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Candace Thompson-Zachary on Leadership, Burnout & Knowing When to Ask for Help

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

Release Date: 06/30/2025

Candace Thompson-Zachary on Leadership, Burnout & Knowing When to Ask for Help

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

In this episode, host Jinah Parker sits down with Candace Thompson-Zachary — a multifaceted leader, arts administrator, cultural advocate, and lifelong dancer — for a powerful conversation about career evolution, burnout, and the wisdom that comes from knowing when to seek support. Candace shares her journey navigating multiple roles in leadership and creativity, and how moments of burnout became opportunities to pause, reflect, and rebuild. Through personal stories and hard-earned insights, she offers practical guidance on recognizing the signs that it’s time to get help — before...

Becoming Mom: Birth, Work, and the Truth in Between

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

In this special Mother’s Day edition of Come Hell or High Water, host Jinah Parker shares a deeply personal update—she’s now a new mom! With honesty and vulnerability, she invites listeners into this sacred chapter of her life—and why she almost skipped this month’s episode. While sharing parts of her own journey, she replays two of the most powerful motherhood-centered conversations from past episodes: Part 1: “Birth, Resilience, and Renewal” with Heather Stewart Heather opens up about postpartum recovery, reconnecting with the body, and the emotional...

Speak Up: Finding Your Voice with Kadeesha Simpson

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

This month on Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming, we meet Kadeesha Simpson—public speaking coach, educator, and founder of Simpson Speakers. Once ridiculed for her accent and afraid to speak in public, Kadeesha now empowers teens to find their voice—and in doing so, continues to find her own. In this episode: The power of storytelling and sharing struggles What Toastmasters taught her about vocal expression How teaching teens became a mirror for her own growth The simple but powerful advice she’d give to her younger self This is a story about courage,...

Beyond the Paycheck: How to Create Financial Freedom with Jeanette Lowry

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

What’s your money mindset? What’s working for you financially—and what’s not? This month, we’re joined by Jeanette Lowry, a powerhouse entrepreneur who went from an accidental business owner to a mentor helping women break free from the 9-to-5 job cycle. Jeanette shares how she built financial independence, the biggest misconceptions about residual income, and why the key to success isn’t about selling. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your financial journey or need that kick in the pants to start something new, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss: The power...

Transforming Spaces Through Dance & Healing with Leslie Alston

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

What does it mean to transform—not just ourselves, but the spaces we move through? Leslie Alston has spent her life answering that question. From navigating racism in higher education to redefining dance education over a 26-year career, Leslie discovered that teaching wasn’t just about movement—it was about working with souls. Her journey led to the creation of The Angels of Transformation, a dance company that elevates, heals, and shifts energy through intentional movement. In this episode, Leslie shares: ✨ Overcoming undervaluation in higher education ✨ How wellness...

The Spirit of Survival: Mambo Sandy on Healing, Vodou, and Overcoming Trauma

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

Happy New Year, everyone! I missed you all in December, but I’m back with the first episode of the new year, and it's a multilayered rollercoaster of a conversation you won’t want to miss! In this episode, I sit down with Mambo Sandy, a Vodou Priestess, psychic medium, and healer who has overcome more than most could imagine. Raised by her great-grandmother, a natural witch, Sandy’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and spiritual awakening. From losing her grandmother at just 15, to couch surfing, working as a stripper, and ultimately finding her true calling as a healer,...

Faith, Friendship, and Finding Your Voice with Erin Pompa

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my close friend, Erin Pompa, to discuss her incredible journey of resilience, faith, and transformation. From overcoming unexpected health challenges to discovering her passion for motivational speaking, Erin shares how she turned life's hurdles into stepping stones toward personal and professional growth. Together, we explore: The power of speaking dreams into existence. How Erin navigated a life-altering health crisis and used the experience to grow her business. Lessons on resilience, identity, and staying true to yourself. Inspiring young...

From Career Gaps to Comebacks: One Mom’s Journey Back to Work with Meagan Robles

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

In this episode of Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming, I sit down with Meagan Robles, a corporate mom, strategist, and engineer, to discuss the realities of balancing a demanding career with motherhood. Meagan shares her journey of re-entering the workforce after having children, highlighting the challenges, the importance of flexible work arrangements, and the need for systemic change. We explore solutions like dedicated career pathways for caregivers and subsidized childcare, as well as the resilience and efficiency that moms bring to the workplace. Tune in for an...

Golden Handcuffs: Varuni Sinha on Women's Rights and Immigration

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

In this episode, I sit down with Varuni Sinha, author of Golden Handcuffs: An Immigrant’s Pursuit of Happiness. Varuni opens up about the challenges South Asian immigrant women face, revealing how U.S. immigration laws can strip away their agency, affecting both their careers and personal well-being. Through her story, we explore critical topics like women's rights, the impact of current policies, and why your vote matters as we approach the election. Tune in to hear Varuni's inspiring journey from struggle to empowerment and why she believes in the importance of reclaiming agency for...

Breaking the Mold and Making Bold Choices with Heather Russell - Part 2

Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming

This is Part 2 of a special double feature episode with Heather Russell, CEO and Founder of Onward Endeavors. Heather shares her journey from a seemingly perfect life to making bold, transformative decisions. She opens up about confronting personal struggles, navigating significant life changes, and the impact of following one's passions even when others doubt you. Heather also discusses her experiences as a mother to a child with special needs, offering valuable insights into resilience and strategic thinking. Heather takes us on a full and powerful journey. Share your thoughts by...

More Episodes

Candace shares her journey navigating multiple roles in leadership and creativity, and how moments of burnout became opportunities to pause, reflect, and rebuild. Through personal stories and hard-earned insights, she offers practical guidance on recognizing the signs that it’s time to get help — before overwhelm takes over.

In this episode:

The challenges and beauty of being multifaceted
How career success can sometimes mask personal burnout
Recognizing early warning signs that you’re at capacity
The importance of reaching out for help before it's too late
Rebuilding yourself through the same practices you eventually teach others

Whether you’re leading, creating, or simply trying to navigate life’s many roles, this conversation offers powerful takeaways for anyone who’s ever felt stretched thin while working on their vision.

Let’s Connect!

Candace Thompson-Zachary: Instagram @candancecreates, website: https://www.candacedancefitness.com/

Jinah Parker: Instagram @jinah_nicole_parker, website: https://www.jinahparker.com/

Liminal: Instagram @stay.liminal, TikTok @stay.liminal

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