Advertise on podcast: Switch, Pivot or Quit

What happens when a life-threatening cardiac arrest forces you to completely reimagine success? Dr. LaNysha Adams, 10-time award-winning author and TEDx speaker, shares her powerful journey from academic battles and entrepreneurial hustling to flatlining on her couch—and the profound transformation that followed. Discover why she says "you can be pivoted at any moment," the workplace power dynamics that nearly cost her a PhD, and how she went from chasing accolades to finding fulfillment in making green smoothies and teaching her kids to be self-sufficient. This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about empowerment, authority, and what it truly means to win at life. Website - https://edlinguist.com/about/

What happens when a successful pharmaceutical executive walks away from a 25-year career because the voice inside grew too loud to ignore? Kavita Ahuja, founder of It's My Time Now coaching and host of The Midlife Reinvention podcast, shares her powerful journey of leaving corporate success behind at 50 to help other women navigate major life transitions. From grappling with cultural expectations to that pivotal moment when her sons asked, "Mom, what do YOU really want?"—Kavita reveals why so many accomplished women feel stuck despite looking successful from the outside. Discover how one brilliant scientist with two PhDs rediscovered her passion for art and music, transforming not just her life, but her entire approach to work and relationships. Kavita's website - https://itsmytimenowcoaching.com/

What happens when you try to quit but your boss refuses to accept your resignation? Dana L Cox shares how that pivotal conversation transformed her from an administrative assistant crying every day to a Fortune 500 global executive—and why she eventually ended up "crispy" from burnout anyway. In this raw conversation, Dana breaks down the hidden "cultural success tax" Black women pay in corporate America, reveals the signs of burnout we dismiss until it's too late, and shares her radical reset framework for reclaiming your life. If you've ever felt like success came at too high a cost, this episode will give you permission to redefine what "having it all" actually means.

What happens when you land your dream job at Apple, only to realize comfort zones have expiration dates? In this episode, I sit down with communications strategist Fana Yohannes, who shares how she went from being an early listener of this podcast to revolutionizing social media at Apple and Instagram—and eventually walking away from it all to build something on her own terms. We're unpacking the invisible excellence trap, why having a sponsor matters more than a mentor, and how to know when it's time to Switch, Pivot, or Quit® (even when everyone thinks you're crazy for leaving). Plus, Fana drops truth bombs about AI, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why being "delusional" might be the secret to her success. Fana's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fyohannes/ 

What does it take to leave a 15-year career in tech at companies like Google and leap into the beauty industry? Kara Brothers, former President of StarFace (those iconic star-shaped pimple patches), opens up about her journey from feeling like she wasn't thriving in corporate America to scaling a startup from $5 million to $100 million in revenue. In this raw conversation, she shares the truth about navigating career uncertainty, building self-worth outside of performance reviews, and why the traditional definition of success might be keeping you boxed in. If you've been waiting for permission to pivot, this is your sign.

I'm breaking down something I call "the playing small tax," and trust me, it's costing you way more than you think. We're talking about the hidden price of hiding your gifts: the opportunities you don't take, the ideas you keep to yourself, and the people who miss out when you stay quiet. I'll walk you through the four devastating ways this tax shows up in your life and career, plus I'm giving you a simple audit to help you see exactly what playing small has been costing you. It's time to stop treating your gifts like private possessions and start sharing them with the people who need them most. https://www.ahyianaangel.com/

Ever catch yourself shrinking down your ideas, dimming your expertise, or staying quiet when you know you have the answer? In this episode, we talk about the game-changing difference between adapting your communication style and abandoning your authentic self, and why making yourself smaller isn't professionalism, it's self-sabotage. Discover the Authenticity Calibration framework that helps you show up fully without apologizing for your brilliance, plus get a powerful challenge that will help you start expanding to lead this week. Your gifts can't impact people who need them if they can't see them, so stop hiding. https://www.ahyianaangel.com/

Feeling that pit in your stomach every Sunday night? You're not alone. But what if those Sunday Scaries aren't something to push through, but a message to decode? In this episode, I'm sharing the three critical things your weekend anxiety is trying to tell you about your career alignment, and why the people you admire most don't experience Sunday dread. Plus, we're talking about a simple 10-minute exercise that will help you turn that anxiety into your personal GPS for creating work that actually excites you. https://www.ahyianaangel.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@AHYIANA

What if the thing that feels safest right now is actually the biggest risk to your future? In this episode, I'm discussing why your comfort zone has an expiration date and sharing the three warning signs that indicate you're heading toward irrelevance instead of growth. Discover the "Controlled Discomfort" strategy that helped me transition from NBA publicist to podcast entrepreneur, and learn how small weekly expansions can prevent you from becoming obsolete in a rapidly changing world. Plus, get this week's Edge Expansion Exercise to start reclaiming your momentum today! 

How many decisions are you not making because you're waiting for someone else to say it's okay? In this episode, I'm getting real about the three years I spent waiting to write a book—even though I was already qualified, already capable, and already writing. The only thing missing? My own permission. In this episode, you'll discover: The three phrases that keep high-achievers stuck in permission-seeking modeWhy the authority you're seeking has to come from youThe Internal Authority Audit: three powerful questions that reveal what you really wantA simple permission practice you can do this week to stop waiting and start movingIf you've been waiting for the "right time," the "right credentials," or the "right person" to give you the green light—this episode is your wake-up call. You can also check out the Switch, Pivot or Quit podcast content on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@AHYIANA

What if your biggest strength is sabotaging your career? In this eye-opening episode, we dig into how being exceptional at supporting others can trap you in career invisibility. Drawing from my own experience, I'm uncovering the hidden cost of "invisible excellence." You'll discover: The 3 warning signs you're caught in the invisible excellence trap (hint: if you're always the "go-to" for execution but never innovation, this is for you)Why your wins feel communal but your losses feel personal—and what this reveals about your career trajectoryThe "strategic visibility" framework that transforms how you talk about your contributions without sounding arrogantA simple documentation practice that builds evidence of your impactThe Visibility Audit Challenge: a concrete way to make your value seen this weekPerfect for: High-achievers who are tired of being the best-kept secret at work, natural supporters ready to step into the spotlight, and anyone who's ever felt invisible despite being indispensable. Stop hiding your gifts from the people who need them most. Your 7-minute transformation starts now. Episode Length: 7 minutes | Part of Seven Minutes Sunday series

In this transformative final episode of the season, global CEO coach and author Sabina Nawaz shares her journey from Microsoft software engineer to executive leadership expert, offering practical strategies for career transitions and authentic leadership. Discover the power of "blank space" - intentional quiet time that can unlock career clarity and creative solutions. Sabina reveals how pressure can either corrupt your leadership or fuel innovation, and why many successful women fall into the "sole provider trap" that leads to burnout. Learn actionable techniques for managing workplace pressure, getting honest feedback as a leader, and staying authentic while meeting business needs. Whether you're considering a career pivot, struggling with leadership challenges, or seeking more fulfillment in your professional life, this episode provides concrete tools for transformation. Key topics include executive coaching strategies, women in leadership, career development, workplace authenticity, feedback culture, and finding purpose in your professional journey. Perfect for aspiring leaders, current managers, and anyone navigating career transitions in today's competitive workplace. Guest: Sabina Nawaz, author of "You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need," former Microsoft executive, and faculty member at Northwestern and Drexel universities. https://sabinanawaz.com/ Takeaways: Deciding to work at Microsoft was a pivotal moment. Quiet time can lead to significant insights. Pressure can corrupt leadership behavior. Finding joy in work is essential for fulfillment. Authenticity in leadership is multifaceted. Managing pressure is crucial for effective leadership. Successful transitions require self-awareness and assessment. Building a supportive network is vital for women in leadership. Feedback quality is determined by the questions asked. Success is about spending time wisely and fulfilling personal values. Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Blank Space 03:43 Facing Fears and Embracing Quiet Time 06:23 The Shift from Titles to Fulfillment 09:09 Managing Pressure and Power Dynamics 11:07 Authenticity in Leadership 13:59 Women in Leadership: Balancing Roles and Values 18:11 Navigating Authenticity in Leadership 19:21 Understanding Productive vs. Harmful Pressure 24:43 Career Transitions: Finding Fulfillment 28:11 Building Supportive Networks in Leadership 32:25 Common Leadership Pitfalls 33:59 Defining Personal Success 35:12 Transformative Feedback and Growth 39:17 Introduction to Transformation and Change 40:15 Insights from a Leadership Expert 41:32 Anticipating a Powerful Conversation 41:53 Introduction to the Influencer's Impact 41:54 Exploring the Reach of Articles

This week I'm chatting with Paige Mariah about her transformative career journey. Paige shares her experience moving from Chicago to London for grad school, building a successful career as a full-time content creator abroad, and her recent transition back to corporate America working for Kellogg. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing change despite fear, and finding work-life balance after experiencing the freedom of self-employment. This conversation explores the reality behind social media's highlight reel, the importance of patience during major life transitions, and the empowering message that it's okay to pivot your career at any age. Paige's authentic perspective offers valuable insights on finding your path and honoring what's best for you at different stages of life. Paige's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PaigeMariah Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Transitioning to Another Country 04:41 Returning to the United States 06:13 Dealing with Social Perception 09:07 The Importance of Patience 13:30 Self-Work and Personal Growth 19:00 Transitioning to Corporate 19:56 Transitioning to a Corporate Job 22:05 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 23:22 The Value of Working with a Team 25:18 Balancing Work and Life 28:53 Talking About Money with Friends 32:31 Returning to a 9-to-5 Job After Being Self-Employed 33:24 Pivoting and Changing in Your Career Takeaways Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.It's important to block out the noise of others' opinions and focus on your own goals and desires.Comparing yourself to others online can be detrimental to your own journey.Patience is crucial when navigating transitions and building a stable foundation.Self-work, such as therapy and journaling, can help in personal growth and adapting to change.Humans are adaptable by nature and can find new solutions and paths in life.Transitioning from a non-traditional career to corporate can be challenging, but with time and adjustment, it can lead to stability and growth. Transitioning to a new job, especially in a different industry, can be challenging and overwhelming, but it's important to remind yourself of your value and the unique perspective you bring.Imposter syndrome is common, but it's crucial to remember that you were chosen for your role for a reason. Show yourself grace and trust in your abilities.Working with a team and having a manager can provide mentorship, support, and opportunities for growth that may not be available when working for yourself.Finding a balance between work and life is essential. Speak up for yourself and set boundaries to prioritize your well-being.Having open conversations about money with friends can provide valuable insights and help you advocate for fair compensation.Returning to a 9-to-5 job after being self-employed is a valid choice. It's important to do what's best for you at any given moment and not be influenced by societal expectations.It's okay to pivot and change in your career, regardless of your age. Your needs and desires may evolve over time, and it's important to prioritize your own growth and happiness.

This week I'm chatting with entrepreneur, actress, and wellness advocate Vanessa Simmons. Known for her role on Run's House and co-founding the successful footwear brand Pastry, Vanessa opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, sharing valuable insights on knowing when to pivot in business and the importance of mental health awareness. In this episode, Vanessa discusses her new wellness platform U4IA, an educational hub focused on fact-based beauty tips and mental health resources. She reveals how her father Rev Run's self-care practices influenced her own wellness philosophy, and shares practical advice on breaking the cycle of hustle culture through intentional breathing, journaling, and rest. Discover how motherhood has deepened her self-awareness and shaped her leadership style, while learning actionable strategies for handling rejection and transforming perceived failures into valuable lessons. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to make your next business move, someone interested in wellness practices, or simply a fan of Vanessa's journey, this conversation offers authentic wisdom on balancing ambition with self-compassion in both business and life. #VanessaSimmons #Entrepreneurship #WellnessJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #BusinessPivot #SelfCare Learn more about U4IA - https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow  Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/MDX7--NxeDs Takeaways: Pastry was the first business venture for Vanessa and her sister.Deciding to walk away from a business can be difficult but necessary.It's important to take breaks to refresh and gain new perspectives.Vetting new business ideas should be based on passion and impact.Mental health and self-care are crucial in today's world.Breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress.Self-awareness is key in both personal and professional life.Failure should be viewed as a lesson rather than a setback.Motherhood has deepened Vanessa's self-awareness and patience.Leadership involves accountability and original thought.

In this inspiring conversation, I reconnect with a longtime friend of the podcast, Dominique B. Fluker, whose journey I've witnessed from PR agency copywriter to nationally recognized multimedia journalist and contributing lifestyle editor at Essence Magazine. Dominique shares the pivotal moments that shaped her bold career transitions—from quitting TikTok and moving to LA without a job or graduate school acceptance, to walking red carpets and interviewing celebrities like Oprah. With raw honesty, she discusses overcoming personal tragedy, using intuition to guide professional decisions, and balancing ambition with meaningful relationships. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career change, building their personal brand, or seeking work-life balance. Dominique's story proves that with tenacity, faith, and strategic networking, you can create the fabulous life you deserve without regrets. Dominique's website - https://dominiquebfluker.com/ Takeaways: Dominique emphasizes the importance of stepping up in challenging situations. Her experiences with loss have solidified her confidence and resilience. She created her own opportunities through blogging and networking. Dominique's journey reflects the significance of authenticity in one's career. She believes in the power of intuition when making life decisions. Dominique highlights the importance of cherishing milestones and achievements. She prepares for interviews by researching and connecting emotionally with her subjects. Dominique acknowledges the struggle of balancing ambition with personal fulfillment. She defines success as a combination of personal and professional achievements. Dominique stresses that hard work is essential, regardless of appearances.