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Switch, Pivot or Quit

Switch, Pivot or Quit

By: Ahyiana Angel
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About this listen

 One of the top business podcasts in a Google search. As your host who has been there and done that (P.S. my name is Ahyiana Angel) I'm providing an intimate look at navigating career transitions on your own terms.

This pod is for the person seeking encouragement, inspiration + change in a life filled with demands on who you should be. I'm here for you when you're asking yourself, "What's next?!"

I speak with experts, professionals, and day-to-day doers who have learned best practices through their journey with personal and professional development work.

My journey consists of having successfully switched careers from a sports entertainment publicist to a published author and now I run my own podcast production company (Mayzie Media), and give motivational talks! My goal is and will always be to provide helpful advice when you're deciding if you need to Switch, Pivot, or Quit®.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ahyiana.angel/Copyright Mayzie Media Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Why Your Next Career Breakthrough Requires Blank Space with Sabina Nawaz

    Why Your Next Career Breakthrough Requires Blank Space with Sabina Nawaz
    May 25 2025
    In this transformative final episode of the season, global CEO coach and author Sabina Nawaz shares her journey from Microsoft software engineer to executive leadership expert, offering practical strategies for career transitions and authentic leadership.
    Discover the power of "blank space" - intentional quiet time that can unlock career clarity and creative solutions. Sabina reveals how pressure can either corrupt your leadership or fuel innovation, and why many successful women fall into the "sole provider trap" that leads to burnout.

    Learn actionable techniques for managing workplace pressure, getting honest feedback as a leader, and staying authentic while meeting business needs. Whether you're considering a career pivot, struggling with leadership challenges, or seeking more fulfillment in your professional life, this episode provides concrete tools for transformation.
    Key topics include executive coaching strategies, women in leadership, career development, workplace authenticity, feedback culture, and finding purpose in your professional journey. Perfect for aspiring leaders, current managers, and anyone navigating career transitions in today's competitive workplace.

    Guest: Sabina Nawaz, author of "You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need," former Microsoft executive, and faculty member at Northwestern and Drexel universities. https://sabinanawaz.com/

    Takeaways:
    Deciding to work at Microsoft was a pivotal moment.
    Quiet time can lead to significant insights.
    Pressure can corrupt leadership behavior.
    Finding joy in work is essential for fulfillment.
    Authenticity in leadership is multifaceted.
    Managing pressure is crucial for effective leadership.
    Successful transitions require self-awareness and assessment.
    Building a supportive network is vital for women in leadership.
    Feedback quality is determined by the questions asked.
    Success is about spending time wisely and fulfilling personal values.

    Chapters:
    00:00 The Importance of Blank Space
    03:43 Facing Fears and Embracing Quiet Time
    06:23 The Shift from Titles to Fulfillment
    09:09 Managing Pressure and Power Dynamics
    11:07 Authenticity in Leadership
    13:59 Women in Leadership: Balancing Roles and Values
    18:11 Navigating Authenticity in Leadership
    19:21 Understanding Productive vs. Harmful Pressure
    24:43 Career Transitions: Finding Fulfillment
    28:11 Building Supportive Networks in Leadership
    32:25 Common Leadership Pitfalls
    33:59 Defining Personal Success
    35:12 Transformative Feedback and Growth
    39:17 Introduction to Transformation and Change
    40:15 Insights from a Leadership Expert
    41:32 Anticipating a Powerful Conversation
    41:53 Introduction to the Influencer's Impact
    41:54 Exploring the Reach of Articles
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • From Content Creator to Corporate_Moving Abroad and Back with Paige Mariah

    From Content Creator to Corporate_Moving Abroad and Back with Paige Mariah
    May 18 2025
    This week I'm chatting with Paige Mariah about her transformative career journey. Paige shares her experience moving from Chicago to London for grad school, building a successful career as a full-time content creator abroad, and her recent transition back to corporate America working for Kellogg. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing change despite fear, and finding work-life balance after experiencing the freedom of self-employment. This conversation explores the reality behind social media's highlight reel, the importance of patience during major life transitions, and the empowering message that it's okay to pivot your career at any age. Paige's authentic perspective offers valuable insights on finding your path and honoring what's best for you at different stages of life.

    Paige's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PaigeMariah

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    01:19 Transitioning to Another Country
    04:41 Returning to the United States
    06:13 Dealing with Social Perception
    09:07 The Importance of Patience
    13:30 Self-Work and Personal Growth
    19:00 Transitioning to Corporate
    19:56 Transitioning to a Corporate Job
    22:05 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
    23:22 The Value of Working with a Team
    25:18 Balancing Work and Life
    28:53 Talking About Money with Friends
    32:31 Returning to a 9-to-5 Job After Being Self-Employed
    33:24 Pivoting and Changing in Your Career

    Takeaways
    • Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
    • It's important to block out the noise of others' opinions and focus on your own goals and desires.
    • Comparing yourself to others online can be detrimental to your own journey.
    • Patience is crucial when navigating transitions and building a stable foundation.
    • Self-work, such as therapy and journaling, can help in personal growth and adapting to change.
    • Humans are adaptable by nature and can find new solutions and paths in life.
    • Transitioning from a non-traditional career to corporate can be challenging, but with time and adjustment, it can lead to stability and growth. Transitioning to a new job, especially in a different industry, can be challenging and overwhelming, but it's important to remind yourself of your value and the unique perspective you bring.
    • Imposter syndrome is common, but it's crucial to remember that you were chosen for your role for a reason. Show yourself grace and trust in your abilities.
    • Working with a team and having a manager can provide mentorship, support, and opportunities for growth that may not be available when working for yourself.
    • Finding a balance between work and life is essential. Speak up for yourself and set boundaries to prioritize your well-being.
    • Having open conversations about money with friends can provide valuable insights and help you advocate for fair compensation.
    • Returning to a 9-to-5 job after being self-employed is a valid choice. It's important to do what's best for you at any given moment and not be influenced by societal expectations.
    • It's okay to pivot and change in your career, regardless of your age. Your needs and desires may evolve over time, and it's important to prioritize your own growth and happiness.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Vanessa Simmons on Wellness, Self-Care, and Businesses Evolution After Pastry

    Vanessa Simmons on Wellness, Self-Care, and Businesses Evolution After Pastry
    May 11 2025
    This week I'm chatting with entrepreneur, actress, and wellness advocate Vanessa Simmons. Known for her role on Run's House and co-founding the successful footwear brand Pastry, Vanessa opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, sharing valuable insights on knowing when to pivot in business and the importance of mental health awareness.

    In this episode, Vanessa discusses her new wellness platform U4IA, an educational hub focused on fact-based beauty tips and mental health resources. She reveals how her father Rev Run's self-care practices influenced her own wellness philosophy, and shares practical advice on breaking the cycle of hustle culture through intentional breathing, journaling, and rest.

    Discover how motherhood has deepened her self-awareness and shaped her leadership style, while learning actionable strategies for handling rejection and transforming perceived failures into valuable lessons. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to make your next business move, someone interested in wellness practices, or simply a fan of Vanessa's journey, this conversation offers authentic wisdom on balancing ambition with self-compassion in both business and life. #VanessaSimmons #Entrepreneurship #WellnessJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #BusinessPivot #SelfCare

    Learn more about U4IA - https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow


    Takeaways:
    • Pastry was the first business venture for Vanessa and her sister.
    • Deciding to walk away from a business can be difficult but necessary.
    • It's important to take breaks to refresh and gain new perspectives.
    • Vetting new business ideas should be based on passion and impact.
    • Mental health and self-care are crucial in today's world.
    • Breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress.
    • Self-awareness is key in both personal and professional life.
    • Failure should be viewed as a lesson rather than a setback.
    • Motherhood has deepened Vanessa's self-awareness and patience.
    • Leadership involves accountability and original thought.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins

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