Where Do You Attach Your Self-Worth?

Is your self-worth tied to the job you hold, the craft you practice, or the results you deliver?In this episode, Maricella Herrera sits down with Kira Shishkin, serial entrepreneur and founder of informed, to explore how we measure who we are through our work, why outcomes don’t always equal worth, and what happens in the messy middle of building something new. We also dive into the mental health cost of “trigger news” and how informed is rethinking the way we consume information.Key Topics:* The difference between a “job” and a “craft,” and why that distinction matters for self-worth* How growing up in Ukraine, Israel, and the US shaped Kira’s perspective on truth, trust, and information warfare* The journey from high finance to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned along the way* Frameworks for thinking about identity, self-worth, and the risks of tying them to career outcomes* The “messy middle” of building a company: pivots, doubt, and the blackout moments no one talks about* The origin story of Informed: why Kira set out to create a bias-free, minimalist news service* The impact of “trigger news” and clickbait on mental health and polarization* How Informed curates world-shaping news for everyday people, and the philosophy behind their editorial choices* The evolution of success: from personal achievement to empowering othersNotable Quotes:* “You date the solution, you marry the problem.”* “It’s not about you. It’s about your end customer, your end user, and how you can make their life better.”* “Trigger news corrupts the mind. It’s not just about information, it’s about how it’s delivered.”Connect with Us:* Instagram: @quitmyjobpod* Email: [email protected]* Subscribe on Substack for updates and extrasIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review! 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 stability isn’t the goal? What if instability is actually where growth happens?This week on Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, host Maricella Herrera talks with Dr. Tarul Kode — a pharmacist turned health tech co-founder, venture partner, advisor, nonprofit leader, and mom — about what it means to stop chasing stability and instead lean into the wobble.After 15 years in the same company and 15 years in a marriage, Tarul found herself starting over. At the same time, her daughter faced a serious health crisis, pushing her to rebuild both personally and professionally. Instead of clinging to the familiar, she embraced change, reframed her leadership, and discovered what she calls her “destiny of instability.”In this episode, Maricella and Tarul dive into:What it means to stop living in the “shoulds”How to recognize when you’re climbing the wrong ladderThe difference between peace-time and crisis leadershipDivorce, parenting, and modeling healthy choices for your kidsWhy instability doesn’t have to be a crisis, but a callingWhether you’re navigating a career pivot, rebuilding after loss, or just figuring out what’s next, this episode is a reminder that the wobble can be where you find your strength. 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 of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, host Maricella Herrera shares how reading Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky sparked a question she can’t shake: Make time… for what? Juggling four “jobs,” marathon training, and an endless stream of ideas, Maricella reflects on how she’s spending her time and introduces a simple experiment to figure out what’s truly worth the effort. Listeners will hear practical takeaways from the Make Time framework, insights on focus and productivity, and an invitation to join her in testing a daily “highlight” practice. Perfect for anyone feeling busy but unsure if it’s adding up to what matters most. 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 sits down with serial entrepreneur, community builder, and podcast host Raven O’Neal for a conversation about fear, consistency, and what it really takes to follow through on big ideas.They talk about how fear evolves with experience, what it looks like to walk away from a business idea even when it has real potential, and why consistency is often more powerful than inspiration.Listeners will also hear Raven reflect on her journey from corporate marketing to launching multiple ventures, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs as a startup advisor, and running her podcast Hacking the Patriarchy.Whether you're wrestling with self-doubt, struggling to finish what you started, or wondering how to know when it’s time to quit — this episode offers thoughtful, no-BS insight from someone who’s been on both sides of the table.Key Takeaways:- Why fear often gets louder, not quieter, with age and responsibility- How to know when to walk away from an idea — and when to come back- What women need to unlearn about sales and negotiation- The connection between visibility, self-doubt, and consistency- Why messy progress still counts 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

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