When you take a leap, there’s a lot of uncertainty. For today’s guest, that uncertainty revolves around figuring out how to serve in a leadership role without being full-time, allowing more time for other parts of life and being a mother of two, and navigating a world where conversations around better professional and personal balance are happening but actual change seems slow to come. 

In this episode, I’m chatting with Annie Jameson about taking a leap that involved leaving a full-time career for a territory unknown. Annie is sharing about how she has taken this time to better understand herself and her values, the importance of structure and support when you’re exploring your options on a career break, and why patience, with yourself and the process and the larger working world, goes a long way.

In this episode, you’ll learn...

• About Annie’s time at Vistaprint and what lead to her leaving [02:26]
• Why her exit from Vistaprint was gradual and how her passion for diversity and inclusion played a role [07:26]
• How Annie approached balance after leaving her full-time job [10:36]
• How having more alone time allowed her to reflect on her values [15:18]
• How exploring is allowing her to figure out the balance that is right for her [17:34]
• Mini coaching session with Annie [20:55]
• Why it’s important to Annie that more flexible working opportunities exist [23:43]
• The pressure of feeling like you have to always know “what’s next” [25:05]
• The advice Annie would give to a mentee in her situation [29:34]
• The importance of patience and not over-thinking [30:32]
• The importance of having a plan, some structure, and support network to help navigate your new day-to-day life [35:35]
• About the role model exercise that I recommend to clients [37:41]
• What Annie wishes she knew before she took her leap [39:17]
• The surprising and rewarding moments Annie has experience [40:03]
• Annie’s advice for someone taking a leap 
• The podcast that Annie is launching [44:38]

If you’re waiting for a sign to take your career leap, be sure to tune into this episode.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.lisahoashi.com/leaplikeme/episode27

Connect with Annie

Annie’s LinkedIn

Annie’s Youtube

Annie’s Bio:

Annie has been many "things"—a mother, a mentor, a leader, a coach, partner, wife, friend, daughter, sister, CIMA qualified, D&I advocate, analytical expert, finance professional.  What she cares about most and what ties all these pieces together is how we interact, show up and encourage each other as human beings and that's where her focus is in life.