clearly becoming

You hit the goal. You made the move. You got the thing — and then the overwhelm hit harder than the excitement. If that's where you are right now, this episode is your map.In this episode, Hazel Ann breaks down the emotional cycle of change: a five-stage framework that explains why ambition and anxiety aren't opposites — and why feeling like you're falling apart might actually mean you're right on track. This isn't about pushing through. It's about knowing where you are so you can move with intention, not fear.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why achieving your goal can trigger self-doubt, overwhelm, and imposter phenomenon — and why that's neurologically normalThe five stages of the emotional cycle of change: from uninformed optimism to the valley of despair to earned confidenceHow to recognise which stage you're in right now — and what to do instead of spiralThe neuroscience of stress (the HPA axis, cortisol, and your negativity bias) explained without the jargonHow to use micro-wins, sensory grounding, and effort-focused reframes to rebuild momentumWhy detaching from outcomes isn't giving up — it's how you keep going💬 QUOTE OF THE EPISODE – "Feeling like you're falling apart might mean you're right where growth lives. The valley of despair isn't failure — it's the stage before informed optimism. You're not behind. You're in it."TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Why success can trigger overwhelm00:36 – Introducing the emotional cycle of change02:08 – Personal transition stories: job search, moving, studying abroad04:15 – Stage 1: Uninformed optimism05:27 – Stage 2: Informed pessimism — when reality sets in07:47 – Stage 3: The valley of despair — what it looks like and why it's normal09:19 – Strategies for pushing through the valley13:05 – The neuroscience of stress: cortisol, HPA axis & negativity bias15:01 – Practical tools: breathing, grounding, micro-wins17:10 – Reframing goals and fixing focus on effort, not outcomes20:10 – Consistent action and controlling what you can24:00 – Becoming someone who moves forward without all the answers26:07 – How to identify your current stage and what to do nextRESOURCESThe Neuroscience of Stress & Cortisol Abramson's Hopelessness TheoryMicro-Wins Strategy (Seth Godin)RELEVANT EPISODESEP 31: You Don't Rise to Your Goals. You Fall to Your Systems EP 32: How to Become Before You Believe It This is your reminder that you can be ambitious and confused. DM Hazel Ann on Instagram your ONE non-negotiable habit and the WORD that describes who you are clearly becoming.CONNECT WITH HAZEL ANNInstagram: @clearlybecomingTikTok: @clearlybecoming_YouTube: youtube.com/@clearlybecoming

EP 37 – Is loving your work the same as losing yourself?Host: Hazel Ann | Clearly Becoming · Solo EpisodeYou've been told Gen Z is lazy. Quiet quitting. Bare minimum Mondays. Disengaged.But what if I told you that Gen Z cares so much, so deeply, about the right work, that they have actually started to lose track of where the work ends and you begin?This episode is about that line. The one between loving what you do and being consumed by it. Between choosing your life and drifting into it while being very, very good at it.We're going there via The Devil Wears Prada (that’s right, Miranda, Andy, Emily) and the neuroscience and psychology that explains why even purpose-driven ambition can become a trap. Especially in your twenties, when the developmental task is to keep exploring who you are — not lock it down.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:The real difference between Miranda Priestly and Emily — and why it's not about work ethicWhy purpose-driven workaholism is harder to spot (it feels righteous)The dopamine loop behind "one more email", and why Miranda isn't disciplined, she's wired inWhat identity foreclosure is, and why your 20s are the highest-risk window for itThe hedonic treadmill: why the reward always moves, and what that means for how you're measuring successHow to tell the difference between harmonious passion and obsessive passion, from the insideThree questions to ask yourself this week: not to work less, but to work with more awareness💬 QUOTE OF THE EPISODE – "Working hard is not the same as losing yourself. But in your twenties, you have to be awake enough to know the difference."TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Nigel's quote + the question this episode is really asking01:30 — Miranda, Andy, Emily: three archetypes, one question — which one are you?03:00 — Gen Z data: 89% purpose-driven, 44% have quit for lack of meaning, 41% tie identity to work04:30 — The risk isn't working hard. The risk is mistaking intensity for meaning.05:00 — The dopamine loop: why stimulating work activates the same pathways as compulsive behaviour06:30 — Identity foreclosure: what Erikson says about committing too early to one identity08:00 — The hedonic treadmill: each win raises the baseline. You don't arrive.09:00 — Harmonious vs obsessive passion — and how Miranda crossed from one to the other10:00 — The Gen Z version of the trap: when your side hustle is your passion, boundaries feel like betrayal10:30 — Three tests: can you set it down? Who are you without it? Did you choose this?13:30 — The clarity round + what Hazel Ann is letting go of14:30 — Clearly becoming… the narrator of my own lifeRESOURCESErikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development — identity vs role confusionHarmonious vs Obsessive Passion — Vallerand et al. (2003)Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2025Dopamine and Reward Pathways — Psychology TodayRELEVANT EPISODESEP 22 – How Personal Branding Creates Career Clarity in Your 20sEP 29 - How to Become Before You Believe ItThis is your reminder that you can be ambitious and confused. DM Hazel Ann on Instagram your ONE non-negotiable habit and the WORD that describes who you are clearly becoming.CONNECT WITH HAZEL ANNInstagram: @clearlybecomingTikTok: @clearlybecoming_YouTube: youtube.com/@clearlybecoming

You were taught that a good team is a harmonious one. Nobody fights. Nobody pushes back. Everyone gets along.That's not collaboration. That's avoidance — and it's quietly killing your growth.In this episode, Hazel Ann unpacks why conflict isn't the enemy of strong teams — it's the evidence that people actually care. From the real cost of pandemic-era soft skill gaps to the psychology of what makes groups either coast or commit, this episode reframes everything you thought you knew about working with other people. Including yourself.Career is the vehicle. Becoming is the destination.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why the pandemic quietly dismantled a generation's ability to collaborate — and what that means for you right nowHow the Belbin Team Roles framework reveals not just how you work, but who you areWhy conflict is a sign of commitment, not dysfunctionThe difference between a team that performs and a team that's just performingWhat "overcompensating for loafers" is actually costing youHow to lead by example when you have no formal authorityWhy self-acceptance isn't soft — it's the foundation of every strong team contribution💬 QUOTE OF THE EPISODE – "Overcompensating enables loafers. Leading by example changes them."TIMESTAMPS00:00 – The Struggles of Collaboration02:30 – The Impact of the Pandemic on Soft Skills07:43 – The Importance of Conflict in Teams11:41 – The Psychology of Teamwork16:13 – Strategies for Effective Collaboration20:40 – The Role of Conflict in Personal EvolutionRESOURCESThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Managers Don’t Want To Hire Gen-Z Workers, Citing A Lack Of Soft Skills—Survey SaysNeuro-collaboration": The neuroscience of successful collaborationBelbin Team Roles RELEVANT EPISODESEP 18 – This Is Why You Feel Stuck (And How to Shift It)EP 22 – How Personal Branding Creates Career Clarity in Your 20sThis is your reminder that you can be ambitious and confused. DM Hazel Ann on Instagram your ONE non-negotiable habit and the WORD that describes who you are clearly becoming.CONNECT WITH HAZEL ANNInstagram: @clearlybecomingTikTok: @clearlybecoming_YouTube: youtube.com/@clearlybecoming

Episode 33 | Host: Hazel Ann | Clearly Becoming · Guest EpisodeIn this episode, Hazel Ann chats with Ashley Spiliapulu about breaking away from traditional career trajectories, embracing multiple interests, and cultivating confidence to advocate for oneself. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for ambitious individuals navigating a chaotic career landscape. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Ashley shares her diverse career from PR to journalism to founding inclusive communitiesThe misconception that one must choose a single passion early onHow sport and a growth mindset foster resilience and confidenceThe importance of embracing multiple interests for happiness and fulfillment💬 QUOTE OF THE EPISODE"You don't need clarity to be ambitious. You need permission to move before the picture is complete."TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Challenging the idea that ambition and confusion are mutually exclusive00:29 - Introducing Ashley Spiliapulu and her eclectic career journey00:43 - The nonlinear path: doing multiple passions simultaneously01:12 - How to navigate societal pressures to pick a single career early02:02 - Ashley explains her focus on sport and subsequent transition at 2202:41 - The stereotype of sticking to one career and why it's outdated03:29 - How trying multiple avenues boosts confidence through experience03:52 - The importance of resilience when going against societal norms04:29 - The significance of sports in developing discipline and belief in oneself05:01 - Ashley's move from sport to PR and how she broke into the industry05:25 - Overcoming the experience barrier through internships and proactive effort06:36 - The myth that you need formal credentials to get started06:43 - The value of taking initiative, even without perfect experience07:46 - How to showcase your skills and attitude for new roles08:06 - The gender dynamics in self-promotion and confidence in the workplace09:10 - The importance of playing the "confidence game" to get ahead10:16 - Using a confident alter ego to navigate intimidating environments10:57 - The role of visual branding and consistency in creating opportunities11:45 - The impact of affirmations and embodying the person you want to be12:11 - How to merge your current traits with your aspirational self-image12:29 - The value of effort, attitude, and energy over pure talent12:38 - Taking immediate action when inspired — a story of seizing ideas13:42 - How self-talk influences belief and performance14:24 - Can ambition be learned or is it innate?15:08 - The misconception that you must have clarity to be ambitious15:30 - Navigating undirected ambition and embracing multiple passions16:04 - When ambition feels overwhelming and how to manage it17:09 - How having varied interests fosters resilience and happiness18:30 - The story behind Sunny's Run Club and its mission of inclusivity22:10 - How Ashley started running and uses it for exploration and connection23:01 - Reframing labels: becoming a runner instead of saying "not an athlete"23:34 - The impact of sports psychology on confidence and performance26:09 - Embracing rejection as a natural part of growth and self-discovery28:27 - Teasing part two: How to effectively pitch yourself and the power of communityRESOURCESAgenda Setting TheoryPower of TalkRELEVANT EPISODESStop Waiting to Feel Motivated. Do this instead How to Become Before you Believe it LET'S CONNECTThis is your reminder that you can be ambitious and confused.DM Hazel Ann on Instagram your ONE non-negotiable habit and the WORD that describes who you are clearly becoming.Connect with Ash:Instagram: @ashspili TikTok: @ashleighspiliYouTube: @ashspili Connect with Hazel Ann: Instagram: @clearlybecomingTikTok: @clearlybecoming_YouTube: youtube.com/@clearlybecomingNext episode: The science of being a great teammate — what it actually takes to show up for a team and yourself at the same time.

How to Build Habits and Routines That Actually Stick When You're in Your 20s and Figuring It All OutHost: Hazel Ann | Clearly Becoming If you've ever started the week with a clear plan and ended it wondering what happened, this episode is for you. Hazel Ann breaks down why motivation alone is a trap, and what the science actually says about how high-performing people stay consistent when life gets messy. This isn't hustle culture. This is about what it takes to build routines that move you forward, even when you have no idea who you're becoming yet.You don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall back to the level of your systems.IN THIS EPISODE:40% of your daily actions are already running on autopilot James Clear framework: goals are the destination, systems are the roadWhat triggers motivation (hint: it's not a vision board)Vague goals drain your energy — and what to do insteadKeystone habit concept and why it's the gateway disciplineThe rebound effect and how to break all-or-nothing thinking for goodWhy difficulty is a feature—hard things build mental strengthFramework to audit your habits and upgrade your systems over timeChapters00:00 - Why systems impact our results more than we realise 00:38 - Goals vs. systems: Building habits to reach your dreams 1:20 - How experimenting with routines shapes who you are 2:00 - The importance of flexibility in routines and dealing with life hurdles2:37 - Reese Witherspoon’s insight on talents versus dreams 4:01 - The significance of having a system alongside ambitions 5:00 - Focusing on daily actions to identify effective systems 5:29 - Neuroscience of habits: How the brain automates goals 6:12 - James Clear on goals as destinations and systems as the route 6:29 - The difference systems make in turning aspirations into achievements 6:53 - Motivation triggers: specificity, self-efficacy, autonomy 7:12 - Why vague goals drain energy; concrete plans are more effective 8:48 - Building belief in yourself through strong self-efficacy 9:16 - Designing systems rooted in autonomy for lasting motivation 10:06 - Experimenting to find your intuition and personal routines 11:15 - The non-conscious loop: autopilot goal pursuit through environmental cues 12:34 - Implementing keystone habits like exercising to foster discipline 13:57 - Reducing cognitive load with routines (e.g., wardrobe choices) 15:41 - Bundling habits to reduce decision fatigue 16:16 - Overcoming choice paralysis with pre-planned routines 16:39 - The balance between reducing friction and adding intentional effort 17:21 - Hard work and its role in building discipline and resilience 20:21 - Practical frameworks: anchoring morning and night routines 21:17 - Insights from CEO routines and consistency’s impact on performance 23:08 - The science of decision-making in the mornings 24:27 - The importance of reflection and adjusting systems over time 25:34 - Incorporating rewards to reinforce habits 26:34 - Starting small: The power of 5-minute routines 27:14 - Designing flexible days with non-negotiables 28:49 - Recognizing your energy levels to optimize task timing30:49 - Reflective questions for evaluating your progress 31:56 - Final encouragement: start small, reflect, and upgrade your systemsRESOURCESAtomic Habits by James ClearMorning and Evening Routines by Duke University Motivation and SCT by Bandura (1997)Physical activity is connected with a career success (Metelski, 2020)The Neuroscience of Goals and Behavior Change by Elliot T BerkmanThe Power of Now by Charles DuhiggLET'S CONNECTDM Hazel Ann on Instagram your ONE non-negotiable habit and the WORD that describes who you are clearly becoming.🎧 Instagram: @clearlybecoming 🎵 TikTok: @clearlybecoming_ 🎧 YouTube: youtube.com/@clearlybecoming Next episode: Leadership skills — the qualities that make effective leaders and how to develop them early in your career.

You're waiting to feel ready. Waiting to feel confident. Waiting for the job, the title, the moment someone finally tells you that you belong — and then you'll show up fully.But what if that's exactly why you're stuck?SUMMARYHost: Hazel Ann | Clearly Becoming (episode 29) In this episode of Her Career, Her Way, host Hazel Ann dismantles one of the most common traps ambitious people fall into in their 20s: waiting to believe before they act.Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their early careers, EP 29 goes deep on the neuroscience of belief — why your brain resists change, how memory keeps you locked in old identities, and what it actually takes to become someone new.Hazel Ann breaks down the science in the way your smart friend would — no jargon, no fluff. Just the framework you actually need.This episode will help you understand why confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you build by moving first. If you've ever held back from applying for the job, speaking up in the meeting, or calling yourself a leader before you had the title — this one's for you.TAKEAWAYSBelief is learned, not manifested. Your brain needs real-world evidence to update what it thinks is true about you — visualisation alone won't cut it.The Belief–Memory Loop is why you stay stuck: perception → emotion → memory → belief → behaviour → repeat. No new action means no new memory, which means no new belief.Embodiment isn't pretending. It's acting as the person you're becoming before the belief fully exists — because that's the only way the belief ever forms.Speaking and journaling physically rewire belief. Language restructures emotional memory. Writing separates what happened, what you felt, and what you concluded — so you can update the story accurately.Flip the Have–Do–Be model. Most people think: once I have the outcome → I'll do the work → then I'll be that person. Daphne says the opposite. Be → Do → Have.Competence builds confidence — not the other way around. Action creates episodic memory. Episodic memory creates evidence. Evidence updates belief.Imposter syndrome shrinks through embodiment. You don't wait until you feel like you belong. You act like you do, and your brain catches up.RESOURCES Bridging the Gap Between Believing and Memory FunctionsDaphne De Baat QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE"Action creates episodic memory.""Competence creates confidence.""You are moving first, acting first."THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGEWhat's one way you can embody the next version of you today — and how will you describe it afterward?Pick one small action the person you're becoming would take. Do it before you feel ready. Then write it down.DM @clearlybecoming on Instagram with what you did. Let's build accountability together.CHAPTERS00:00 The Power of Belief and Motivation07:20 Embodiment: Acting Before Belief13:53 The Do, Be, Have Framework for Growth18:52 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Through EmbodimentTHIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE: What's one way you can embody the next version of you today — and how will you describe it afterward?Pick one small action the person you're becoming would take. Do it before you feel ready. Then write it down.DM @hercareerherway on Instagram with what you did. Let's build accountability together.LET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!Hazel Ann — Host of Clearly Becoming Instagram: @clearlybecoming TikTok: @clearlybecoming YouTube: www.youtube.com/@clearlybecoming

SUMMARYHost: Hazel Ann | Clearly BecomingIn this episode, Hazel unpacks the real reason you can't commit to a job, obsess over emails for hours, or feel paralyzed by career decisions — and no, it's not indecision. It's your attachment style.Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, EP 27 explores how the same psychological patterns that shape your relationships are secretly running your career decisions. From the hyper-independent girl who refuses to ask for help, to the over-researcher who polls everyone but still can't choose — Hazel breaks down the science of attachment theory and how your nervous system is keeping you stuck.This episode will help you:Understand why career decisions feel as emotionally intense as relationship dramaIdentify your attachment pattern (avoidant vs. anxious) and how it's showing up at workBuild the psychological security you need to take bigger risks, negotiate boundaries, and finally move forward with clarityKEY TAKEAWAYSYour Brain Doesn't Separate Love and WorkSecurity → Risk-Taking. Insecurity → Protection.Research shows: secure attachment = clearer vocational identity, more exploration, real confidenceAnxious attachment = cognitive overload, choice paralysis, comparison spiralsAvoidant attachment = extreme independence that limits network growth long-termStable Relationships = Clearer Career IdentityCzech study (21-year-olds): close parental ties early → vocational clarityOver time: romantic partner stability matters more than parents for career confidenceChinese research: self-differentiation (handling others' expectations without losing yourself) = psychological immune systemThe SECURE Framework:S — Stabilize support (anchor, advisor, peer)E — Examine your pattern (withdraw or spiral?)C — Create decision container (limit inputs)U — Upgrade self-differentiation (separate their fear from your desire)R — Regulate first (nervous system before logic)E — Engineer environment (you become the 5 people around you)CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro: You Don't Have a Career Problem, You Have an Attachment Problem06:03 - The Two Types of Girls in Their 20s (And Why Both Are Stuck)07:40 - The Science: How Your Brain Treats Career Decisions Like Relationships12:26 - Czech Study: Secure Attachment = Vocational Clarity14:19 - Chinese Study: Self-Differentiation as Your Psychological Immune System15:06 - The Avoidant Girl: Why "I Don't Need Help" Is Holding You Back16:26 - The Anxious Girl: Choice Paralysis & Comparison Spirals20:06 - The SECURE Framework: How to Build Stability & Take Bigger Risks23:26 - Close: Your Attachment Style Is Protection — Not PersonalityRESOURCESChinese Study on Self-Differentiation & Career AdaptabilityCzech Study on Emerging Adults & Vocational IdentityThe Neuroscience of Love: What’s Going on in the Lovestruck Brain? Related Episode: EP 22 – How Personal Branding Creates Career Clarity in Your 20sLET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.Host - Hazel AnnInstagram:@clearlybecomingTikTok: ⁠@clearlybecoming_🎧 Subscribe to the Clearly Becoming | HerCareerHerWay YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

If interviews make you overthink, freeze, or feel like your entire future is being judged in 30 minutes, then this episode is for you.SUMMARYHost: Hazel Ann | Clearly Becoming | Her Career Her WayThis episode is part of the Career Upskilling Series — where we build the skills that actually move your career forward.In this episode, Hazel Ann breaks down why interviews feel so overwhelming in your 20s — and why struggling in interviews doesn’t mean you’re unqualified or “bad at them.”Instead of teaching you what to say, this episode focuses on how to show up: grounded, present, and confident without forcing it.Built for ambitious twenty-somethings navigating career uncertainty, EP 25 reframes interviews from high-pressure performances into intentional conversations. You’ll learn why over-preparing can actually hold you back, how interviewers really remember you, and how to prepare in a way that makes you feel calm, clear, and adaptable, even when nerves show up.This episode will help you stop faking confidence and start building it through preparation that actually works.TAKEAWAYSWhy 85% of candidates fail interviews due to ineffective preparation — not lack of abilityOver-preparing and memorising answers can make you more rigid and less naturalInterviews land better when they feel like conversations, not performancesNerves don’t mean you’re failing, they can actually help you stay alert and presentInterviewers remember how you made them feel more than perfectly worded answersEmpathy, presence, and curiosity leave a stronger impression than perfectionSelf-judgement during interviews makes it harder to think clearlyPreparing flexible stories gives you confidence without scripting yourselfResearching people and culture matters more than memorising company factsConfidence grows from action, practice, and intention CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Interview Challenges05:45 Why Flexibility Beats Perfect Answers13:57 Tactical Preparation That Actually Works25:28 Key Takeaways & Final ReframeLET’S CONNECT✨ Did this episode calm your interview anxiety even a little?DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the one thing you’re changing about how you prepare — let’s make growth feel less overwhelming and more intentional.Instagram:@clearlybecomingTikTok: ⁠@clearlybecoming_🎧 Subscribe to the Clearly Becoming | HerCareerHerWay YouTube channel:👉 https://www.youtube.com/@clearlybecoming

Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her WayIf your mood rises and falls with emails, interviews, or job titles — this episode is for you.Detachment isn’t about caring less.It’s about learning how to regulate your nervous system, stop overthinking, and make clearer career decisions without burning out.SUMMARYIn this episode of Her Career, Her Way, Hazel Ann explores why so many ambitious people in their 20s feel emotionally attached to their careers — and how that attachment often fuels anxiety, overthinking, and burnout.Using neuroscience, psychology, and real career examples, Hazel breaks down detachment as a skill, not a mindset. You’ll learn how over-identifying with your job keeps your nervous system in survival mode, why chasing clarity actually blocks it, and how letting go of false control creates calm, confidence, and adaptability.Hazel Ann introduces a 4-step detachment framework designed to help you interrupt anxious thought patterns, stop chasing validation, clear mental loops, and redirect your energy toward long-term growth — without losing ambition.Built for ambitious individuals navigating career uncertainty, job pressure, and identity shifts in their 20s, this episode will help you feel steadier, clearer, and harder to break in an unpredictable job market.THIS EPISODE WILL HELP YOU:Stop tying your self-worth to career outcomesCalm career anxiety and overthinkingMake clearer decisions without emotional spiralsDetach from outcomes without losing motivationBuild adaptability in a changing job marketRESOURCES MENTIONEDA Step By Step Guide to Removing Your Self Doubt with Dr Shadé ZahraiThe Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan SingerLET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!DM me on Instagram/TikTok with: your biggest takeaway, orthe one thing you’re committing to this weekLet’s build clarity — and accountability — together.Host - Hazel AnnInstagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her WayGuest: Urmi HossainYour identity isn’t something you “figure out” once — it’s something you intentionally design. And the more clarity you have on who you are, the more aligned your career becomes.SUMMARYIn this episode, we dive into how identity shapes your career — and how your career, in turn, reshapes your identity.Hazel Ann sits down with Urmi Hossain, a corporate finance professional, CFA + CAIA charterholder, author, content creator, and women’s empowerment advocate. Urmi shares how she’s built a multidimensional career across corporate finance, leadership, and personal branding — all while staying grounded in intention, adaptability, and self-expression.From navigating cultural expectations as a Third Culture Kid to designing a career using visualization, subconscious work, and her “3 P’s” framework, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone in their 20s questioning who they are, where they’re going, and how to build a career that actually feels like them.Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, EP 21 explores identity, ambition, and what it really means to design a career with intention — not pressure.TAKEAWAYSIdentity isn’t fixed — it evolves as you invest in yourselfYou don’t need to choose between being “corporate” and “creative”Personal branding starts with clarity, not confidenceAdaptability is a career skill, not a weaknessHow cultural identity and upbringing can shape ambitionWhy feeling “lost” in your 20s is more common than you thinkThe 3 P’s: Passion, Purpose & Power as an identity-building toolkitHow visualization, journaling, and subconscious work turn intention into actionLET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.Host - Hazel AnnInstagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠Guest - Urmi HossainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossainMy Book: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle – Available on AmazonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/urmamio/ ( personal)Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/storiesbeyondborderspodcast/ Women in Leadership: https://www.womeninleadership.ca/montreal🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

Why do mistakes feel like proof you're not good enough? Here’s what your identity, pride, and brain chemistry have to do with it.SUMMARYHost: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her WayIn this episode, we dive into why mistakes feel so personal, how they trigger imposter syndrome, and the neuroscience behind why your brain reacts so strongly when you mess up. She unpacks the layers of identity that shape how you interpret failure, and how pride — both the healthy and unhealthy kind — can influence your response to setbacks.The host, Hazel Ann, breaks down the real reason mistakes sting, drawing from personal stories and research to explain how your inner critic forms, why your 20s amplify self-doubt, and how reframing the meaning of mistakes can make your career growth feel less overwhelming.Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, EP 19 gives you the tools to understand your emotional reactions, unlearn fixed identity narratives, and use mistakes as data for growth rather than evidence of inadequacy.TAKEAWAYSMistakes are an inevitable part of growth, not evidence of failure.Identity is shaped by your experiences, roles, and the expectations you internalize.Imposter syndrome arises when your internal identity clashes with who you want to become.Pride can be authentic (grounding) or hubristic (fragile), and each affects how you process mistakes.Your brain has an error-detection system that makes mistakes feel physically uncomfortable.Mistakes should be viewed as information, not identity statements.Reframing self-talk disrupts limiting beliefs and supports a growth mindset.Resilience is built by choosing curiosity over self-criticism.Trusting the process—rather than rushing the outcome—creates sustainable confidence.Reflecting on your identity helps you understand why certain mistakes trigger you more than others.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Mistakes and Identity02:23 Understanding Identity and Imposter Syndrome08:15 The Role of Pride in Mistakes10:37 The Science of Mistakes and the Brain15:20 Reframing Identity and Embracing Growth25:28 Practical Steps for Overcoming MistakesResources Mentioned: The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention (Clance & Imes )Learning From Mistakes: How Does the Brain Handle Errors? Why Pride Is Nothing to Be Proud Of (Amodeo)LET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.Host - Hazel AnnInstagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

Your 20s aren’t confusing because you’re doing life wrong.They’re confusing because you’re finally building a life that’s yours.SUMMARYHost: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her WayGuest: Calyn ColemanIn this episode, we break down the emotional, mental, and identity-level chaos that makes your 20s feel like one long plot twist.Hazel Ann sits with guest Calyn Coleman, who opens up about navigating family expectations, growing up as a twin, shifting from a pre-law track to fashion, dealing with competitive school environments, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.”She candidly shares the role mental health, the pandemic, and taking uncomfortable risks played in redirecting her path.This episode is for anyone who feels behind, confused about their career, or torn between who they are and who they’re expected to be.If you’ve been questioning everything… this conversation will feel like a permission slip.Built for ambitious individuals navigating career confusion, self-doubt, and societal pressure, EP 17 reminds you:✨ your dreams deserve space✨ your wins deserve celebrating✨ your path is yours aloneTAKEAWAYSFeeling confused in your 20s is normal — not a personal failure.Family expectations deeply shape your identity and decisions.Growing up as a twin or sibling comparison can blur your sense of self.School environments influence confidence far more than we think.Choosing passion over pressure leads to more authentic career paths.Mental health deserves priority, especially in high-achieving spaces.The pandemic created clarity for many young adults, including Calyn.Taking unconventional risks often leads to unexpected opportunities.Small wins matter — they keep motivation alive.You’re allowed to redefine your path at any point.CHAPTERS00:00 — Why Your 20s Feel So Overwhelming02:58 — Identity vs. Expectations: Where Confusion Begins05:46 — School, Confidence & Growing Up in Comparison08:56 — Passion vs. Pressure in Career Decisions11:54 — The Pivot: From Pre-Law to Fashion14:50 — Academic Pressure, Perfectionism & Mental Health17:57 — How the Pandemic Shifted Career Direction20:58 — Taking Risks & Creating Your Own Path23:43 — Celebrating Small Wins in Your 20sResources Mentioned: The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention (Clance & Imes )Learning From Mistakes: How Does the Brain Handle Errors? Why Pride Is Nothing to Be Proud Of (Amodeo)LET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.Host - Hazel AnnInstagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠Guest - Calyn ColemanInstagram: @cay_cole07🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay

You can be talented, smart, and hardworking — but if you don’t speak up for yourself, opportunities won’t magically appear. This episode is your reminder that advocating for yourself isn’t loud… it’s intentional.SUMMARYHost: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her WayGuest: Eve FelderIn this episode, we dive into what it really means to stand up for yourself in your career — especially when you’re still learning who you are.Hazel Ann sits down with Chef Eve Felder, whose journey went from acting to becoming Managing Director at the Culinary Institute of America. Together, they explore how self-advocacy shaped Eve’s path, how she pushed through deep shyness, and why clarity, courage, and self-belief matter more than having the “perfect plan.”It’s a reminder that:Your voice is a tool — not a burden.You don’t need permission to take up space.Showing up for yourself is a lifelong skill, not a one-time decision.Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, EP 15 gives you a grounded, real conversation on risk-taking, networking with intention, and following your heart even when it feels unrealistic or scary.TAKEAWAYSAdvocating for yourself is a non-negotiable career skill.Taking risks often leads to opportunities you can’t plan for.Persistence + clarity = long-term career momentum.Overcoming your own barriers (shyness, doubt, fear) is growth.Networking works best when it’s a two-way relationship, not a transaction.Following your heart matters — especially in tough industries.Self-reflection keeps your choices aligned with your values.Movement + mindfulness clear mental clutter.Gratitude and self-care build long-term resilience.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Guest Intro00:03 – Early Career & Overcoming Shyness00:09 – Entering the Culinary World00:15 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself00:21 – Persistence, Clarity & Career Growth00:27 – Networking the Right Way00:33 – Work-Life Balance & Boundaries00:39 – Final Thoughts & AdviceLET'S CONNECT✨ Did this episode hit differently? I want to hear from you!DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway or the ONE thing you’re committing to this week — let’s build accountability together.Host - Hazel AnnInstagram: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠TikTok: ⁠@hercareerherway⁠🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay