Chronic Boss Unfiltered

What do the women accused of witchcraft centuries ago have in common with women navigating chronic illness today? More than you might think. In this spellbinding episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Pam Grossman, acclaimed author, host of The Witch Wave podcast, and practicing witch, to explore the fascinating history of witch persecution, the power of modern witchcraft, and what it really means to reclaim your magic. From the historical silencing of women's knowledge to the medical gaslighting women still experience today, Lilly and Pam explore the enduring relationship between women's bodies, power, and the right to be believed. While this conversation draws on the past, it's also about embracing what makes us different, finding strength in our experiences, and using creativity to build a life on our own terms. Drawing on her book Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity, Pam shares how everyday rituals, imagination, and a little magic can help us reconnect with our creativity, overcome self-doubt, and recognize the unique gifts we have to offer the world. Whether you're witch-curious, navigating chronic illness, or simply looking to reconnect with your own power, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to change who you are to create something extraordinary. In this episode, we explore: From witch hunts to medical gaslighting: The history of witch persecution and its parallels with the dismissal of women's voices and experiences in healthcare. The modern witch: What it means to reclaim the witch identity and embrace feminine power, individuality, and personal agency. Finding magic in our differences: How living with chronic illness can reshape our identities while revealing unexpected strengths and possibilities. Turning poison into medicine: Transforming difficult experiences into compassion, purpose, and meaningful contributions to the world. Honoring the darkness and the light: Why grief, struggle, and difficult emotions deserve space alongside joy and optimism. Creativity as magic: How imagination, intention, and everyday rituals can help us move past self-doubt and tap into our creative potential. Making your own magic: Simple, accessible rituals to help you reconnect with creativity, whether you're building a business, writing, or pursuing a personal passion.   Episode Highlights [00:00] Welcome and introduction to Pam Grossman [01:02] Pam’s Witch Wave season finale with Rachel Dratch, and the ritual she performed for Rocky Horror’s Broadway cast at Studio 54 [02:31] What “Don’t Dream It, Be It” means to Pam [04:34] Lilly’s brother playing Frank-N-Furter, and why Rocky Horror resonates with anyone who feels like an outsider [06:48] The real history of the witch trials: who was actually persecuted, and why [10:45] Silvia Federici’s Caliban and the Witch, and how institutionalized medicine pushed women healers out of the marketplace [13:05] Lilly’s own story of being sent home from the ER three times before doctors found bleeding ulcers in her small intestine [13:42] Connecting witch-trial persecution to medical gaslighting today, starting with the research gap around perimenopause [15:22] Who holds the power in religion, business, and government, and how that shapes women’s healthcare [17:25] How recently the full anatomy of the clitoris was mapped [18:42] Why 80% of people with autoimmune disease are women, and how recently an office for autoimmune disease research was created [19:29] How Pam defines the modern witch, and what her pagan practice looks like [22:48] What witchcraft can teach women reclaiming power after a chronic illness changes their identity [26:48] Turning poison into medicine, including a new primary care startup built for people with chronic conditions [27:14] Honoring the darkness and the light [28:02] Magic Maker and creativity as a form of magic [29:35] Creativity as power in the age of AI [31:05] Pam’s upcoming workshop Connect with Pam Grossman: 🖤 The Witch Wave podcast 🖤 Books: Magic Maker, Waking the Witch, What Is A Witch 🖤 Website 🖤 Instagram 🖤 Facebook 🖤 Samhain Séance workshop, November 1st   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

What does it look like to build a six-figure business while raising two kids, holding down a marriage to an active-duty Air Force pilot who's gone 70% of the year, and finally treating an anxiety disorder you white-knuckled for two decades? In this episode, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Beth Ann Hart, founder of Hart Health Consulting & Co and the operational engine behind both Chronic Boss and Patient Authentic, for a conversation that starts with food stamps and ends in boardrooms. Beth Ann got pregnant with her daughter at 19, a sophomore in college. She was back at work at three weeks postpartum, writing papers with her daughter on her chest, and bought her first house by 21. She found Chronic Boss through a cold application on Upwork. Last summer, over dinner at Lolita in Boston, Lilly pulled out her phone, did some quick math on Beth Ann's rates, and told her she was undervaluing herself. That one conversation is the reason Beth Ann has since tripled her salary and is on track for multiple six figures in 2027. Beth Ann and Lilly also get into the chronic half of Chronic Boss. Beth Ann has lived with anxiety since childhood and didn't start treating it with medication and therapy until last year, after realizing she couldn't keep white-knuckling her way through irrational fears. They talk honestly about what it took to get there, what changed once she did, and why being sure of yourself might be 90% of the job. What You'll Learn: Why so many ambitious women undervalue their own rates, and what it looked like for Beth Ann to see her worth in real numbers for the first time How one dinner conversation turned a "pipe dream" goal of $100K by 30 into tripling her salary and pacing toward multiple six figures in 2027 What it actually took to build a career and a degree as a single mom, back at work three weeks after giving birth Why Beth Ann didn't start treating a lifelong anxiety disorder until last year, and what changed once she did How being a military spouse, with her husband gone roughly 70% of the year, shapes how she parents and how she runs her business The advice from her brother-in-law at 17 that she still calls the best she's ever gotten What "being a chronic boss" means to Beth Ann, in her own words Episode Highlights (topic markers below — send over the final cut and I'll convert these to real timestamps) Welcome and introduction to Beth Ann Hart From Food Stamps to Boardrooms: becoming a mom at 19 and building a life as a single mom Buying her first house at 21, and why she still drives by it Finding Chronic Boss through Upwork The dinner at Lolita: the conversation that started her $100K goal Tripling her salary and pacing toward multiple six figures in 2027 Juggling motherhood, a military marriage, and a growing client roster Living with anxiety since childhood, and why she waited until last year to treat it Getting on Lexapro and into therapy, and what shifted Being sure of yourself as 90% of the job, and the best career advice she ever got Her favorite part of working with Chronic Boss and Patient Authentic What being a "chronic boss" means to Beth Ann Connect with Beth Ann Hart & Hart Health Consulting: 🖤Webiste 🖤LinkedIn 🖤Instagram   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

Ten days before my wedding, I sat down with the two women who are going to be there capturing every moment of it. Mariah Gale and Andrea Schwanbeck aren't just my wedding photographers. They've been part of the Chronic Boss community since the very beginning. Mariah shot our first brand shoot before we even launched. Andrea was there at our launch party (yes, including the moment her hair caught fire). They've watched this whole thing grow, and I've watched them grow too, through studio closures, a new baby, insulin pod emergencies in the middle of Boston, and some really hard questions about who they are outside of their work. This episode is going to air while I'm on my honeymoon, which feels right. Because this conversation was one of those ones I'll be thinking about for a long time. We got into: What ADHD actually looks like inside a business, and why Mariah had to stop eating the frog and start doing the opposite The difference between an ADHD superpower and an ADHD superpower in the right container Why Mariah closed two studios in two years, and how she finally separated her identity from her square footage Andrea's experience managing type one diabetes through pregnancy, and the medical team that made it feel possible The "pump bump" and what it means to show up visibly as a chronic illness founder in front of your clients How Andrea restructured her pricing and her client list after having her son Sam, and why she doesn't apologize for it Mariah's new project, Boston Content Club, and how she listened to what her clients kept telling her they needed What it means to be a chronic boss, in their own words Mariah said something that I keep coming back to: "It's not failing. It's just learning and growing in an accelerated way." And Andrea's definition of chronic boss might be the most honest one I've ever heard on this show. This one is for anyone who has ever tied their worth to their work, or wondered whether they can have a business AND a chronic condition AND a full life. You can. These two are proof. Connect with Mariah   🖤 / instagram.com/mariahgalecreative 🖤 / linkedin.com/in/mariahgale 🖤 / mariahgalecreative.com Connect with Andrea   🖤 / instagram.com/brasstacksphotography 🖤 / linkedin.com/in/andrea-schwanbeck-brass-tacks-photography 🖤 / brasstacksphotography.com Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco  Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs 

What does it look like to build a company while your body is working against you? In this episode, host Lilly Stairs sits down with two Chronic Boss Scholarship recipients who are doing exactly that — and doing it brilliantly. Jolie Wyatt, founder of If the Shoe Fits and newly minted Babson grad, is revolutionizing the footwear industry with custom-fit heels built from 3D foot scanning technology. Amanda Berk, co-founder of Liora Health, is building a digital platform that matches women with chronic conditions to care advocates who show up with them — literally and figuratively — before, during, and after medical appointments. Both women are students, entrepreneurs, community builders, and chronic illness patients navigating it all at once.   What makes this conversation so special is how candidly Jolie and Amanda talk about the intersection of chronic illness and entrepreneurship — not as a liability, but as a lens. They cover the very real tension of scheduling your week on a Monday when your Thursday body is completely unpredictable, why stress is the common thread connecting conditions as different as hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic migraine, and how learning to block time for rest (not just work) has been a game-changer. They also share the moments that almost stopped them — including the belief that they weren't "sick enough" to deserve this scholarship — and why they applied anyway.   This episode also gets into the power of mentorship and community in a way that will light you up. Both Jolie and Amanda share the relationships that have changed everything for them — from cold DMs that turned into advisory board seats, to connections forged at the Chronic Boss launch party that are still going strong. If you've ever wondered whether putting yourself out there is worth it, this episode is your answer. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why stress is the hidden trigger connecting wildly different chronic conditions — and what Jolie and Amanda each do to stay ahead of it The scheduling hack that every chronic illness entrepreneur needs (hint: it's not just blocking time for calls) How to think about transparency with your community, your friends, and your network when you have a chronic condition — and why sharing opens more doors than it closes Why cold outreach works, even when you have 250 Instagram followers — and how both guests built their advisory boards entirely through DMs The "not sick enough" myth that almost stopped Amanda from applying to the scholarship — and why that thinking is worth confronting head-on What the Chronic Boss Scholarship has meant to real recipients over four years and $36,000 in awards How to build a reciprocal mentorship relationship that actually fills both people's cups TIMESTAMPS [00:00] — Welcome & Episode Introduction Lilly sets up the episode and shares why the Chronic Boss Scholarship has been the most rewarding part of running Chronic Boss.   [01:30] — Introducing Jolie Wyatt and Amanda Berk Quick intros on both guests: Jolie's custom-fit heels company If the Shoe Fits and Amanda's patient advocacy platform Liora Health.   [02:01] — Jolie's Chronic Boss Elevator Pitch Jolie introduces herself, describes the technology behind If the Shoe Fits, and shares her diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa at age nine.   [02:54] — Amanda's Chronic Boss Elevator Pitch Amanda walks through her journey from Hashimoto's to chronic migraine, from healthcare communications to grad school, and how it all led to co-founding Liora Health.   [04:24] — Managing Chronic Conditions While Building a Business Both guests get honest about day-to-day impact — flare cycles, mental health as a chronic condition, and the emotional weight of being a "doer" whose body doesn't always cooperate.   [06:26] — Why Mental Health Belongs Under the Chronic Illness Umbrella Lilly makes the case for reframing mental health conditions as chronic conditions — and why that framing gives them the visibility and depth they deserve.   [10:01] — The Monday/Thursday Problem Every Chronic Entrepreneur Knows Jolie names something so many founders feel but rarely say out loud: how you feel and what you can do on Monday is not the same as Thursday, and there's no way to calculate that.   [11:20] — Practical Hacks for Juggling Entrepreneurship, School & Chronic Illness Time blocking for breaks (not just tasks), listening to your body before a flare hits, and why rest is a business strategy — not a weakness.   [13:51] — The Power of Community and Radical Transparency Amanda and Jolie on being open about their conditions — with friends, founders, and followers — and how that honesty unlocks connection rather than closing doors.   [16:55] — Jolie's Origin Story: How If the Shoe Fits Was Born From a business dress day in high school to a prototype she built by hand in Johannesburg — the full arc of four years, multiple pivots, and a manufacturer in New York City.   [25:15] — Amanda's Origin Story: How Liora Health Came to Be The four-month migraine flare that changed everything, the realization that women with chronic conditions shouldn't have to navigate the healthcare system alone, and the case for patient advocacy as a sustainable business model.   [31:36] — The Role of Mentorship: Jolie & Emily Levy How a cold LinkedIn message before the Chronic Boss launch party turned into one of Jolie's most important mentorship relationships — and the "sit under a tree" advice that still resonates.   [38:57] — The Role of Mentorship: Amanda & Alex Wilderson How Amanda cold-DM'd a podcast host she admired, and how that casual FaceTime turned into an advisory board seat, a South by Southwest partnership, and a friendship.   [44:05] — The Chronic Boss Scholarship: What It Meant to Each of Them Both guests share how they found the scholarship, the self-doubt that almost kept them from applying, and what it meant to finally feel seen.   [52:25] — What Does Being a Chronic Boss Mean to You? Closing reflections from both guests on wearing your chronic illness on your sleeve, the superpowers it gives you, and what it means to live fully — not just between flares.   Connect with Jolie & If the Shoe Fits: 🖤 / instagram.com/iftheshoefits.co  🖤 / linkedin.com/in/joliewyatt  🖤 / iftheshoefits.co   Connect with Amanda & Liora Health:  🖤 / instagram.com/liorahealthadvocates  🖤 / liorahealth.io  🖤 / linkedin.com/in/amanda-berk   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco    Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs 

What if your mental health struggles weren’t holding you back, but actually shaping you into a stronger, more intentional leader? In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Lauren Perna, founder, multi-entrepreneur, storyteller, and Chief Community Officer of Chronic Boss. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a business while living with anxiety, depression, and the pressure to constantly do more. From launching her agency during uncertainty to redefining success on her own terms, Lauren shares how she has learned to work with her mental health instead of against it, and why honoring your limits might be your greatest advantage. You’ll hear why: Anxiety can be a powerful tool for accountability and responsiveness Depression can deepen empathy and help you build stronger communities You don’t have to scale your business just because everyone else is Community is essential for sustainable entrepreneurship Networking should be strategic and not burn you out Sharing your story can create real impact, but boundaries still matter Sobriety and mental health are more connected than we talk about And perhaps most powerfully of all, Lauren explains why building a business that protects your nervous system is just as important as building one that grows your revenue. This conversation is part founder story, part mental health reality check, and part permission slip to build a life that actually works for you. If you’ve ever wondered: Can my mental health actually make me better at what I do? Do I have to scale to be successful? How much of my story should I share publicly? Can I build a business without burning out? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: 1:16 Lauren’s “chronic boss” elevator pitch and living with anxiety and depression 2:25 The unexpected path to starting her business 4:45 The highs and lows of entrepreneurship 7:30 Why community is critical for founders 8:00 How to network strategically without burning out 11:57 The pressure to scale and choosing not to 13:21 Redefining success on your own terms 17:54 Why not everyone wants to be “the boss” 18:24 Realizing mental health is a chronic condition 22:16 Sharing your story and where to draw the line 30:03 Lauren’s sobriety journey and its impact on mental health 34:04 Navigating alcohol culture in business settings 37:56 Mental health and sustainable success 38:14 What being a “chronic boss” really means Attend the Mentally Fit Founder Event May 14, 2026 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-founder-stories-stories-reflection-and-guided-conversation-tickets-1986648187207   Connect with Lauren: ✨/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenelizabethperna/ ✨/ Lauren Perna Communications: https://www.laurenperna.com/  ✨/ Mentally Fit Founder: https://mentallyfitfounder.com/  Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco  Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs 

What if your chronic illness wasn’t a liability—but one of your greatest leadership advantages? In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Jess March, pharmaceutical executive, patient advocate, mom, and longtime leader in the rare disease space. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a meaningful, high-impact career while living with multiple chronic conditions—and why lived experience belongs in the room where healthcare decisions get made. Jess shares how waking up paralyzed at 29 with multiple sclerosis forced her to reimagine everything she thought her life would be—and how that journey ultimately sharpened her ambition, deepened her leadership, and transformed the way she thinks about work, advocacy, and impact. You’ll hear why: Your lived experience is not a weakness—it’s strategic insight Advocacy should not be a side hustle, especially in healthcare Patients need to be in leadership rooms, not brought in after decisions are made Disclosure at work is deeply personal—but can also unlock connection and community Energy management is a form of intentional leadership Boundaries are not a sign that you’re less ambitious—they’re how you protect your health and sustain your goals And perhaps most powerfully of all: Jess explains why chronic illness didn’t take her ambition away—it clarified it. This conversation is part career conversation, part leadership lesson, and part reminder that chronic illness may change your path, but it does not define your potential. If you’ve ever wondered: Can I still be ambitious after a diagnosis? How do I navigate disclosure in a corporate environment? Can chronic illness actually make me a stronger leader? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover:  1:17 Jess’s MS diagnosis and waking up paralyzed at 29 5:30 How she built a 25-year career in pharma and rare disease 9:21 Why lived experience is a strategic advantage in healthcare 11:30 Why advocacy is not a side hustle 14:11 Navigating disclosure at work with chronic illness 17:35 Energy management, spoon theory, and sustainable success 20:59 Boundaries, ambition, and protecting your health 24:40 What patient leadership in healthcare should really look like 27:40 Advice for people with chronic illness who want to lead and advocate 31:08 What being a chronic boss means to Jess Connect with Jess March ✨/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-march/ ✨/ Chronic Boss Hub: https://chronicboss.com/jessica-march/  Mentions ✨ / Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: mymsaa.org  ✨ / Autoimmune Association: autoimmune.org  Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco  Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs

What if chronic illness wasn’t a burden—but the foundation of a whole new economy? In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Michelle Irving, chronic founder, career visionary, and the mind behind the term “the chronic economy.” Together, they unpack how millions of people living with chronic conditions are reshaping work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of business—often without realizing it. Michelle shares how being diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune condition forced her to redesign her career from the ground up—and how that journey led her to build two global businesses, advise executives, and create frameworks that help people pursue ambition without burning their bodies to the ground. You’ll hear why: 30%+ of the workforce lives with chronic conditions—and why calling them a “burden” is wildly outdated The chronic economy is already worth billions (and still invisible to most leaders) Most chronically ill professionals are overcompensating, not underperforming Sustainable work isn’t about accommodations—it’s about redesigning how work gets done AI may actually make chronic work strategies mainstream for everyone And perhaps most jaw-dropping of all: Michelle takes one full week off every month—no meetings, no email, no guilt—and explains exactly how she built a business that doesn’t need her to survive. This conversation is part big-picture vision, part practical roadmap, and part permission slip for chronic founders, professionals, and leaders who know there has to be a better way. If you’ve ever wondered: Can I be ambitious and chronically ill? Is it possible to build a business or career that actually works with my body? What does sustainable success really look like? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: 4:11 What the chronic economy is—and why it’s just getting started 13:05 Chronic founders, entrepreneurship, and redefining ambition 20:07 Boundaries, pricing, and saying no without burning bridges 25:03 Why “performing wellness” is draining talent at work 27:32 How AI is changing capacity, admin, and leadership 40:01 What it really means to be a chronic boss Connect with Michelle Irving ✨ Websites: https://www.chronicillnessatwork.com/ ✨ http://careerandchronicillness.com/ ✨ LinkedIn - @michelleirvingofficial ✨Instagram: @michelleirvingofficial Mentions Leadership Series: https://www.careerandchronic.com/chronicleadership (Feb 2026) Ambition Program: https://www.careerandchronic.com/ambition

In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, our host Lilly Stairs opens up about her journey from chronic illness patient to powerhouse advocate and entrepreneur. With colleague and friend Lauren Perna stepping in as interviewer, listeners get a raw, honest look at the experiences that shaped Lilly’s mission-driven career. Lilly’s story begins with early diagnoses—psoriasis at age seven and OCD during her teen years—and takes a life-altering turn when she is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease at 19. These challenges sparked her passion for patient advocacy at a time when the field was still largely undefined. Throughout the episode, Lilly traces the evolution of her career: establishing herself in advocacy, launching her consultancy Patient Authentic to elevate patient voices in healthcare, and creating Chronic Boss, a community for ambitious women navigating chronic conditions while pursuing big goals. The conversation highlights core themes of Lilly’s work—owning your narrative, prioritizing mental health, recognizing burnout, and redefining ambition through a chronic illness lens. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience and drive can coexist, and that women with chronic conditions deserve space to lead, build, and thrive. Themes:  OCD is widely misunderstood and often hidden in plain sight. A lack of autoimmune awareness propelled her into patient advocacy. Patient advocacy remains an emerging—and deeply needed—field in healthcare. Lilly founded Patient Authentic to help organizations meaningfully engage patients. Daily routines and boundaries are essential for chronic illness entrepreneurs. Chronic Boss was built to empower ambitious women living with chronic conditions. Owning one’s story creates personal and professional strength. Burnout awareness is crucial for protecting mental health. Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction 01:59 — Early Health Journey: Psoriasis and Childhood Resilience 04:06 — Mental Health in Focus: Understanding OCD 08:32 — Age 19: Diagnoses That Shifted Everything 12:21 — The Spark of Patient Advocacy 14:02 — Building a Career Rooted in Advocacy 18:00 — The Launch of Patient Authentic 21:44 — Patient Authentic’s Mission and Impact 24:32 — The Creation of Chronic Boss 27:32 — Empowering Ambitious Women with Chronic Illness 29:29 — Entrepreneurship, Flexibility, and Balance 33:38 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Mental Health 36:24 — What’s Next for Chronic Boss   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram  

In this episode of the Chronic Boss Unfiltered Podcast, Our host Lilly Stairs sits down with Meg Block, the incredible powerhouse behind Boston Moms. Meg gets real about what it was like to build and scale a business in the middle of a global pandemic while battling the debilitating pain of trigeminal neuralgia. We dive into the messy middle — the sleepless nights, the pressure of motherhood, and the weight of carrying a brand on her back while her body was begging her to slow down.   Meg opens up about how deeply her identity became intertwined with her company, and the moment she realized that staying in constant hustle mode was costing her her health. Her decision to sell Boston Moms wasn’t a step back; it was a radical act of self-preservation and clarity. This conversation is such a powerful reminder for every woman — especially my fellow chronic bosses — that caring for ourselves isn’t optional. It’s the foundation. Meg’s story is a testament to what happens when we choose connection, community, and our own wellbeing over the narrative that we have to do it all, all the time. If you’re navigating chronic illness, entrepreneurship, or simply trying to keep all the plates spinning, Meg’s journey will speak straight to your soul. Themes: How Meg built Boston Moms in the middle of COVID chaos — and found purpose through the uncertainty. Behind the scenes, she was carrying intense chronic pain from trigeminal neuralgia. Growing a business while managing a chronic condition pushed her to her limits. Self-care wasn’t a luxury — its a lifeline. Community wasn’t just part of her mission; it was part of her own healing. She had a powerful realization: her identity had become too wrapped up in her business. Being a chronic boss isn’t about doing everything — it’s about proving to yourself that you can rise, even in the hard moments. Chapters Timestamps:  00:00 Building Boston Moms Amidst Chaos 14:57 Navigating Chronic Pain and Motherhood 29:45 The Turning Point: Selling the Business 45:11 Self-Care and the Journey to Healing 29:04 Finding Balance: The Dangers of Identity in Work 30:38 The Summer of Mama: Prioritizing Family Over Work 33:26 Realizations and Reflections: What is Enough? 36:44 The Decision to Sell: Finding Peace in Transition 41:00 Navigating the Exit Process: Women in Business 47:20 Advice for Chronic Pain Warriors: Prioritizing Self-Care 51:14 Embracing the Journey: What it Means to be a Chronic Boss   Connect with Meg Block: ✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-saunders-block/  ✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmegblock/    Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

This episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered brings a deeply resonant conversation between host Lilly Stairs and Amanda Goetz, a two-time founder and author of Toxic Grit. Together, they explore the collision of high ambition, chronic stress, and the wake-up calls that force leaders — especially women — to rethink how they’re operating. Amanda shares her transformational health journey, including the moment she went from the boardroom to the ER, and how that experience cracked open a deeper understanding of burnout and the pressure to “do it all.” The discussion digs into character theory, a powerful tool for understanding the different roles we embody, and how embracing intentional imbalance can create a more sustainable, fulfilling rhythm of life. Listeners will walk away with a redefined perspective on success — one that prioritizes intention over hustle, honors personal capacity, and encourages reclaiming time before the body demands it. This conversation is a refreshing, unapologetic call to rewrite the scripts that keep so many chronic bosses stuck in cycles of depletion.   What You’ll Learn: Early signals of burnout must be recognized and respected to protect long-term well-being. Character theory offers a framework for understanding the various identities individuals occupy throughout their lives. Intentional imbalance allows space for shifting priorities based on season, energy, and personal needs. Reclaiming time shouldn’t be reserved for weekends; it’s essential for daily fulfillment. Smooth transitions between life roles require awareness, rituals, and boundaries. Toxic grit is defined as hustling without clarity, alignment, or intention. Success should never be one-dimensional — a holistic view is both healthier and more empowering. Personal operating rhythms help build a grounded, sustainable lifestyle. Examining the “scripts” shaping decisions leads to more agency and authenticity. Timestamps: 00:00 — Introducing Amanda Goetz + The Story Behind Toxic Grit 01:54 — From the Boardroom to the ER: Amanda’s Health Crisis 07:35 — Burnout’s Warning Signs and Why They Matter 10:43 — Character Theory Explained 18:22 — How Intentional Imbalance Creates Space for What Matters 23:54 — Reclaiming the Five-to-Nine Beyond the Workday 28:34 — Rituals and Awareness for Transitioning Between Characters 34:03 — Understanding the True Meaning of Toxic Grit 37:24 — “Having It All” — But in the Right Season 43:18 — Practical Steps Toward Sustainable, Aligned Ambition   Connect with Amanda Goetz: ✨Toxic Grit Book: https://www.amazon.com/toxic-grit-have-actually-love/dp/146423325x  ✨LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoetz/  ✨Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  ✨Newsletter: https://amandagoetz.kit.com/posts ✨Website: https://www.amandagoetz.com/    Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram