After seven years of dreaming, planning, and showing up—I landed a traditional book deal with HCI Books (yes, the Chicken Soup for the Soul publisher!). In this heartfelt episode of The Next Step, I'm sharing the raw, behind-the-scenes journey: from setting the intention to write, overcoming deep emotional blocks, finding the right mentor, and finally getting signed.

But what happened after I got the "yes" shocked even me.

I open up about the emotional aftermath of reaching a major milestone—and the unexpected grief that followed. If you've ever struggled to celebrate your wins or felt paralyzed by success, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The seven-year journey to my traditional book deal
• The mindset blocks and fears that kept me stuck
• How mentorship and persistence made the difference
• What grief and growth can look like after major success
• Practical ways to celebrate your wins with intention

Timestamps:

00:00 – The announcement: I landed a traditional book deal

02:00 – The early vision: writing "author" before it was real

04:00 – From TEDx to stage to book demand

06:00 – Facing fear of success and self-sabotage

07:30 – Hiring the right mentor to get clarity and momentum

08:30 – Sending the query that changed everything

09:30 – The agent call that came just hours later

11:00 – Rejection, revision, and finding the right fit

12:30 – Recognizing the signs that it was meant to be

13:30 – The emotional block: grief after the "yes"

15:30 – Releasing emotion through yoga and reflection

17:00 – The importance of celebrating and modeling that for my family

19:00 – Ideas for celebrating wins that feel aligned to you

20:00 – My gratitude and next milestone: turning in my manuscript

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Overcoming overwhelm is just the beginning—what you do next determines your success. Many women work hard to get unstuck, only to find themselves losing momentum soon after. They fall back into old habits, get caught in analysis paralysis, or struggle to stay motivated.

In this episode of The Next Step with Corrie Lo, we're diving into how to sustain your progress, keep taking intentional steps, and stay motivated long-term. Corrie shares personal insights, common pitfalls that cause setbacks, and four powerful strategies to maintain momentum.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why momentum doesn't happen automatically—it requires intention and strategy.
• Common reasons people lose momentum (and how to avoid them).
• Four proven ways to stay on track, including accountability systems and daily habits.
• How to adapt when things don't go as planned without abandoning your goals.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming overwhelm is just the start

01:00 Common reasons people lose momentum

03:00 The power of milestone checkpoints & celebrating small wins

04:00 How accountability keeps you committed when motivation fades

05:00 Why flexibility is key (and how to pivot when plans change)

06:00 Building motivation into daily habits for long-term success

07:00 Your next step: Identifying your biggest gap and taking action this week

Free Resource:

Need a system to set and stay accountable to your goals? Check out Corrie's Goal Positioning System Mini Course for a structured, repeatable approach here.

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

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SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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Confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build. Too many brilliant women hold themselves back because they don't feel ready. But here's the truth: confidence comes from action, not waiting.

In this episode of The Next Step with Corrie Lo, we break down the Confidence Formula—a four-step system to help you take bold action, even when you don't feel 100% ready. You'll learn how to reframe failure, act before you feel prepared, and surround yourself with the right support to strengthen your confidence muscle.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why confidence isn't something you have but something you build
• The biggest confidence killers (fear of failure, perfectionism, comparison)
• The Confidence Formula: four steps to build confidence through action
• How to take bold action when you don't feel ready

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Confidence is built, not born

01:00 The biggest obstacles that kill confidence

02:30 Corrie's personal journey to building confidence

03:30 Step 1: Take small, intentional risks

04:30 Step 2: Reframe failure as feedback

05:30 Step 3: Act before you feel ready

06:30 Step 4: Surround yourself with confident people

07:30 Recap: How to start building confidence today

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

✔️ Connect with Me on Social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: www.corrielo.com

✔️ Book me to Speak: www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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True leadership isn't about guiding a team when things are easy—it's about how you show up when times are tough. Whether you're facing uncertainty at work, navigating a personal challenge, or leading your family through difficult times, the way you handle pressure makes all the difference.

In this episode of The Next Step with Corrie Lo, we're breaking down four essential strategies that will help you lead with confidence, resilience, and clarity—no matter the situation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why leadership during tough times can feel overwhelming.
• The biggest mistakes leaders make when navigating challenges.
• Four powerful strategies to lead with confidence when things feel uncertain.
• How to prioritize self-care while managing stress as a leader.

Timestamps:

00:00 Why leadership isn't just about the easy moments

01:00 My personal story of leading through uncertainty at work and home

03:00 The biggest challenges leaders face in difficult times

04:00 Strategy 1: Focus on what you can actually control

05:00 Strategy 2: Communicate with clarity and honesty

06:00 Strategy 3: Lead with empathy and resilience

07:00 Strategy 4: Prioritize self-care and mindset shifts

08:30 Next steps: How to apply these strategies today

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

✔️ Connect with Me on Social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: www.corrielo.com

✔️ Book me to Speak: www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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Your story has power—more than you might realize. Too often, women hold back from sharing their journeys, thinking their experiences aren't significant or polished enough. But storytelling isn't just about you—it's a leadership superpower that inspires, connects, and drives impact.

In this special episode honoring International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Corrie shares why storytelling is essential for women in leadership. Learn how to craft a compelling message, overcome fears of sharing your experiences, and confidently use your story to connect and lead.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why storytelling is a leadership superpower for women.
• The biggest reasons women hold back from sharing their stories.
• A simple 4-step framework to craft a compelling story.
• How to share your story with confidence in both personal and professional settings.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Why your story matters more than you think

01:00 Corrie's personal journey—overcoming fear and sharing vulnerably

03:00 Why women hesitate to share their stories

04:00 The 4-Step Framework for impactful storytelling:

• Identifying your defining moment
• Connecting your story to your audience
• Structuring your message for clarity
• Practicing with confidence

07:00 Actionable next steps to start sharing your story today

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: www.corrielo.com

✔️ Book me to Speak: www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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Ever feel like you're not good enough, even when you're succeeding? You're not alone. Impostor syndrome affects high-achieving women everywhere—especially working moms juggling career and family.

In this episode of *The Next Step with Corrie Lo*, we break down **what impostor syndrome is, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to overcome it** so you can show up with confidence. Corrie shares personal experiences, mindset shifts, and five powerful steps to silence your inner critic for good.

*What You'll Learn in This Episode:*

- What impostor syndrome is and why so many women experience it. - The mindset shift that turns self-doubt into a sign of growth. - Five actionable steps to overcome impostor syndrome and boost confidence. - How to track your wins and reframe negative thoughts.

*Timestamps:*

00:00 Introduction: Why working moms struggle with impostor syndrome

01:00 Corrie's personal experience—facing self-doubt before her TEDx talk

02:00 What impostor syndrome is (and why it's a mental trap)

02:30 Common triggers that fuel impostor syndrome

03:30 Reframing impostor syndrome as a sign of leveling up

04:00 *5 Steps to Overcome Impostor Syndrome*

- 04:30 *Step 1:* Acknowledge and name the feeling - 05:00 *Step 2:* Reframe your thoughts with facts - 05:30 *Step 3:* Build confidence through small actions - 06:00 *Step 4:* Seek support and outside perspective - 06:30 *Step 5:* Celebrate your wins (big and small!)07:00 Your next step: Take action to boost your confidence

*Free Resource:*

Feeling stuck? Take my *Overwhelm Culprit Quiz* to uncover what's holding you back and start building your confidence today!

👉http://www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

**NEXT STEP OPTIONS:**

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz : http://www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

✔️ Connect with Me on Social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: http://www.corrielo.com/

✔️ Book me to Speak: http://www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: http://www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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Have you ever felt stuck in your career, like you're navigating leadership all on your own? Finding the right mentor can change everything. Yet, many women struggle to find the right mentor or don't know how to ask for guidance.

In this episode of The Next Step with Corrie Lo, we dive into the power of mentorship for women in leadership. Learn why mentorship matters, how to find the right mentor, and even how to become one yourself—all in just three simple steps.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The biggest barriers women face when seeking mentorship.
• How to find a mentor in three simple steps.
• The right way to ask someone to mentor you.
• How to become a mentor and support other women in leadership.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Why mentorship is a game-changer for women

01:00 Corrie's story: How mentorship accelerated her leadership journey

02:30 Common barriers to finding the right mentor

03:00 Step 1: Identifying your goals and gaps

04:00 Step 2: Looking within your existing network for mentors

05:00 What to do if you don't have the right mentor in your network

06:00 Step 3: How to make the ask (and what to say)

07:00 How to become a mentor and support others in leadership

08:00 Recap: How to find and become a mentor

Free Resource:

Not sure if mentorship is what you need? Take my free Overwhelm Culprit Quiz to find out if a lack of community is holding you back. Plus, get weekly tips to expand your network!

Take the Quiz

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

✔️ Connect with Me on Social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: www.corrielo.com

✔️ Book me to Speak: www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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Do you ever feel like you're juggling everything on your own—your career, your family, and everything in between—without the support you need to truly thrive? Here's the truth: no one succeeds in isolation. Yet, many of us stay stuck in networks that don't support our goals.

In this episode of The Next Step with Corrie Lo, we dive into how to build a support network that empowers you—one that lifts you up, keeps you accountable, and helps you achieve your vision. You'll learn how to audit your current network, seek out aligned connections, and strengthen relationships that truly matter.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your support network plays a crucial role in your success.
• Common pitfalls that hold people back from building a strong network.
• Five actionable steps to create a support system that aligns with your goals.
• How to audit your current network and proactively connect with the right people.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Why your network determines your success

01:00 Corrie's personal experience with shifting her network for career growth

02:00 The power of surrounding yourself with the right people

03:00 Common networking pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

04:00 Step 1: Audit your current network

05:00 Step 2: Define your ideal support system

05:30 Step 3: Seek aligned connections (where to find them)

06:30 Step 4: Strengthen existing relationships

07:00 Step 5: Be intentional and give back to your network

Free Resource:

Want more guidance on building your ideal support network? Download my Networking Cheat Sheet for actionable tips to connect with the right people.

Get It Here

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

✔️ Connect with Me on Social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: www.corrielo.com

✔️ Book me to Speak: www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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Do you ever feel stretched too thin, constantly saying yes when you want to say no? Without healthy boundaries, it's easy for others' needs and demands to consume your time and energy—leaving you drained and unfocused.

In this episode of The Next Step with Corrie Lo, we break down how to set clear boundaries in your relationships—whether at work, at home, or anywhere in between. You'll learn simple, guilt-free strategies to protect your energy and stay focused on what matters most.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN THIS EPISODE:

• Why boundaries are essential for avoiding burnout.
• The biggest challenges women face when setting boundaries.
• A 5-step framework to establish boundaries without guilt.
• How to confidently say no and enforce your limits.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction: Why setting boundaries is so difficult

01:00 Corrie's personal journey with boundaries and burnout

02:30 The fear, guilt, and frustration that make boundaries hard

03:30 The shocking stats on why women struggle to say no

04:30 Step 1: Get clear on your priorities and values

05:00 Step 2: Identify areas where you need stronger boundaries

05:30 Step 3: How to communicate boundaries firmly but respectfully

06:30 Step 4: Practice saying no and build confidence

07:30 Step 5: Stay consistent and follow through on your boundaries

08:30 Your next step: Choosing one boundary to implement this week

FREE RESOURCE:

Need help identifying the right boundaries for you? Comment "Cheat Sheet" below and I'll send you a link to my free boundaries cheat sheet.

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

✔️ Connect with Me on Social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: www.corrielo.com

✔️ Book me to Speak: www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

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Have you ever set a big goal, started with great intentions, and then lost momentum along the way? Whether life got in the way or you simply fell off track, it's easy to feel like giving up entirely.

In this episode of The Next Step with Corrie Lo, we're talking about how to reset your goals without guilt or overwhelm. You'll learn practical strategies to regain momentum, adjust your plans, and keep moving forward with confidence—even when things don't go as planned.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why losing momentum is normal and not a sign of failure.
• The common reasons we fall off track (and how to address them).
• 5 actionable steps to reset your goals and regain confidence.
• The importance of accountability and small, consistent wins in achieving success.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction: Why falling off track doesn't mean failure

01:00 Corrie's personal story about stalling on a big goal

02:00 Common reasons for losing momentum (unrealistic timelines, lack of flexibility, no accountability)

03:30 Step 1: Release guilt and assess your current situation

04:30 Step 2: Adjust your goals to fit your reality

05:00 Step 3: Kickstart momentum with micro steps

06:00 Step 4: Plan progress over a realistic timeframe

06:30 Step 5: Build accountability to stay on track

07:00 Final tips for resetting without overwhelm

FREE RESOURCE:

Need help resetting your goals? Check out Corrie's Goal Positioning System Mini Course, designed to help you structure your goals and regain momentum with confidence. Learn more by clicking here: www.corrielo.com/shop/goalpositioningsystem

NEXT STEP OPTIONS:

✔️ Take the Overwhelm Culprit Quiz: www.corrielo.com/overwhelmculprit

✔️ Connect with Me on Social:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamcorrielo LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo

✔️ Visit my Website: www.corrielo.com

✔️ Book me to Speak: www.corrielo.com/speaking

✔️ Enroll in Coaching: www.corrielo.com/coaching

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE:

Don't miss future episodes where we dive deeper into topics like leadership, personal growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. Hit that subscribe button and join the journey to confident leadership!

✔️ Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

✔️ Subscribe on YouTube Podcasts: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2iLLfzM7QKFoP2JFPE41hUl1SVHcH3IF&si=Fk3ZsBem6xBLRF1R