Healing from toxic relationships

Addison W.

I'm a trans man in my late 20s who's been shaped by both hardship and healing. During a particularly difficult time in my life, I found myself in an environment that tested my boundaries and challenged my mental health. It took time — and the support of people who cared about me — to recognize what I was experiencing and begin the process of reclaiming my peace. Along the way, I’ve worked through PTSD and anxiety, explored different forms of healing, and learned how to stay grounded in the face of emotional intensity. I've supported others in the LGBTQ+ community, held space for friends facing tough relationship dynamics, and developed a strong sense of when and how to set healthy boundaries. I bring a calm, empathetic presence to every conversation. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or caught in something hard to name — I'm here. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Starting over and reskilling at any age

Alex H.

I’ve spent much of my adult life in pursuit of a creative career — primarily as an actor — but that journey has often required side paths, pivots, and full-on reinventions to make ends meet or rediscover momentum. Along the way, I’ve tried everything from retail and logistics to graphic design, real estate, web development, and even full-time programming after completing a coding bootcamp. Some of these paths stuck longer than others. Some didn’t go the distance. But each one taught me something about resourcefulness, resilience, and what it means to choose a life on your own terms. At the heart of each shift was the desire to support myself in ways that felt aligned — to earn a living without selling out the core of who I was. That wasn’t always easy. Learning new skills as an adult — especially under financial pressure — takes grit. And while I often carry a deep belief in my ability to learn and adapt, that doesn’t mean the fear of making a wrong move wasn’t real. What’s helped me most is learning to tune into my gut: regularly checking in and asking if where I’m headed still feels like home to me. I’ve come to see that the only real mistake is staying stuck in something that no longer reflects who you are, just because it once did. Perhaps the biggest lesson has come from my forays into real estate investing and entrepreneurship — ventures that reshaped how I relate to money, risk, and possibility. They helped me shed a scarcity mindset and embrace one of potential. I’ve learned not to regret the things that didn’t pan out. Every attempt taught me how to pivot with love instead of fear. And even when circumstances forced my hand, like when a lucrative startup job collapsed beneath me, I found ways to turn disruption into opportunity. Whether or not I always “succeed” in the way I imagined, I’m proud to keep choosing a life that reflects who I am. That’s the kind of success I now measure by.

When your career doesn't go your way

Ambika M.

Leaving graduate school early, job loss, poor fits - all traumas I've had to navigate through. Whatever nebulous point represented my dream career now has a circuitous route to get there. Add to that the mental toll that professional, financial, and social shifts take on our well-being, especially when we don't learn "corporate speak" in school! I'd love to share ways that I've handled these setbacks - such as becoming a content creator - as well as practical ideas for job seeking. As important as our careers are, they don't represent our entire identity.

Reinventing your career when you're stuck in the unknown

Andrea B.

I’ve changed careers multiple times across very different industries. Each shift started with the same feeling: stuck, uncertain, and unsure what the next step should be. I have left jobs without a clear plan, faced the silence after being forced to resign, and sat with the fear that I might never find something that felt right. The path was never linear. It involved a lot of false starts, doubt, and days when clarity felt completely out of reach. But through trial, reflection, and learning to listen to what I actually needed, I began to build a different way forward. I used tools like mindset work, personal awareness, and small experiments to create movement. Reinvention didn’t come from figuring everything out. It came from being willing to start where I was and take the next step anyway. Now, I support others who are facing the same stuckness and helping them find traction in the unknown.

Reclaiming your confidence after a toxic job experience

Angela V.

I once left a job that looked amazing on the outside—but behind closed doors, it was chaotic, unkind, and eroding my self-worth. I questioned my judgment, second-guessed every decision, and carried a quiet shame about what had happened. Leaving was only the beginning of healing. I had to unpack what I experienced, untangle my identity from the toxic culture, and remind myself of who I really was. It wasn’t instant, but with reflection, support, and new opportunities, I began to feel strong again. If you’ve walked away from a painful work environment, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Let’s talk about how to process what you’ve been through and rebuild your confidence moving forward.

Starting over when life shifts

Calvin N.

There have been times in my life where the path I was on either crumbled or no longer felt aligned—whether it was stepping away from school, changing career paths, or reimagining my dreams. Starting over can be terrifying, but I’ve learned that it’s also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I leaned on therapy, reflection, and community to help me push through fear and find new clarity each time I pivoted. Now, I’m passionate about helping others navigate the unknown with confidence and grace.

Leaving a job that was hurting your mental health while parenting alone

Carleen H.

In 2021, I completely broke down. I was a single mom raising a 9-year-old, managing a demanding job, and trying to pretend I had it all under control. The truth? I was crying behind closed doors, forgetting things, losing sleep, and snapping at the people I loved most. I was barely surviving and felt like I was failing as a mom and a professional. One night, after yet another meltdown in the kitchen, I knew something had to give. I quit my job with no safety net—no partner, no backup plan, and very little support. It was terrifying. But that leap gave me space to rebuild. I started a company focused on helping parents teach their kids life skills for the real world. I had to learn to believe in myself again, redefine success, and accept that doing it all perfectly isn’t the goal—doing it with presence is. I’ve also been able to support others through similar struggles. A close friend of mine, also a single parent and startup founder, hit a deep depression recently. I sat with him in the darkness, shared my story, and helped him start seeing a way forward.

Creating a job search plan that actually fits your life and goals

Carrie M.

I've been where you are—staring at job boards, feeling overwhelmed by endless applications, and wondering if I'm doing everything wrong. During my own career transitions, I thought job searching was just about submitting resumes and hoping for the best. I'd apply to dozens of positions online, rarely hearing back, and feeling more discouraged with each rejection or silence. The whole process felt like throwing darts in the dark. The turning point came when I realized I needed to approach job searching strategically, not desperately. Through trial and error—and yes, plenty of rejections—I discovered that finding the right opportunities isn't just about what you know, but who you know, how you present yourself, and where you actually look. I learned to leverage networking in ways that felt authentic, figured out how to make job boards work for me, and discovered the hidden job market that most people never tap into. The journey taught me that job searching is a skill set in itself—one that no one really teaches you. I went from dreading the process to feeling confident and strategic about it. Now I help others navigate their searches using the real-world tactics that actually work. If you're feeling stuck, sending applications into the void, or unsure where to start, I've been there. The good news? There's a better way, and you don't have to figure it out through trial and error like I did.

Overcoming self-doubt and building personal confidence

Cathy H.

I’ve faced many challenges in my life, from losing both my parents and navigating a tough childhood to dealing with harassment and living next to a volatile neighbor. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of confronting fear rather than avoiding it. One of my most rewarding experiences was running an organization for women and girls with UN Women in LA. I helped a woman who felt unsupported due to ageism. By encouraging her to trust herself and find her voice, I saw her confidence grow. That’s the kind of support I want to offer others is creating a space where they can build confidence and feel empowered. Through mentoring and guiding others, I’ve learned that true growth comes from offering space for people to discover their potential. I’m passionate about helping others face their challenges with strength and confidence, just as I’ve had to do in my own life.

Reinventing yourself at any stage of life

Christina S.

I tell everyone, I have lived a million lives in this one life. Although in my opinion, that is the best way to be. Try everything and see what sticks. Why limit yourself? It can be scary starting over and reinventing yourself in a new career, city, friend group, etc., although staying stuck and unhappy is even scarier.

Navigating personal change with professional change

Eric W.

This is personal for me—because I’ve lived it more than once. For a long stretch of my career, I chased external validation: what others thought of me, how quickly I could get promoted, how my salary stacked up. But none of that reflected what truly mattered to me. And more importantly, it wasn’t in my control. It wasn’t until my late 30s that I paused and asked myself: What are my values? What’s my North Star? That shift changed everything. Today, my focus is on enabling organizations and teams to prioritize people development above all else. That means bringing the person’s voice into every conversation—centering their growth, their story, and their potential. Even during my 12 years at a beer company, I struggled to align with the core business goal of selling more beer. But it was the side quests—the inclusion work, the relationships, the moments of mentorship—that revealed what I truly cared about: community and people. That’s the thread I’ve followed ever since.

Navigating a spiritual crisis and rebuilding your sense of self

Evans M.

I grew up in a privileged family where maintaining the right relationships and meeting certain standards was the expectation if I wanted support. My marriage, lasting 12 years, ended amicably after lots of counseling. While we parted ways as friends, it wasn’t easy. It was during and after that marriage that I experienced a deep faith and spiritual crisis. Raised in a Christian environment, I found myself questioning everything I had believed, wrestling with the idea of faith in a world that often didn’t seem to care about the truth I had once relied on. But instead of running from the discomfort, I leaned into it, realizing that freedom and finding my own path were the ultimate goals. After years of reflection, it became clear that my journey was about embracing an open mind while seeking peace within myself. Since then, I’ve counseled friends through similar crises, helping them navigate difficult relationship dynamics or faith challenges. I’ve also been able to move forward into a more nomadic lifestyle, finding meaning in everyday moments and helping others along the way. It’s my hope to offer a compassionate ear and a thoughtful perspective to those who are struggling with where they are spiritually and emotionally, especially when it feels like everything is in question.

Navigating career shifts, layoffs, and building your own path

Gabe V.

After spending eight years with one company and facing a layoff, I understand how challenging and uncertain career shifts can feel. Whether you’re dealing with job loss, thinking about starting your own business, or just ready for a new direction, I’m here to help you process those changes, set clear goals, and build confidence in your next steps. Together, we’ll explore how to turn setbacks into opportunities and create a career path that truly fits you.

An unexpected job loss

Jessica B.

I had worked with the same company for 25 years. The Owner decided to retire and close the company. Suddenly, I realized my future where I thought I would continue working until retiring was closing the doors. I had been with this company since I was in my 20s. What am I going to do? How can I restart? I have no idea. Anxiety and stress consumed me. All day I only thought about the "what's next" and "starting over". It had been years since I went to school or learned anything knew. The world was more advanced than I was and how could I catch up? I was not sleeping. I was having physical symptoms from the stress. I had been the breadwinner of my family, how can I let them down? The guilt of not continuing to promote myself through the years and the fact that I had put all my eggs in one basket was heavy. It was a heavy burden to carry around and carrying it alone wanted to make me give up. How can I reinvent myself? What if no company wants me? Financially, I was watching the money in the accounts get smaller and smaller. I didn't just want a paycheck, but a career. Ever step forward, felt like a step back. I had a good career, high up in the company and now to start over is scary, isolating, insignificant, ashamed.

Immigrating to the U.S and creating a prosperous life

Jimmy E.

I was born in Quito, Ecuador, and raised in Miami. As the child of a single mom in a new country, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges that have shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for personal growth. With over eight years of experience in event management, business development, and training, I’ve developed skills in connecting with and empowering others. Now, as a father to a newborn and a stepdad to my daughter, I’m experiencing the unique challenges of fatherhood firsthand. I’ve also gained invaluable experience in building communication, compromise, and shared goals with my partner. Together, we’ve worked on setting boundaries to strengthen our relationship and support each other. I know how important it is to find balance in relationships, especially as a new parent, and I’m here to offer support to anyone navigating their own path, whether it’s in parenting, relationships, or personal growth.

Job reskilling from school bus boss to biz maven

Kari K.

I've reinvented myself more times than Madonna. From school buses to spreadsheets to storytelling, I've had to pick up new skills midlife and mid-mess. I'll talk about how I found courage, made weird work for me, and stayed teachable - even when I wanted to hide under the bed.

Survivorship from childhood and adolescent human trafficking.

Kelly S.

When I was a little girl at about the age of four years old in 1982, I was kidnapped by local outlaws, that included members of the occult, gang and club members, the mob, and school district staff, and drug up into a child human labor and sex trafficking ring against my will. I have been an eyewitness to true horror, crime, and war since that time, with government, police, and military officials even becoming involved. I have seen the unimaginable. Flashing back, I believe that I was a child POW, and have memories of spending time on military bases without my family's knowledge. I was also being flown across state lines and overseas, all trips that I was being forced to make that violated my personal civil rights, liberties, and freedoms. I used to be so full of fear that I didn't know how to communicate with anyone about what was happening to me with local community members, who also had children that were classmates of mine or my siblings. I found hope and purpose in the pain.

Breaking into the 9-to-5 world as a first-gen college and corporate worker

Micah L.

As a first-generation college student and first-generation corporate worker, I had to figure everything out on my own, from applying to schools and building a resume to opening a 401(k), choosing an HSA, and learning how to navigate the world of corporate benefits and workplace etiquette. Watching my parents hustle through the 2008 recession taught me early on that I deeply value stability—and for me, that has come from a 9-to-5 job. That stability has allowed me to take control of my finances and start building the kind of security I’ve envisioned for years. Now, at 26, I’m often the youngest person and only woman in the room, especially in my male-dominated corner of tech. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s pushed me to learn how to advocate for myself, make the most of every opportunity, and be proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve become the friend who loves to talk openly about jobs and money, and I’d love to help others just starting their own path (especially those going to college and trying to break into the 9-to-5 world with no roadmap!)

Navigating a chronic illness diagnosis and career transitions

Patricia R.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and it felt like my life as I knew it was over. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and I struggled with feelings of isolation, guilt, and shame, especially because MS is an invisible illness. At the time, I wished I had more peer support to help me process the emotional weight of it all. Having worked as a corporate recruiter for over a decade, I’m no stranger to change, but the personal transition into life with MS was a whole new ballgame. In my role, I’d already been guiding people through career transitions, helping them regain confidence after layoffs or setbacks. But MS introduced a new challenge: learning to set boundaries, both in my personal relationships and in my professional life. Over time, I learned to shift my perspective. Finding peer support through MS communities made all the difference. Connecting with others facing similar challenges helped me feel seen, understood, and empowered. Now, I’m passionate about offering that same support to others. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness diagnosis or navigating a career shift, I want to help you build resilience, regain your confidence, and find strength through shared experiences.

Surviving narcissistic abuse by a parent

Peter L.

My foster father was a narcissistic sociopath. Living under his control left marks you can’t always see — self-doubt, confusion, a hollow kind of loneliness. For me, it felt like walking through life second-guessing everything: Was it really that bad? Was it me? That’s the cruelest part — how the experience erodes your sense of reality. What helped me most was having someone hold steady when I couldn’t trust myself — someone who reminded me my feelings made sense. Slowly, I began to rebuild that trust inside, piece by piece. Now, I offer that same kind of presence for others coming out of relationships that left them questioning their worth or sanity. Together, we create a space where you can reclaim your voice, feel your truth again, and know you’re not broken.