Minisode: The Productivity Paradox

Leah Farmer returned from her Christmas break to find herself inexplicably viewed as an outsider—a shift that led her to question her role, her relationships with her colleagues, and what she truly wanted.In this episode, Leah shares her journey from accounting to a successful career  as a product leader at some of the world’s top companies.  In this episode, Leah opens up about the painful realization that it was time to leave a job she loved (sound familiar?). She shares how that experience lead her to Google—a step she thought would be her redemption, only to find that the path to fulfillment is rarely a straight line. We explore the difficult balance between wanting to give it your all and knowing when to go, and the emotional turmoil that follows when you decide it’s time to move on. Leah’s story is a powerful reminder to always ask for what you need—and to never let someone else’s opinion dictate your worth.About Leah Farmer:Leah Farmer is a professional coach, product leader, and advocate for well-being in the tech industry. With over 25 years of experience working in startups, scale-ups, and big tech, Leah has held executive roles like VP of Product and CPTO. She is now focused on coaching and mentoring leaders and teams to prevent burnout, improve communication, and build better culture for product growth. Leah is passionate about helping individuals thrive, combining her expertise in product management, leadership, and personal development to create lasting impact.Key Lessons:* Ask Boldly for What You Need: Leah’s story reminds us that we can’t assume others know what we need. Sometimes, asking is the only way forward.* Pursue What Lights You Up: Leah’s journey shows us the power of embracing your strengths and actively seeking roles that excite and challenge you.* Leave on Your Own Terms: Staying until you’ve given it everything can offer closure, but don’t stay so long that it starts breaking you.* Lead with Humanity: She reminds us that true leadership goes beyond technical skills—connecting with your team on a human level is just as crucial for success.* Process the Grief: Even if you’re ready to go, leaving a beloved job brings grief. Give yourself space to process it and move on with a clear mind.Episode Notes:[00:00] - Introduction and Maricella’s Updates[04:35] - Early Career Aspirations[05:24] - Transition to Product Management[08:12] - Experience at Amazon[10:44] - Leaving Amazon and Lessons Learned[14:56] - Chasing Curiosity in Career[24:00] - Moving to Europe and Klarna[25:04] - Startup Experience in Berlin[29:22] - The Breaking Point[30:33] - Leaving the Boss, Not the Team[35:27] - The Slow Burn of Decision Making[37:13] - The Exhaustion Sets In[41:49] - A Brief Stint at Google[48:10] - Embracing Coaching[51:30] - Finding Meaning in Coaching[55:29] - Advice to My Past Self  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

Do you ever feel that creeping sense of dread on Sunday afternoon, knowing Monday is just around the corner? What if that feeling extended beyond Sundays—what if it filled your whole week? Would you have the courage to walk away, or would you stay, hoping things will improve? My guest today asked herself these very hard questions.In today’s episode, I chat with Suguna Chunduri, a thought leader, advocate, nonprofit founder and generally great human being.  Suguna walked away from a successful career in big pharma and healthcare, deciding to find out what truly brings her joy. Together, we explore how to stop, reassess, and make changes that honor who you really are, not just who you think you should be.If you’ve ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, or found yourself checking all the boxes but still feeling unfulfilled, this conversation will resonate. Suguna’s journey of self-discovery, her search for “fit,” and her willingness to ask the hard questions inspired me to rethink my own priorities. You’ll hear about the importance of finding your tribe, whether that’s your family, friends, or colleagues, and the powerful role they play in helping you reclaim your confidence and happiness.Key Lessons:* The Power of Fit: Identifying when a role or environment doesn’t align with your values and strengths—and finding the courage to move on.* Building a Support System: Why family, friends, and mentors are essential to overcoming self-doubt and making meaningful changes.* Regaining Confidence: Strategies for letting go of negative beliefs and rebuilding your confidence when it’s been shaken by external pressures.* Finding What Makes You Happy: Steps you can take today to rediscover what truly brings you joy, outside of societal expectations.About Suguna Chunduri:Suguna Chunduri is a distinguished thought leader and speaker who passionately advocates for education, innovation and accessibility in healthcare globally. Through her work, she promotes cultural education and insights that inspire and transform communities.As an accomplished global executive, Suguna boasts over 20 years of leadership experience in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and multinational corporations. She has demonstrated remarkable success in achieving sustained and unprecedented growth across diverse U.S. markets. Suguna excels in P&L leadership, general management, market access, and product launches, consistently driving superior outcomes.Renowned for her ability to lead cross-cultural teams, Suguna has a proven track record of creating patient-centric programs, forging strategic alliances, and managing medical affairs across various therapeutic areas on a global scale. Her expertise and strategic vision have been instrumental in transforming healthcare landscapes.Suguna is also distinguished for her thought leadership, serving on various boards, engaging in public speaking, and providing advisory roles. She is a champion of strategic partnerships, patient advocacy, and engagement, continuously striving to improve healthcare outcomes and foster a more inclusive and ethical industry. Episode Notes:[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Journey[02:31] - The Struggle with Job Fit[04:43] - Personal Reflections and Family Support[14:35] - The Importance of Managerial Relationships[29:31] - Strengthening the Empathy Muscle[30:37] - Embracing Authenticity in Leadership[31:53] - The Confidence of Age[33:01] - Self-Discovery and Personal Growth[34:16] - Living for Yourself[35:35] - Navigating Career Transitions[37:11] - Rediscovering Passion and Purpose[39:06] - The Power of Positive Relationships[40:52] - Making Difficult Decisions[42:55] - Reflecting on Personal Well-being[53:23] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

Sh*t Curly Hair Is My CanvasIn this episode, I sit down with Nicolle Lemonds, an incredibly talented hair colorist known for her expertise in working with curls (even if she doesn't have curls herself). After walking into a curly hair salon almost 14 years ago, Nicolle knew she’d found her calling and never looked back. For Nicolle, her work isn’t about having the same experience as her clients; it’s about understanding the power of individuality and helping others bring out their uniqueness.Nicolle shares how she turned her passion for color and creativity into a thriving career that goes beyond styling—she’s passionate about changing societal beauty standards one curl at a time. We discuss her journey from working in malls in the south to becoming a sought-after colorist in NYC, overcoming client skepticism, building a successful brand on Instagram, and eventually launching her own business after more than a decade in a single salon.This episode is more than just a discussion about hair and career journey — it’s about identity, community and the freedom that comes with self-acceptance. Follow Nicolle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NicolleLovesCurls/ Key lessons learned:* How embracing what makes you unique can build confidence and authenticity in both personal and professional life.* The power of empathy in building connections, even when your experiences differ from others.* Why creativity, whether through your appearance or career, is a powerful form of self-expression.* Practical advice on navigating change and uncertainty when taking bold steps or reinventing yourself.Episode Notes[00:00] - Introduction and Life Updates[05:21] - Nicolle's Career Journey[09:53] - The Importance of Education and Support[17:05] - Moving to New York and Career Growth[23:47] - Challenges and Triumphs in the Salon [29:16] - Embracing Inclusivity in the Curly Hair Movement[33:50] - Empathy and Emotional Labor in Hairdressing[40:31] - Building a Personal Brand[43:34] - Transition to Entrepreneurship[46:01] - Challenges During COVID-19[52:01] - Deciding to Go Solo[56:46] - The Power of Social Media[01:01:49] - Future Aspirations [01:05:49] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

In this minisode, Maricella Herrera reflects on the unexpected lessons she learned from spending a week with her two-year-old nephew. What started as a playful getaway turned into a deeper exploration of the importance of play, imagination, and living in the moment. Maricella challenges the conventional wisdom of what adults should teach children and flips the script—what can we learn from them? Drawing from her own experiences and backed by research on the benefits of play, Maricella invites listeners to reconnect with their inner child, embrace simplicity, and find joy in the most unexpected places. Whether you're a parent, a caregiver, or just someone needing a little more fun in your life, this episode is a reminder to play a little more and stress a little less.Resources:Playing for All Kinds of Possibilities: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/science/zeal-for-play-may-have-propelled-human-evolution.htmlDo You Play Enough? Science Says It's Critical to Your Health and Well-Being - Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/2023/07/28/do-you-play-enough-science-says-its-critical-your-health-well-being-1813808.htmlUsing Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain - Huberman Lab: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/using-play-to-rewire-and-improve-your-brain This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

We all have moments when we question the path we’re on, but how do you know when it’s time to take the leap into something entirely different? Is there a downside to turning a passion into a career? This episode dives into that moment of clarity when you realize it's time to pivot, and what happens when you trust your gut to pursue what truly lights you up. Ken Stanek shares his journey of leaving a stable career in design to embrace his passion for art—despite all the uncertainty that comes with such a bold move. We talk about the importance of being absolutely certain in your decisions, trusting your instincts, and embracing the inevitable discomfort that comes with any significant change.Ken’s story is a testament to the power of following your intuition. He explains how, once he felt that deep, undeniable certainty about his new path, he knew there was no room for doubt or regret. We also explore the balance between being creative and staying focused—using both sides of your brain to drive forward without losing sight of your dreams. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with laughs, storytelling, and embracing both the practical and whimsical sides of life.About Ken Stanek:Dating back to December 2022, Ken has doodled detailed diaries of diners, dives, shops, cafes, and places. Swollen sketchbooks swiftly spilled off shelves, displacing space and ballooning backpacks. A sketchbook goes everywhere he goes. Ken has been a full time artist for only a year, but has been drawing all his life. Watercolor became his medium after finding that his light touch translates terrifically in capturing portraits of the personas of people, pets, homes, animals, and small businesses. Running these figure drawing sessions slingshotted his success and convinced him that there was enough of a support system of superb artists around to encourage a creative community and thrive.Website | Instagram | YouTube | Blog | Book of IllustrationsKey Lessons Learned:* Trust Your Certainty: Discover how feeling absolutely sure about your decisions can eliminate doubt and regret, empowering you to make bold career changes with confidence.* Embrace Discomfort: Learn why stepping out of your comfort zone and seeking discomfort can be key to personal growth and finding fulfillment in your career.* Balance Creativity and Focus: Understand the importance of balancing creative exploration with practical focus to achieve success without losing sight of your dreams.* Harness Community Support: Find out how building and leaning on a supportive community can be a crucial part of pursuing your passions and navigating major life changes.Episode Notes:[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Update[00:51] - Guest Introduction: Ken Stanek[02:02] - Ken's Journey: From Corporate to Art[05:36] - Early Aspirations and College Experience[10:57] - The Bike Messenger Adventure[17:33] - Rediscovering Art and Building a Career[26:24] - Community Building and Artistic Pursuits[28:27] - Artistic Freedom and Community[29:46] - Transitioning to a Full-Time Artist[31:20] - Navigating Layoffs and New Beginnings[36:56] - Building a Support System[37:57] - Exploring New Ventures and Coaching[43:30] - Focusing on Local Art Projects[52:02] - Reflecting on Career Choices[56:04] - Where to Find KenAn extra treat - I said I loved Ken’s illustrations, and saw this very cute cat that reminded of me of my little Toffee so… couldn’t help myself 😄 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

In this episode, host Maricella Herrera sits down with Lan Phan, a leadership educator and author, who helps us explore the true meaning of success and purpose. Lan's story is a testament to resilience, discovery, and the transformative power of community. She shares insights from her book Do This Daily: Secrets for Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life, guiding us through the process of identifying and ranking our values, and introducing us to Ikigai—a Japanese concept for finding our reason for being.Our conversation dives into practical ways to shift your mindset, including the subtle but powerful impact of adding “yet” to your thoughts. Lan’s wisdom challenged me to rethink my goals and redefine success on my own terms. I’m confident her insights will inspire you to do the same.Oh! And one quick favor 🙏 - could you vote for my South by Southwest Submission? It’s all about the ideas we discuss in this podcast. Learn more and vote here: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/153199About Lan Phan:Lan Phan is a force in the world of purpose-driven leadership and personal development. As the author of Do This Daily, she’s become a guiding light for executives worldwide, with her strategies featured in The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Money. Lan’s influence spans from global stages like the United Nations to top universities like Stanford and NYU Law. Her dynamic presence on LinkedIn and YouTube empowers millions annually, solidifying her place among the top 100 LinkedIn creators globally and the top ten in Management and Leadership.Community of Seven: communityofseven.comLinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/lanphanInstagram:Instagram.com/lanphanc7Facebook: facebook.com/communityofsevenKey Lessons Learned:* Rank Your Values: Identify and prioritize what truly matters to guide your decisions and align your life with your core beliefs.* Redefine Success: Move beyond traditional metrics and focus on finding fulfillment by aligning your work and life with your values and passions.* Embrace Ikigai: Discover your purpose by balancing what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.* Shift Your Mindset with "Yet": Transform obstacles into opportunities for growth by adding “yet” to your mindset.* Leverage Community: Surround yourself with supportive people who remind you of your worth and help you navigate transitions.Episode Notes:* 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Update from Spain* 05:58 - Lan Phan's Journey: From Law Aspirations to Teaching* 12:01 - Discovering Ikigai: Finding Your Purpose* 17:18 - Redefining Success: Aligning with Core Values* 21:46 - Fixed vs. Growth Mindset* 22:05 - The Power of 'Yet'* 22:13 - Action Over Visualization* 23:25 - Change Requires Change* 24:04 - The Importance of Environment* 25:30 - Prioritizing Values* 28:10 - Redefining Productivity* 32:47 - Navigating Career Transitions* 40:02 - Lessons from Building a Community* 42:26 - Embracing the Journey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

Quitting your job, starting a business, or making any major life change comes with its fair share of fear and uncertainty. Trust me, I know. As I've been on my journey of self-reflection, one dominant emotion that's continually surfaced is fear. Whether it's fear of failure, fear of being judged, or fear of the unknown, it's something we all face. But how do we manage this fear, and more importantly, how do we distinguish it from that subtle whisper of intuition?In today's episode, I sit down with world-record-holding skydiver and life coach Melanie Curtis to explore this intricate dance between fear and intuition. Melanie shares her personal journey of overcoming fear, from her early skydiving experiences to her work in peak performance and healing through psychedelic medicine. We delve into the importance of support systems, practical tools for managing fear, and the power of humility and surrender. Whether you're starting a new business, writing a book, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, Melanie's insights offer valuable guidance on navigating fear and intuition effectively.Melanie's energy, outlook on life, and unapologetic authenticity have always inspired me and I know you’ll get a lot of great insights form this conversation. About Melanie Curtis:Melanie Curtis is a world record pro skydiver, keynote speaker, coach, author and podcaster. She has been tapped as an expert in Forbes, Fast Company, Thrive Global, on CBS Evening News, CBS Sunday Morning, NBC Know Your Value, Masters of Scale, Entrepreneurs on Fire, and many more.Melanie facilitates genre-busting professional development for companies, helping high-performing teams wield fear and flow into actually fulfilling peak performance. Melanie’s approach softens perfectionism as the armor that becomes our prison if not balanced with deeper healing and hilarity – looking bravely at ourselves while embracing the comedy and ridiculousness of being human at our edges.She is a teammate for Type A clients willing to look bravely at themselves as a nonnegotiable component to reaching our next levels of peak performance and relational connection, all while embracing the intensity and ridiculousness of being human at our edges. Melanie has authored 3 books, including How to Fly, available on Audible.Melanie co-founded Highlight, an all-female professional demonstration jump team, using skydiving as a vehicle to champion equality and inspire women and girls to live bold brave lives of their own design. Melanie co-founded the Trust the Journey podcast, where she shares at length and in depth about her own healing experiences in service to helping others heal deeply. Via the show and her own public platform, Melanie is a passionate advocate for legal, safe and equitable access to transformative healing with psychedelic plant medicines. Connect with Melanie at MelanieCurtis.com.Key Lessons Learned:* Fear is Universal: Everyone experiences fear, but it's important to learn how to manage it rather than let it paralyze you.* Distinguishing Fear from Intuition: Intuition often challenges you to step out of your comfort zone. Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness can help you recognize and trust your intuition.* The Importance of Healing: Personal growth requires facing and working through deep-seated fears and emotional blocks. Healing is a continuous journey.* Practical Strategies for Managing Fear: Techniques like mindful breathing, building a support system, and continuous skill development can help lower and navigate fear.* Achieving Peak Performance: True peak performance is not just about talent but involves self-awareness, embracing both fear and intuition, and continuously pushing your boundaries.Episode Notes:[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Journey[04:15] - Melanie's Background and Achievements[07:55] - Diving into Fear and Motivation[09:41] - Skydiving and Overcoming Fear[11:55] - Life Coaching and Personal Growth[21:07] - Building Support Systems[24:05] - Melanie's World Record Experience[29:30] - Discovering Life Coaching[32:13] - Facing Fear and Trusting Intuition[33:26] - The Journey to Self-Trust[33:59] - Practicing Intuition in Daily Life[35:39] - The Role of Silence and Gut Checks[38:42] - Personal Growth and Overcoming Pain[40:55] - The Healing Power of Psychedelics[47:47] - Preparing for Psychedelic Ceremonies[53:24] - Integration and Long-Term Healing[57:10] - Final Thoughts and GratitudeResources:Website: http://melaniecurtis.com/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/melaniecurtis11/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-curtis-74ab3540 Podcast: http://trustthejourney.today/YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/melaniecurtiscom/Confidential information call about psychedelic healing: https://melaniecurtis.com/information-call/  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

People say silence is golden, and it can indeed be a powerful tool. But like many tools, it can be used for harm as much as for good. Have you ever felt like you have to dim your light to accommodate others? That you need to hold your tongue to keep the peace? Or that your opinion doesn’t matter, not because it isn’t valid but because nobody will listen?Silence. We’ve learned to silence ourselves and others, intentionally or not. The consequences of silence can be deeply harmful—from loneliness to physical illness, silence hurts.Elaine Lin Hering, author of Unlearning Silence has done something incredibly courageous (yes, calculated, as she would clarify but courageous nonetheless) by writing a whole book inviting us to challenge our assumptions about silence, how we’ve internalized it, and how we’ve been complicit in perpetuating spaces where silence is the norm. Her book is not just thought-provoking but filled with practical examples, tips, reflection questions, and suggestions on how to do better.In this episode, Elaine and I explore some of the ideas in her book, having to leave her the firm because she couldn't stand the inequities she faced, and how she has reevaluated her definitions of success, team, and productivity.About Elaine Lin Hering:Elaine Lin Hering is a facilitator, speaker, and writer. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. Elaine has worked on six continents and with a wide range of corporate, government, and nonprofit clients. She has trained mental health professionals, political officials, religious communities, and leaders at companies including American Express, Capital One, Google, Nike, Novartis, Shell, Pixar, and the Red Cross. Elaine is a former Managing Partner of Triad Consulting Group and Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, specializing in dispute resolution, mediation, and negotiation.Key Lessons from the Interview:* The Insidious Nature of Silence: Elaine defines silence as more than just the absence of noise—it's the absence of voice, opinion, and life. She discusses how silence can start subtly, making us withdraw our true thoughts and replace them with what we think others want to hear.* The Emotional and Physical Toll: Silence isn't just a social issue; it has deep emotional and physical impacts. Elaine shares how staying silent can lead to stress, health problems, and a sense of isolation.* Systemic Silencing: Elaine addresses the broader implications of silence in society, particularly how it affects marginalized groups and perpetuates systemic inequities.* Personal Sacrifices for Justice: Elaine opens up about her difficult decision to leave her job, illustrating the personal cost of standing up against injustice and the importance of aligning actions with values.* Redefining Success: The conversation also delves into redefining success, emphasizing that true success is living in alignment with one's values and fostering environments where all voices can be heard.Episode Notes with Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Introduction and meeting Elaine Lin Hering[00:02:00] – Definition of silence and its profound impact[00:10:00] – Elaine’s journey: From aspiring lawyer to author and advocate[00:17:00] – The emotional and physical toll of staying silent[00:23:00] – The concept of double pain and the importance of conversation[00:30:00] – Writing "Unlearning Silence" and the challenges faced[00:34:00] – Redefining success and the importance of living aligned with one's values[00:41:00] – The privilege of choice and staying true to oneself[00:54:00] – Final reflections and the ongoing journey of unlearning silenceResources:Elaine Lin Hering - Website, LinkedInUnlearning Silence - Amazon, Bookshop.orgBattle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua - Amazon, NYT ExcerptWomen Don’t Ask by Linda C. Babcock - Amazon, Bookshop.orgThe First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America by Deepa Purushothaman - Amazon, Bookshop.org, Deepa’s website This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

In this episode, host Maricella Herrera sits down with Lesley Jane Seymour, former editor-in-chief of More Magazine and founder of Covey Club. Lesley shares her journey of reinventing herself after the magazine's closure and her passion for helping women navigate midlife transitions. They discuss the challenges of working in a rapidly changing industry, the importance of having a reinvention plan, and the necessity for women to invest in themselves. Lesley highlights how communities like Covey Club provide vital support for women looking to evolve and reinvent themselves. Together, they explore mindset shifts, the value of continuous learning, and the power of forming new connections to achieve personal growth.About Lesley Jane Seymour:Lesley Jane Seymour is a media entrepreneur and founder of CoveyClub, a club for life-long learners launched in February 2017. (A covey is a small flock of birds). CoveyClub holds a space for women 40+ while they figure out what is next for them. Women learn about reinvention through the virtual CoveyClub classes and the CoveyClub blog which is written by the best journalists around the world. CoveyClub also offers a weekly podcast called Reinvent Yourself with Lesley Jane Seymour highlighting women who have done it, tight one-on-one networking groups called Covey PODs, a private social app (CoveyConnect), 30-Day Challenges, and a yearly live bash in NOLA. Seymour is a certified Tiny Habits coach.From 2008 to 2016, Seymour served as Editor-In-Chief of More Magazine, the leading lifestyle magazine for women over forty with a readership of 1.5 million and Editor-in-Chief and Social Media director of More.com. In July of 2015, Seymour created history by having the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, guest edit an entire issue—leading to 8.5 billion media impressions worldwide. In 2008, Seymour led More to its first National Magazine Award nomination. In 2012, Seymour was named Executive Director of Meredith’s Beauty Center of Excellence; in 2009 she was named number four on the 2009 Most Powerful Fashion Editors List by Forbes magazine. In 2024, Seymour was the winner of the ANA’s SeeHer Award honoring advocates for Gender Equality.Before taking over More, Seymour served as the Editor-in-Chief for Marie Claire magazine, Redbook magazine, and teen book YM. She was Beauty Director of Glamour, and senior editor at Vogue. She is the author of two books: On the Edge, 100 Years of Vogue and I Wish My Parents Understood. In 2013 she was named Chair of the Editorial Advisory Board for Duke Magazine and a Global Ambassador for Vital Voices. She is a former trustee at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts.Key Lessons:* Embrace Reinvention: Lesley emphasizes the importance of having a reinvention plan in your back pocket. The modern work environment is rapidly changing, and being adaptable and prepared for these changes is crucial.* Importance of Mindset: A positive and open mindset is essential for success. People who are successful at reinventing themselves maintain a mindset that embraces challenges and opportunities.* Learning to Adapt: Lesley speaks about the perseverance needed in entrepreneurship, especially in creating and sustaining a community-focused business like Covey Club. Continuous learning and adaptation are key.* Value of Community: Reinventing oneself is easier with the support of a community, and surprisingly it is easier when this community is not your usual circle of friends. Episode Notes:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates03:14 - Introducing Lesley Jane Seymour03:52 - Lesley's Career in Print Media04:08 - The Birth of Covey Club05:54 - Challenges in Print Media16:08 - Reinvention and Career Advice18:21 - The Changing Business Landscape27:17 - Building Covey Club30:46 - Reflecting on Life Choices32:18 - The Daily Hamster Wheel33:09 - The Power of Community37:45 - Investing in Yourself42:51 - Mindset and Reinvention47:40 - Learning and Adapting51:53 - The Value of Strangers in Reinvention55:24 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com

Remember during COVID when everyone kept saying, “Shakespeare wrote King Lear during the plague” or “now’s the time to start that new hobby!”? If you were, like me, more focused on maintaining your sanity rather than creating a masterpiece, those comments might have been a bit annoying but not quite motivating.Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit of déjà vu. Now that I don’t have a job, I keep telling myself that I should be using my time wisely and productively. But what does that even mean?I’ve become a little obsessed with productivity—or more specifically, the paradox of it. If you've ever felt caught between the urge to be super productive and the need to just chill and enjoy life, this one's for you.In this minisode, I'm getting real about the irony of pushing myself to finish an episode about productivity while completely ignoring my own advice. The struggle is real! I’ll share my personal journey with productivity, why it seems to dominate our self-worth, and how I’m trying to redefine it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maricellaherrera.substack.com