Having the Courage to Change
When I first started my newsletter, I did it mainly to make myself feel better.
Celebrating Setbacks
Do you feel like you're the only one facing setbacks? You're not alone.
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Latest episodes
On Taking Control Back of Your Career: Reflection #13
Lessons learned from an intellectual historian about why we should take career setbacks less personally — and how to restore your agency.
Two Columbia Grads on the Changing Workforce
Why modern career paths can feel so unstable — and how to regain your confidence
A Post-Summer Change
For all you regular readers of this newsletter — hello!
An Elite Seller's Approach to Setbacks: Reflection #12
What I learned from talking to a top salesperson at Databricks about dealing with career setbacks.
Regaining Confidence After a Career Setback, With Top Salesperson Daniel Klein: Interview #12
A few months ago, Daniel Klein, an elite seller who’s worked in tech for nearly 15 years, shared a personal anecdote on LinkedIn that went viral.
Reflection #11: On Turning Survival Into Success
When Polina Pompliano was 8, she moved from Bulgaria to the U.S. — not knowing any English. Today, she is a master communicator and one of the biggest journalists on the internet. Here are the unexpected takeaways I had from discussing the triumphs — and also challenges — of her career.
Interview #11: Turning Survival Skills Into a Media Empire, With Polina Pompliano
How the founder of one of the biggest newsletters on the internet turned her most difficult experiences into a media empire.
Reflection #10: The Challenges of Rising Quickly at Work, With Ashley Rudolph
Last time, I had the fun of speaking with Ashley Rudolph, a former VP in tech who rose the ranks quickly, becoming a leader in twenties.
The Weight of Leadership: Invisible Struggles Behind a VP's Rapid Rise
First, apologies to those who wanted to read my Business Insider piece last time but couldn’t access the link — here is an updated alternate link! I talk about a recent “setback” experience of my own — experiencing a cardiac issue at 29 that limited my ability to walk and totally changed the way I see the world. I hope you enjoy :)
I Was Featured in Business Insider!
I used to hate slow walkers. Then I got sick and became one. Here's what I learned.
Reflection #9: On The Hidden Dimensions of Grief
Last time, I spoke with Jody LaVoie - founder of The Grief Company and Widows In The Workplace.
Interview #9: On Grieving and Strength from Unimaginable Loss
In 2014, Jody LaVoie faced the unthinkable. Her husband Steve, CEO and founder of the company ArrowStream, was shot — by a longtime employee.
Reflection #8: On Choosing What Truly Matters, With Chris Anselmo
Last time, I had the privilege of speaking with Chris Anselmo, rare disease advocate and the writer behind Hello, Adversity. (If you didn't have a chance to read the interview last time, you can read it here). Diagnosed with LGMD2B at the age of eighteen — a rare progressive muscle disease, with no known cure — he began to lose his mobility in his late twenties. Since then, he has shared his story…
Interview #8: On Saying "Hello" to Life's Constraints, With Chris Anselmo
A chat with rare disease advocate Chris Anselmo about resilience and sharing his story with the world
Reflection #7: On Turning Problems Into Opportunities
Last time, I had the fun of speaking with Sybil Berry, a media-industry veteran turned entrepreneur in 2022, when she founded the cane and mobility company Lemonaide, Co.
Interview #7: From Injury to Entrepreneurship, With Sybil Berry
How one woman turned her serious injury experience into a modern, stylish cane company.
2024: My Favorite Setback Lessons
This year, I had the privilege of speaking with six incredible, courageous people who entrusted me with sharing the stories of their setbacks — and breaking them down to find the many jewels of wisdom in each one.
Reflection #6: On Finally Accepting Yourself, With Sadie Shepard
Last time, I had the fun of speaking with my friend, business coach Sadie Shepard. After ten years in real estate and tech, she decided to go into consulting and started her own business advising female founders.
Interview #6: How To Finally Embrace Who You Are, With Sadie Shepard
Sadie Shepard is so, refreshingly real. I noticed it immediately the first time I spoke to her, which was on the phone, late last year.