Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her Way

If you feel extra pressure during the holidays… it’s not just you.

Your 20s are a constant balancing act between who you are and who everyone thinks you should be.

SUMMARY

In this episode, we dive into the very real and often invisible pressure that 20-somethings carry — especially during the holiday season.

From family expectations to comparison spirals, to the quiet fear of “not being enough yet,” Hazel Ann unpacks why this chapter of life feels so heavy and what it actually means for your growth.

We explore the difference between healthy pressure vs. toxic pressure, how external validation rewires your motivation loop, and why chasing praise can leave you feeling empty after every achievement. Through metaphors, self-reflection tools, and gentle guidance, Hazel invites you to redefine success on your own terms — not society’s.

Built for ambitious individuals navigating uncertainty, identity shifts, and the emotional weight of early adulthood, this episode gives you permission to breathe, pause, and remember: ✨ you’re allowed to be in progress ✨ you’re allowed to not have answers yet ✨ your timeline is still valid

TAKEAWAYS

• The holiday season amplifies career pressure and expectations.

• Family gatherings can trigger the need to “prove” yourself.

• Healthy pressure inspires movement and comes from self-belief.

• Toxic pressure stems from comparison, fear, and proving your worth.

• External praise can hijack your internal motivation system.

• Growth pressure is intentional and aligned with your values.

• Cognitive reappraisal helps reframe stress and external expectations.

• Success must be defined by you — not others.

• Presence matters more than perfection.

• You’re allowed to sit in the unknown and still be on track.

LET'S CONNECT

✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.

Host - Hazel Ann

Instagram:⁠ ⁠@hercareerherway⁠⁠

TikTok:⁠ ⁠@hercareerherway⁠⁠

🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:

👉⁠ youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay⁠

Your 20s aren’t confusing because you’re doing life wrong.

They’re confusing because you’re finally building a life that’s yours.

SUMMARY

Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her Way

Guest: Calyn Coleman

In this episode, we break down the emotional, mental, and identity-level chaos that makes your 20s feel like one long plot twist.

Hazel Ann sits with guest Calyn Coleman, who opens up about navigating family expectations, growing up as a twin, shifting from a pre-law track to fashion, dealing with competitive school environments, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.”

She candidly shares the role mental health, the pandemic, and taking uncomfortable risks played in redirecting her path.

This episode is for anyone who feels behind, confused about their career, or torn between who they are and who they’re expected to be.If you’ve been questioning everything… this conversation will feel like a permission slip.

Built for ambitious individuals navigating career confusion, self-doubt, and societal pressure, EP 17 reminds you:

✨ your dreams deserve space

✨ your wins deserve celebrating

✨ your path is yours alone

TAKEAWAYS

• Feeling confused in your 20s is normal — not a personal failure.

• Family expectations deeply shape your identity and decisions.

• Growing up as a twin or sibling comparison can blur your sense of self.

• School environments influence confidence far more than we think.

• Choosing passion over pressure leads to more authentic career paths.

• Mental health deserves priority, especially in high-achieving spaces.

• The pandemic created clarity for many young adults, including Calyn.

• Taking unconventional risks often leads to unexpected opportunities.

• Small wins matter — they keep motivation alive.

• You’re allowed to redefine your path at any point.

CHAPTERS

00:00 — Why Your 20s Feel So Overwhelming

02:58 — Identity vs. Expectations: Where Confusion Begins

05:46 — School, Confidence & Growing Up in Comparison

08:56 — Passion vs. Pressure in Career Decisions

11:54 — The Pivot: From Pre-Law to Fashion

14:50 — Academic Pressure, Perfectionism & Mental Health

17:57 — How the Pandemic Shifted Career Direction

20:58 — Taking Risks & Creating Your Own Path

23:43 — Celebrating Small Wins in Your 20s

Resources Mentioned: 

• The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention (Clance & Imes )

• Learning From Mistakes: How Does the Brain Handle Errors?  

• Why Pride Is Nothing to Be Proud Of (Amodeo)

LET'S CONNECT

✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.

Host - Hazel Ann

Instagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠

TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠

Guest - Calyn Coleman

Instagram: @cay_cole07

🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:
👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

If you’ve been doubting yourself lately, this episode is your reminder: your potential is real — and your next career step might be one mindset shift away. Today, we’re talking about the kind of self-belief that creates clarity, strengthens confidence, and helps you make better decisions in your 20s.

SUMMARY

In this episode, Hazel Ann breaks down how self-belief directly impacts your career direction, confidence, and ability to take action—especially when you’re navigating the uncertainty of your 20s.

You’ll learn how your internal narrative shapes the opportunities you pursue, the risks you take, and the way you show up in your work. Hazel Ann shares practical reframes to help you shift out of low-confidence loops so you can make clearer decisions, feel more grounded in who you are, and rebuild momentum when you feel stuck.

This conversation is meant to feel like a reset—a reminder that your thoughts aren’t just thoughts; they’re the foundation of your clarity, your career growth, and the identity you’re building.

Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, this episode supports you in moving from:

• self-doubt → self-trust

• confusion → clarity

• hesitation → empowered decision-making

TAKEAWAYS

• You’re capable of having what you want — your self-belief is the starting point.

• Confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build.

• Your thoughts shape your actions, habits, and ultimately your reality

• When you shift your internal narrative, external opportunities shift too.

• Give yourself credit for your growth

CHAPTERS

00:00 — Navigating the Chaotic 20s

03:18 — Why Self-Belief Changes Everything

07:05 — Shifting Out of Destructive Thinking

11:44 — Empowerment Through Community

15:30 — Gratitude, Growth, and Final Thoughts

LET'S CONNECT

✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.

Host - Hazel Ann

Instagram:⁠ ⁠@hercareerherway⁠⁠

TikTok:⁠ ⁠@hercareerherway⁠⁠

🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:

👉⁠ youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay⁠

You can be talented, smart, and hardworking — but if you don’t speak up for yourself, opportunities won’t magically appear.

This episode is your reminder that advocating for yourself isn’t loud… it’s intentional.

SUMMARY

Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her Way

Guest: Eve Felder

In this episode, we dive into what it really means to stand up for yourself in your career — especially when you’re still learning who you are.

Hazel Ann sits down with Chef Eve Felder, whose journey went from acting to becoming Managing Director at the Culinary Institute of America. Together, they explore how self-advocacy shaped Eve’s path, how she pushed through deep shyness, and why clarity, courage, and self-belief matter more than having the “perfect plan.”

It’s a reminder that:

• Your voice is a tool — not a burden.

• You don’t need permission to take up space.

• Showing up for yourself is a lifelong skill, not a one-time decision.

Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, EP 15 gives you a grounded, real conversation on risk-taking, networking with intention, and following your heart even when it feels unrealistic or scary.

TAKEAWAYS

• Advocating for yourself is a non-negotiable career skill.

• Taking risks often leads to opportunities you can’t plan for.

• Persistence + clarity = long-term career momentum.

• Overcoming your own barriers (shyness, doubt, fear) is growth.

• Networking works best when it’s a two-way relationship, not a transaction.

• Following your heart matters — especially in tough industries.

• Self-reflection keeps your choices aligned with your values.

• Movement + mindfulness clear mental clutter.

• Gratitude and self-care build long-term resilience.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Guest Intro

00:03 – Early Career & Overcoming Shyness

00:09 – Entering the Culinary World

00:15 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself

00:21 – Persistence, Clarity & Career Growth

00:27 – Networking the Right Way

00:33 – Work-Life Balance & Boundaries

00:39 – Final Thoughts & Advice

LET'S CONNECT

✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.

Host - Hazel Ann

Instagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠

TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠

🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:

👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

What if all your distractions are actually disconnecting you?

SUMMARY

In this episode, we explore the unseen impact of overstimulation on your career clarity and sense of direction. If nothing in your life feels aligned lately, this conversation will help you understand why — and what your inner voice has been trying to tell you.

The host, Hazel Ann, breaks down how constant noise, scrolling, and consuming everyone else's opinions can quietly disconnect you from your values, purpose, and the deeper narrative you’re meant to lead. When you finally pause, silence becomes a powerful strategy — not something to avoid.

This episode is a reminder that your best ideas, clearest decisions, and most aligned career moves don’t come from doing more… but from tuning inward.

Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, EP 14 guides you back to the voice that matters most: your own.

TAKEAWAYS

• The best thoughts and strategies come from silence.

• Silence allows for personal reflection and growth.

• Avoiding silence can hinder career progression.

• Finding your voice requires stepping back from external noise.

• Your mission and values are discovered in quiet moments.

• Self-reflection is crucial for career clarity.

• Listening to oneself is more important than listening to others.

• Career moves should be made from a place of inner knowing.

• Silence can lead to profound insights and ideas.

• Taking time for oneself is essential for personal development

CHAPTERS

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Azarias, F.R., Almeida, G.H.D.R., de Melo, L.F., Rici, R.E.G. and Maria, D.A. (2025). The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health. Biology, 14(4), p.395. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040395.

• Carroll, J.C. (2020). Imagination, the Brain’s Default Mode Network, and Imaginative Verbal Artifacts. Springer eBooks, pp.31–52. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46190-4_2.

• Csikszentmihalyi (2022). Flow state: Definition, examples, and how to achieve it. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/flow-state#summary.

• Harvard Business Review (2025). You Need to Be Bored. Here’s Why. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQKfIXMiA8.

• Menon, V. (2025). Redirecting. [online] Elsevier.com. Available at: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0896627323003082 

• Riley, D. (2019). Why Do I Hate Being Bored? The Science Behind Life’s Most Uncomfortable State. [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@daniel_riley/why-do-i-hate-being-bored-the-science-behind-lifes-most-uncomfortable-state-1ccb4a1c62cd 

LET'S CONNECT

✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.

Host - Hazel Ann

Instagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠

TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠

🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:

👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

What if the secret to everything you want lies in being comfortable in the discomfort? In this episode, the host, Hazel Ann, unpacks the mindset shift that changes everything — showing up before you’re ready. Together with guest Kevin Breitinger, a fellow 20-year-old who took on a 60-second public speaking challenge, they explore how stepping into fear can unlock confidence, clarity, and growth in every part of your life.SUMMARYThis week’s conversation dives deep into what it truly means to embrace discomfort. Kevin shares how facing his fear of public speaking redefined his confidence, communication skills, and self-belief — transforming fear into freedom.Hazel and Kevin talk about the power of consistency, accountability, and intrinsic motivation, and how these principles build both character and courage. You’ll hear real insights on overcoming the fear of judgment, improving self-expression, and creating ripple effects that impact your career, relationships, and purpose.They also discuss how travel and self-reflection shape perspective, why discipline matters more than talent, and how to define your own version of success — even when imposter syndrome creeps in.Whether you’re chasing a dream, starting a business, or simply finding your voice, this episode will remind you that discomfort is the classroom where growth happens.

TAKEAWAYS

• Growth begins when you get comfortable in discomfort.
• The 60-second public speaking challenge builds real confidence.
• Fear of judgment blocks self-expression — facing it unlocks potential.
• Accountability to yourself matters just as much as to others.
• Intrinsic motivation drives long-term success.
• Communication is a learnable skill that improves every relationship.
• Public speaking enhances networking and leadership.
• Mindset shifts lead to lasting personal growth.
• Travel expands empathy and perspective
• Consistency creates mastery.

CHAPTERS00:00 Embracing Discomfort in Public Speaking03:54 The 60 Second Public Speaking Challenge06:25 Overcoming Judgment and Fear08:42 Commitment and Accountability in Challenges11:17 Intrinsic Motivation vs. External Validation14:06 Improving Articulation and Communication Skills16:26 The Importance of Listening and Silence19:06 Building Relationships Through Public Speaking20:45 Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement22:23 Setting High Standards and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome23:59 Embracing Discomfort for Growth27:32 The Importance of Discipline and Consistency32:23 Defining Your Dream Life34:16 Finding Inspiration and Motivation37:43 Overcoming Fear and Self-DoubtRESOURCES MENTIONEDIs Public Speaking Really More Feared Than Death? LET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.

Host - Hazel Ann

Instagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠Guest - Kevin TikTok: @1takekevin1🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

It's 4:30pm and already pitch black outside. Your motivation? Buried under blankets and a Netflix queue. Sound familiar?

SUMMARY

In this episode, Hazel Ann breaks down the Winter Arc: a framework for turning the darkest, coldest months into your secret competitive advantage. We're talking seasonal affective disorder (the science behind why winter feels so hard), the cultural trap of "New Year, New Me," and the exact 4-step framework I used to stop hibernating my ambitions and start building momentum when it mattered most.

No toxic positivity. No "just push through it" nonsense. Just real talk about auditing your life, rewiring your brain with neuroscience-backed strategies, and taking micro-actions that compound into major career shifts by spring.

This isn't about doing more. It's about doing differently—when it counts.

If you've been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you're just surviving until the new year... this one's for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Winter isn't a write-off season—it's your competitive advantage
• SAD is real, and understanding it gives you power
• The "New Year, New Me" trap costs you 60+ days of potential growth
• Audit your life like a researcher, not a critic
• Your brain processes 11 MILLION stimuli per second but only focuses on 5-8 things
• "Act as if" isn't manifestation magic—it's neuroscience
• Small beats perfect every single time
• Your fears are road maps to your values

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/wellness/a62974419/winter-arc/
• The Jamie Sea Show - Quantum Leaping
• Hatch Light Therapy Lamp
• Vision Board

LET'S CONNECT

This episode hit different? I want to hear from you.

Instagram: @hercareerherwayTikTok: @hercareerherway

Join the #WinterArcChallenge: Share your goals, vision boards, or micro-actions and tag me—I'm featuring your journeys all season long.

DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode or the ONE thing you're committing to this week. Let's build accountability together.

Ever feel like everyone else just "gets it" faster than you?

You're not broken. You're just using the wrong strategies.

In this solo episode, Hazel Ann is getting real about the moment that changed everything: sitting in her internship, nodding along as her mentor explained a process, then completely blanking two days later. The shame of asking "wait, how do I do this again?" while other interns just... remembered.

This episode breaks down the three research-backed strategies that took her from frantically taking notes and remembering nothing to actually retaining what she learnt. No more re-reading the same paragraph five times. No more pretending to remember something you don't.

You'll learn why "learning styles" are actually limiting you (with research to back it up), the neuroscience behind why your brain deletes information, and the exact frameworks to learn faster without burning out.

If you've ever felt like you're working twice as hard to learn half as much, this episode is for you.

💡 What We're Covering in This Episode

• Why "learning styles" are BS (and what actually matters instead)
• The real reason you forget everything you just learned
• Strategy #1: Test yourself instead of re-reading (50% better retention)
• Strategy #2: Space it out + mix it up (same time, way better results)
• Strategy #3: Make it matter (how to signal importance to your brain)
• Why mistakes are actually your learning accelerator
• How sleep is when your brain does the real work
• The "old you vs. new you" shifts that compound over time

📑 Chapter Timestamps

00:00 - The Internship Shame Story: When I Realized Something Was Wrong
03:15 - Myth-Busting: Why Learning Styles Are Limiting You
06:42 - How Your Brain Actually Works: The Science of Forgetting
10:28 - Strategy #1: The Testing Effect (Close the Tab and Explain It)
15:19 - Strategy #2: Spacing + Interleaving (Stop Cramming, Start Mixing)
20:34 - Strategy #3: Make It Matter (Attention + Emotion + Structure)
26:08 - Why This Matters Long-Term: The Compounding Effect
28:45 - Your Action Plan: Start With These 3 This Week

💬 Let's Connect

I'd love to hear from you! What's your "old you" learning habit that you're ready to leave behind? Or what was your biggest takeaway from this episode?

Instagram: @hercareerherway
DM me: I read every single message and love hearing your stories

If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you're feeling generous, leave a review—it helps other people find the show!

Remember: You're not behind. You're not broken. You just didn't know these strategies yet.

New you starts today. Let's go. 🎙️

📖 Resources Mentioned:

• Sternberg, R. (1994). Thinking Styles.

• Reid, J. (1995). Learning Styles in the ESL/EFL Classroom.

• Riener, C. & Willingham, D. (2010). The Myth of Learning Styles.

• Hatami, S. (2018). Learning Styles — A Review of Concepts and Research.

• Huberman, A. (2023). Huberman Lab Podcast: Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning.

• Brown, P., Roediger, H., & McDaniel, M. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning.

• Dunning, D. & Kruger, J. (1999). Unskilled and Unaware of It.

In this episode of 'Her Career Her Way', Lori Atwood, a certified financial planner, shares her journey into finance and offers valuable insights on budgeting, saving, and investing. She emphasises the importance of understanding one's relationship with money, the need for emergency funds, and the significance of tracking spending. Lori also discusses the realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of having a financial runway before starting a business. Her advice aims to empower individuals, especially younger generations, to take control of their financial futures.
Takeaways

• Empowerment comes from understanding personal finance.
• Budgeting should focus on happiness and satisfaction.
• Tracking spending can reveal underlying issues.
• Emergency funds are crucial for financial security.
• Investing in index funds is a smart strategy for beginners.
• Desire less and focus on what truly matters.
• Credit cards should be managed carefully to avoid debt.
• Savings should be a habit, not a one-off event.
• Entrepreneurship requires financial planning and runway.
• Financial literacy is essential for young adults.

CONNECT with Lori Atwood
Instagram: @fearlessfinance
Tiktok: @fearlessfinance
FOLLOW & CONNECT
Instagram: ⁠@HerCareerHerWay⁠
TikTok: ⁠@HerCareerHerWay
RESOURCES:
https://fearlessfinance.com/contact/
Enter "Her Way" in the promo code field and get $50 off your first meeting
Rate, review, and subscribe so other ambitious women can find us!
CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Financial Empowerment
02:58 Lori's Journey into Finance
05:54 Understanding Budgeting and Scarcity Mindset
08:39 The Importance of Happiness in Financial Decisions
11:45 Saving vs. Spending: Finding Balance
14:42 Emergency Funds and Financial Security
17:31 Navigating Economic Uncertainty
20:34 Tracking Spending: The Autopsy Approach
23:25 Grocery Spending and Overconsumption
26:24 The Role of Credit Cards in Financial Health
29:17 Investing Basics: Starting with Index Funds
32:16 Managing Student Loans and Debt
35:13 Retirement Planning: 401k and Roth IRA
38:14 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
41:10 Final Thoughts and Financial Advice

In this bonus episode of 'Her Career Her Way', Hazel Ann reflects on five transformative lessons learned over the past year, emphasising the importance of self-acceptance, the power of starting despite fear, the influence of one's social circle, the significance of recognising personal strengths, and embracing uncertainty as a pathway to growth. The conversation encourages listeners to set intentions for their next chapter, focusing on authenticity, meaningful connections, and the beauty of life's journey.

Takeaways

• Let go of judgment to embrace personal growth.
• Confidence is built through action, not waiting.
• Surround yourself with like-minded individuals.
• Your self-worth is inherent, not tied to achievements.
• Embrace uncertainty as a space for opportunity.
• Trust the process and take aligned actions.
• Comparison should be a tool for self-improvement.
• Your 20s are a time for exploration and learning.
• You don't need to have everything figured out.
• Every experience contributes to your unique path.

FOLLOW & CONNECT

Instagram: ⁠@HerCareerHerWay⁠

TikTok: ⁠@HerCareerHerWay

💫 Rate, review, and subscribe so other ambitious individuals can find us!

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth

02:57 Letting Go of Judgment

05:47 The Power of Starting

08:56 The Company You Keep

12:12 Owning Your Strengths

15:05 Leaning into Uncertainty

17:54 Intentions for the Next Chapter