In this engaging conversation, Heather McG interviews Clothilde Ewing, exploring her nonlinear career journey from producing for Oprah to her current role in nonprofit communications and as an author of children's books. They discuss the importance of being open to change, the impact of significant career endings, and the inspiration behind Clothilde's Stella series. The conversation also touches on motherhood, the vulnerability of sharing personal stories, and the lessons learned through life's transitions.

TAKEAWAYS

• Being open to change has led to more fulfilling opportunities.

• Finding meaning in work is essential for personal fulfillment.

• Just because work is meaningful doesn't mean it is the right path for you specifically.
• Vulnerability in sharing stories can lead to deeper connections.
• Owning one's truth can lighten the emotional burden.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:05 Navigating Career Endings and Beginnings

04:50 The Importance of Being Open to Change

07:27 Reflections on The Oprah Show's End

10:09 Finding Meaning in Work

12:35 The Journey of Writing the Stella Series

19:34 The Impact of Storytelling on Children

21:44 Lessons in Parenting and Personal Growth

23:07 Navigating Vulnerability in Creative Expression

26:17 The Power of Connection Through Storytelling

28:47 Creativity as a Journey of Imagination

31:41 Embracing Change and Life's Endings

33:41 What We Know for Sure About Growth

36:46 The Freedom of Owning Your Truth

ABOUT CLOTHILDE EWING

Clothilde has spent her career communicating through journalism, entertainment. politics and nonprofits. The throughline with all of these jobs is that she was doing her thing behind the scenes. That all changed when she had kids. She was inspired to start writing after reading a New York Times opinion piece by her now-editor, Denene Millner, titled: “Black Kids Don’t Want to Read About Harriet Tubman All the Time.” Her goal is for people to see more children of color in books that are not defined primarily by race or struggle, but belonging and joy. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.

• Follow Clothilde on Instagram: @clothildeewing or @stellalovesroger
• Find Clothilde online: https://www.clothildeewing.com/

ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER

The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.

• New episodes every Tuesday.
• Follow @thatheathermcg on IG for related content and discussion.
• Read The Happily Never After on Substack at https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/
• Learn more about Heather McG at https://heathermcg.com/