Two Years Out, Still in the Middle

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Heidi Monika Romer shares her transformative journey from aspiring actress to a dedicated community advocate and entrepreneur. She reflects on her childhood dreams, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and the importance of community service. Heidi emphasizes the healing power of words and storytelling, leading to her creation of H.O.L.A. Books, a platform celebrating Latino and Caribbean voices. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the significance of adaptability, resilience, and mentorship in personal and professional growth.TakeawaysHeidi's childhood aspirations evolved through personal experiences.The lack of flexible education options shaped her career path.COVID-19 served as a turning point for Heidi's life and career.Community service and wellness became central to her work.Words and storytelling have a profound healing power.Heidi's journey reflects the importance of adaptability and resilience.The creation of OLA Books aims to celebrate Latino and Caribbean voices.Heidi emphasizes the significance of mentorship and elevating others.Personal growth often comes from challenging experiences and reflections.Education and passion can coexist in a fulfilling career.Chapters00:00 From Aspirations to Reality: A Journey of Change05:55 Navigating the Business World: Early Career Experiences12:20 The Impact of COVID-19: A Catalyst for Change24:26 Reframing Life's Challenges: Living in the Present31:47 Embracing New Opportunities: The Path to Ola Books33:38 The Power of Words and Storytelling38:09 Celebrating Latino and Caribbean Voices41:57 Building Community Through Literature45:10 Overcoming Personal Barriers49:43 The Intersection of Business and Kindness54:53 Reflections on Life's Journey and Lessons LearnedKeywordscareer journey, COVID-19 impact, community service, storytelling, personal growth, education, entrepreneurship, Latino voices, healing through words, OLA Books 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 of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, host Maricella Herrera delves into the profound impact of long-term employment on personal development. Joined by Carla Siegel, a graphic designer and hospitality branding expert, they explore the journey of spending years at a single company and how it shapes one's career and life choices. Carla shares her experiences of working at Daniel Boulud's restaurant group for eight years, highlighting the growth, challenges, and eventual decision to pursue a more fulfilling path. Tune in to discover how staying in one place can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. Key Highlights:Carla's early career aspirations and how they evolved over time. The pivotal moments that led Carla to leave a secure job for new opportunities. Insights into balancing creativity with practicality in career decisions. The role of mentorship and networking in Carla's professional growth. Carla's reflections on the importance of patience and self-kindness during transitions.Guest Bio: Carla Siegel is the Founder of Agentsie, a boutique creative studio offering design and marketing services to clients in the hospitality industry. From establishing restaurant brand identities to crafting creative, on-brand communications in digital and in print, Agentsie provides smart, sustainable communications solutions with an intimate understanding of operational and budgetary constraints unique to the hospitality realm.Connect with Us:Email: [email protected] Follow us on social media for updates and more inspiring stories.Hashtags: #CareerPivot #GraphicDesign #HospitalityBranding #CareerDevelopment #LongTermEmployment #PersonalGrowth 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

Two years after quitting her job, Maricella Herrera checks in — not with a polished reflection or a big announcement, but with a real-time look at what it means to keep showing up as the version of yourself you worked hard to reclaim. In this solo minisode, she revisits the same postmortem questions she asked at the one-year mark (what she did, what she’s proud of, what didn’t go well, and what she’s learned) — and finds the answers are harder, murkier, and maybe more honest.This is an episode about integration, pacing, and trying not to lose yourself once the break is over and life picks back up. 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 conversation, Miriam Simon shares her inspiring journey from a creative child dreaming of working in New York to a successful career in transportation and HR. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of writing. Miriam reflects on her past traumas and the lessons learned through unlearning negative patterns, emphasizing resilience and self-love. Her story is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of lifting others as we rise.TakeawaysMiriam always dreamed of working in New York, inspired by her childhood.Her career in transportation led her to HR, showcasing her adaptability.Balancing motherhood and career was a significant challenge for Miriam.A pivotal moment for Miriam was realizing the need to unlearn negative patterns.Trauma from her past shaped her resilience and drive for success.Survival mode pushed Miriam to prioritize her basic needs and self-care.Miriam's peak career moment led her to seek new opportunities and growth.Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Miriam, allowing her to share her story.Mentorship played a crucial role in Miriam's journey, helping her navigate challenges.Miriam emphasizes the importance of self-love and resilience in overcoming obstacles.00:00 Introduction and Host's Personal Reflection02:32 Introducing Miriam Simon: A Story of Resilience05:10 Miriam's Early Aspirations and Career Journey09:51 Challenges and Triumphs in Miriam's Career15:39 Balancing Motherhood and Career19:56 Overcoming Personal and Professional Hurdles32:18 The Turning Point: Prioritizing Self-Care33:09 Balancing Family and Self: The Struggle of Saying No33:40 The Weight of Burnout and the Journey to Self-Discovery34:54 Coaching and Career Transformation36:20 Reaching the Peak: Career Achievements and Reflections37:28 Discovering Writing and Embracing Leadership41:47 The Power of Sharing Your Story46:47 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Visibility49:44 Empowering Others and Building Movements54:08 Reflections and Advice to Younger Self56:24 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

What happens when the work you love starts to break you? In this episode of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, Dr. Miriam Zylberglait—triple-board-certified physician, educator, and advocate—shares her journey of leaving the U.S. healthcare system in order to practice medicine with integrity and compassion.Dr. Z started her medical career in Peru and rebuilt it from the ground up when she moved to the U.S.—a testament to her passion and purpose. But despite her deep love for medicine, she found herself burned out, exhausted, and emotionally depleted by a healthcare system that prioritized profit over people. With honesty and heart, she talks about what led her to quit the system (not the profession), and how she created a path that allowed her to stay aligned with her values.This conversation dives into the emotional toll of working in misaligned systems, the difference between empathy and true compassion, the growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers, and the legacy we leave behind when we stop living for everyone else.If you’ve ever felt like you were sacrificing yourself to succeed, or like your job no longer reflects who you are, this episode will resonate. 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

Ever wonder what it's like to build a tech startup with zero traditional business background? In this episode, we dive deep with Jereme Holiman, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Urban Stems, who stumbled into the startup world from a fine arts background. Jereme shares his gripping journey from imagining a new floral gifting service with friends to navigating the highs and terrifying lows of running a VC-funded startup. He candidly discusses the humbling experience of failing spectacularly on Valentine's Day and the crucial lessons learned in scaling a business. Whether you're a passionate builder, considering the startup life, or just love a good success story mixed with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, adaptability, and the true cost of entrepreneurship. 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

What if you're not riding the highs or drowning in the lows—but just kind of... here? In this minisode, I talk about a feeling I’ve been sitting with lately: something that looks like calm but sometimes feels like avoidance, something that might be peace but also feels a little weird. I’m calling it neutral.I’ll walk through how it’s been showing up in my life, why it felt so unfamiliar at first, and what I learned when I went down a rabbit hole of psychology, Buddhism, and my own messy reflections. Spoiler: this might actually be growth.If you’ve ever been in that quiet in-between, where nothing’s “wrong” but everything feels a little off—or maybe just still—this one’s for you. 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

Entrepreneur and Navy vet David Franklin joins me to talk about grief, burnout, and what happens when purpose and passion start to drift. We dive into career pivots, mindful leadership, building healthtech with meaning, and the hard work of reconnecting with your why—especially after loss. 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

Michelle Moffitt spent 25 years as a pastor’s wife in a conservative church, doing everything “right” — until the system she trusted told her to repent for telling the truth. The conversation delves into her battle with spiritual disillusionment, burnout, and the complex process of finding her voice after years of living within an oppressive system. Michelle discusses her book 'Cracked Open,' which combines her personal story with scientific methods to help readers overcome limiting beliefs. The episode also touches on the importance of having a supportive personal board of directors and the journey of self-discovery through small, incremental steps.Lessons learned, full show notes, and bonus content at https://maricellaherrera.substack.com/ — subscribe for weekly extras. 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

It’s been a minute. In this solo minisode, I talk about what it means to feel stuck, to lose momentum, and to find your way back—imperfectly, honestly, and without a grand plan. From burnout and overwhelm to the tiny, radical act of just trying, this is an unfiltered reflection on showing up when everything feels like too much.Also: shoutout to my inner critic, lovingly nicknamed “brain bitch.” 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