career doesn't fit anymore, it's not because something's broken. It's because you have evolved."

"Most people don't regret the things they did. They regret what they didn't do."

"You have to move before readiness shows up."

Come find me: Join our free community at MamaWhatsNext.com where you'll meet other mamas figuring out their what's next, just like you.

The book that's changing my life right now: "It's Your Dream" by Simon Squibb—seriously, go get this. His TikTok is incredible too.

Need someone to walk beside you?I offer one-on-one coaching because I know what it's like to feel completely lost and have to start over. I've done it multiple times, across four countries, often as a single mom. I see your potential even when you can't. [email protected]

Let's stay connected:

• Free membership: MamaWhatsNext.com
• Share this with a mama who needs to hear it
• Leave a review if this touched your heart

Free membership waitlist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Complimentary download: ⁠⁠Free Discovery Pages to start your NEXT⁠⁠

If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 1:1 free 30min strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

⁠Have you done the 90-Second Truth Quiz to Check in with Your Soul? ⁠

I just had an inspiring conversation with Helen Zimprich that I can't wait to share with you.

Originally born in Germany, Helen is a mother of three who made a successful career transition at 40+ from stay-at-home mom to certified parenting coach. Living in Lebanon for 13 years, Helen shares her journey of trusting her intuition, building confidence, and creating a growing business in just six months. It seems with the right mindset and energy - anything is possible!

The Real Message I took away from this conversation is that everything we need is already inside us. We just need to quiet the external noise and trust that inner voice. Whether it's knowing how long to breastfeed, when to start a new career, or how to guide our children - the answers are there if we're brave enough to listen.

Starting Over at 40 (And Why It's Perfect!)

Helen's story is proof that it's never too late to step into your purpose. At 40-something, she's building a business, showing up authentically on social media every single day, and making a real impact in families' lives.

If you're feeling called to something but doubting yourself, let Helen's story be your reminder that you can have everything - maybe just not all at the same time. And that's perfectly okay.

Helen was recently recognized as one of the top 100 influencers for 2025 by Global Woman Club.

Key takeaways:

• Career change after 40: Why it's the perfect time to start over
• Building confidence as a mother: Trusting your parenting instincts
• Mindset and manifestation: Using these tools with children and in business
• Social media strategy: Authentic content creation for new entrepreneurs
• Networking for moms: Finding your target audience effectively
• Work-life balance: Managing business growth as a working mom family responsibilities
• Your 40s are perfect for starting a business - You have wisdom, patience, and life experience that your 20s lacked
• Trust your parenting intuition - You have all the instincts you need; learn to listen to your inner voice over external advice
• Consistency beats perfection - "If you don't stop, you cannot fail" - show up daily on social media and in your business
• Authentic content connects - Write in your own voice and share your real experiences rather than using AI-generated content
• You can have it all, just not all at once - It's okay to focus on family first and career later

Find Helen Zimprich on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook for daily parenting tips and inspiration for mothers ready to trust their instincts.

Join Helen's THRIVE Program - only in June for 50% off - to join contact Helen via [email protected]

More info about the program you'll find here https://helenzimprich.com/services

Perfect for: Mothers considering career change, stay-at-home moms ready to start businesses, parents seeking confidence in their parenting approach, women over 40 looking for inspiration to pursue their dreams.

Free membership waitlist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Complimentary download: ⁠Free Discovery Pages to start your NEXT⁠

If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 1:1 free 30min strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

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In today's episode, I share:

Why you don't need a 10-step plan - Just one brave step can shift your energy into the right direction

Joy blockers vs. joy builders - How to identify what's draining your energy and what energizes you

The power of tiny steps - Why small actions create momentum toward meaningful change

How to reconnect with joy - Practical visualization techniques to create more freedom in your mind and life

Getting specific about what's holding you back - Questions to uncover the root causes of dissatisfaction

Your micro mission - A simple journaling exercise to move you closer to your next chapter

Finding purpose through work - My personal journey toward more meaningful career choices

Join our free membership at MamaWhatsNext.com to connect with like-minded mothers and access helpful guidance to navigate your next steps with confidence!

Big hugs, Mel x

Free membership waitlist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Complimentary download: Free Discovery Pages to start your NEXT

If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 1:1 free 30min strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

#MeaningfulWork #WorkingMothers #CareerChange #JoyAtWork #PurposefulCareer #MidlifeCareerTransition #MamaWhatsNext #NewChapter #FindYourJoy

Have you ever thought to yourself: Why am I not further along in my career by now? Why am I not working in that particular role I always thought I'd end up in? Why am I not working for a company that really inspires me? Why am I not leading a team yet? Why am I not where I want to be?

You're working hard, you're managing so much, especially as a mom. For your family, your household, your work – you're doing all the things, but you still feel you're not quite there yet.

In this podcast episode, I'll share:

1. What might be sneaking in without you noticing
2. Why waiting to feel "ready" is a trap that never ends
3. How to recognize when you're sabotaging your own progress
4. The 60% rule
5. A simple 3-step plan to break out of your comfort zone
6. What specific action you can take THIS WEEK to live more courageously

Don't wait until it's too late and look back thinking, "I wish I would have played by my own rules, I wish I would have taken that step, I wish I would have been braver." This is your movie – make it one worth remembering :)

Hugs, Mel x

Free membership + resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Book a 1:1 free strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

Join the Priority List now to create your soul-aligned website and be the first to get notified when it launches!

Kennst du das Gefühl? Du stehst beruflich irgendwie auf der Stelle und fragst dich, warum du noch nicht da bist, wo du eigentlich sein willst? Du gibst alles für deine Familie, deine Kinder, im Job, zu Hause – aber irgendwas hält dich immer wieder zurück.

In dieser Folge spreche ich darüber, was viele von uns betrifft, ohne dass wir es merken: Wir bleiben einfach viel zu oft in unserer Komfortzone.

In dieser Podcastfolge erfährst du:

1. Warum deine Komfortzone dich beruflich ausbremst
2. Weshalb das Gefühl von "bereit sein" niemals kommt
3. Warum Männer oft schneller vorankommen (obwohl sie nicht besser qualifiziert sind)
4. Meinen 3-Schritte-Plan, um aus deiner Sicherheitszone auszubrechen
5. Eine Mini-Challenge, die du DIESE WOCHE umsetzen kannst, die sofort dein Berufsleben verändert.

Ich kenne es selbst: Ich habe mich im Corporate-Umfeld oft klein gehalten, bei Meetings lieber leise daneben gesessen, neue Projekte mit Scheinwerferlicht auf mich abgelehnt. Dabei kommt das Gefühl, wirklich bereit zu sein, niemals! Selbst diesen Podcast zu beginnen, bedeutete einer meiner größten Ängste zu überwinden - in ein Mikrofon zu sprechen.

Doch das Wundervolle: Mit jedem Mal wird es einfacher.

Genau wie meine Tochter, die leidenschaftliche Turnerin, die nach zwei Wochen täglichem Üben plötzlich nicht nur den Handstand schafft, sondern sogar darüber flippen kann – unsere Kinder sind wirklich die besten Lehrer!

Bereits Mitte 20 hat mir eine Kollegin gesagt: "Es ist dein Film, du bist die Hauptfigur. Schreib das Drehbuch so, dass du begeistert bist von deinem Leben!"

Viel Spaß bei der heutigen Podcastfolge.

Free membership + resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 1:1 free strategy session with Melie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Melie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

Wenn du gerade mit einem beruflichen Neustart liebäugelst aber Angst vor dem finanziellen Risiko hast, dann möchte ich dir heute ein paar Tips mit auf den Weg geben.

In dieser Folge spreche ich darüber, wie du als Mutter deinen Karrierewechsel strategisch angehen kannst, ohne dich finanziell ins Glatteis zu begeben.

Erfahre, warum viele von uns (besonders Mamas) in Jobs feststecken, die uns nicht erfüllen, und wie du mit einem klaren Plan und Selbstvertrauen deinen Weg zu mehr beruflicher Erfüllung findest - ohne finanzielle Sorgen.

Ich teile mit dir:

• Wie du einen Mama-Karriere-Check für dich selbst durchführst
• Warum ein finanzielles Polster dir Freiheit gibt
• Wie Nebenprojekte dir als Brücke dienen können
• Die Bedeutung gezielter Weiterbildung
• Tiefgründiges Netzwerken statt oberflächlichem Small Talk
• Warum ein Plan B dir Sicherheit gibt

Denk daran: Du fängst nicht von vorne an, sondern mit einem reichen Erfahrungsschatz! Baby Steps bringen dich weiter als du denkst, und ja - du darfst experimentieren und deinen Weg finden, auch mit Kind.

Das Leben ist ein Abenteuer - probiere dich aus und hab Spass!

Free membership + resources: ⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠

Book a 1:1 free strategy session with Melie → ⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠

Follow Melie on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave areview, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her nextchapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite theirstories.

This podcast is for informational, educational, andentertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linkedmaterials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute forprofessional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as aphysician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, ortreatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.

How to Change Careers Without Financial Freefall – A Practical Guide for Moms Ready for More and changing careers in your 40s

Welcome back to Mama What’s Next — the podcast for modern mothers who are ready to rediscover themselves and step into their new chapter of life and career.

In this heartfelt and practical solo episode, your host Melie dives deep into how to make a career pivot without sacrificing your financial security. Whether you're feeling still in a toxic job you've been wanting to leave for years or dreaming of a more aligned path, this episode is packed with honest wisdom, practical tips you can implement when making a career change and loving encouragement to help you take your next steps.

• The #1 mistake women make when changing careers—and how to avoid it
• Why waiting for perfect clarity gets you nowhere (and what to do instead)
• How to create a 6-month financial runway so you can transition smart, not scared
• The importance of self-discovery through personality tests (like CliftonStrengths)
• How to explore new passions while still working your day job
• Why side hustles and test-driving new paths can be your secret weapon
• The power of visualization and energy work to stay grounded and intentional during change

Whether you're exploring a new career after maternity leave, changing careers in your 40s or craving more fulfilment in your life and work—this episode is your permission slip to move forward without guilt, overwhelm, or pressure to have it all figured out.

CliftonStrengths Assessment (StrengthsFinder)⁠

Free membership + resources: ⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠

Book a 1:1 free strategy session with Melie → ⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠

Follow Melie on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave areview, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her nextchapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite theirstories.

This podcast is for informational, educational, andentertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linkedmaterials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute forprofessional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as aphysician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, ortreatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.