Advertise on podcast: Evolve Your Path

In this episode, EYP Host Megan Flanagan interviews Maggie Blackburn, a former tech product marketer who quit her job in November 2024 after 10 years of climbing the corporate ladder. Now, her work isn’t just one thing anymore, and she finally gets the freedom to choose what she wants to do. She is a Corporate Events Freelancer, Retreat Planner, Community Builder, Airbnb Superhost, Coach, Pilates Teacher, and Writer of the Feel Free Newsletter. Maggie was born in Shanghai, China and adopted at three months old. She grew up in the Bay Area, went to school at Cal Poly, and has been living in Brooklyn, NY for the last 4 years. Key topics we discuss include: Definition of a portfolio careerExperimentation and testing new opportunitiesBuilding self-trust and overcoming fearCommunity and networking in career developmentChapters: 00:00 Understanding Portfolio Careers 07:57 Navigating Career Changes During COVID 13:41 The Experimentation Phase of a Portfolio Career 19:02 Coaching Multi-Passionate Women 24:52 Finding Community and Inspiration 43:03 Introduction to Evolve Your Path Podcast 43:28 Transitioning and Resources for Growth Connect with Maggie: Website: www.maggie-blackburn.com Instagram: @maggieblackburn Newsletter: https://maggieblackburn.beehiiv.com/ Bonus: See Megan's feature on Maggie's Beehiiv! Follow Evolve Your Path: @evolve.your.path (IG) Substack

In this episode, Megan Flanagan interviews Stephanie Reese about her diverse career journey, from French studies to startup leadership, and her insights on fractional work, leadership, and work-life balance. They explore challenges, soft skills, and lessons learned from living abroad and working in startups. Key topics we cover include: Career transitions from software engineering to COOFractional work and entrepreneurshipSoft skills for leadership and challenging conversationsLessons from living abroad in Germany and FranceBuilding systems, processes, and guardrails in startupsChapters: 00:00 The Unplanned Journey: Embracing Opportunities 07:50 Finding Interest in Challenges: Career Evolution 10:42 Integrity and Values in Startups 13:23 Transitioning from Software Engineer to COO 15:51 Work-Life Balance: A Personal Perspective 18:51 Cultural Insights from Living in Europe 21:20 The Art of Knitting: Lessons in Patience 24:02 Navigating the Fractional Path: Challenges and Insights 26:38 Creating Systems: The Operations Mindset 29:19 Revenue and Relationships: Key Metrics for Success 31:56 Introduction to Evolve Your Path Podcast 32:22 Transitioning and Resources for Growth Connect with Stephanie: LinkedIn Connect with Evolve Your Path: Instagram: @evolve.your.path Join our Beyond the Surface group for women in Denver.

We're back for Season Two with new guest, Carly Valancy! Carly Valancy is the founder of Reach Out Party and TETHER, and co-founder of Momentum Growth. She helps creative people find their people through intentional networking, community building, and connection. A former Head of Brand & Marketing at Primer, Carly is known for her "100 Days of Reaching Out" challenge and her Anti-Networking events that prioritize depth over volume. She's been featured in CNBC and teaches at Harvard and Boston College on the power of human connection. Join the Reach Out Party: https://carlyvalancy.com/reach-out-party Connect with Carly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyvalancy/ Did you like find this episode valuable? Leave us a 5-star review and/or share with someone who might enjoy listening!

Unlock the secrets to living a fulfilling, multi-faceted professional life with Jenny Calvert. In this episode, we explore the significance of energy awareness, breaking free from societal constructs, and creating multiple income streams aligned with your passions. In this episode: Jenny shares her journey from corporate burnout to passion-driven work in coaching, facilitation, and community buildingHow to recognize and shift energetic states from destructive (catabolic) to constructive (anabolic) energyThe power of unlearning stories that limit your potential and recognizing "capital T" vs. "lower T" truthsPractical tips: starting an energy journal to identify patterns of engagement and energy drainNavigating multiple identities without feeling confined by labels or expectationsEmbracing "heavy" versus "light" mode: the importance of deep work and intentional growthHow to explore multiple income streams while honoring your values and avoiding burnoutStrategies for owning your narrative when balancing diverse professional rolesResources: Deep questions workbook for energy awareness (free)Scott Barker - Personal JourneyHeavy/Theory SubstackChani Planner for mindfulnessScott Barker's Wake Up Call NewsletterLife Audit workbookConnect with Jenny: LinkedInWebsite (coaching)Connect with Evolve Your Path: Instagram Substack Slack Channel

In this episode, Megan hosts Emily Hollender, a marketing and community-building expert, to explore how passions like surfing influence personal well-being and professional success. They dive into strategies for transitioning to freelance work, building authentic client relationships, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship with confidence. About Emily: Emily Hollender is a brand marketing and community-building leader with over a decade of experience driving growth at category-defining startups, including Rent the Runway, The Wing, and Tia. She's best known for building and scaling RTR's Campus Ambassador Program, launching The Wing's Digital Membership, and driving Tia's Go-to-Market expansion. Currently, through her fractional marketing practice, Next Wave Marketing, Emily partners with early-stage consumer brands to unlock sustainable, community-led growth. She also teaches the popular Maven course From Full-Time to Fractional: A Step-by-Step Launch Playbook for Senior Leaders, equipping experienced operators with the tools to launch successful independent practices. In this episode: Emily shares her journey from corporate startups to freelance community strategistHow surfing fosters grounding, resilience, and community connectionCommon misconceptions about marketing and how to define your nicheStrategies for acquiring first clients through authentic networkingManaging imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a fractional professionalThe importance of clear scope, outcome alignment, and setting boundariesInsights into creating impactful messaging and evolving your personal brandHow to test new markets and opportunities without overcomplicating brandingPractical tips for overcoming mindset blocks and taking small, actionable stepsThe value of community and relationships in business growth and fulfillmentLinks: About Emily: www.emilyhollender.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hollender/ Fractional Practice: www.nextwave.marketing Sign up for Emily's Maven Course: https://maven.com/emily-hollender/full-time-to-fractional?promoCode=EVOLVE25 Promo Code: EVOLVE25 Resources: Blue Crush – Inspiring film about women surfersToxic Grit by Amanda Getz – Navigating a portfolio careerSetting the Table by Danny Meyer – Relationship-focused leadershipOld Girls ClubThis episode offers actionable insights for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in blending personal passions with professional pursuits to craft a fulfilling, resilient career.

In this episode of the Evolve Your Path podcast, host Megan Flanagan speaks with career coach Julia Cohen about navigating career transitions, identifying personal values, and the challenges of the current job market. Julia shares her non-linear career journey, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's work with personal passions and values. They discuss the significance of self-reflection in career choices, the role of coaching in personal development, and practical strategies for job seekers, including interview preparation and creative approaches to job searching. The conversation highlights the need for patience and kindness during the job search process, as well as the importance of being proactive and resourceful in finding opportunities. Guest Bio: Julia Cohen is a certified career coach with 12 years of experience in operations and product management before transitioning into coaching. She now works with professionals across industries who are navigating what’s next — whether they’re exploring a career pivot, seeking work that better aligns with their values, returning to the workforce after a break, or stepping into a new leadership role. Her goal is to help you gain clarity, rebuild confidence, and take practical steps toward a career that feels fulfilling and sustainable. Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Career Journeys 03:20 Defining Personal Success 06:18 Identifying Values and Interests 09:15 Career Coaching Insights 11:46 Long-Term Career Planning 14:31 Current Job Market Challenges 17:20 Interview Preparation Strategies 20:06 Cutting Through the Noise 22:57 Creative Job Search Strategies 25:33 Final Thoughts and Advice 28:25 Introduction to Evolve Your Path Podcast 28:50 Transitioning and Resources for Growth Connect with Julia: LinkedIn Follow Evolve Your Path: Substack Instagram Apply to join our Slack Community!

Join coach Bryan Collins of Poetic State to discover how embracing your unique identity, cultivating vulnerability, and visualizing future success can transform your personal and professional life. In this episode, we explore the power of authenticity, the importance of meaningful connection, and practical frameworks for unsticking yourself in a world full of possibilities. Key topics: The role of authentic branding and messaging in building trust and connectionHow embracing your 'weird' or unconventional qualities fosters greatnessThe metaphor of life as a "space in a hole in the wall" practice for unique identityThe significance of “moon boarding” and visual mood-boarding for envisioning goalsStrategies for identifying when you’re truly stuck and how coaching maintains momentumThe impact of future visualization: acting like your successful selfThe importance of humility, vulnerability, and self-awareness in creative reinventionHow creatives process decision-making amid abundant possibilitiesOvercoming scarcity mindset to attract the right clients and opportunitiesThe benefits of ongoing maintenance and routine in personal developmentResources: Moonboarding — For creating inspired visual goalsFuture Self Visualization Techniques — Practical ways to activate future successBook: Atomic Habits by James Clear — Building habits for routine maintenanceConnect with Bryan: LinkedIn Poetic State - coaching & website Connect with Evolve Your Path: Substack Instagram Slack Channel

In this episode, Megan Flanagan interviews Natalie Hoop, a leader in the fractional consulting space. They discuss the journey into fractional work, the changing landscape of careers, and the importance of community and networking. Natalie shares her insights on the misconceptions surrounding fractional roles, the reality of finding clients, and the need for individuals to take ownership of their careers. The conversation also touches on the future of work, emphasizing the rise of freelance and fractional opportunities, and the importance of work-life balance. Notable quotes: "Career paths are not linear; embrace change." "You are the CEO of your own career." "Job stability is a myth in today's market." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fractional Leadership 02:52 The Journey into Fractional Work 05:43 Career Evolution and the Changing Job Market 08:59 Redefining Job Stability and Career Ownership 11:58 The Reality of Starting a Fractional Business 14:46 Misconceptions About Fractional Work 18:03 Finding Clients and Building Relationships 20:51 What's Broken in Job Hunting 23:50 The Future of Work: Freelance and Fractional Roles 26:37 Navigating the Shift to Fractional Work 29:52 Personal Growth and Work-Life Balance 32:43 Conclusion and Resources Connect with Natalie: LinkedIn https://www.nataliehoop.com Connect with the Evolve Your Path community: Apply to join the EYP slack community Join our Women in Transition cohort in March Find the podcast blog posts

In this episode of Evolve Your Path, we welcome Liz Cohen, founder of Lizco Studio, a product design consultancy based in Golden, Colorado. Liz shares her journey from a coffee shop worker in Boston to a UX designer and product manager, revealing the challenges she faced in her early career. Despite her passion for design, Liz often felt misaligned with her roles, leading her to explore various paths until she found her niche in the startup scene. The conversation delves into her decision to leave a stable job and embrace entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of networking and saying yes to opportunities that arise. As Liz recounts her experiences, she emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself and the value of community support. She discusses the challenges of starting her own business, including the struggle for work-life balance and the need to set boundaries with clients. Liz's story serves as an inspiration for those contemplating a career shift or entrepreneurial venture, encouraging listeners to embrace uncertainty and pursue their passions with confidence. Keywords: entrepreneurship, UX design, product management, career change, startup culture, design consultancy, networking, work-life balance, personal growth Notable quotes: "I always wanted a seat at the table." "I was at the lowest point of my career when I just sort of got pulled out of the trenches by just saying yes to things." "You might think you want a seat at a certain table and then you get to that table and it's not what you thought it was." "Trust yourself; you’ve made it this far, you can keep going." "Say yes to things that you're scared of or that you don't know if you can do." Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:08 Early Career and Misalignment 10:56 The Decision to Leave 14:42 Moving to Colorado and New Opportunities 15:52 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 26:16 Building Lizco Studio 31:24 Challenges of Running a Business 40:57 Advice for Those in Transition 46:38 Introduction to Evolving Your Path 47:06 Coaching and Community Engagement Connect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcohen1/ Join our Women in Transition Cohort, launching in March: https://forms.gle/8FJGyqDn2wA7YosD6 Read the latest podcast post: https://www.evolvedpotential.co/blog

In this episode, we interview Logan Currie, Founder of CareerSpan, who believes in career security > job security. Logan is a part researcher, part marketer, part career-cartographer studying how people grow, adapt, and negotiate their worth in an AI-shaped world. Her DMs are open if you're thinking about talent, AI, or what's next. Harvard Ed.M. '25 in Learning Design and Technology: focused on AI + adult learning, metacognition, intrinsic motivation. Founding Member of Women Applying AI. 15 years across 5 countries → startups, education, future of work. When not geeking out about skills, you'll find Logan: - hunting for the best 面条 in Boston (suggestions welcome!) - exploring Cambridge playgrounds with my kids - reading many books... highbrow and lowbrow Connect with Logan: LinkedIn CareerSpan Connect with Evolve Your Path: Join our EYP slack community Blog on episodes @evolve.your.path (IG)

In this episode, we interview Tomide Awe, who shares her journey from a corporate career in management consulting and tech to building a portfolio career on her own terms. Tomide discusses the importance of education, the value of an MBA, and the necessity of questioning traditional career paths. She emphasizes the significance of mental health, the need for ruthless prioritization in managing multiple ventures, and the power of community support. Tomide's mission is to empower women to take control of their lives and live authentically, challenging societal expectations along the way. Keywords: career, entrepreneurship, personal growth, work-life balance, education, coaching, consulting, women empowerment, mental health, portfolio career Takeaways: Tomide's journey reflects the importance of taking things one step at a time. Education can be a tool for personal branding and career shifts. An MBA can be valuable for industry changes but not always necessary. Pushing back against societal expectations is crucial for personal happiness. Mental health should be prioritized over corporate success. Ruthless prioritization is key when managing multiple ventures. Living life on your own terms requires questioning existing beliefs. Discomfort can lead to significant personal growth and change. Building a supportive community is essential for navigating career transitions. Creating a platform for women to take control of their lives is a powerful mission. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Tomide Awe's Journey 03:01 Education and Career Path Insights 05:45 Questioning Traditional Paths and Personal Growth 09:02 Navigating Personal and Professional Life Changes 12:04 Rethinking Work and Life Balance 14:55 Challenging Assumptions and Beliefs 17:54 Building a Portfolio Career on Your Own Terms 20:48 Managing Multiple Ventures and Prioritization 23:49 Vision for 'On Your Terms' and Future Aspirations 26:55 Living Life on Your Own Terms Responsibly Connect with Tomide: LinkedIn Amplio Substack: On Your Terms Connect with EYP: Apply to join the Slack community Read the latest blog/podcast post

High achievers often do everything “right”—yet still feel unfulfilled at work. In this episode of Evolve Your Path, Megan Flanagan talks with career strategist Rachel Spekman about navigating nonlinear careers, reclaiming agency, and reverse engineering your career around what genuinely lights you up. They explore why external success markers often fall short, how to identify your unique strengths, and the power of building a personal “board of advisors” to support career transitions. If you’re questioning what’s next and craving more meaning in your work, this episode will help you take aligned, intentional steps forward—without needing all the answers first. Key concepts: career transformation, coaching, fulfillment, high performance, community support, reverse engineering, personal growth, professional mission, mental health, career change Takeaways: You can and very likely should reverse engineer your career. Identifying what lights you up is crucial for career satisfaction. Community support is essential during career transitions. Childhood experiences can shape your professional path. Finding your calling often involves deep personal reflection. Building a board of advisors can provide valuable support. Curiosity is a key driver in discovering your passions. High-performing professionals often feel isolated in their struggles. Progress is progress, no matter how small. It's important to articulate what a great day looks like for you. Memorable quotes: "What lights you up is connection." "What sparks you is curiosity." "Progress is progress, better is better." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Career Transformation 03:02 Reverse Engineering Your Career 05:51 Identifying What Lights You Up 08:50 Childhood Influences on Career Choices 11:34 Navigating Career Transitions 14:32 The Moana Moment: Finding Your Calling 17:23 Building a Board of Advisors 20:15 The Importance of Community Support 22:59 Understanding Your Special Sauce 25:53 The Journey of Becoming a Therapist 28:57 Scaling Coaching Practices 31:36 Patterns in High-Performing Professionals 34:29 The Role of Curiosity in Career Development 37:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Connect with Rachel: https://www.rachelspekman.com (website) Follow us @evolve.your.path on Instagram for the latest. Apply to join the Evolve Your Path Slack Community: https://forms.gle/cJyA1kMgHSEGNFtP6

Whew! It's been quite a past few months of transitions over here in my world. I'm sharing very candidly about my recent job and life transitions, including the direction I'm headed and 5 tips you can apply into your own world to make intentional shifts about the direction you want to move forward. Ready to make a Big Bet on yourself this year? View my template here and/or create your own. Feeling called to connect? Reach out and let's have a conversation. I'm actively booking and interviewing guests for our Portfolio Career Season, so stay tuned for more episodes soon. Connect: Instagram: @evolve.your.path Website: www.evolvedpotential.co

In this episode, Megan dives in with Melanie, a healthcare leader navigating her career transitions and personal growth after experiencing layoffs. They discuss the importance of self-grace during difficult times, the value of creativity and side hustles, and how personal style can be a reflection of one's journey. Melanie shares her insights on redefining success beyond titles, the significance of relationships in career development, and her financial philosophy that emphasizes multiple income streams for security and freedom. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Melanie's Journey 01:27 Navigating Career Transitions 05:36 Experiencing Layoffs and Personal Growth 10:48 Finding Grounding Practices 15:18 Exploring Creativity and New Passions 22:28 Reflecting on Professional Experiences and Lessons Learned 28:44 Navigating Career Transitions 31:13 The Importance of Authentic Relationships 33:17 Mentorship and Leadership Influence 35:41 Defining Success in a New Light 39:00 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 40:38 Financial Independence and Philosophy 43:21 Balancing Experiences and Financial Security 47:16 Embracing New Beginnings and Personal Growth 51:38 New Chapters Quotes from Melanie: "Show yourself some grace." "It's important to strike a balance in life." "You can be a lot of things, not just one." Connect with Melanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanierdandrea/ Experiencing a layoff, building a business, or plotting a career transition? You're not alone. Download this Momentum Map toolkit to plot your next move.

In this episode of the Evolve Your Path podcast, Megan Flanagan interviews Emily Holland, a multi-passionate entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate life to self-employment. Emily shares her journey of embracing various roles, from media strategist to community manager, and discusses the importance of community building, outdoor activities, and personal growth. The conversation delves into Emily's experiences with running and rock climbing, her approach to goal setting, and the value of maintaining a balanced life. About Today's Guest: Emily Holland (she/her/hers) is a self-employed media, partnerships, and community consultant and manager. She helps values-driven businesses and creators hone and increase their impact. When she’s not working, Emily spends her time trail running, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, or enjoying the outdoors with her partner and her rescue dog, Kayda. Based in Lyons, Colorado, and originally from upstate New York, Emily is passionate about connection, creativity, and embracing life’s adventures. Connect with Emily: Website: https://emilyholland.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylholland/