66: From Independence to Interdependence: What High-Achieving Women Really Need to Thrive

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In this episode of Unshakeable Confidence, I’m talking about a pattern so many high-achieving women struggle with—being “too independent.”

For years, I was proud of being the strong one who never needed help. But behind the strength, I felt heavy, overwhelmed, and painfully alone. What I didn’t realize was that my independence wasn’t confidence—it was protection. A survival strategy I learned when support didn’t feel safe or available.

I share personal stories from my childhood, my marriage, and my career to show how this protective independence develops—and why it eventually leads to burnout, isolation, and emotional exhaustion.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 5 most common signs of unhealthy independence
• Why asking for or receiving help feels so uncomfortable
• The difference between independence, dependence, and interdependence
• A simple parts-work process to help you feel safer with connection
• Small steps you can take to stop doing everything alone

Moving from independence to interdependence has changed my life. I feel more supported, more connected, and more myself than ever before—and I want the same for you.

• Coco Duan helps high-achieving women executives who secretly doubt themselves to build calm confidence and create success that feels truly fulfilling.
• I'd love to invite you to take the next step toward building your calm confidence. Book your FREE one-hour consultation call here: https://calendly.com/cocoduancoaching/1-hr-consultation
• Or email me at [e-mail] with the subject line: “Consultation.”
• Let’s discover what’s possible for you. 💫

• Website: www.CocoDuanCoaching.com
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