Host Maricella Herrera introduces her podcast, 'Sh*t I Just Quit My Job,' where she shares meaningful and inspiring conversations to help navigate career transitions. In this episode, Maricella talks with Jacqueline Oliveira Cella, who shares her 'midlife awakening' journey. Jacqueline, with over 15 years of experience in global health, wealth, and wellbeing sectors, discusses how she realigned her life and career purpose. They cover topics such as imposter syndrome, authenticity in leadership, building trust within teams, and transitioning careers across cultures. Jacqueline shares insights from her consultancy, Health at Work initiative, and continuous learning journey, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with personal values to achieve a fulfilling life.

About Jacqueline Oliveira-Cella:

Jaqueline Oliveira Cella inspires you to shift discomfort into purpose-driven action. She brings over 15 years of experience in US and global health, wealth, and wellbeing sectors, specializing in developing client-centric solutions, health equity, and risk management. Jaqueline has a proven track record of empowering employees and enhancing corporate wellness programs

As the founder of wellBe consulting, Jaqueline co-creates and advises healthcare corporations on innovating health and wellbeing solutions for employers, establishing strategic partnerships, and rethinking their go-to-market strategies and key performance indicators. Her recent executive education at Harvard Medical School and her actuarial and business background further empower her to drive meaningful, impactful changes.

Driven by her passion for purpose-driven action, Jaqueline created the 'Health at Work' initiative. Collaborations cover top health risk concerns topics such as Burnout in the Healthcare System, Culture & AI, Diabetes at Work, Busyness & Food, Mindful Inclusion, Menopause at Work, Measurable Inclusion & People Analytics.  ‘Health at Work’ collaborations are promoted through LinkedIn, a social initiative, extending the reach of her work to help employees advocate for their health in the workplace, and build sustable organizations by assisting employers in navigating significant health challenges with data-driven and actionable insights.

Key Lessons:

* Pause to Reassess Happiness: take intentional breaks to journal and engage in practices that can help you reflect on your current path and determine if it truly brings you joy.

* Authenticity with Self-Awareness: Authenticity is valuable, but it must be balanced with self-awareness and compassion. Being true to yourself while considering the impact on others fosters better relationships and a healthier work environment.

* Reframing Imposter Syndrome: It’s really a fear of not belonging, and it’s natural to go through it in uncertainty.

* Aligning Work with Purpose: Aligning your career with your core values and purpose is essential for long-term satisfaction and impact.

Episode Notes

00:00:00 - Introduction and the concept of midlife awakening

00:03:00 - Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella's background and career in global health and insurance

00:05:00 - The importance of finding joy and excitement in your work

00:09:00 - Balancing authenticity with compassion and self-awareness

00:13:00 - Building trust within teams and creating psychological safety

00:17:00 - Managing career transitions and embracing change

00:22:00 - The role of continuous learning and curiosity

00:25:00 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of the unknown

00:30:00 - Creating environments that foster diversity of thought and innovation

00:34:00 - The power of pause and taking intentional breaks

00:39:00 - Addressing mental health and well-being in the workplace

00:43:00 - Aligning your work with your purpose and values

00:48:00 - Practical advice for finding mentors and building a supportive network

00:53:00 - Final thoughts and reflections on creating a fulfilling career and life

Resources:

Health at Work - LinkedIn

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown - Bookshop.org

In this episode of 'Sh*t I Just Quit My Job?', host Maricella Herrera talks about the emotional and practical aspects of taking a career break. She reflects on her breakiversary and discusses her journey with career coach Katrina McGhee, author of 'Taking a Career Break for Dummies.' Maricella asks listeners to share their own career change stories and emphasizes the importance of community in navigating job transitions. Katrina shares her own experience of leaving corporate life, overcoming financial and emotional challenges, and finding her true path. The episode touches on themes like reclaiming one's life, setting personal goals, and redefining success.

About Katrina McGhee:

Katrina McGhee is a career break and sabbatical coach, speaker and author of the bestselling book, Taking a Career Break for Dummies. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Katrina helps mid-career professionals design transformative life breaks that lead to happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Katrina developed the Break Blueprint©️, a guiding framework she's used to help nearly 100 clients rejuvenate their lives by taking a break to travel the world, launch a business, write a novel, change careers and more.

Katrina's work was inspired by her own 20-month career break where she saved $40,000 in just 18 months to quit her corporate job to travel the world. As an avid world traveler and digital nomad, her expertise on career breaks and travel has been featured in prestigious outlets such as NBC, ABC, Forbes, Smarter Travel, Thrive Global, and Yahoo.

Key Lessons:

* Plan Thoroughly: Assess your financial situation, budget carefully, and prepare emotionally before taking a career break.

* Clarify Your Purpose: Define your "why" to stay motivated and focused during your break. Include three to four themes that you can come back to.

* Reframing Productivity and Overcoming Guilt: Learn to value rest and self-care as essential components of personal growth and redefine what productivity means to you.

* Embracing and Explaining Your Break: Transform your break into a compelling narrative of growth and self-discovery, making you stand out to future employees.

Episode Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:52 Community Involvement and Listener Stories

01:54 Introducing Today's Guest: Katrina McGhee

03:40 Katrina's Career Break Journey

07:08 Navigating Corporate Life and Realizing the Need for a Break

10:05 Planning and Taking the Career Break

19:06 Reframing Productivity and Self-Worth

25:57 Transitioning to a Career Break Coach

31:01 The Importance of Reentry Periods

31:10 Reflecting on Personal Growth

31:45 Embracing Breaks and Self-Improvement

32:42 Sharing Your Break Experience

34:20 Extending the Break

35:11 Financial Management During Breaks

36:33 Unexpected Breaks and Self-Discovery

43:54 The Power of Permission

51:29 Maintaining Break Benefits Post-Reentry

57:29 Advice for Aspiring Break-Takers

Resources:

Katrina’s Website: https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/

Taking a Career Break for Dummies: Bookshop.org, Amazon

The Sabbatical Project: https://thesabbaticalproject.org/

In this episode of 'Sh*t I Just Quit My Job,' host Maricella Herrera converses with Minette Norman, a leadership coach and consultant, focusing on psychological safety in the workplace. Maricella, who has a deep-rooted passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, discusses how leadership and organizational culture are pivotal for fostering environments where employees feel safe to express themselves. Minette shares her extensive 30-year journey in tech, the politics that led her to leave her corporate role, and her transition into consulting. They delve into the importance of listening, creating inclusive meetings, and the critical role of first-time managers in shaping workplace culture. Minette offers practical advice for leaders seeking to build psychologically safe work environments and underscores the importance of self-awareness and resilience in leadership. The episode ends with Minette reflecting on the valuable experiences and skills she brought into her new career path.

About Minette Norman:

Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the Silicon Valley software industry.

Minette knows that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Her most recent position before starting her own consultancy was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk. Responsible for influencing more than 3,500 engineers around the globe, she focused on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture.

As the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook: Lead More Powerfully by Being More Human, Minette is committed to helping leaders unleash the full potential of the people in their organizations.

Named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards, Minette is a recognized leader with a unique perspective.

Minette holds degrees in Drama and French from Tufts University and studied at the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris.

Key Lessons:

* Psychological Safety: Learn what it means and why it's essential for team success.

* Office Politics: Understand the impact of workplace politics and how to navigate them effectively.

* Building Confidence: Hear Minette's personal story of overcoming self-doubt and rebuilding confidence after a challenging career transition.

* Inclusive Leadership: Practical advice on creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

Episode Notes:

[00:02:00] - Introduction to Minette Norman: Background and career journey.

[00:06:00] - The Path to Tech: How Minette transitioned from acting to tech.

[00:13:00] - Defining Psychological Safety: What it is and why it matters.

[00:20:00] - Practical Steps for Inclusive Meetings: Tips and techniques to foster inclusion.

[00:28:00] - The Role of Middle Management: The critical influence of first-line managers on workplace culture.

[00:33:00] - Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity: Minette's experience with workplace bullying and career change.

[00:39:00] - Starting Her Own Business: Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

[00:45:00] - Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Key takeaways for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills.

Resources

What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team - New York Times

The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmonson

The Psychological Safety Playbook by Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig

The Boldly Inclusive Leader by Minette Norman - Bookshop Link

Unlearning Silence by Elaine Lin Hering

The Strengths, Weaknesses and Blind Spots of Managers - Gallup

Reflecting on a Year-Long Career Break: Insights and Lessons Learned

In this special mini-sode, host Maricella Herrera marks her one-year 'Breakiversary' since leaving her job. She shares personal reflections on taking a career break without a clear purpose, the challenges she faced, and the realizations she came to during this period. Maricella explores themes of creativity, joy, and reconnection, and discusses the importance of giving oneself grace and having regular self-check-ins. She expresses gratitude for her support system and contemplates the possibility of extending her break as she continues to seek clarity on her next chapter.

00:00 Introduction and Special Occasion

00:41 Reflecting on a Year of Break

01:14 The Retrospective Process

02:49 Acknowledging Privilege

03:41 Discovering Purpose

05:21 Challenges and Realizations

08:57 Themes and Proud Moments

14:25 Struggles and Mental Battles

18:18 Lessons Learned

24:29 Future Plans and Uncertainty

26:36 Conclusion and Gratitude

Entrepreneurship is more than just a career choice; it's a spiritual journey that demands vulnerability, resilience, and a complete shift in mindset. In this episode, I sit down with Deb Boulanger, the inspiring CEO of Life After Corporate and founder of The Launch Lab for Women Entrepreneurs. Together, we dive deep into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly women transitioning from corporate life.

Deb’s story, takes us from her beginnings as a special education teacher to smashing glass ceilings at Gartner and ultimately becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur. We dive deep into the importance of investing in entrepreneurial education, the psychological hurdles of success, fear of failure, and the transformative power of community and mentorship.

This conversation is not just about business strategies; it's about embracing a holistic approach that intertwines professional growth with spiritual and personal development.

About Deb Boulanger:

Debra Boulanger is the CEO of Life After Corporate and the founder of The Launch Lab for women entrepreneurs, the Reliable Revenue Mastermind, and host of the Life After Corporate podcast. She helps smart, accomplished women leaders make the leap from Corporate to entrepreneurship.  

Over the last 20 years, Deb has launched dozens of services that generated hundreds of millions in revenue for her clients and launched and grew a single division at Gartner, Inc. from 0 to $32 Million in 30 months. She has taught and advised hundreds of new and aspiring women entrepreneurs to use these proven strategies to test their business ideas and validate their money-making model. 

Key Takeaways:

* Overcoming Guilt and Shame in Entrepreneurship

* The Pitfalls of Fake Progress

* Understanding the Worthiness Wound

* Fear of Success

* Balancing Spirituality and Analytical Thinking

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

02:19 Guest Introduction: Deb Boulanger

05:30 Deb's Early Career and Challenges

11:01 Transition to Entrepreneurship

13:38 The Role of Meditation and Self-Discovery

18:27 Building a Business and Overcoming Fears

23:58 The Number One Mistake Women Make in Entrepreneurship

24:37 The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations

25:55 The Dangers of Corporate Trauma in Entrepreneurship

26:15 Avoiding Fake Progress in Your Business

32:43 The Psychological Challenges of Pricing

35:11 The Great Boomerang: Returning to Corporate

39:54 Overcoming Fear of Success

45:44 Balancing Spirituality and Analytics in Business

47:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

Referenced:

* Life After Corporate Podcast: https://lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com/

* The Launch Lab for Women Entrepreneurs: https://thegreatdoover.com/launch-lab/

* Lean In and McKinsey, Women in the Workplace Report 2022: The Great Breakup: https://leanin.org/women-in-the-workplace/2022

* Women in the workplace: Breaking up to break through (McKinsey): https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace-breaking-up-to-break-through

* The Artist’s Way: https://juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way/

Ever feel like you’re running out of time, or maybe just not using it the best way? That’s been on my mind a lot lately. This week, I sit down with Aubria Ralph, a phenomenal woman whose relationship with time and planning left me both inspired (so much so that I decided to make this one a video) and a bit in awe. Aubria, who has worn many hats from professor to lawyer, and even author of seven children’s books, shares her unique approach to life, planning, and dreaming big. Our conversation dives deep into the importance of strategic planning, the powerful way Aubria manages her time, and why embracing our accomplishments is essential. Her story is a testament to the fact that with the right mindset, anything is achievable.

Tune in to learn how Aubria navigates her ambitious goals, maintains a scrappy attitude, and balances multiple careers without losing sight of her dreams. If you’ve ever felt stuck or questioned your direction, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights that will help you rethink your relationship with time and planning.

About Aubria Ralph, Founder and CEO of Scrappy Girl Project:

Aubria Ralph is a polymath who recently transitioned from her role as a banking and finance attorney to business owner, consultant and author. Sitting comfortably at the helm, Aubria boasts a wide range of experience including 15+ years in Retail Management, Human Resources and Training and Development, 10 years as a Professor of English, 20+ years community outreach and support through several nonprofit organizations and ~5 years in the legal industry. Aubria’s wealth of knowledge and experience across the marketplace has given her the expertise necessary to advise executive leadership teams and board members at every stage of their career and business development. She works with organizations and senior executives to elevate their leadership strategy and people management by reinforcing their commitment and implementation of transformative wellness programming.

Key Lessons:

* The Power of Strategic Planning: Aubria emphasizes the importance of having a detailed plan and constantly updating it to stay on track.

* Relationship with Time: How Aubria maximizes her 24 hours and uses hyper-focus to accomplish multiple goals.

* Embracing Accomplishments: Understanding the significance of recognizing and celebrating your achievements.

* Trusting Your Track Record: Learning to trust your past experiences and skills when navigating transitions.

* The Scrappy Attitude: How adopting a scrappy, resilient mindset can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams.

Episode Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Evolution

01:20 Meet Aubria Ralph: A Multifaceted Achiever

03:55 Aubria's Early Aspirations and Family Influence

06:14 Academic Journey and Career Pivot

13:12 Balancing Multiple Roles and Realizations

20:20 The Five-Year Plan and Mentorship

22:49 A Wake-Up Call: Reflecting on Life Goals

24:03 Pursuing a New Path: From Nonprofit to Law School

25:22 The Journey to Law School

26:10 Balancing Ambitions and Life

27:42 Accountability and Public Declarations

30:26 Hyper-Focus and Maximizing Time

39:21 The Scrappy Girl Project: Origins and Vision

43:04 Advice for Navigating Transitions

Ever felt like you wanted to walk away but there was something holding you back? Almost like if you were frozen? In this episode, I chat with Carla Matero, who has navigated a fascinating career journey from academia to government to her own consulting practice. We dive into the challenge of staying too long in situations that don’t serve us and the importance of recognizing when it’s time to move on.

Carla’s story highlights how fear and obligation can hold us back, eroding our confidence and well-being. She shares insights on the signs it’s time to leave and strategies for rebuilding confidence.

We also discuss the impact of empathy and self-awareness in leadership roles, and how curiosity can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths. Whether you’re considering a career change or reevaluating your current path, Carla’s journey offers valuable lessons and actionable advice.About Carla Matero:

Carla Matero is Founder & CEO of Honor Bound LLC, a premier strategic advisory firm that pioneers tailored, progressive growth strategies for a diverse set of clients fostering equity and excellence in leadership, team development, and infrastructure design. 

Her work has focused on creating collaborative efforts across sectors for transformative and innovative outcomes in the arts, academia, private corporations, social justice campaigns, nonprofits, and the government. She has held senior leadership positions at Columbia University, Girl Scouts of the USA (HQ), City of New York, and government relations firm Kasirer. 

At Columbia, Carla played an instrumental role in launching its global centers, building an international series of fora to explore the inherent mandates of free press and speech, and collaborating on a $5 billion development campaign. As Executive Director of New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Community Events, she created initiatives that built sustainable partnerships and community engagement. Carla was a 2021 City & State Honoree - “The leaders who made New York” and a 2023 Public Relations Power Player for amNY Metro and Politics NY. 

Carla is a US-UK Fulbright Commissioner and serves on the boards of LearningSpring School and Dancing Classrooms. She holds an MS in Strategic Communications from Columbia University and an MFA from Penn State University.

Key Lessons:

* Understanding the signs that it’s time to move on from a job.

* The impact of staying too long in a detrimental work environment.

* Strategies for rebuilding confidence after a career transition.

* Embracing uncertainty and using it as a growth opportunity.

* The importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership roles.

Episode Notes:

* 0:07 – Introduction.

* 2:02 – Insights into Carla’s early aspirations and how her performing arts background influenced her career transitions.

* 5:00 – How life events like Hurricane Katrina can catalyze career changes and shift priorities.

* 12:09 – The importance of global free speech and press, and lessons learned from working with international leaders.

* 20:11 – Change management challenges at the Girl Scouts and how to navigate large-scale organizational shifts.

* 27:07 – Lessons from transitioning from government to corporate roles, and the importance of continuous learning.

* 33:12 – Reflections on the emotional toll of staying too long in the wrong job and recognizing when it’s time to move on.

* 37:23 – Practical strategies for rebuilding confidence, including the use of meditation and therapy.

* 42:33 – How to navigate career regrets and the power of maintaining curiosity and openness to new opportunities.

* 45:09 – The significance of women supporting women, fostering meaningful networks, and closing the pay gap.

* 46:50 – Showcasing experience of non-linear career paths.

* 48:36 – Embracing opportunities you couldn’t have imagined.

* 56:11 – Final thoughts on embracing change and staying true to your core values.

I’ve always considered myself an ambitious person, constantly chasing more recognition, more education, more success. But what happens when you get everything you thought you wanted and it still doesn’t feel right? This past year, I’ve been re-evaluating my relationship with ambition and success, and I’ve found that I’m not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with Sheela Subramanian, who landed her dream job in 2020 but realized it wasn’t enough. She embarked on a "year of no," a period of introspection to find what truly makes her feel alive. Our conversation dives deep into redefining ambition, the concept of "enough," and balancing relevance with happiness. Sheela shares her journey of stepping away from the traditional path to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're considering a "year of no" yourself or simply curious about the journey, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice from both Sheela's personal experience and her extensive research on the future of work.

About Sheela Subramanian:Sheela Subramanian is a business owner, investor, author, and speaker. Most recently, she was Vice President at Slack and co-founder of Future Forum, a research consortium dedicated to studying the future of work. She holds over 20 years of experience building and leading global teams at Google, Slack, Salesforce, and startup organizations. As a champion for workplace equity, her work is cited in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and others. She is also co-author of "How the Future Works", a WSJ and USA Today bestselling book.

Sheela earned her BA from Stanford and MBA from Harvard Business School and is the mother to two magical daughters.

Key Lessons:

* Redefining ambition and understanding that it’s not just about saying yes to everything.

* The importance of setting boundaries and focusing on what makes you feel alive.

* Balancing the need for relevance with personal happiness.

* The concept of "enough" and how to find contentment in being rather than just doing.

Episode Notes:

* Introduction and Background (0:07)

* The Evolution of Ambition (1:04)

* Sheela's Dream Job and the Year of No (2:25)

* The Concept of "Enough" (3:34)

* Setting Boundaries and Redefining Success (18:23)

* Relevance vs. Happiness (18:44)

* Living a Life on Your Terms (21:35)

* Overcoming Fear, Shame, and Guilt (30:44)

* Finding Courage and Contentment (35:10)

* Insights on Productivity and Personal Growth (41:53)

Tune in and join us as we explore what it means to live authentically and find joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Have you ever wondered why, despite ticking off every self-care task on your list, you still feel like you're barely scratching the surface of feeling good? Maybe it’s time to change your self-care routine for a dose of self-compassion.

In today’s episode I sit down with Esther Boykin, we dive deep into the transformative power of self-compassion—a vital tool that might just be the missing piece in your mental wellness puzzle. Esther not only defines self-compassion but also breaks down actionable steps to integrate it into our daily lives. She emphasizes that self-compassion isn’t just about being kind to ourselves in thought but also involves a radical shift in how we engage with ourselves and the world around us.

Join us as we explore actionable ways to cultivate a kinder internal dialogue and learn why treating yourself with compassion could be the key to unlocking a more fulfilled, resilient life.

About Esther Boykin:

Esther Boykin is a licensed marriage and family therapist, speaker, author, CEO of Group Therapy Associates, and founder of the Compassion Collective. With more than two decades of expertise in systemic and relationally based therapy and a deep dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and culturally relevant mental health, Esther guides organizations, celebrities, fellow therapists, and everyday individuals toward a more compassionate and connected existence.

Esther is currently President of the Board of Directors for NAMI DC. 

Learn more about her work at www.estherboykin.com and get in touch with her private practice at www.grouptherapyassociates.com.  She can also be found on Instagram and Linkedin @estherbmft.

Ever found yourself caught in the gap between wanting to act and taking the actual step? You're not alone. This episode tackles that very struggle.

After my routine got thrown off a couple of months ago, I’ve been feeling frozen. I was a lot clearer on my goals, but I was stuck in the mud not moving toward them. So, I started asking myself: Why can’t I just get out of my own way?

Turns out, fear has been quietly driving a lot of what I do (or don’t do). But what exactly am I scared of?

In this episode, we dive into some pretty deep stuff:

* Facing up to fears: I’m talking about what scares me and trying to figure out why.

* Meeting my Inner Critic: She’s loud, she’s persistent, and she’s got opinions. Learning to live with her hasn’t been easy, but it’s been eye-opening.

* Why ‘work’ feels like a dirty word: I’ve been rethinking what work means to me and finding joy in calling it ‘play’ instead.

—

Resources:

On Fear by Mary Ruefle | Poetry Magazine

How to Overcome Your Fear of the Unknown | Harvard Business Review

Negative capability: how to embrace intellectual uncertainty | Ness Labs

Tim Ferriss: Why you should define your fears instead of your goals | TED Talk