Episodios

  • She Walked Away From $175M Deals - Why the 'Crazy' Move Made This Lawyer Mom of 3 Happier Than Ever #CareerChange

    She Walked Away From $175M Deals - Why the 'Crazy' Move Made This Lawyer Mom of 3 Happier Than Ever #CareerChange
    Jul 20 2025
    Join the Priority List here now to create your soul-aligned website and be the first to get notified when it launches! Do you know that feeling when you've outgrown your role, even when everyone else thinks you should be satisfied? When you sense there's something bigger calling you, butyou can't quite put your finger on what it is?That's exactly where my guest Olivia found herself - leading international expansions, closing 175 million euro deals, managing teams across continents. From the outside, it looked like the perfect corporate success story. But inside She knew she was meant for something more.In this episode:How becoming a mom can actually sharpen your focus on what truly matters - no more time for BS, as Olivia puts itWhy moving countries with your family is a completely different game than moving as a single person (and the unexpected challenges nobody prepares you for)The power of looking at struggles as growth opportunities rather than roadblocksHow to build meaningful relationships in your business - because success really comes down to the quality of connections in your lifeWhy competition between women can actually be our greatest catalyst for growth (if we shift how we think about it)The journey from serving large corporations to finding your purpose working with women entrepreneurs - and why that pivot changed everythingKey Takeaways for Career-Transitioning Moms:Surrender the Fear and Serve Something BiggerStop making it about your insecurities and start focusing on how you can serve others. That's where real magic happens.Success comes down to the quality of connections in your life. You don't need many, but make them meaningful.Your Ideal Client Might Surprise You: Don't get too attachedto who you think you should serve. Stay open to who you're actually attracting.Legal Foundation Matters for Online Entrepreneurs: Building an online business requires proper legal groundwork - but it doesn't have to be overwhelming with the right support.About Our GuestOlivia Maku Yodanescu is an attorney, entrepreneur, mom, and legal advisor supporting womenentrepreneurs through her platform https://spotlegal.io. She helps streamline legal processes and simplify transactions for technology and online founders. Basedin southwest Germany near the French border, she specializes in helping international women navigate the legal complexities of building online businesses.Connect with Olivia Platform: SpotLegal.ioLinkedIn: Olivia JordanescuFacebook: Olivia JordanescuInstagram: @oliviajordanescuLoved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.Come say Hi! → ⁠⁠Free resources: ⁠Download your Soul's Roadmap⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠Connect with me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠Book a ⁠1:1 free clarity session⁠ with Melanie This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.
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    55 m
  • The Mom Who Made God Her Business Partner (And Replaced Her Teaching Income as a Digital Nomad)

    The Mom Who Made God Her Business Partner (And Replaced Her Teaching Income as a Digital Nomad)
    Jul 8 2025

    Join the Priority List now to create your soul-aligned website and be the first to get notified when it launches!

    You know that feeling when you're sitting in your comfortable life, but deep down you know there's something more calling you?

    That restless energy that whispers "this isn't it" even when everything looks perfect on paper? That's exactly what happened to my guest Ioana Wilkinson. She had the house, the stable teaching job, the "should be happy" life - and yet something inside her was screaming for freedom, for travel, for a completely different way of living.

    ⁠Have you done the 90-Second Truth Quiz to Check in with Your Soul? ⁠


    In this episode, we talk about Ioana's beautiful journey from small-town Texas to Barcelona, Spain - how she left everything behind to chase her dreams, and how becoming a mom during COVID completely shifted her path into freelance writing and location independence, building a career in your suitcase.


    We chat about the identity crisis that can come with motherhood, the fear of losing your freedom, and how spirituality became the foundation for building a business and life that actually works.


    This conversation goes places most career podcasts won't -we're talking about prayer as business strategy, about hearing God's voice in major decisions, and about that moment when you realize you're never actually alone.

    Why "I will make a way for you" became Ioana's anchor through the scariest decisions

    How to use intuition and prayer as actual business strategy (seriously)

    The difference between fear marketing and desire marketing - and why it matters for your soul

    Why surrendering control actually gives you more power in business and life

    How to trust that inner voice when it's telling you to make a major life change - even when it seems crazy to everyoneelse

    How Ioana replaced her teaching income within months through freelance writing - starting with zero experience

    The power of win probability and why responding to existing opportunities beats cold pitching every time

    How to build a business that travels with you

    Enjoy x Meli


    Ready to explore freelance writing as your path to your own freedom? Then connect with Ioana and learn more about her courses and coaching here:

    Follow Ioana's journey on Instagram:

    ioana_writingbusinesscoach

    Check out her freelance writing profile or book content orders on LinkedIn: Ioana Wilkinson

    Book freelance writing mentorship (where I work with you 1:1 to build your freelance writing business)

    ioana@innovatechcontent.com or ioanawilkinson@gmail.com

    Buy her self-paced course (the ultimate step-by-step guide to building your freelance writing business)

    • ioana@innovatechcontent.com or ioanawilkinson@gmail.com



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    1 h y 3 m
  • How to build a business that travels with you: Real strategies from someone living it - Motherhood & Intuitive Business

    How to build a business that travels with you: Real strategies from someone living it - Motherhood & Intuitive Business
    Jul 6 2025

    Join the Priority List now to create your soul-aligned website and be the first to get notified when it launches


    In this episode, we talk about Ioana's beautiful journey from small-town Texas to Barcelona, Spain - how she left everything behind to chase her dreams to build a career in a suitcase.

    If you're listening to this as a working mother, maybe feeling lost in a job that doesn't fulfill you, or maybe freelancing but feeling like you're constantly on a hamster wheel, I want you to know that there's another way.

    You can build systems that protect you. You can create products from your expertise. You can set up streams of income that don't require you to trade every hour for a dollar. It's not easy, and it's not instant, but it's absolutely possible.


    Key Takeaways:

    Scarcity kills sustainability: You cannot build a lasting intuitive business based on fear and short-term thinking

    Contracts are your safety net: Short-term projects are fine for short-term money, but long-term success requires protective agreements

    Systems trump scrambling: The All-In system emerged from crisis but became the foundation of consistent client acquisition

    Professional relationships require mutual respect: If you give notice, they should too

    Passive income is possible: Digital products can create freedom while you focus on family

    Teams amplify your impact: You don't have to do everything yourself – collaboration accelerates success

    Risk-taking is essential: The biggest breakthroughs come from the biggest leaps

    Mindset creates possibilities: Believing in endless possibilities isn't naive – it's necessary for growth


    How to build a business that travels with you

    Enjoy x Meli


    Ready to explore freelance writing as your path to your own freedom? Then connect with Ioana and learn more about her courses and coaching here:

    Follow Ioana's journey on Instagram:

    ⁠ioana_writingbusinesscoach ⁠

    Check out her freelance writing profile or book content orders on LinkedIn: ⁠Ioana Wilkinson⁠

    Book freelance writing mentorship (where I work with you 1:1 to build your freelance writing business)

    ⁠ioana@innovatechcontent.com⁠ or ⁠ioanawilkinson@gmail.com⁠

    Buy her self-paced course (the ultimate step-by-step guide to building your freelance writing business)

    • ⁠ioana@innovatechcontent.com⁠ or ⁠ioanawilkinson@gmail.com⁠



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    34 m
  • Losing a job you loved isn't just about money - it's about losing your identity - with Laverne McKinnon

    Losing a job you loved isn't just about money - it's about losing your identity - with Laverne McKinnon
    Jun 5 2025

    You know that feeling when someone asks "What do you do?" and suddenly you freeze because you don't have ananswer anymore? Or when you wake up in the morning and for a split second forget that you don't have that job to go to anymore? If you've ever lost a job that meant everything to you, you'll know it's not just about the paycheck. It's aboutlosing your whole sense of who you are.


    Today I want to talk about something most of us never prepare for - career grief. The real, deep sadness that happens when we lose not just our income, but our identity, our sense of belonging, our whole sense of purpose. And why it's completely normal to feel like you're mourning something that was never supposed to die.


    Today I speak with Laverne McKinnon who spent years climbing the ladder in entertainment at CBS, helping develop shows like CSI and Criminal Minds. She was the person advocating for writers, championing stories, literally changing people's careers. Until the day she was asked to leave.

    Today she helps people feel their way through sad times like this, understand career grief and rebuild their life to rise up again.

    We talk about why career loss hits so deep. She explains to me what disenfranchised grief means, a new term I learned.


    Today was another beautiful conversation with someone that chose to dedicate their life and career to helping other people rebuild theirs - and how lucky am I that I get to speak to these beautiful souls, just like Laverne.

    Enjoy x Mel

    If Laverne's story resonated with you and you want to learn more about her work with career grief, you can find her on LinkedIn at Laverne McKinnon, IG on https://www.instagram.com/lavernemckinnon or visit her website at https://lavernemckinnon.com, or join her community on Substack athttps://moonshotmentor.substack.com where she offers workshops, meditations, and ongoing support for just $5/month


    Free membership + resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book a 1:1 free strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

    This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Why Your Old Career Doesn’t Fit Anymore (and where your new career is hiding)

    Why Your Old Career Doesn’t Fit Anymore (and where your new career is hiding)
    Jun 2 2025
    You're sitting there with your coffee getting cold, scrolling through job ads that used to make your heart race. But now? Nothing. Just this heavy feeling in your chest because the work that once fit you perfectly feels like it belongs to someone else entirely.I've been exactly where you are right now. After my daughter was born, I had twenty years of marketing experience under my belt—work I absolutely loved. But when I sat down to go back, it hit me like a truck. I had changed so much, but I hadn't updated my work to match who I'd become as a mother.And here's what I realized sitting on my bedroom floor two and a half years ago, feeling completely lost: your comfort zone isn't keeping you safe. It's quietly stealing your dreams, one "maybe next year" at a time.Why staying comfortable is actually the most dangerous thing you can do (for yourself and your family)I talk about how we tell ourselves we're being practical, being smart, waiting for the right time. But really? We're just scared. And while we're waiting to feel ready, our kids are growing up and we're staying stuck.The inner work that actually changes everythingI share exactly what I did when I realized I couldn't keep living this way—the journaling, the reading, the coaching that helped me see what I really wanted. Not what I thought I should want, but what actually lit me up inside.How I landed my dream job in a field I'd never worked inThis part still gives me chills. I flew back to Australia with my baby, no job, no apartment—just this deep knowing that I was on the right path. And six months later, I was working in corporate social responsibility, doing work that stretched me every single day.Your next step (because I know you're ready)I give you simple, doable things you can start this week. Not overwhelming stuff—just gentle pushes that will get you moving toward work that actually fits who you are now."If your old career doesn't fit anymore, it's not because something's broken. It's because you have evolved.""Most people don't regret the things they did. They regret what they didn't do.""You have to move before readiness shows up."Come find me:Join our free community at MamaWhatsNext.com where you'll meet other mamas figuring out their what's next, just like you.The book that's changing my life right now:"It's Your Dream" by Simon Squibb—seriously, go get this. His TikTok is incredible too.Need someone to walk beside you?I offer one-on-one coaching because I know what it's like to feel completely lost and have to start over. I've done it multiple times, across four countries, often as a single mom. I see your potential even when you can't. hey@mamawhatsnext.comLet's stay connected:Free membership: MamaWhatsNext.comShare this with a mama who needs to hear itLeave a review if this touched your heartFree membership waitlist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Complimentary download: ⁠⁠Free Discovery Pages to start your NEXT⁠⁠If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a 1:1 free 30min strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.
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    19 m
  • From Stay-at-Home Mom to Parenting Coach - Helen Zimprich's Career Change Journey

    From Stay-at-Home Mom to Parenting Coach - Helen Zimprich's Career Change Journey
    May 23 2025
    ⁠Have you done the 90-Second Truth Quiz to Check in with Your Soul? ⁠I just had an inspiring conversation with Helen Zimprich that I can't wait to share with you. Originally born in Germany, Helen is a mother of three who made a successful career transition at 40+ from stay-at-home mom to certified parenting coach. Living in Lebanon for 13 years, Helen shares her journey of trusting her intuition, building confidence, and creating a growing business in just six months. It seems with the right mindset and energy - anything is possible! The Real Message I took away from this conversation is that everything we need is already inside us. We just need to quiet the external noise and trust that inner voice. Whether it's knowing how long to breastfeed, when to start a new career, or how to guide our children - the answers are there if we're brave enough to listen. Starting Over at 40 (And Why It's Perfect!)Helen's story is proof that it's never too late to step into your purpose. At 40-something, she's building a business, showing up authentically on social media every single day, and making a real impact in families' lives.If you're feeling called to something but doubting yourself, let Helen's story be your reminder that you can have everything - maybe just not all at the same time. And that's perfectly okay.Helen was recently recognized as one of the top 100 influencers for 2025 by Global Woman Club.Key takeaways:Career change after 40: Why it's the perfect time to start overBuilding confidence as a mother: Trusting your parenting instinctsMindset and manifestation: Using these tools with children and in businessSocial media strategy: Authentic content creation for new entrepreneursNetworking for moms: Finding your target audience effectivelyWork-life balance: Managing business growth with family responsibilitiesYour 40s are perfect for starting a business - You have wisdom, patience, and life experience that your 20s lackedTrust your parenting intuition - You have all the instincts you need; learn to listen to your inner voice over external adviceConsistency beats perfection - "If you don't stop, you cannot fail" - show up daily on social media and in your businessAuthentic content connects - Write in your own voice and share your real experiences rather than using AI-generated contentYou can have it all, just not all at once - It's okay to focus on family first and career laterFind Helen Zimprich on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook for daily parenting tips and inspiration for mothers ready to trust their instincts.Join Helen's THRIVE Program - only in June for 50% off - to join contact Helen via contact@helenzimprich.comMore info about the program you'll find here https://helenzimprich.com/servicesPerfect for: Mothers considering career change, stay-at-home moms ready to start businesses, parents seeking confidence in their parenting approach, women over 40 looking for inspiration to pursue their dreams.Free membership waitlist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Complimentary download: ⁠Free Discovery Pages to start your NEXT⁠If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a 1:1 free 30min strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories. This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • How to start your NEXT CHAPTER - and raise your energy

    How to start your NEXT CHAPTER - and raise your energy
    May 16 2025

    In today's episode, I share:

    Why you don't need a 10-step plan - Just one brave step can shift your energy into the right direction

    Joy blockers vs. joy builders - How to identify what's draining your energy and what energizes you

    The power of tiny steps - Why small actions create momentum toward meaningful change

    How to reconnect with joy - Practical visualization techniques to create more freedom in your mind and life

    Getting specific about what's holding you back - Questions to uncover the root causes of dissatisfaction

    Your micro mission - A simple journaling exercise to move you closer to your next chapter

    Finding purpose through work - My personal journey toward more meaningful career choices

    Join our free membership at MamaWhatsNext.com to connect with like-minded mothers and access helpful guidance to navigate your next steps with confidence!


    Big hugs, Mel x


    Free membership waitlist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠Complimentary download: Free Discovery Pages to start your NEXT

    If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book a 1:1 free 30min strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

    This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.


    #MeaningfulWork #WorkingMothers #CareerChange #JoyAtWork #PurposefulCareer #MidlifeCareerTransition #MamaWhatsNext #NewChapter #FindYourJoy
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    14 m
  • The 60% Rule: Why you Self-Sabotage Your Career and How to Stop

    The 60% Rule: Why you Self-Sabotage Your Career and How to Stop
    May 9 2025

    Have you ever thought to yourself: Why am I not further along in my career by now? Why am I not working in that particular role I always thought I'd end up in? Why am I not working for a company that really inspires me? Why am I not leading a team yet? Why am I not where I want to be?

    You're working hard, you're managing so much, especially as a mom. For your family, your household, your work – you're doing all the things, but you still feel you're not quite there yet.

    In this podcast episode, I'll share:

    1. What might be sneaking in without you noticing
    2. Why waiting to feel "ready" is a trap that never ends
    3. How to recognize when you're sabotaging your own progress
    4. The 60% rule
    5. A simple 3-step plan to break out of your comfort zone
    6. What specific action you can take THIS WEEK to live more courageously


    Don't wait until it's too late and look back thinking, "I wish I would have played by my own rules, I wish I would have taken that step, I wish I would have been braver." This is your movie – make it one worth remembering :)

    Hugs, Mel x


    Free membership + resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

    Book a 1:1 free strategy session with Melanie → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com/book-a-free-strategy-call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories.

    This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.
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    19 m