Leap Like Me
Sometimes life asks us to make a bigger change than we expected. Welcome to Leap Like Me, where we offer real stories, inspiration and practical advice on how to make purposeful, brave leaps in life – and sustain them even through challenging times. Life Coach Lisa Hoashi explores the strategies and mindset you need to make brave changes in your life and work. Featuring guest appearances from people who have stretched their sense of what's possible in their own lives, the show will help you to reimagine what's possible for you too.
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Shifting to a More Creative Path with Annie Wong
03/22/2023
Shifting to a More Creative Path with Annie Wong
Many of my clients are interested in taking a new creative direction with their lives. They want to tap into their inner creative and understand how to prioritize their creative and passion projects with making money for the life they want. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with one of those clients, Annie Wong a.k.a. Headexplodie, a mixed media artist and storyteller who works in the mediums of sculptures, illustration, and stop motion animations. She’s sharing her path to becoming an artist, why she chose to start her own business, how she channels her inner creative child, and how she balances her art with owning a business. In this episode, you’ll learn… [03:14] Annie’s story of how she met one of her heroes, Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman), and why Pee-wee’s Playhouse was influential to her work [09:03] How Annie describes her art and her business, her path to becoming an artist, why she chose the direction of starting her own business [16:10] Balancing your creativity with the need to make money, how to manage that tension (coaching has been helpful for her), and how to make the most of the ebbs and flows that allow for unencumbered creativity [23:53] Annie’s advice for anyone reviving a creative practice that has been dormant, how she practices self-compassion, and how progress (not outcomes or awards) motivates creativity [31:59] Why Annie decided to do coaching, the clarity she has found through coaching, and why aligned work is so important [43:26] Upcoming creative projects that Annie is excited about that we’ve developed through our coaching, how channeling her inner creative child helps her get out of being blocked or burned out, and how creativity is a source of healing [51:33] Following the energy you feel from being creative, and the importance of community to creative growth If you want to find more creativity and focus that energy into something new, to help you figure out your next step. Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
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How to Know if It’s Time for a Radical Reset in Your Life
03/08/2023
How to Know if It’s Time for a Radical Reset in Your Life
Even when you know that something in your life—like a job or a relationship or where you live—feels off, it can still feel like a big decision to make a change. And it is. But putting it off only keeps you further from alignment and leads to a level of burnout it can be difficult to bounce back from. What you need to get back on track is a radical reset: a big change that can jumpstart your progress forward. In today’s episode, I’m talking about the telltale signs that it is time for you to make radical changes in your life. I’m sharing how a radical reset can transform your existence, how listening to your inner self will guide you, and some key takeaways that will help you embrace your radical reset. In this episode, you’ll learn… [01:03] What a radical reset is, and how you know if you need one [04:13] How deeper things are at play when you’re considering a radical reset, and how a radical reset can help you get back into alignment [07:02] What’s at stake for you when it comes to a radical reset, and learning to listen to your inner self to guide you in the direction you seek [08:20] Examples of radical resets that clients in my Catalyst Coaching program have experienced, and how I support my clients on their journeys [11:15] Key takeaways, including getting comfortable with the idea of a radical reset and avoiding burnout If you’re ready to plan your radical reset in your life, to help you get clear on your next step. Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
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Re-Energizing Your Creative Self
02/22/2023
Re-Energizing Your Creative Self
It’s easy to let your creative pursuits fall by the wayside when you are focused on your career and making money. However, not prioritizing your creativity can leave you feeling stuck and unfulfilled. In today’s episode, I’m talking about why it’s important to re-energize your creative self, including how to know when it’s time to make creativity a priority and the challenges that might block you from making the time. I’m also sharing some ideas to keep you from getting stuck, and the benefits that come from taking time for creativity. In this episode, you’ll learn… [02:37] My experiences with creativity and jobs that pay the bills, and how owning my own business has given me more creative freedom [05:50] How to know when it’s time to re-energize your creative pursuits and the common challenges that often get in the way [07:49] Questions to ask yourself if you’re worried about needing to trade financial security for a more creative path [09:02] The importance of practicing your creative pursuit and working on your growth mindset [11:20] Why you have to make time for your creative pursuits [14:43] The benefits you can expect when you make more time for your creative pursuits If you want more creativity in your life, but aren’t sure where to start on making that shift, to help you get clear on your next step. Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
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How to Network with Purpose with Klementina (Tina) Sula
02/08/2023
How to Network with Purpose with Klementina (Tina) Sula
If you’re ready to take a leap or at a crossroads moment, do you know where to begin with your networking? Or do you feel overwhelmed with how to create, cultivate, and sustain meaningful relationships? Life is a relationship business. The connections that we build lead to the opportunities that come our way. In today’s episode, I’m talking with Tina Sula, a philanthropic advisor and fundraiser, professor, and expert in networking. She’s sharing the importance of knowing what you want, how to make authentic connections, and being clear about your value alignment. In this episode, you’ll learn… [03:09] How opportunities are given to us by other people (they don’t just appear out of nowhere) and how to network in a way that lets people know what you are looking for [09:39] Taking time to reflect on what you really want, and the importance of vulnerability [17:00] How knowing your why and being able to articulate it can help you achieve your goals [27:13] How Tina creates structure to help her cultivate and keep up with relationships [30:15] Understanding the etiquette of following up and building relationships, and Tina’s four-step mindset process for networking [35:47] Networking is about who knows you and so making your personal brand very clear helps others keep you top of mind for opportunities [37:07 The importance of value alignment If you want to be a more authentic networker, but need some help aligning your values on your leap, to help you figure out your next step. Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
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Navigating Crossroads Moments
01/25/2023
Navigating Crossroads Moments
Have you ever had that moment in your life or career where you feel like you’re not quite on the right path? In these moments, you have the choice of continuing on or making a change. This is your crossroads moment, and I’m here to walk you through your options for how to proceed. In today’s episode, I’m discussing how to know when you’re at a crossroads moment, what emotions that can bring up and how to sort through them, the opportunities that a crossroads moment offers you, and all the ways you can navigate these impactful moments. In this episode, you’ll learn... [01:44] How to define a crossroads moment and what might trigger one [05:28] How a crossroads moment feels and how to navigate those emotions [08:50] Why crossroads moments can be so impactful to your life [12:28] What to do next if you know you’re at a crossroads moment, and the benefits of hiring a coach to help you through [15:56] Seeing the potential in your crossroads moment and the value in taking a leap If you’re in the process of navigating your own crossroads moment, to help you figure out your next step. Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
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Taking Brave Leaps at Any Age with Lisa Alfano
01/11/2023
Taking Brave Leaps at Any Age with Lisa Alfano
What are you waiting for? That’s the question Lisa Alfano found herself asking at 50 years old when she decided to take the leap and start training for triathlons. Since then, her entire life has changed, and she’s preparing to take an even bigger leap! In today’s episode, Lisa Alfano details her journey from triathlons to business ownership, explains how coaching gave her the accountability she needed to make big shifts, and how she’s preparing for this next chapter in her life (including support from a coach and a community.) In this episode, you’ll learn… [03:19] The crossroad moment Lisa Alfano faced as she turned 50 and why she decided to start competing in triathlons [11:38] The role regret plays in our life and how we can use it to inform our choices [16:15] The exercise from her coach (Lisa Hoashi) that changed everything for Lisa Alfano and helped her establish the accountability to accomplish her dreams [22:11] The safety nets that Lisa Alfano has set up as she prepares for next big leap [29:22] Why having a coach to guide her through big transitions has been invaluable for Lisa Alfano [31:14] The community Lisa Alfano wants to build and why she’s so passionate about fitness and health for women 50+ [40:15] Lisa Alfano’s parting advice for anyone thinking about a change in their life If you’re in the process of navigating your own crossroads moment, to help you figure out your next step. Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
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Why We Avoid Uncomfortable Conversations, And How to Have them Anyway (Part 2)
12/28/2022
Why We Avoid Uncomfortable Conversations, And How to Have them Anyway (Part 2)
This episode is part two on bravely having tough conversations. Click to listen to part one. If you listened to my last episode, you know that tough conversations like breaking the news about an upcoming job change to your employers and family are necessary for growth, and choosing to have them can be an act of bravery. And perhaps now you’re ready to have these talks about moving on, going forward, and making changes in your professional and personal life… But you’re not exactly sure how to begin the actual conversation. So, today I’m sharing seven practical tools to help you have the conversation and say what you want without getting derailed. Being prepared and having a plan before you walk into these conversations can help you to feel confident and empowered. At the end of the day, you can’t control all of your circumstances, but you can control your reactions, your energy, and the way you approach the big moments in your life, tough conversations included. I’m here to give you encouragement and help you stay the course so you can bravely open up to those in your life. In this episode, you’ll learn... [06:06] Why you should set intentions for your conversations, and consider the risks and payoffs in advance [09:56] How to create a simple top line message and write talking points to help you steer the conversation [17:53] Why practicing what you’re going to say will help alleviate your nerves, and the benefits of role-playing the conversation [20:39] How preparing yourself energetically helps keep you in the right frame of mind [22:56] Celebrate the fact that you did the difficult and brave thing, no matter what happens This season is all about the different kinds of leaps you can make in your life. If you’re looking for habits and tools to keep you going after your leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode…
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Why We Avoid Uncomfortable Conversations, And How to Have Them Anyway
12/14/2022
Why We Avoid Uncomfortable Conversations, And How to Have Them Anyway
Have you ever been in a situation where you know you need to have a tough conversation, but you’re a little afraid of the response you might get? Whether you’re quitting your job, moving across the world, or making a dream a reality, you have to tell the people in your personal and professional life, even if you might feel uncomfortable going into the conversation. Effective communication is key when you’re about to take a leap. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to stay the course on your leap, tools I use with my clients, and the three most common reasons we avoid tough conversations as well as why you should have them anyway. And I’m encouraging you to be brave and have those tough talks so that you can continue to flourish and grow. This is your life and your leap. I’m here to empower you to take that next step by giving you the tools to speak truthfully and openly with those in your life. In this episode, you’ll learn... [03:52] The importance of engaging in effective communication when you are on the precipice of a leap [06:04] Why you shouldn’t let other people’s opinions keep you from taking risks and doing what you really want to do [07:10] Media training tools that I use to help my clients with effective communication [09:10] Three common reasons we avoid uncomfortable conversations, and why you want to bravely have them anyway This season is all about the different kinds of leaps you can make in your life. If you’re looking for habits and tools to keep you going after your leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode…
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How to Build Good Health and Wellness Habits with Ana Alexandre
11/30/2022
How to Build Good Health and Wellness Habits with Ana Alexandre
Long, tiring days of juggling work responsibilities and kids fighting bedtime led to me feeling completely drained of energy and wanting to snack at night before bed. We all have competing demands that take up our time. How do we make time for ourselves and prioritize our health? And what if we keep struggling to meet our health and fitness goals over long periods of time? Earlier this year, I decided that I was ready to make some changes—and that I needed some help to accomplish my goals. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with holistic nutritionist, personal trainer, and life coach, Ana Alexandre. She’s sharing about her leap to move to Barcelona and start her own business as well as health and wellness tips, including how to build consistent, healthy habits, the importance of listening to your body, and why taking baby steps will help you go farther on your wellness journey. In this episode, you’ll learn... [03:13] How Ana ended up in Barcelona, what it was like starting a business, and how she has stayed resilient through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship [09:27] Why balanced blood sugar is important for everyone, the benefits of consistency with movement and nutrition [19:37] Ana’s tips for how to start a new habit and staying consistent, what makes progress successful, and the importance of listening to your body [31:51] How strength training is helpful through all stages of life, and how to stay positive when you need to make a change and an energy shift [37:56] How to find the time for healthy habits when you’re super strapped for time (e.g. working moms of young kinds) and how to ask yourself and others for accountability [44:15] How taking baby steps—when it comes to nutrition, movement, or anything else—is the most sustainable way to make lasting changes, and how to when to get outside support This season is all about the different kinds of leaps you can make in your life. If you’re looking for habits and tools to keep you going after your leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
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How to Keep Going After Your Goals—Even with Setbacks
11/16/2022
How to Keep Going After Your Goals—Even with Setbacks
Setbacks happen to all of us, every day. Whether it’s something specific and personal to you, such as a death in the family or not getting the loan you needed to start your business, or something that affects more people, such as a local election or a global pandemic, it seems we are constantly battling to continue forward on our goals. Life is full of unpredictability. You might be wondering, how do I keep going amidst constant turmoil? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to focus on what you can control while keeping your goals and vision at the forefront, how to identify your values, and a big list of resources to help you keep going after your goals—even when setbacks arise. In this episode, you’ll learn... [07:22] Remembering what you can control, how concerns influence your choices, and taking action within the scope of your control [11:46] How keeping your vision front and center can help you stay on track during challenging times [16:00] How to stay focused on what keeps you growing and moving forward (instead of what makes you anxious and unproductive) and how to identify your values [18:21] How to take practical steps toward building your inner resilience, including a list of helpful resources If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Instructions for how to articulate your vision (inside the blog post “”)
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Finding Your Authentic Voice with Elissa Weinzimmer
11/02/2022
Finding Your Authentic Voice with Elissa Weinzimmer
Finding your authentic voice and using it regularly can be difficult. When today’s guest, Elissa, literally lost her voice, she decided to dedicate her life to helping other people not only protect their voices but learn how to use them in conjunction with a regulated nervous system. In today’s episode, my guest Elissa Weinzimmer shares about how a vocal hemorrhage led her to take a leap into a career as a vocal and presence coach, and how she is now experiencing a second leap rediscovering her singing voice and making music. If you’re taking a leap of your own, no matter how big or small, finding your voice (in a world that limits so many voices) means staying in the present moment and supporting your nervous system. And Elissa has some great tips and resources to help you do just that. In this episode, you’ll learn... [02:14] What a vocal and presence coach does and the types of people who seek this support [08:22] How Elissa suffered from a vocal hemorrhage, how that led her to start her business teaching voice, and how she found her singing voice again [19:02] What embodiment is and how Elissa uses it in her voice body connection process [25:54] The limitations that block different people from using their voices and how the polyvagal theory can help you to safely find your authentic voice [33:44] About how the polyvagal theory relates to your nervous system and how it functions [43:16] Elissa’s advice for someone preparing to quit a job (or other scary scenario) and how to help regulate your nervous system in those moments If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode…
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How to Become an Expert at Managing Your Energy
10/19/2022
How to Become an Expert at Managing Your Energy
Energy is important to everything we do … from work to relationships to taking care of kids or pets. Your biggest business asset is your energy. Your biggest life asset is your energy. In today’s episode, I’m talking about why you should know where your energy is going, how to determine if you're putting your energy towards things that energize you or drain you, and tips for managing your energy levels. What is your vision for a fulfilling life? Are you putting your energy towards the things that matter to you? This episode will help you put your energy towards a purposeful, rewarding life. In this episode, you’ll learn... [02:39] The importance of understanding where your energy is going each day [07:09] Why you need to become an expert at managing your energy and prioritizing activities that promote rest and renewal [12:11] How energy drains suck your energy and ways to address them to free up more energy [14:19] An exercise to help you notice, maintain, and care for your energy levels If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode…
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Season 3 of Leap Like Me!
10/05/2022
Season 3 of Leap Like Me!
Considering a career change or pivot? The right career move can improve your life in dramatic, transformative ways. Yet, it can feel too daunting: overwhelming, lonely, and risky. How do you know when it’s time to make a career leap, and how do you get through all the obstacles? Welcome to Leap Like Me, where we offer real stories, inspiration and practical advice on how to make changes that take you ever closer to your ideal work, and life. Host Lisa Hoashi, a life and career coach, guides this journey, which doesn’t gloss over the hard parts, instead dives in to explore the strategies and mindset you need to make brave changes in your work – and your life.
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Complete my listener survey for some great prizes!
07/04/2022
Complete my listener survey for some great prizes!
This season has come to a close. What an amazing journey, friends. In this season we talked to 8 different guests and put out 14 episodes on what it takes to make a career leap. Recently, I met with my podcast production manager Caroline of Wild Home Podcasting to talk about this season and debrief. How did we do? Did we reach our goals? Did we have unexpected pitfalls or wins? It got me thinking… Before I dive in and start creating content for season 3, I’d love to hear from you. Did you love a certain aspect of the show? What do you think we could improve upon? And a special thanks to everyone who supported me to bring back Leap Like Me for this season: Anita Pravitasari of for her incredible systems and tech expertise behind the scenes that makes everything function so beautifully in my business Caroline Hull and her team at for reliably taking care of all the different pieces to get episodes finished and out for our theme music for our cover art and graphics , who helped me get seriously unstuck with some timely and expert camera and vocal presence coaching. Podcasting expert for helping me strategize how to get my message out in the world while being a mama too. All our guests who gave so generously of themselves to share their stories, in some cases for the first time. I am so lucky to know and work with you all. Links mentioned in this episode… Illuminate Download my FREE Change Planner:
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How Her Healing Journey Led to Her Career Leap with Camille Ali
06/20/2022
How Her Healing Journey Led to Her Career Leap with Camille Ali
If you’ve ever been in a toxic work environment, you know how it wreaks havoc on your mental and physical health. It can be difficult to find a way out, and it’s common to leave one job and jump right into the next. For today’s guest, taking a sabbatical was something she had never really considered, until she found and listened to Season 1 of this podcast. She realized she needed to embark on a healing journey to find her authentic self and learn what makes her happy, when it comes to both her personal and professional life. In the last episode of this season, I’m chatting with Camille Ali, who left her six-figure job to focus on her health and happiness, which led her to a career pivot and discovery of how to be herself, despite what her family and society “expected” of her. She’s sharing about the impact that a toxic work environment had on her , how traveling helped her heal, how she got into writing and also launched her own business, and why she chose to put herself first. In this episode, you’ll learn... About the crisis that led Camille to take a leap in 2019 and how she handled it [03:26] About Camille’s sabbatical and how she spent her time [07:11] What to expect from taking time off to heal [10:08] How travel and sharing stories with other women sparked a turning point in her journey [14:04] How healing helped Camille discover her true version of herself and what makes her happy [17:40] How Camille got into writing [20:44] How she became a writer for xoNecole, a lifestyle website for women of color [22:03] How Camille ended up launching her own business and her experience discovering what she wants from her work life [26:01] Camille’s message for other women of color on their journeys [31:28] Camille’s advice for trusting your instincts [33:45] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Download my FREE Change Planner:
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Follow Your Interests to Your Next Career with Farah Kauffman
06/13/2022
Follow Your Interests to Your Next Career with Farah Kauffman
What do you do when you’re years into a career path, having invested in an advanced degree in your field, and you’re no longer happy? Making a career leap feels risky in the best of circumstances. And it can be easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed or unsure where to start when you realize that you want out of something you’ve been doing for a long time. Today’s guest, Farah Kauffman, loves the public health field that she worked in for 15 years, but the job and where it led no longer felt aligned with her. As she approached midlife, she was also thinking about what she wanted to be doing during the later phases of her career. The COVID-19 pandemic was a real eye opener as well for her, and a lot of people, to take the leap out of an unfulfilling career and into something that feels like the right fit. Farah shares how she transitioned careers while staying in public health, the importance of really asking yourself what it is you’re good at and what interests you, and how being in a supportive environment has made work feel fun again for her. In this episode, you’ll learn... About Farah’s previous career path and her realization that she wanted something different for her life [01:34] The perspective that the pandemic gave her to take a chance [09:03] Why Farah took the time to really think about what she wanted to do for a career and the importance of looking back at previous roles to hone in on what she enjoys [12:56] The action steps she took once she learned the new career path she wanted [21:21] How Farah went about searching for jobs and applying, even before she felt truly ready [27:36] Why she decided to be fully herself in her job applications [32:14] How her support network helped her through this transition [37:27] What Farah’s experience has been like pivoting into a new role [44:15] The joy and support she has found in supportive coworkers and staying within her area of expertise in a new role [47:51] Her advice for someone considering a leap of their own [53:28] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Download my FREE Change Planner:
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Job Burnout: What It Is, Why We Feel It, & How to Overcome It
06/06/2022
Job Burnout: What It Is, Why We Feel It, & How to Overcome It
Are you considered a job or career change because you’re exhausted by work, unmotivated and unfulfilled? Is burnout a factor in your desire for change? Unfortunately, job burnout has only become more common since the start of the pandemic. Here’s my advice for how to improve or redesign your relationship to your work if you’re struggling with this. In this final solo episode of our season on career leaps, I’m tackling burnout, one of the biggest issues I see facing workers today. I’m explaining why it’s become so common in the past few years, and sharing my own experience with burnout in my career. Then, I’m giving you some actionable tips for tackling burnout in your own work life. In this episode, you’ll learn... The role burnout plays in making a career leap [1:37] How burnout has become more common in the past few years [2:58] What job burnout is and what it feels like [3:39] How a coach can help you get out of burnout and into a career you love [5:16] How the pandemic spurred burnout for “knowledge workers” and service providers [8:11] Why you shouldn’t rely on solely your job to provide meaning [11:37] My advice for anyone struggling with burnout [16:11] Why it’s important to take ownership of the parts of your work life you can control [25:18] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Listen to Episode 23 with Sika Stanton: Download my FREE Change Planner:
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Leaving Teaching for a New Career in EdTech with Raven Wilson
05/30/2022
Leaving Teaching for a New Career in EdTech with Raven Wilson
Teaching is often viewed as a career that people stay in for, well, the entirety of their working years. But what if teaching isn’t right for you? What if you want to take a leap into a new career? Where do you start? In today’s episode, I’m talking with Raven Wilson about her transition from elementary school teacher to customer success manager in the field of EdTech (educational technology). Her leap has led her to also serving as a coach and mentor to other educators who want to leave teaching. She started a group called Black Educators Transition to provide Black educators with a supportive community and the tools and resources needed to embark on a new career path. She shares her advice on knowing what interests you and how to translate your experience to a new role. She talks about the patience necessary for the process of networking, researching jobs, and interviewing. And mostly important, she reminds you that you have to really want something new and different for yourself and be proactive with your leap. In this episode, you’ll learn... Raven’s background and current role [01:52] What it’s like to be a customer success manager in EdTech [03:03] How Raven learned that teaching wasn’t the right fit for her [04:56] How COVID affected her career decisions [06:55] How her inner voice told her to take the leap [09:21] What made it difficult for her to leave teaching [10:54] About the identity shift that comes with taking a leap [14:02] About Raven’s process that led her to learning what other careers are possible for teachers [16:28] The importance of researching your options and asking yourself questions about your skills and interests [20:02] How to hone your experience and craft your resume to align with the job you seek [23:14] What she learned in the job search and interview process [27:17] Raven’s experience with interviewing and eventually landing a job in EdTech [30:02] About her passion for helping other Black educators who want to leave teaching [34:52] The questions she gets most often from teachers interested in leaving the profession and her advice to them [42:34] That losing summers off isn’t so bad thanks to flexible PTO in other fields [48:01] Why it’s okay to switch jobs and move companies [49:54] What Raven wishes she knew before she took her leap [52:02] Raven’s advice for those interested in taking a similar leap [53:05] If you’re waiting for a sign to take your career leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Connect with Raven Raven’s Bio: Raven Wilson is a former elementary teacher turned customer success manager. Leaving teaching was one of the hardest but best choices she ever made. Since her transition to EdTech, she has more freedom and flexibility which is all she ever wanted.
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Taking Time Off to Plan for a More Conscious Career with Annie Jameson
05/23/2022
Taking Time Off to Plan for a More Conscious Career with Annie Jameson
When you take a leap, there’s a lot of uncertainty. For today’s guest, that uncertainty revolves around figuring out how to serve in a leadership role without being full-time, allowing more time for other parts of life and being a mother of two, and navigating a world where conversations around better professional and personal balance are happening but actual change seems slow to come. In this episode, I’m chatting with Annie Jameson about taking a leap that involved leaving a full-time career for a territory unknown. Annie is sharing about how she has taken this time to better understand herself and her values, the importance of structure and support when you’re exploring your options on a career break, and why patience, with yourself and the process and the larger working world, goes a long way. In this episode, you’ll learn... About Annie’s time at Vistaprint and what lead to her leaving [02:26] Why her exit from Vistaprint was gradual and how her passion for diversity and inclusion played a role [07:26] How Annie approached balance after leaving her full-time job [10:36] How having more alone time allowed her to reflect on her values [15:18] How exploring is allowing her to figure out the balance that is right for her [17:34] Mini coaching session with Annie [20:55] Why it’s important to Annie that more flexible working opportunities exist [23:43] The pressure of feeling like you have to always know “what’s next” [25:05] The advice Annie would give to a mentee in her situation [29:34] The importance of patience and not over-thinking [30:32] The importance of having a plan, some structure, and support network to help navigate your new day-to-day life [35:35] About the role model exercise that I recommend to clients [37:41] What Annie wishes she knew before she took her leap [39:17] The surprising and rewarding moments Annie has experience [40:03] Annie’s advice for someone taking a leap The podcast that Annie is launching [44:38] If you’re waiting for a sign to take your career leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Connect with Annie Annie’s Bio: Annie has been many "things"—a mother, a mentor, a leader, a coach, partner, wife, friend, daughter, sister, CIMA qualified, D&I advocate, analytical expert, finance professional. What she cares about most and what ties all these pieces together is how we interact, show up and encourage each other as human beings and that's where her focus is in life.
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3 Tactics for Getting the Job When Making a Career Pivot
05/16/2022
3 Tactics for Getting the Job When Making a Career Pivot
So you’ve decided to make a career leap. Now, how do you land that next position? Sure, you can go the traditional route by applying for openings on job boards, but that’s not the only way (or the best way) to get a job. There are plenty of effective job searching methods, so let’s find the right one for you. In this episode, I’m sharing three different tactics for finding and landing jobs in a new field. I’m explaining how to use your network to your best advantage and how to fill the gaps in your knowledge before you leap. Plus, if you want to go the traditional application route, I’ve got a few tips for that, too. In this episode, you’ll learn... Which factors might be working against you during your career pivot [1:57] Why the traditional job application process isn’t always the best approach [4:43] Tips for applying for jobs the traditional way on job boards and listing sites [5:54] Alternative job search tactics for when you get fed up with sending cold applications [8:26] How to fill the gaps in your knowledge before making your leap [9:46] How to search for internal opportunities in your current company [13:34] Why networking is one of the most valuable tools in your career pivot toolbox [16:01] The value of your community during your career pivot [19:58] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Listen to Episode 23 with Sika Stanton: Download my FREE Change Planner:
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Facing Your Fears & Going For Your Dream Job with Jack Mengel
05/09/2022
Facing Your Fears & Going For Your Dream Job with Jack Mengel
Have you ever had an idea that you just couldn’t get out of your head? A dream that, no matter how hard you tried to ignore it, just kept popping up. If so, honor that inclination. As today’s guest says, if you can’t stop thinking about it, you should probably go for it. In this episode, I’m chatting with Jack Mengel about his leap from project management to data science. Jack is sharing how he went from merely dreaming about a career in data science to being “all in” for his leap in just a matter of weeks. Plus, he’s shedding light on some of the limiting beliefs he encountered along the way and how he overcame them. In this episode, you’ll learn... Where Jack started his career and where he is now [1:52] How Jack accidentally landed in a project management role [3:42] How turning 30 inspired Jack to make a change in his career [7:55] Why Jack was drawn to data science, and why he was initially hesitant to go for it [10:45] How Jack went from not knowing what he wanted to do to being all in for his new career in just a few weeks [18:06] Why Jack decided to work with a career coach before he took his leap [19:26] How Jack taught himself the skills he’d need for his new career [23:33] How your identify shifts and evolves during your career leap [28:03] How Jack landed a data science role at his original company [30:30] Using your passion to fuel your leap and make the hard work enjoyable [36:02] Putting yourself out there to make connections and land projects in your new field [37:20] How to overcome the limiting beliefs keeping you from taking your leap [44:30] If you’re waiting for a sign to take your career leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Connect with Jack Jack’s Bio: Jack Mengel is an experienced Program Manager and Data Science Engineer, based in Boston. He graduated from Boston University in May 2021 with a Masters in Computer Science (concentration Data Analytics). In his current role, he is a full-time data scientist. He has performed projects predicting returns of stocks as well as trade costs, using both classifier and regression approaches. He has constructed a series of models using gradient boosting to predict trade costs for globally traded stocks that is now used in his prior company's trading process. His data science work has also been heavily involved in "natural language processing" (aka NLP) meaning he derived statistical insights using text. His work in this space has been primarily looking for sentiment / investment signals on companies in earnings calls and company filings. Jack has competed in several Kaggle competitions. Here is a link to his notebooks:
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Why You Should Define Your Vision Before Your Career Leap
05/02/2022
Why You Should Define Your Vision Before Your Career Leap
Do you know what you want out of your next career move? It might seem like an impossibly big question, but defining your vision for the future is the best thing you can do for your life and career. Not only does it give you a map for your next move, but it also helps you identify the right opportunities and take them with confidence. In this episode, I’m explaining why you should start your leap with a clear vision of your ideal career and life. I’m walking you through the process of defining your vision and sharing a bit about how this strategy has impacted my own career. Plus, I’m talking about the real, practical benefits of keeping your vision at the forefront of your mind and using it to make all your decisions. In this episode, you’ll learn... How I came to find this strategy for achieving big changes in my life [1:21] What it means to define your “vision” for your career and life [3:33] Why everyone knows what they want, even if they can’t put it into words yet [4:08] How to overcome negative thoughts and mindset blocks as you craft your vision [5:46] How the idea of a “dream job” can actually be harmful to your career search [7:08] How to get started with your career vision today [8:38] The practical benefits of visioning and how it can change your daily life [10:19] How visioning helps you recognize and jump on new opportunities [12:19] What having a vision has taught me in my own life and career [15:19] Why you should set “big, hairy, audacious goals” in your business [16:10] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Listen to Episode 23 with Sika Stanton: Download my FREE Change Planner:
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Forging Your Own Path with Sika Stanton
04/25/2022
Forging Your Own Path with Sika Stanton
Sika Stanton describes herself as a photographer turned filmmaker. That’s the super simple version of this reinvention story. On the podcast this week, we dig into complexity behind that her two leaps: What it took for Sika to leave a 9-to-5 to make her way as a freelancer. And then, now, to pursue a MFA in cinematography at the incredibly competitive The American Film Institute, in Los Angeles, California. A tiny percentage of professional DPs (directors of photography) and camera operators in the industry are Black women, and Sika is determined to join their numbers. In this episode, you’ll learn... How Sika and I connected and where she’s at in her career journey [2:28] How Sika has reinvented herself and pivoted her career over the years [4:17] Making the leap from employee to freelancer [6:19] Sika’s first steps into the world of freelancing and how her work has changed since then [9:47] Why Sika made the decision to pursue a graduate degree [13:27] Using creative problem solving as you make your career leap [18:04] How Sika forged her path in an industry with little representation for Black women [20:42] Why it’s vital to have a vision for where you want to go in your career [26:38] The personal growth Sika has experienced in her career leap [28:24] What Sika wishes she’d known before she took her leap [31:05] How to find support and take the first courageous step in your own career leap [34:14] If you’re waiting for a sign to take your career leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Connect with Sika Sika’s Bio: Sika Stanton is an African-American filmmaker from Portland, Oregon. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Cinematography at the American Film Institute Conservatory and holds a BA in Studio Art from Stanford University.
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The Biggest Mistake You Can Make in Your Career Leap
04/18/2022
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make in Your Career Leap
So you want to make a career change, but what’s the first step? Updating your resume? Networking on LinkedIn? Scrolling Indeed? Actually, the first step in your career leap comes long before these, and it’s the best way you can set yourself up for success in your new role. In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common mistake I see people make at the beginning of their career leap. I’m explaining the importance of defining your wants, needs, and strengths, and I’m giving you a step-by-step exercise for doing it yourself. Plus, I’m sharing how you can overcome your fear of landing in a position that’s even worse than the one you’re leaving. In this episode, you’ll learn... The biggest mistake I see people make at the beginning of their career leap [1:28] Where you should really start if you’re thinking about a career change [3:09] How neglecting to define you needs and wants can hurt you in the long run [3:42] How to define what you’re good at and what you like doing, and then apply that to your job search [5:05] Why you should think strategically about your strengths [7:47] Why you should reject the narrative of “just being grateful for the job you have” and staying stuck [10:11] How I can help you make your career leap and find a career path you love [12:00] How to overcome your fear and minimize your risk of landing in a role that’s even worse than the one you left [13:48] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Enroll in my career course: Apply for the Catalyst Coaching Program: Download my FREE Change Planner:
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How to Make an Intentional Career Leap with Carolina Cobo
04/11/2022
How to Make an Intentional Career Leap with Carolina Cobo
Your career takes up a pretty big chunk of your life. Do you enjoy what you do? Would you go so far as to say you are happy? If you know for sure that your job isn’t a good fit, where do you start? A career change can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to. When you focus on what makes you happy and take intentional steps to reach your goals, you can change the trajectory of your career. In this episode, I’m chatting with Carolina Cobo, former recruiter turned software developer. She shares valuable insight into how to leverage your current experience towards a career change as well as the importance of considering your future self and what will keep you happy and fulfilled in the long term. Her story is one that I think a lot of people can relate to, and her recruiter perspective will give you a leg up on making your leap. In this episode, you’ll learn... Why Carolina made a career change from technical recruiter to software developer [04:15] How the COVID pandemic was a force in pushing Carolina to make a leap [09:51] How her experience in Ireland opened her eyes to other work cultures and new possibilities [11:56] How taking risks can bring big rewards [13:15] The importance of putting yourself out there regardless of the outcome [15:15] The steps Carolina took to leave recruitment and try a different path [16:35] How online courses can give you a taste of a new career path [17:53] The value of formal bootcamps when making a career switch [18:51] The importance of not giving up and recognizing little wins as critical to your overall journey [22:04] Why you should consider your future self (wants and needs 5 or 10 years from now) when thinking about your career [25:19] How Carolina realized that she wants more from a career than “just a job” [30:44] How to make yourself stand out in your CV when switching careers [33:32] [40:08] How using keywords and networking on LinkedIn benefits you on your journey [38:06] How connecting with companies and recruiters can help get your foot in the door [42:03] That sometimes taking a pay cut or starting at a junior level can be worth it in the long run [44:48] Why community and connection is so important in any career, but especially during a change [49:32] Inspiration to make your own move if you’re considering a change [51:01] If you’re looking for intention and happiness in your career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Connect with Carolina on LinkedIn: Connect with Carolina on Instagram: Carolina’s website: Carolina’s “Getting a Job in Tech” blog series on Medium: Apply for the Catalyst Coaching Program: Carolina’s Bio: Carolina received her degree and masters in HR, then started working as an HR Generalist at a software company in Seville, Spain. She decided she wanted to live abroad and improve her English, so she quit her job and moved to Ireland in 2018, where she worked for nearly three years as a technical recruiter. She wasn’t happy as a recruiter, but software and computers were always an interest of hers. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, she decided to take the leap to give software development a try. After completing an online course on Udemy and a formal bootcamp at Code Institute in Dublin, she started her first job as a software developer in October 2021.
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Feeling Stuck? How to Regain Confidence to Make a Career Change
04/04/2022
Feeling Stuck? How to Regain Confidence to Make a Career Change
If you’ve ever reached your breaking point with a job, you know the feeling: You’re totally drained, lacking confidence, but desperate to escape. Unfortunately, this negative energy doesn’t make the job search–or the courageous career leap–any easier. It’s a Catch 22 that keeps many people feeling stuck, but it doesn’t mean you’re destined to be stuck forever. In this episode, I’m sharing a bit about the months leading up to my own career change. I’m explaining why so many people end up feeling stuck and lacking the confidence to make their leap. Then, I’m sharing my top tips for regaining your confidence, reclaiming your identity, and making baby steps towards your courageous career change. In this episode, you’ll learn... What a “Catch 22” is and what it means for your career change [1:32] My own experience lacking the confidence to leave a bad job [2:38] What it feels like to reach your breaking point with a job [5:24] How this feeling of being stuck can make it even harder to make a leap [5:50] How to “zoom out” and take a holistic, big-picture look at your life [7:47] Why it’s important to show yourself grace when you’re feeling stuck [8:21] How to create distance between you and the work that’s draining your energy [12:07] How to reclaim your identity by devoting energy to non-work passions [14:42] How to start taking baby steps towards your career change [19:27] Why it’s important to find support during this transition period in your life [20:18] Some words of encouragement if you’re feeling stuck [23:54] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Apply for the Catalyst Coaching Program:
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A Total Career Change at 50 with Jennifer Dillan
04/04/2022
A Total Career Change at 50 with Jennifer Dillan
Making a major career change is never easy, but that’s especially true for someone who's worked their way up to a well-paid position in their current industry. But as you’ll hear from Jennifer, sometimes your mental and emotional wellbeing is more important than a fancy title or huge paycheck. In this episode, I’m chatting with creative director turned real estate developer Jennifer Dillan on her decision to make a career change at 50. She’s sharing how she decided to change industries and how she transferred her skills into her new position. Plus, we’re talking about making a career change for your mental and emotional wellbeing, even when your pay and title seem too good to give up. In this episode, you’ll learn... Where Jennifer is on her journey and how she got here [2:03] How Jennifer shifted her skills as a creative director into her current role in real estate investing [4:52] Finding the courage to make your leap when you’re burnt out from your current position [7:34] How Jennifer found a community of women in real estate who want to see her succeed [14:09] How to start networking before your leap, even if you’ve never done it before [14:57] Finding your confidence and direction as you transition into a new position or industry [18:42] How Jennifer’s stage in life influenced her decision to make a career change [21:04] How Jennifer developed her exit strategy and finally quit her job [25:50] Finding yourself in a new career when your identity feels connected to your work [28:00] How networking helped Jennifer land her first position after her big leap [32:18] Deciding between a minor industry shift and a total career change [36:01] Why your wellbeing should come before your pay and benefits [38:19] Jennifer’s advice for anyone who wants to make a late-stage career change [45:52] If you’re considering your own courageous career change, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Apply for the Catalyst Coaching Program:
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The Career Leap: What It Is, How It Happens, & What Keeps Us Stuck
04/04/2022
The Career Leap: What It Is, How It Happens, & What Keeps Us Stuck
For many of us, our work is the source of our stability–both financially and emotionally. But when our work isn’t fulfilling, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of burnout and frustration, only to end up thinking, “Something has to change.” At this point, you have two options: Stay stuck, or make your career leap. In this first episode of Season 2, I’m chatting about the stages of making a career leap: what triggers them, how they usually play out, and what keeps us stuck. I’m sharing a bit about my own career leap and the mindset blocks I experienced along the way. I’m also giving you a little peek into what you can expect from the rest of this season. In this episode, you’ll learn... What you can expect in Season 2 of Leap Like Me [0:37] Why it’s important to talk about career leaps and why we’re drawn to them [2:09] Understanding what triggers a career leap [3:37] What you might be feeling as you get closer to your career leap [7:02] The “turning point” in your career leap process [11:07] How to start taking steps towards your career leap [12:21] Reclaiming your identity and sense of self outside of your work [12:54] How your energy can affect your career leap and next steps [15:09] If you’re considering your own courageous career leap, be sure to tune into this episode. Get full show notes and the episode transcript: Links mentioned in this episode… Apply for the Catalyst Coaching Program:
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Season 2 of Leap Like Me!
03/21/2022
Season 2 of Leap Like Me!
Considering a career change or pivot? The right career move can improve your life in dramatic, transformative ways. Yet, it can feel too daunting: overwhelming, lonely, and risky. How do you know when it’s time to make a career leap, and how do you get through all the obstacles? Welcome to Leap Like Me, where we offer real stories, inspiration and practical advice on how to make changes that take you ever closer to your ideal work, and life. Host Lisa Hoashi, a life and career coach, guides this journey, which doesn’t gloss over the hard parts, instead dives in to explore the strategies and mindset you need to make brave changes in your work – and your life.
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A South African Economist Takes the Leap: Busi Radebe
01/20/2020
A South African Economist Takes the Leap: Busi Radebe
Busi Radebe shares how she was inspired to take her sabbatical from Johannesburg to the Netherlands after listening to Leap Like Me, and how it's transformed her ideas about what's next for her career.
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