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 dynamic...

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...

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...

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...

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 abo...

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...

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 s...

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...

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...

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-s...

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 executio...

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...

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 balan...

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...

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 graduat...

Chatting with Whitney Faires, an executive coach with over two decades of corporate experience. Tune in to hear invaluable insights on leadership, overcoming self-doubt, and thriving in your professional journey. Whitney shares her journey from corporate sales to executive coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and intentional career moves. She delves into her creation, the Excellenc...

It's tempting to want to find a way around the work or potential struggle, but the process often offers more than we know we need. 

This week the conversation touches on the importance of self-leadership, managing difficult conversations with your manager, and staying fulfilled at work amidst uncertainty. Elizabeth Lotardo offers actionable advice on upskilling, finding purpose in your current role, and maintaining meaningful workplace relationships. The episode also delves into the challenges and strategies of leading without...

This week I'm sharing observations about the challenges of the one-sided nature of giving. I share my frustrations and the hidden labor that goes unnoticed. We'll explore how setting boundaries and rephrasing requests can ensure mutual benefits. Plus, I’m stirring up some self-reflection on our giving-and-taking dynamics. Tune in to hear my thoughts, stories, and tips on fostering respectful and r...

We're talking about the intriguing paradox of being a 'hardworking, lazy girl.' We'll explore the shift away from hustle culture towards honoring our need for rest, and how you can be both incredibly productive and selectively lazy. We'll look at strategic ways to manage your energy, use time blocking, automate tasks, and practice strategic procrastination. Embrace your natural productivity rhythm...

This week I'm guiding you through a practical framework called the Clarity Compass, designed to help you achieve clarity when you're at a career and life crossroads. We delve into the concept of internal misalignment that often hides behind external success, and I share my own experiences of feeling stuck in a seemingly perfect job. We'll conduct a values excavation, create an alignment matrix, an...

I'm finally spilling the tea on where I've been since 2021. We're chatting about my initial reasons for pausing the podcast, including burnout and feeling overwhelmed by the saturation of the podcasting space. I'm giving details on what I've been up to talking about my professional endeavors, such as working on a book, consulting on the LinkedIn Podcast Network, and more. I'm also introducing Grow...

This week I'm chatting with Rebecca Sananés, an accomplished executive producer and journalist. We get into her impressive career trajectory from public radio to leading podcasts for high-profile talent such as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aka Prince Harry and Megan Markle. Rebecca shares her thoughts on professional nerves, the perpetual journey of improving one's craft, and the importance of...

I'm looking back at a convo I think will spark ideas for you as you navigate looking for a new job or building your network. My guest is Melanie Feldman and she shares her unique journey from facing multiple job rejections to landing roles at top companies without applying. We discuss the importance of human connection, overcoming the fear of rejection, and crafting a standout presence to get hire...

We're discussing five essential questions to consider before making a career change. There is no magic key that will make everything make sense and ensure smooth sailing but answering these questions will give you a strong foundation to work from. https://www.ahyianaangel.com/ Takeaways: Making a career change is hard and requires careful consideration. Understanding your motivations is crucial fo...