What’s the Ending of Your Hero Story?

With everything going on in the world right now, I’ve heard many people express a deep worry: “What if I don’t reach the goal I once believed I could?” 

With mass layoffs, a tough job market, and shifting landscapes, that fear is completely understandable.

But what if you looked at your situation the way you’d watch a hero movie?

The Hero's Journey

In every hero movie, there are three acts:

1.  Setup: We meet the hero in their everyday world.
2.  Confrontation: They face challenges that test them, push them, even break them.
3.  Resolution: They emerge transformed, ready to claim what’s theirs.

Take The Matrix, for example:

1.  Setup: Neo lives an ordinary life as a software programmer.
2.  Confrontation: He’s thrown into a confusing and frightening reality, wants to give up, but keeps going.
3.  Resolution: He masters the Matrix, embraces who he is, and rises as the hero who can change everything.

Your Hero Story

Your journey may not be as wild as Neo’s, but, you are the main character in your own hero story.

Your Setup:

• You’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are.
• You studied at great schools. You may have earned a master’s or PhD.
• You landed strong jobs. You became an expert in your field.
• You may have even felt a sense of stability.

Your Confrontation:

• Now you may be facing uncertainty that feels bigger than expected.
• Layoffs. Fewer opportunities. A job market that doesn’t reflect your effort, talent, or potential.

So the real question is: What’s the ending of your hero journey?

• What do you truly want?
• What would make that ending exciting, meaningful, and worth the twists along the way?

Because when you focus on that, your vision of the ending, you may realize something powerful: The exact steps matter less.

The path might change. The timing might shift. You may walk a route you never imagined. And that’s okay. That’s part of the story.

At Women Leaders Club, we help high-achieving women reconnect with the bigger vision they’re meant for—even when the path feels unclear. Join us.

When Everything Feels Like Too Much: A Gentle Way to Shrink the Fear

I hear from so many people lately that they’re feeling heightened anxiety and stress. They can’t sleep. They wake in the middle of the night worrying. They can’t relax. They stay relentlessly busy, trying anything to avoid the discomfort.

And it makes sense—look at what’s happening around us.

Mass layoffs. A brutally tough job market. DEI departments being dismantled. Federal employees let go without warning. Uncertainty is everywhere.

For high-achieving professionals who’ve worked so hard to build meaningful careers, it can feel especially disorienting.

When the world feels shaky, fear starts to grow louder.

What if I lose my job? What if everything I’ve worked for over the last 10 years was for nothing?

Black Dog

This reminds me of a beautifully illustrated children’s book called Black Dog by Levi Pinfold.

In the story, a family wakes one morning to find a terrifyingly large black dog outside their home. Each family member sees it and becomes more afraid than the last. They hide. They panic. And every time someone looks again, the dog seems even bigger.

But the youngest member of the family—Small Hope—does something different.

She walks outside. She meets the dog. She leads it through tight spaces and playful paths. And with each step, the dog gets smaller. By the time they return home, the massive creature is no longer frightening. It’s just a dog.

It’s a powerful metaphor. Fear grows when we avoid it. It shrinks when we face it.

But here’s the real question: How do we face the fear in our own lives?

Here’s a powerful exercise you can try on your own, especially when you feel overwhelmed:

“If That Happens, Then What?” Exercise

When you feel fear rising, 

1. Name it. Write it down.
2. Then ask: If that happens, then what?
3. Write the answer.
4. And ask again: Then what?
5. Repeat at least five times.

Example:

• I’m scared I won’t get a job I like soon.
• If that happens, then what?
• I might have to take a lower-paying job.
• Then what?
• I might not be able to cover all my expenses.
• Then what?
• I’d have to cut back, ask for help, or use savings.
• Then what?

Most people find that after this exercise, their fear shrinks. Sometimes it even disappears. Try it the next time things feel too big to handle.

At Women Leaders Club, we create space for high-achieving women to do exactly this: To shrink fear. To find clarity. To reconnect with what they truly want and go after it. If this resonates with you, I invite you to join us.

Why Your First 90 Days Should Begin at the End

The first 90 days at a new job are high-stakes—and not just for the reasons most people think.

You’re new, you’re being evaluated, and there’s pressure to ramp up quickly. Most people focus on learning how things are done, delivering results, and proving they were a good hire. And yes, all of that matters.

But there’s another reason the first 90 days are important:

They set the course for the story you’ll tell when you leave.

When Listening Too Well Leads You Off Course

Let me explain what I mean.

When I started one role, my new manager said, “This is how we do things here. Just focus on this for now.” So I did. I followed his advice exactly—and it quietly put me on a path that didn’t align with where I wanted to grow. By the time I realized it, I had to work really hard to change course and steer toward the direction I actually wanted.

I see the same thing happen with my clients.

Take Julie. She joined a company and quickly noticed that many things weren’t working—some were even quite bad. But she didn’t say anything because she was new. She didn’t want to come off as someone who thought she knew better. Two years later, she came to me and said, “I want to speak up and make changes—but how do I suddenly start saying something now? I’ve been fine with it until now—won’t it seem weird?”

She was stuck—not because she lacked clarity, but because she hadn’t anchored herself in a bigger purpose from the beginning.

When You Push Too Soon Without Context

On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve seen what happens when someone tries to lead change too quickly—before earning trust or understanding the full picture.

A new VP of Marketing joined a small company I worked with. Just one month in, she stood in front of the entire marketing team and presented—point by point—everything she thought they had been doing wrong. Right in front of the people who had been doing the work.

Naturally, the team pushed back. They admitted things weren’t perfect, but they had made tough trade-offs with limited resources. The VP agreed with many of their points—but the way she delivered her critique completely alienated the team.

She wasn’t wrong about the problems. But she failed to understand why things were the way there were—and that cost her trust and influence.

So How Do You Avoid Both Extremes?

You start by thinking about the day you’ll leave the role.

It might sound strange—but when you imagine the story you’ll tell at the end of this chapter, you gain clarity from the start. What will you have accomplished? Why did it matter? What will this role have prepared you for?

This mindset shift helps you lead with intention, especially if you’re in a leadership role. Your job isn’t just to maintain the status quo—it’s to create an environment where your team and company can succeed, even after you’ve moved on.

If you see room for improvement and don’t act, you’re not doing your job.

But if you try to change everything without understanding the context, you won’t get far either.

A Better Way to Start Strong

Here are three things I recommend to anyone starting a new role:

1. Observe and ask a lot of questions. You’re new—this is your best window to ask why things are the way they are. People are more open to explaining, and you can raise ideas in a way that’s curious rather than critical.
2. Start with your end story. Imagine the impact you want to make and what you’ll be proud to share when you leave. Let that vision guide your priorities and decisions.
3. Make a plan. Based on that vision, map out how you’ll create that impact. Maybe it means introducing ideas gently in meetings, building alliances behind the scenes, or making a bold change right away. The right approach will depend on the context—but having a plan helps you lead with intention.

These three steps can help you ramp up without losing sight of why you’re really there.

What’s the Story You Want to Tell?

Yes, learn how things work. Yes, deliver results quickly. But also remember: you’re not just there to keep things running. You’re there to make things better.

What’s the story you want to tell when you look back on this role?

Want More Support Like This?

Want support with finding the right balance, building the best plan, and following through? This is exactly the kind of shift we work on in the Women Leaders Club—a coaching program for women who want to lead with clarity and own their impact. Join us and build the career you’re meant to have.

5 Behaviors That Set Future Leaders Apart

As a people manager, there are certain individuals I naturally pay more attention to. They may not be ready for promotion yet, but I can clearly see them as future leaders. They don’t just do their jobs—they do them in a way that makes my life easier.

I hear similar stories during layoffs. Some individuals are the ones leaders fight to keep at any cost. On the surface, they don’t seem much different from their peers, and people often wonder, Why them?

These are the people who not only excel at their work but also anticipate what I need—sometimes even before I ask. They get things done faster than most. They don’t just focus on their own tasks; they engage in broader discussions, form opinions, and share them confidently. They understand how different teams fit together and are respected across functions. They show up to larger meetings like all-hands, stay engaged, and when asked, contribute meaningful insights.

I’ve noticed five common behaviors among them. Each one seems small on its own, but together, they create a powerful impact.

1. Building Connections

When they join a new team, they don’t just settle in—they actively seek out key connections. They meet people not only in their immediate team but across different functions, understanding their challenges and finding ways to help. They build relationships at all levels, from new hires to executives, gaining a broader view of how the company operates and where they can add value.

2. Creating Leadership Opportunities

They step into leadership roles—whether within the company or beyond. If no opportunities exist, they create their own, organizing book clubs, lunch-and-learn sessions, or casual networking events. These don’t require much effort but provide exposure to new people, spark valuable conversations, and establish them as leaders.

Even when they’re too busy to organize something, they contribute in smaller ways—offering feedback on strategy documents, volunteering for projects, or simply showing up with a helpful attitude. Leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about taking initiative.

3. Be Present for the Team

Most people tune out or multitask during all-hands meetings, seeing them as unproductive. These individuals think differently. They show up, pay attention, and even if they don’t speak, they stay engaged. When called on, they respond with thoughtful insights.

This not only helps them stay aligned with leadership’s priorities but also signals that they care about the organization as a whole—not just their personal tasks. Over time, this visibility makes a difference.

4. Lead with Curiosity

At some point, you’ll encounter people who don’t understand your work or even challenge it. It’s easy to get defensive and think, They should know this already. But these individuals take a different approach—they lead with curiosity.

Instead of reacting, they ask questions and seek to understand. This small mindset shift changes everything. Instead of being seen as difficult, they’re recognized as experts who bring value, as team players others want to collaborate with. What could have been a blocker turns into an opportunity for influence—and sometimes, a future sponsor.

5. Thinking Like an Owner

This mindset ties everything together. These individuals never say, That’s not my job. Instead, they take ownership of problems, big or small.

They think about challenges from a leadership perspective—If I were in charge, how would I handle this? When they see leaders make different decisions, they ask thoughtful questions and share their perspective. This does two things: it helps them understand leadership’s thought process (and any missing context), and it makes them memorable to senior leaders.

Leaders appreciate those who ask smart questions and push for better solutions. Over time, these interactions sharpen their decision-making skills and prepare them to lead at higher levels.

What about you?

Which of these five behaviors resonates most with you? Where do you see the biggest opportunity for growth? What questions do you have? Email me—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

And if you want to develop these skills alongside other women leaders, join WLC (Women Leaders Club).

Breaking Free from Self-Limiting Beliefs with the CDC Approach

What’s Holding You Back Isn’t Reality - It’s the Story You Tell Yourself

• “I’m not good at networking.”
• “I’m too old to switch careers.”
• “I don’t have what it takes to be a leader.”

These aren’t facts. They’re self-limiting beliefs - stories you’ve repeated so often that they feel like the truth.

But here’s the reality: The only thing stopping you is the belief itself.

The most successful people aren’t necessarily the smartest or most talented - they’re the ones who refuse to let limiting beliefs dictate their future. The good news? You can rewrite your story.

And it starts with three powerful steps: Clarify, Decide, Create.

Step 1: Clarify - Identify the Thought That’s Holding You Back

Self-limiting beliefs run in the background like a faulty operating system. You don’t notice them, but they influence everything.

Example:

I used to hold back my opinions, even when I thought they were important. I believed others didn’t care about what I had to say.

Through coaching, I realized:

• My belief stemmed from moments when people didn’t react to my words. I took it personally.
• Later, I discovered that people often just didn’t hear me, because I wasn’t speaking loud enough.

Once I identified the real issue, the belief started losing its grip.

📌 Action for You:

• Write down one belief that’s holding you back.
• Ask yourself: Where did this belief come from? Is it actually true?
• Find evidence that contradicts it.

Step 2: Decide – Rewrite the Narrative

Once you see your belief for what it is - a thought, not a fact - you have a choice:

• Keep believing it.
• Or replace it with a new, empowering story.

I decided to stop saying, “People don’t want to hear my opinion” and replaced it with: “Maybe I wasn’t loud enough. Let’s say it again more clearly.”

📌 Action for You:

• Choose a new belief that serves you.
• Say it out loud. Repeat it daily. Make it a mantra.

Step 3: Create – Prove the New Story with Action

Beliefs don’t change just by thinking—they change through action. If you don’t take action, the old belief sticks around.

I created my new reality by speaking up more. As I did, I influenced more conversations, and people began seeking out my opinions.

📌 Action for You:

• Take one bold action that contradicts your old belief.
• If you think, “I’m not good at public speaking,” sign up for a small speaking opportunity.
• If you think, “I’m not creative,” share an idea at work.

🚀 Bottom Line: You Create Your Reality

Your thoughts shape your life. If you change your thoughts, you change your life. But thinking alone isn’t enough—you must act.

Clarify, Decide, and Create your way into a new story.

Your belief is a choice. What will you choose today?

The Real Reason You Struggle With Decisions (and How to Break Free)

Have you ever felt stuck making a decision, paralyzed by the fear of picking the “wrong” option?

One of the biggest reasons people struggle with decision-making is the belief that there’s a right decision. If one choice is “right,” that means the other must be “wrong.” And if that’s the case, the stakes feel impossibly high—one misstep could mean failure. No wonder decision-making feels so overwhelming.

Why This Mindset Holds You Back

🔹 Fear of Failure – If there’s only one “right” path, making the wrong choice feels like a disaster waiting to happen. The pressure to succeed makes it terrifying to commit.

🔹 Avoiding Responsibility – If a wrong decision could lead to regret, it’s tempting to delay, overthink, or let someone else decide—so you’re not to blame if things go south.

But here’s the truth: There is no single “right” decision.

Even if one choice eventually leads to a better outcome, that doesn’t mean it was the “right” decision at the time. Because when you’re making the decision, you don’t have the luxury of hindsight. You’re working with the information you have right now.

How to Make Decisions With Confidence

Instead of chasing the “right” decision, shift your perspective:

✅ You’re not choosing the outcome—you’re choosing the path.

If you knew you’d succeed either way, how would that change your decision? Some paths are slow and scenic, others are fast and direct. Which journey do you want to take?

✅ One decision won’t make or break your future.

Success isn’t about a single, life-altering decision—it’s a series of choices that shape your journey. Whichever path you take, you have the power to pivot, adjust, and make it work. In the end, you make the decision right.

The Bottom Line

If you feel stuck in decision-making, ask yourself:

🔹 Am I believing there’s a single right answer?

🔹 What’s within my control to make either path work?

I once worked with a client who was torn between two job offers, terrified of making the “wrong” choice. But once she realized both paths could lead to the success she wanted—each with different challenges to navigate—she chose the one that felt more exciting to her. And she never looked back.

The truth is, you don’t have to pick the “perfect” path—you just have to pick one and make it work.