154. Feeling Stuck? How to Turn a Midlife or Identity Crisis Into a Powerful Rebirth

In this episode, Host Paola Soares explores what really happens when life feels "off," and why what many people call a midlife crisis or identity crisis is often something far healthier — a midlife readjustment, a season of reflection, realignment, and personal rebirth. Paola breaks down the difference between an unhealthy midlife crisis (reactive, fear-driven, impulsive) and a healthy midlife awakening (intentional, reflective, and aligned), and shares why research shows that only 10–20% of adultsactually experience a true midlife crisis. For most people, feeling stuck, restless, or misaligned is part of a normal life transition — an invitation to reinvent yourself with clarity and purpose. In this conversation, we dive into: Why you may feel stuck, lost, or questioning your direction Signs you're in an awakening or identity shift What misalignment is trying to reveal How to move from crisis → clarity → rebirth Practical reflection questions to help you reconnect with your calling How this season can become a powerful new beginning If you're navigating a midlife transition, feeling behind, or craving deeper alignment in your career, purpose, or identity, this episode will help you reframe your season and step into it with confidence and hope. 🌿 Join the Dream Call (Tomorrow!) Dec. 17th at 12pm EST Paola also shares an invitation to the upcoming Dream Call — a guided, reflective session designed to help you pause, reconnect with your purpose, and dream again for 2026.   During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. ✅Register Here 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful  

In this episode Host Paola Soares shares encouragement and practical insight for the moments when you're on the verge of quitting—whether it's your career, a dream you've been working toward, a business you've been building, or a calling that suddenly feels heavy. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, discouraged, or uncertain about your next step, this conversation will help you pause, breathe, and regain clarity before making any big decisions. Paola breaks down what's actually happening beneath the "I want to quit" feeling and offers guidance to help you reset your mind, reconnect with your purpose, and find renewed strength when everything in you feels tired or stretched thin. You'll walk away with encouragement, perspective shifts, and simple practices that bring clarity back into the areas where you've been wrestling with doubt, stress, or lack of direction. Paola also shares a special invitation to join the upcoming Dream Call, a guided reflection experience created to help you slow down, gain clarity, dream again, and step into the new year with intention and purpose. If you've been questioning whether to keep going, this episode will remind you that you're not alone—and you're not as far off track as you think. ✨ Join the December 15 Dreaming Call Paola is hosting the final free Accountability Community Call of the year on December 15 — a reflective Dreaming Call designed to help you envision what 2026 could look like. During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. ✅Register Here   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful  

In this REWIND previously aired episode, Host Paola Soares speaks with well regarded Time Management Coach, Anna Dearmon Kornick. Anna helps busy professionals master time management so they can stop feeling overwhelmed and start spending time on what matters most.   Anna knows a thing or two about managing time— with a long career trajectory in high level roles where time management is crucial from being a former scheduler for a U.S. Congressman to a former Chief Spokesperson for a LT. Governor to working in the high stakes world of Crisis Communications, Public Relations.   Anna is also the host of It's About Time - A Podcast about Work, Life and Balance, where Anna shares time management tips, productivity strategies and real-life advice to help her listeners make the most of their time.   In this interview she shares what steps to take if you are feeling overwhelmed with managing your time, the power of the "In between" season, and why our calendars have to reflect our values… this and so much more.. Connect with Anna Instagram: @annadkornick It's About Time Podcast Annadkornick.com ✨ Join the December 15 Dreaming Call Paola is hosting the final free Accountability Community Call of the year on December 15 — a reflective Dreaming Call designed to help you envision what 2026 could look like. During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. Save your spot — link in show notes. This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. Spots are limited — the link is in the show notes. ✅Register Here 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful  

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, host Paola Soares guides listeners through a powerful "heart reset" using reflective gratitude journal prompts designed to help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters this season. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, feeling stretched thin, or craving clarity about your next step, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and tap into a deeper sense of peace and purpose. These prompts are perfect for your morning routine, your quiet time, or anytime you need to reconnect with yourself and God in the middle of a busy season. If you've been feeling behind, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next chapter, this episode will help you return to center and rediscover what's already good, already working, and already growing in your life. ✨ Join the December 15 Dreaming Call Paola is hosting the final free Accountability Community Call of the year on December 15 — a reflective Dreaming Call designed to help you envision what 2026 could look like. During this live call, you'll explore guided journal prompts to: 📝 Clarify your goals and desires for 2026 📝 Identify the projects, ideas & dreams you feel called to 📝 Hear God more clearly in your next season 📝 Release what's no longer serving you 📝 Step into the new year with deeper peace and intention This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. Save your spot — link in show notes. This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. Spots are limited — the link is in the show notes. ✅Register Here 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource)

Birthday Episode + Giveaway on the But First, She Failed podcast. In this powerful conversation, Paola shares 40 Lessons at 40, offering the mindset shifts, purpose insights, calling breakthroughs, and growth lessons that have shaped her over the last decade. Through career pivots, moments of fear, seasons of uncertainty, motherhood, identity work, faith, and building a top 1% podcast, Paola has gathered wisdom she now pours back into her community — especially women navigating purpose, clarity, and reinvention. This episode is designed for anyone who feels stuck, behind, or on the edge of a new chapter and needs encouragement, strategy, and hope. This episode serves as a blueprint for anyone that wants a breakthrough in their future. Whether you're 25, 35, 45 or beyond, Paola's reflections remind listeners that they are not behind — they're becoming. And the next chapter can be the most meaningful one yet. 🎉 BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY (Celebrating Paola's 40th!) To celebrate her birthday, Paola is giving away a FREE 30-minute 1:1 coaching session redeemable anytime in 2026. To enter: 1️⃣ Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts 2️⃣ Screenshot it 3️⃣ Tag Paola on Instagram so she can see it Your review helps the show reach more women stepping into their purpose — thank you for celebrating with Paola! JOIN THE DECEMBER 15 DREAMING CALL Host Paola Soares is also leading the final FREE Accountability Community call of the year on December 15 — a reflective and powerful Dreaming Call. Listeners will walk through guided journal prompts to help them: ✏️ Gain clarity for 2026 ✏️ Identify goals, dreams & next steps ✏️ Discern what God is stirring in their hearts ✏️ Prepare for their next chapter with intention This is the last free call before the January launch of The Purpose Co. Accountability Community. ✅Register Here   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful  

Are you overthinking, spiraling in "what ifs," or feeling stuck because worry is draining your energy? In this powerful mindset-reset episode, Paola shares the exact reality check she had to give herself this week—one she knows many faith-driven, purpose-seeking women need to hear too. If you've been feeling unfulfilled in your current job, sensing you're meant for more, or trying to build a dream on the side while juggling all the things, this episode will help you understand how worry might be quietly sabotaging your growth, clarity, and purpose. Inside the episode, Paola breaks down: ✨ The 3 surprising ways worry is draining your energy and slowing your progress ✨ Why worry and faith cannot co-exist—and how to shift back into God-centered belief ✨ How worry shapes your mindset, confidence, and the way you show up in your calling ✨ What to do today to break the cycle of anxiety and step into purpose with clarity and peace You'll walk away with practical steps rooted in scripture, neuroscience, and real-life examples—so you can stop sabotaging your momentum and finally make progress on the dream God placed in your heart.  Reminder: The Accountability Community Call is TOMORROW! If you're tired of doing your dream alone… this is your space. Join Paola and a community of like-minded, ambitious women for live coaching, encouragement, purpose-clarity, and momentum. Come share the dream in your heart, get feedback, meet supportive women, and hear more about the vision for the community that's launching soon. This month's call happens Wednesday, Nov. 12 — sign up in the show notes! ✅ Register Here 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource)  

Feeling drained, unmotivated, or disconnected — even though you're "doing all the right things"? You might be facing burnout… but not the kind you think. In this episode, host Paola Soares breaks down the three hidden types of burnout that ambitious, purpose-driven women often overlook. These are the kinds that sneak up on you when you're checking every box, chasing growth, and still feeling empty inside. Paola shares the subtle signs you may be missing — and what burnout might actually be trying to tell you about your work, your mindset, and the season you're in. 💡 You'll learn: Why rest alone doesn't always fix burnout The difference between overworking and being out of alignment How to move from exhaustion to clarity and renewal If you've been wondering "Why do I feel so tired when I'm doing everything right?" — this conversation will help you see burnout not as a setback, but as an invitation to realign. 👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Community Call! If you're ready to get out of your head and finally start walking in the purpose God has for you, this is your chance to do it with community. During this 1-hour session, you'll connect with like-minded women, share what you're working on, get live coaching and encouragement, and gain clarity around your calling so you can take bold next steps. 💡 Spots are limited — and this may be one of the last times I offer this call for free before transitioning into a membership community. Don't miss the chance to be part of it! ✅ Register Here 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 33. Why Hitting Burnout Is So Dangerous, my story and 3 Steps to Combat Burnout in Your Life

✨ Special Episode: From Failure to Faith — Paola's Interview on The Vibrant Flow Podcast ✨ This week on But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares shares something a little different. Recently, she was invited to be a guest on 🎙️ The Vibrant Flow Podcast with Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen —a friend of But First, She Failed. Paola loved Johanna's thoughtful questions and the authentic flow of their conversation so much that she asked if she could share it here with you. 💛 In this inspiring interview, Paola opens up about her decade-long journey of overcoming fear of failure, healing from shame, and learning to fail forward into faith. She shares behind-the-scenes moments from her career in national news, the painful season of being let go, and how God used that experience to redirect her toward her true calling—helping women step boldly into the purpose He designed for them. 🌿 🌸 About The Vibrant Flow Podcast: Hosted by Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen—a multi-passionate artist, women's coach, English MA graduate, mama, and wife—The Vibrant Flow Podcast is for the ambitious, faith-led woman ready to step fully into her calling, unapologetically and in full feminine flow. The show blends faith-based coaching, feminine leadership, and creative personal branding to help women break free from shame, self-sabotage, and comparison while elevating their God-given expression. 🎧 Go listen: The Vibrant Flow Podcast for the full interview! In this episode only part of the full episode is shared so if you enjoyed make sure to go to The Vibrant Flow Podcast to listen to the rest of the convesation! Johanna is also about to launch her 12-Week Personal Branding Incubator—links to both below! 💬 Community Update: The next Community Accountability Call is happening in early November! 🙌 It's designed for women who feel unfulfilled professionally and sense God calling them to step into something new—whether that's launching a business, starting a brand, or pursuing a deeper sense of purpose. You'll receive live coaching, feedback, and encouragement from Paola and a circle of like-minded women who will cheer you on every step of the way. (Sign-up link in the show notes!) 🌿 In This Episode: • Overcoming fear of failure and redefining success through faith • Healing from shame and finding identity in God • Navigating comparison and imposter syndrome • Feminine strength, calling, and purpose • Learning to pause, trust God's timing, and walk in your unique assignment ✨ Connect with Johanna: 🎧 Listen to the full interview on The Vibrant Flow Podcast: 👉 From Head to Heart: Feminine Embodiment and Magnetic Presence (Spotify) 💖 Follow Johanna on Instagram: 👉 @thevibrantflowwithjo 🌸 Learn more about Johanna's 12-Week Personal Branding Incubator: 👉 thevibrantflowpodcast.com/beta-group-2025   💻 Let's Connect: 👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Community Call! If you're ready to get out of your head and finally start walking in the purpose God has for you, this is your chance to do it with community. During this 1-hour session, you'll connect with like-minded women, share what you're working on, get live coaching and encouragement, and gain clarity around your calling so you can take bold next steps. 💡 Spots are limited — and this may be one of the last times I offer this call for free before transitioning into a membership community. Don't miss the chance to be part of it! ✅ Register Here 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here ✨ FREE RESOURCE: 6 SIGNS YOU ARE OR AREN'T WALKING IN YOUR GOD-GIVEN CALLING --> paolasoares.com/calling

What does it take to build a brand that earns the trust of the world's most prestigious hotels — and do it in an industry where you're often the only woman, only Latina, or only woman of color in the room? In this powerful episode, Ayana Rodriguez, founder of ITAVI, shares how she transformed a simple idea about intentional childcare into a premium service now partnered with Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, 1 Hotel, Eden Roc, and more. From her early days running a children's boutique to becoming the CEO of an award-winning company, Ayana's journey is a masterclass in perseverance, vision, and courage. She opens up about how she refused to let labels or stereotypes define her path — choosing instead to focus on the mission, the solution, and the people she was called to serve. Through this conversation, you'll learn: ✨ How to develop the mindset that keeps you moving forward — even when you feel like you don't belong. 🏨 The power of strategic partnerships and how to position your brand for success in elite spaces. 💡 Why emotional intelligence and community support are critical for scaling your business. 🌱 How to reframe failures as lessons that fuel growth and resilience. 🤝 The importance of leveraging your village — in parenting, business, and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned businesswoman, this conversation will inspire you to dream bigger, push past fear, and pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. Because your identity isn't a barrier — it's your superpower. Connect with Ayana:  Itavikids.com IG: @itavikids IG: @ayanamrodriguez 👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Community Call! ( Nov. 5th) If you're ready to get out of your head and finally start walking in the purpose God has for you, this is your chance to do it with community. During this 1-hour session, you'll connect with like-minded women, share what you're working on, get live coaching and encouragement, and gain clarity around your calling so you can take bold next steps. 💡 Spots are limited — and this may be one of the last times I offer this call for free before transitioning into a membership community. Don't miss the chance to be part of it! ✅ Register Here 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here

In this episode of But First, She Failed, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring Jacqueline Basulto, the Latina entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO behind SeedX, a digital growth agency she launched with just $200. Since then, her agency has helped clients generate over $1 billion in revenue through innovative digital strategies and data-driven growth. Jacqueline shares how she built a thriving business from humble beginnings, how motherhood fuels her leadership, and her secrets to finding great talent and creating lasting success. ✨ You'll Learn: How to find great talent early in your business The secret to "revenue synergy" and business growth How motherhood sharpens leadership and focus The mindset behind scaling with purpose If you're a Latina entrepreneur, woman in business, or aspiring founder, this conversation will remind you that big impact can start with small beginnings. Connect with Jacqueline:  seedx.us Jacqueline Basulto Linkedin 👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Community Call! ( Nov. 5th) If you're ready to get out of your head and finally start walking in the purpose God has for you, this is your chance to do it with community. During this 1-hour session, you'll connect with like-minded women, share what you're working on, get live coaching and encouragement, and gain clarity around your calling so you can take bold next steps. 💡 Spots are limited — and this may be one of the last times I offer this call for free before transitioning into a membership community. Don't miss the chance to be part of it! ✅ Register Here   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here