Her Comeback with Denise Quinn

https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleThompson-LifeCoaching

https://hercomebackpodcast.com/

Guest: Denise Quinn, PCC, MBA - Career Transition Coach

About Denise: Career transition coach specializing in mid-career professionals navigating layoffs, career changes, business ventures, and retirement transitions. Works with both laid-off candidates and currently employed individuals seeking change.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Journey to Reinvention (6-7 years)

• Experienced two layoffs; first after 20 years with one company (2016-2017)
• Second layoff became catalyst for leaving corporate permanently
• Got coaching certification after first layoff, discovering passion for helping others
• Transitioned through stages: nonprofit work, 4-year university coaching role, then independent practice (launched October 2024)

Navigating Doubts & Challenges:

• Primary concern: finances (benefits, stability, new house purchase)
• Husband initially biggest skeptic due to financial impact
• Had supportive tribe of women friends and mentors who understood the journey
• Made "baby steps" rather than immediate leap—moved to higher education coaching role first

The "What Have I Done?" Moment:

• Stress around leaving full-time job and carrying family health benefits
• Husband's supportive nature vs. practical concerns
• Finding courage through community support and faith

Biggest Lessons:

• Career transitions don't have to be quick or linear
• Progress happens in ebbs and flows with multiple stages
• Baby steps, even when feeling slow, move you forward
• Each person's strategy and timeline is unique (3 months to years)

Value of Coaching:

• Women are often their own worst critics, underestimating skills and value
• Coaches challenge assumptions and roadblocks we create
• Denise offers both coaching (building confidence) and consulting (resume review, LinkedIn optimization, strategy)
• Even coaches need coaches—can't see our own blind spots

Advice for Women Considering Transition: Start with thinking, then research, then strategic planning. Consider: classes needed, volunteer opportunities, networking groups. Small actions lead to significant progress.

Contact: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisequinnpcc/ or dmqcoaching@icloud.com Offers free 15-20 minute consultations to ensure good fit

HER COMEBACK WITH LISA PANOS - EPISODE NOTES https://hercomebackpodcast.com – Hosted by Michelle Thompson

GUEST: Lisa Panos Author of "Big Girl Pants" | Relationship Advisor | Naples, Florida

ABOUT LISA: Lisa Panos has been helping individuals and couples navigate meaningful change for over 12 years. Trained through the Martha Beck Institute (Oprah's life coach) and the Gottman Institute (world-renowned for research-based relationship approaches), Lisa's work is rooted in emotional awareness, personal responsibility, and the belief that change begins when we stop blaming others and start listening to our feelings. She specializes in working with people in midlife—often in second marriages, blended families, or long-term partnerships under pressure—who want lasting change, not quick fixes.

KEY MOMENTS:

· The Third Grade Turning Point: Lisa shares the pivotal moment when she was held back in third grade after switching to private school. This experience planted the seed of "I'm not smart enough"—a belief that shaped her relationships for years. By seventh grade, unable to process feelings of jealousy and insecurity, she became a "mean girl" and was suspended. This early chapter reveals how unprocessed emotions can drive destructive behavior.

· From Mean Girl to Mentor: Today's Lisa is unrecognizable from that seventh grader. Through growth and self-awareness work, she learned to pause and identify her emotions—asking herself "What am I feeling right now?" This skill transformed how she navigates all her relationships, allowing her to respond rather than react.

· The Power of Emotional Awareness: Lisa emphasizes that we weren't taught to deal with emotions growing up. Now, she helps clients sit with "big, scary feelings" like jealousy, insecurity, and suffocation. Understanding these emotions is the gateway to healthier relationships with ourselves and others.

· Evolving Beyond Her Own Book: In a candid moment, Lisa reveals that re-reading "Big Girl Pants" (written 10 years ago) showed her how much she's grown. What felt like guru-level wisdom then now feels incomplete—much of it was about blaming her husband rather than the deeper self-awareness work she practices today. A new book may be on the horizon.

· New Program Launch: Lisa is launching a 6-month intensive coaching program combining individual and couples work. Using research-backed tools from the Gottman Institute—tools she wishes she'd had in her first marriage—she'll help clients develop self-awareness while teaching practical relationship skills. The goal: To bring better versions of themselves to the relationship and practice new tools together.

Why This Work Matters

The most fulfilling moments for Lisa come when couples enter a session angry and disconnected, then leave touching and reconnecting after using the tools. "Everyone needs help," she says, and watching transformation happen makes her feel complete, happy, and fulfilled, allowing her to be a better partner, friend, and mom.

CONNECT WITH LISA:

Website: www.lisapanos.com (under construction with new programs)

Services: Zoom sessions available nationwide; in-person sessions in Naples, Florida

EPISODE THEME:

Growth isn't linear—it's a continuous journey of becoming better versions of ourselves. Lisa's story proves that our greatest struggles can become our greatest gifts when we're willing to look inward and do the work.

Her Comeback: Transforming Your Life After 50 - hercomebackpodcast.com

Guest: Suzanne Doyle-Ingram, Book Publisher & Author Coach

From Self-Doubt to Confidence - Episode Overview:

In this powerful and honest conversation, Michelle welcomes Suzanne Doyle-Ingram, an experienced book publisher who has helped over 1,000 people around the world bring their books to life. Suzanne shares her personal journey from self-doubt and fear to confidence, clarity, and purpose—proving that transformation doesn’t require perfection, just courage and action.

What We Talk About:

• Suzanne’s early fear of failure and why she published her first book under a fake name
• How confidence is built through action, not before it
• Turning a financial crisis into a bestselling opportunity
• Why your natural gifts often feel “easy” to you—but are life-changing for others
• Using evidence (thank-you notes, wins, reminders) to silence self-doubt
• Navigating divorce, independence, and the belief: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me”
• What it really takes to support yourself financially as a woman in midlife
• Why Suzanne doesn’t consider herself a “writer”—and why that shouldn’t stop you
• The importance of simplicity, structure, and clear intention when writing a book
• The truth about AI: why it should NOT write or edit your book or replace your authentic voice; what it can be used for
• The myth of the “easy button” and why meaningful success requires doing the work

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence grows when you help others and collect proof of your impact
• You don’t need to love writing to write a meaningful book
• Over-complicating is often what keeps women stuck—simplicity creates momentum
• Your message already lives inside you; organization brings it out
• There is no shortcut to purpose—but there is a clear path forward

This episode is especially empowering for women in midlife who are questioning their confidence, redefining success, or feeling called to share their story in a bigger way.

Why This Episode Matters:

If you’re a woman in midlife who feels called to reinvent your life, write a book, or step into your purpose, this episode will remind you that everything you need is already within you. Suzanne’s story proves that transformation is possible at any stage of life—and your comeback can start today.

Connect & Learn More: Suzanne Doyle-Ingram is a seasoned publisher and mentor who helps entrepreneurs and professionals write strategic books that support their mission and business

https://prominencepublishing.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannedoyleingram/

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