Pivot to Passion: Thriving Through Life’s Transitions with Dawn Gates

Life has a way of shaking us up—career shifts, relationship changes, unexpected loss. For many women, especially after 40, these moments can feel like the end of something… but what if they were actually the beginning? In this episode of the Women Thrive, we sit down with Dawn Gates, transformational coach and diversity practitioner, to explore how loss can be the ultimate catalyst for growth.

Dawn shares her deeply personal journey of navigating change with courage, and how she now helps women pivot toward passion, clarity, and purpose. From redefining career paths to rediscovering self-love, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical tools—including her free Pivot to Passion Transition Checklist—to help you align your life with what truly matters.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, afraid to move forward, or uncertain about the next chapter of your life, this episode will remind you that clarity and empowerment are always within reach. Tune in now and start your pivot to passion!

✨ About the Guest ✨

Dawn Gates is a retired U.S. Army veteran, certified DEIA practitioner, and Pivot to Passion coach who empowers women to embrace change and step boldly into new seasons of life. After more than 20 years of leadership in the military, she transformed her own journey of transition into a calling: helping others find clarity, confidence, and purpose.

As a diversity consultant and strategist, Dawn partners with organizations to build cultures of belonging, while her true passion lies in equipping women—especially those 40 and beyond—to rediscover themselves at pivotal crossroads. Whether it’s shifting careers, redefining relationships, or reclaiming personal identity, she offers practical strategies infused with authenticity, resilience, and hope.

Through her Pivot to Passion framework, Dawn guides women in aligning their choices with what matters most, proving it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Known for her warmth and relatability, she delivers keynotes and workshops that feel like a conversation with a trusted friend—leaving audiences both inspired and ready to take their next brave step.

📢 Important Links 📢

Connect with our Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbgates/  

https://www.instagram.com/thedawngates/ 

Connect with Women Thrive Media:

Women Thrive Summit: https://womenthrivesummit.com/

Become a Guest on the Women Thrive Podcast: https://womenthrivemedia.com/podcasts

Women Thrive Book: https://womenthrivesummit.com/book/

Women Thrive Magazine: https://womenthrivemagazine.com/magazine/

➡️ Show Highlights

(03:24) Dawn’s Journey of Transitions and Loss

(04:22) The Challenges Women Over 40 Face

(07:49) Reframing Loss as an Opportunity

(09:49) Client Transformations Through Change

(15:16) Why Women Wait for Permission

(19:26) Moving Forward Despite Fear

(22:12) Pivoting to Passion and Purpose

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-thrive/exclusive-content