Are you considering a career change or dreaming of pursuing your creative passions later in life? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Maria Imbalzano, an award-winning contemporary romance author who transformed her career from divorce lawyer to bestselling novelist. Maria shares her journey of discovering a love for storytelling after years in the legal profession, offering insights into creative reinvention, crafting strong and independent heroines, and building a successful career in contemporary romance publishing.

About the Guest

Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary romance author whose career transformation story is nothing short of remarkable. After practicing as a divorce lawyer, Maria pursued her lifelong dream of writing, penning captivating novels that feature strong, independent heroines and emotionally rich storylines. Today, she is celebrated for her contributions to contemporary romance and women’s fiction, inspiring others to embrace their creativity and take bold steps toward reinvention.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Maria transitioned from law to bestselling romance writing

The inspiration behind her strong, independent heroines

Strategies for breaking into contemporary romance publishing

The challenges and rewards of reinventing your career later in life

Practical advice for aspiring authors and creatives

Episode Outline

From Immigrant Roots to Literary Success (0:00) The Journey from Law to Literature (9:03) Building a Career and Finding Love (18:20) Reflections on Family and Legacy (21:32) The Journey of Becoming an Author (26:27) Advice for Aspiring Writers (33:45)

Connect with Maria Imbalzano

Want to learn more about Maria’s work or connect with her directly?

🌐 Website → https://mariaimbalzano.com/

📚 Check Out Her Books → Amazon & Barnes & Noble

Closing Inspiration

Maria’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. Whether you’re stuck in a career that no longer fulfills you or simply yearning to explore your creative side, her journey proves that reinvention is always possible. Success comes when you align your talents with your true calling — and have the courage to share it with the world.

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/

📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings

📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com

📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner

⭐ Loved this episode?

Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing women! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review — it means the world to us. 💛

Have you ever achieved career success but still felt like you didn’t belong? In this inspiring episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Constance Howard, a four-time Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist turned transformational executive coach. After spending over 40 years in television news, Constance reveals how she went from feeling voiceless despite professional success to helping women overcome self-doubt, break through limiting beliefs, and unlock their true potential.

About the Guest

Constance Howard is a trailblazing African American news director, Emmy Award-winning journalist, and transformational executive coach. After four decades in broadcast journalism, she now empowers women to navigate career transitions, step into leadership, and embrace their full power with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Constance overcame impostor syndrome at the peak of her career

The mindset shifts that helped her move from self-doubt to self-empowerment

Strategies for breaking through career plateaus and finding purpose-driven success

Why leadership begins with confidence, self-awareness, and emotional resilience

How Constance now helps women redefine their “American Dream” on their own terms

Episode Outline: Introduction to Constance Howard (0:00) Early Journey in Journalism (1:36) Transition to TV News Reporting (3:44) Growth in the TV Industry (7:34) Navigating Racial Dynamics in Media (9:36) Career Advancement and Executive Roles (15:38) Faith and Personal Growth (16:11) The Influence of Family and Faith (19:18) Recognizing the Need for Change (21:43) Embracing the Second Act (26:29) The Coaching Process and Its Impact (30:00) Empowering Women to Define Success (33:09)

Connect with Constance Howard

Want to learn more about Constance’s work or connect with her directly? Here’s where to find her:

🌐 Website → https://www.constancehowardllc.com/

Closing Inspiration

This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about titles or accolades — it’s about owning your voice and believing in your worth. Whether you’re navigating a career change, seeking leadership growth, or simply tired of feeling “not enough,” Constance’s story will inspire you to rise above fear and step boldly into your power.

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/ 📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings 📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com 📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner

⭐ Loved this episode?

Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing women! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review - it means the world to us. 💛

Are you thriving professionally but feeling disconnected, exhausted, or unfulfilled? In this transformative episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Marina Zakharova, an ICF-certified professional coach (PCC) from Toronto who specializes in helping high-achieving professionals reconnect with themselves without burning out. Marina shares her unique approach to guiding successful individuals who appear to “have it all” externally but struggle internally — offering powerful insights on authentic leadership, purpose alignment, and sustainable success.

About the Guest

Marina Zakharova is an ICF-certified professional coach (PCC) passionate about helping corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and high-performing professionals create deeper fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Through her coaching, Marina empowers her clients to overcome burnout, rediscover their purpose, and build lasting success that aligns with their authentic selves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why high-achieving professionals often struggle with burnout and disconnection

Marina’s strategies for maintaining peak performance while staying true to your values

How to align your personal purpose with your professional goals

Practical steps to cultivate authentic leadership and emotional resilience

How redefining success beyond external achievements can lead to greater fulfillment

Episode Outline:

Marina’s Journey: From Ukraine to Canada (0:00)

Navigating Change: Embracing New Beginnings (2:10)

The Importance of Values in Life Decisions (4:27)

Building a New Life: Challenges of Immigration (6:54)

The Role of Coaching in Personal Transformation (9:09)

Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability (11:33)

Work-Life Alignment: Balancing Ambition and Well-being (13:57)

Prioritizing Self-Care and Boundaries (16:19)

Finding Purpose and Values (18:41)

Strategies for High Achievers (21:02)

Connecting with Your Inner Self (23:25)

The Power of Delegation and Saying No (25:43)

Assessing Your Life: Red, Yellow, and Green Zones (28:10)

Creating a Life of Purpose and Fulfillment (30:31)

How to Connect with Marina for Coaching (32:51)

Connect with Marina Zakharova

Want to learn more about Marina’s work or connect with her directly?

🌐 Website → https://marinalifegroup.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/marinalifegroup/ 🎙 Coaching Offer: https://marinalifegroup.com/breakthrough-session

Closing Inspiration

Success isn’t just about climbing higher - it’s about feeling whole while you do it. Marina’s insights remind us that true achievement comes when your goals and values align. If you’ve been chasing milestones but still feel unfulfilled, this episode will inspire you to pause, reconnect with yourself, and lead from a place of authenticity and balance.

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/ 📅 Book a Free Strategy Call → https://cal.com/anishajennings 📧 Email → jenningstechcorner@gmail.com 📸 Follow me on Instagram → @jenningstechcorner

⭐ Loved this episode?

Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing women! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review - it means the world to us. 💛