In this milestone episode, Christa reflects on the podcast's journey to #150, including recent changes and the transition to in-person recordings at a new studio. She shares insights on embracing a growth mindset, discussing how experimenting, making mistakes, and learning from failures can lead to personal growth and career advancement. From career pivot journeys to embracing new job opportunities, this episode offers actionable takeaways, including the importance of an open mind and willingness to explore new ideas. Listen in to gain valuable insights on navigating transitions and embracing change in your professional life!

A self-taught local artist and art instructor, Meera Agarwal experienced a turning point in her life after a three month youth expedition to China. She quit her accounting job in Dubai and entered the field of corporate communications in the U.S. Even as she switched gears/countries, her art practice was a source of inspiration and later began pursuing it full-time as a working creative in her hometown of Rye, NY. A passionate instructor, Meera conducts art workshops for children and adults alike. She is also a certified Art-o-Mat artist, contributing to art vending machines nationwide. Recently, she expanded into public art with Rye Arts Center’s Rye’sAbove butterfly installation and contributed to the Rye Poetry Path. In this episode, we explore Meera's incredible career transition from accounting to becoming a full-time artist, delving into her journey of self-discovery, creativity, and the courage to pursue passion over convention!

Stefanie Schmidt, a lawyer turned clothing designer, was inspired to pivot her career after her mother was diagnosed with cancer, which heightened her awareness of the chemicals in everyday products and foods. When she couldn’t find easily accessible organic children’s clothing for her kids, she had the idea to start her own company. She soon learned that the U.S. lags behind in regulating potentially harmful chemicals in clothing. America only bans 11 chemicals compared to the EU's regulation of over 1,300. Stefanie left her role as general counsel for a financial tech firm to create a brand that prioritizes kids' health and happiness! This episode shares an honest and valuable narrative of Stefanie's pivot from lawyer to founder, detailing how she achieved early success despite having little knowledge about the fashion industry or building and promoting a brand!

Anita Devlin, a recovery advocate, producer, author, and professional organizer, is dedicated to inspiring change through the power of organization. Her business, We Heave Ho, led by an all-female staff, offers in-home services for organization, decluttering, moving management, and occupied staging. By embracing the philosophy that "possessions fill voids, while simplicity creates space to breathe," Anita aims to transform living spaces and positively impact lives. Join Anita as she shares how embracing your life journey can lead to deep fulfillment at any age!

Donna Lennox's vision for her company Gear 80 extended beyond reintroducing a line of clutch bags from the 1980s, each adorned with the iconic bubble detail that once made them a fashion essential. Recognizing the emotional resonance the vintage style holds for so many (including herself), Donna is dedicated to transporting her customers back to the memories of their high school days. Drawing from decades of experience in fashion sales, Donna identified an untapped potential in reviving the GEAR brand with a modern twist and embarked on a journey to breathe new life into her career. Join us as we delve into Donna's professional evolution, uncover her founder story, and unravel the driving force behind Gear 80!

After her experience as a nanny, Maggie Pearson spent several years working as a personal chef in Rhode Island, bringing the same level of care to each family she served. It was rewarding to see how her cooking could make a difference in the lives of her clients, and wanted to share it with more. She started preparing meals at home and personally delivering as a way to take on more clients. Despite not doing any marketing, demand for services continued to grow. It became clear that there was a significant need in the market for an easy, high-quality meal delivery service that could meet the needs of busy families!

In 2016 she founded Feast & Fettle, hiring her best friend from high school, who quit her corporate job to join Maggie on the journey. Two years later, they invited another friend to join them as CEO and the business has since skyrocketed. Feast & Fettle is a 6-state, 10,000-member enterprise that still sticks to Pearson’s original goals, including the mission to make healthy eating accessible no matter where you are! Listen to this inspiring Bucket List Careers episode that follows Maggie’s passionate career journey and all the lessons learned along the way!

Dara Astmann crafted her dream gig as a coach for mothers seeking clarity, confidence, and purpose in their next step, whether it’s returning to the workforce after raising kids, renewing their professional purpose, or embarking on a mid-career pivot. Before she started her business, she spent nearly two decades in media and sales, most recently working for Paramount while being a mother juggling it all, so she relates deeply with her clients who are looking for balance that aligns with their own unique second story. Listen for coaching advice on how to find your Bucket List Career!

Tamara Witham is a certified financial planner who started her own investment advisory firm, GreenLife Advisors to help people achieve their long-term goals, from saving for their children’s education and weddings to their own retirement. Roughly half of her clients are first-generation Americans and foreign-born permanent residents and the other half are women. In this episode Tamara talks about the fear of making a mistake in her career evolution (she left her well-paying job at a hedge fund to work as an unpaid intern to learn this new business), but now as founder she couldn’t be happier. She also shares her strong belief in the power of planning to empower individuals and families to achieve financial freedom, and the satisfaction she feels in making a meaningful impact through her Bucket List Career!