In this deeply human conversation, Hannah sits down with former Oroton CEO, Jenny Child, to explore what happens after the title, the success, and the carefully built career identity.

Jenny shares her experience navigating grief, leadership, and major career transitions, and how learning to slow down, let go, and be present reshaped not just her work — but her sense of self. Together, they unpack what it means to lead through uncertainty, to grieve versions of ourselves we've outgrown, and to build a life that isn't driven solely by achievement.

This episode is for anyone who's:

- Stepping away from a high-level role
- Moving through grief or loss (personal or professional)
- Questioning who they are beyond their job title
- Learning how to be present in seasons of change

A powerful reminder that growth doesn't always look like striving — sometimes it looks like listening, resting, and allowing space for what's next.

Key Takeaways:
- Grief isn't only about loss — it often shows up during career transitions
- Leadership roles can deeply shape identity, making transitions emotionally complex
- Presence becomes essential when control and certainty fall away
- Stepping back doesn't mean failure — it can mean integration
- True success evolves as we evolve
- Slowing down can reveal what achievement alone never could

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Jenny's career background
02:10 – Identity beyond leadership and success
05:00 – Grief as a teacher during life transitions
08:30 – Leaving a role that once defined you
12:15 – The emotional cost of high-performance culture
16:00 – Learning presence when certainty disappears
20:10 – Letting go of urgency and external validation
24:45 – Redefining success after loss and change
29:30 – Advice for leaders navigating transitions
33:00 – What it really means to trust yourself again

#CareerTransitions #GriefRecovery #GriefAndGrowth #WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveLife #CareerChange #Presence #IdentityAndPurpose #HighPerformer

In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Hannah responds to a listener who feels trapped in nightly 7PM work calls that aren't true emergencies — and are starting to take a real toll on her health, energy, and self-respect.

On paper, everything looks great: a senior role, great pay, strong performance reviews. But behind the scenes, constant availability has become the expectation — and setting boundaries feels terrifying.

This episode dives into how to tell the difference between what's truly required in your role and what's become an unhealthy pattern — plus how to stop apologizing for wanting basic boundaries like rest, health, and an evening to yourself.

Key Takeaways:

- Not every late-night work demand is a true job requirement — many are learned dynamics
- Chronic stress and "always on" availability have real health consequences
- You don't need to justify or apologize for reasonable boundaries
- Start small: clear availability, long explanations
- People-pleasing often reduces respect, not increases it
- If your values and your job are in conflict, something needs to change

Want Support With This?

If this episode hit close to home and you're ready to stop over-functioning, people-pleasing, and burning out, Hannah's Life & Work Transformation program dives deep into exactly this work.

#WorkBoundaries #PeoplePleasing #ToxicWorkCulture #WorkLifeBalance #BoundarySetting #HighPerformers #HannahKissel

Timestamps:

00:00 – The listener's dilemma: nightly 7 PM calls
01:45 – Why this pattern feels so hard to change
03:00 – Is this a gravity problem or a boundary problem?
05:10 – When long hours are actually expected vs. optional
07:00 – The health cost of constant availability
09:00 – What happens if you do nothing
11:30 – People-pleasing, fear, and over-apologizing
13:45 – How to start setting boundaries (without overexplaining)
17:30 – What to do if your boss pushes back
20:30 – Identity shift: becoming someone who is calm and confident
23:00 – When it might be time to reassess the role itself

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

In this episode, Executive Life Coach, Hannah Kissel discusses the importance of adopting an investor mentality in various aspects of life beyond just finances. She emphasizes the need for long-term thinking and balancing different areas of life, such as health, relationships, and career. By identifying with one's future self and shifting personal identity, individuals can create lasting habits and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The conversation highlights practical steps to invest in oneself holistically, leading to a more fulfilling life.

You'll learn in this episode:

- Investing isn't just for finances; it applies to life.
- Balance is key in the wheel of life.
- Long-term thinking creates compound returns.
- Identify with your future self for better decisions.
- Your identity shapes your habits and choices.
- Start small to build momentum in life changes.
- Difficult challenges can lead to personal growth.
- Self-control is a skill that can be developed.
- Daily habits can transform your perception of self.
- Investing in health and relationships is crucial.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Investing in Life: Beyond Finances
03:14 - The Wheel of Life: Balancing Priorities
05:59 - Identifying with Your Future Self
09:06 - Shifting Identity: The Investor Mentality
12:04 - Embracing Difficulties for Growth
14:48 - Creating a Holistic Life Investment

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Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence

The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a

Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/

Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/

Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

#highperformer #investormentality #hannahkissel

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Executive Life Coach, Hannah Kissel addresses a listener's struggle with career fulfillment, exploring the tension between a high-paying job and the desire for a more meaningful career. She discusses different career orientations, the psychological challenges faced by high earners, and practical steps for transitioning to a more fulfilling path.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's purpose and the sacrifices that may come with pursuing it, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own career journeys and aspirations.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Dilemma of Career Fulfillment
02:51 - Understanding Career Orientations
06:00 - The High Earners Trap and Sunk Cost Fallacy
08:50 - Practical Steps for Transitioning Careers
12:07 - Navigating Purpose and Sacrifice in Career Choices
14:25 - Conclusion and Call to Action

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

Hannah Hotline is sponsored by dominiquejingles— where quirky, clever, and corporate branding is reimagined. A client says, 'We just want something different.' Dominique turns that into a jingle that sticks in your head all day.

DM Dominique on Instagram @dominiquejingles or email dominiqueenglish04@gmail.com.

In this reflective conversation, Executive Life Coach Hannah and Cory explore their experiences over the past year, using the Wheel of Life as a framework to assess their satisfaction in various life categories. They discuss their career aspirations, community connections, health journeys, and the importance of fun and recreation. The dialogue emphasizes the value of reflection for personal growth and setting intentions for the upcoming year.

• Reflection is essential for personal growth
• The Wheel of Life helps assess life satisfaction.
• Career satisfaction can fluctuate and requires active management.
• Community connections enhance overall well-being.
• Health encompasses both physical and mental aspects.
• Engaging in fun activities is crucial for happiness.
• Setting intentions can guide future actions.
• Hiring support can alleviate entrepreneurial isolation.
• Structured activities foster deeper friendships.
• Regular reflection can lead to actionable insights.

Timestamps

00:00 - Reflecting on the Past Year
05:24 - Career Insights and Aspirations
15:13 - Building Community and Connections
16:17 - Building Community Connections
22:41 - Health Reflections and Goals
31:34 - Exploring Fun and Recreation
39:43 - Setting Intentions for the New Year

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🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com
• The Truth About Imposter Syndrome:
  https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a
• Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score:
  https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

Welcome to Hannah Hotline! In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, we tackle a common challenge among high performers: dealing with a boss who is inconsistent, incompetent, and a people-pleaser. A listener is heading into a crucial meeting with their VP and is tempted to "throw their boss under the bus" to gain a leadership opportunity. Life coach Hannah Kissel breaks down the essential strategy you need to handle this situation without sabotaging your career.

Watch this episode if you're "over it and aiming up" and want to elevate your career conversation

In this video, you will learn:
- Clean Pain vs. Dirty Pain at work
- How to stop ruminating about your bad boss
- The acceptance strategy for incompetent managers
- Why complaining to a senior leader is career sabotage
- How to showcase leadership in a VP meeting
- Using market trends to elevate your career conversation
- The #1 rule for talking shit about your manager

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

Hannah Hotline is sponsored by dominiquejingles— where quirky, clever, and corporate branding is reimagined. A client says, 'We just want something different.' Dominique turns that into a jingle that sticks in your head all day.

DM Dominique on Instagram @dominiquejingles or email dominiqueenglish04@gmail.com.

#badboss #careerstrategy #cleanpaindirtypain #leadershipdevelopment #workplaceadvice

Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Big Fcking Dreams podcast. This is a powerful, guided meditation designed to help you connect with and unburden one of your protective "parts" using the framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

For high-achievers, overthinkers, and perfectionists, learning to speak to these parts, like the Inner Critic, the Martyr, or the People-Pleaser, is the key to reducing stress, building self-compassion, and stepping into your true Self energy.

Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and let's begin the work of healing and integrating. Remember to pause and journal if you need to.

This meditation will guide you to:
- Identify where a protective part resides in your body.
- Ask the part about its role and deep fears.
- Discover when the part first took on its job.
- Give the part an update on your adult life, letting it know it can unburden its stress.
- Cultivate Self energy and compassion toward the part.

Resources Mentioned:
The Method that Changed My Life Internal Family Systems Therapy: https://youtu.be/SZLIEzplySU

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

#IFS #InternalFamilySystems #PartsWork #GuidedMeditation #SelfCompassion

Are you losing your edge, but can't figure out why? You're objectively exceptional, but you still feel like an imposter and you're shutting down in important meetings.

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams, Life Coach Hannah Kissel breaks down the 5 red flags that are silently crushing your career confidence and giving you true imposter syndrome. She dive deep into how perfectionism and people-pleasing are linked to burnout, and why you feel like you have to overgive to prove your worth.

If you are struggling with low confidence, self-doubt, or always comparing yourself to others' success, this episode is your wake-up call and a guide to taking your power back.

In this video, you will learn:
- The difference between a skills gap and a true confidence issue.
- How your nervous system's "Firefighter" part causes you to shut down in high-stakes meetings.
- Why the world needs more of your "B+ work".
- The antidote to constant comparison in competitive environments: anchoring on your personal values.
- How to use "micro boundaries" to stop overgiving and people-pleasing.

Resources Mentioned:
The Method that Changed My Life Internal Family Systems Therapy:
https://youtu.be/SZLIEzplySU

The Truth About Imposter Syndrome:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a

Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score:
https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

#careerconfidence #highperformer #selfdevelopment #perfectionism #peoplepleasing