Life Happens When You Are Busy Making Other Plans

Life doesn’t always follow a straight path—and sometimes the biggest challenges come when you least expect them. In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri welcome former Congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, serial entrepreneur, and activist Marie Newman for a candid conversation about what it means to pivot when life throws you curveballs.

Marie’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. She shares how deeply personal experiences—including her son’s struggles with bullying, her daughter’s journey as a transgender teen, and her own time in Congress—shaped not only her advocacy but also her leadership style. Each moment required a reset, a reevaluation, and a bold step forward.

The conversation dives into the parallels between fictional heroines and real women who must constantly adapt, highlighting how resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks but about navigating them with clarity and courage. Marie offers tangible advice for anyone facing upheaval: how to start small, find your footing, and rebuild momentum after a setback.

Listeners will also hear insights from her new book, A Life Made from Scratch, which weaves together her personal story with lessons for women everywhere who’ve had to “pivot fast” when life had other plans. This episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and practical strategies for anyone who’s ever had to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and keep going.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a “WTF moment” into a stepping stone, Marie’s words will inspire you to keep moving—even when the path is anything but straight.

Resources

A Life Made from Scratch by Marie Newman – [Book link placeholder]

Highlight Quotes

1. “Life doesn’t happen in straight lines—it happens in pivots. The power is in how we respond.” – Marie Newman
2. “You don’t need to move mountains overnight. Start small, but start real.” – Marie Newman
3. “Setbacks don’t define you—how you rebuild after them does.” – Marie Newman

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