In Episode 8 of UnCeiling You, Natalie Luke, PhD, sits down with Mariette Frey to explore her transformative FRED Framework, a practical tool designed to reverse-engineer success in any area of life. Whether you’re navigating career changes, moving to a new city, or tackling personal goals, the FRED Framework provides actionable steps to turn fear into empowerment.

šŸŽ™ļø Episode Release Date: March 24, 2025
šŸŽ§ Listen Here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cabe3af7-0c14-4361-893a-96544a7adc2c/

šŸŽ§ Watch Here: https://youtu.be/yuVXWs6b97E

What Is the FRED Framework?

The FRED Framework is a values-based system Mariette created to help individuals tackle life’s transitions with clarity and confidence. It consists of four pillars:

  1. Finances: Assess the financial resources and investments required to achieve your goal.
  2. Robustness: Build mental and physical resilience to overcome challenges.
  3. Ecosystem: Surround yourself with supportive communities and networks.
  4. Dreams: Define and refine your aspirations, turning them into actionable goals.

Key Insight: ā€œReverse-engineering your dreams allows you to break them into achievable steps. Start with the end in mind and work backward to define your path forward.ā€

Crossing the Corporate Monkey Bars

Mariette discusses the concept of lateral career moves as a way to gain clarity and align with personal strengths. She highlights how imagination and ambition are key to navigating these transitions:

Marietteā€™s Tip:
ā€œSometimes the best path isnā€™t up but across. By exploring different roles, you can discover what truly lights you up.ā€

Navigating Change with Resilience

Having moved 19 times in 24 years, Mariette understands the fear and excitement that come with transitions. She shares how self-awareness and preparation can transform fear of the unknown into an opportunity for growth.

Marietteā€™s Advice:
ā€œReframe fear as a sign that youā€™re about to level up. What if itā€™s not terrifying? What if itā€™s amazing?ā€

Her moves have taught her to embrace change with optimism and find beauty in the process, whether itā€™s decluttering a home or rebuilding a sense of community.

Using the FRED Framework to Overcome Fear

Mariette provides a step-by-step approach to applying the FRED Framework to any goal:

  1. Define Your Dream: Get specific about your goal and what success looks like.
  2. Plan Finances: Calculate the costs, both financial and time-related, needed to achieve your dream.
  3. Build Robustness: Strengthen your mental and physical resilience to face challenges.
  4. Create Your Ecosystem: Identify and engage with people and resources that will support your journey.

A Story of Transformation

Mariette shares a compelling story of coaching a friend through a career transition. Despite her friendā€™s initial fear and self-doubt, the FRED Framework helped her evaluate the opportunity objectively, align her values, and step into a role that exceeded her expectations.

Key Takeaway: ā€œIf thereā€™s no data to prove youā€™ll fail, then go for it. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and push you forward.ā€

Practical Tips for Making a Move

Marietteā€™s advice isnā€™t limited to career changesā€”it applies to physical moves, personal growth, and more:

  • Plan Ahead: Prepare financially and emotionally for the transition.
  • Grieve What You Leave Behind: Acknowledge the emotional impact of leaving a familiar place or situation.
  • Book a Trip Back: Visiting your old environment can validate why you made the change and help you move forward.

Imagination and Ambition in Action

Mariette emphasizes the importance of using imagination and ambition to push past fear and achieve meaningful change:

  • Ask ā€˜What If Itā€™s Amazing?ā€™ Shift your mindset to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles.
  • Reframe Negative Thoughts: Recognize when fear is holding you back and consciously choose a more empowering perspective.
  • Lean Into Growth: Fear often signals an opportunity for leveling upā€”embrace it.

Get in Touch with Mariette

Mariette Frey is passionate about helping individuals navigate transitions and achieve their goals. You can connect with her through:

ā€œIf fear is holding you back, itā€™s probably a sign youā€™re heading in the right direction. Take the leap!ā€

Key Takeaways for Listeners

  1. Use the FRED Framework to clarify your goals and break them into actionable steps.
  2. Reframe fear as a sign of growth and opportunity.
  3. Build a supportive community to help you navigate transitions.
  4. Grieve what you leave behind to fully embrace the new chapter.
  5. Reverse-engineer your dreams to create a roadmap to success.

šŸŽ§ Listen to Episode: The FRED Framework: Reverse Engineering Your Success
šŸŒŸ Connect with Mariette Frey: Mariette Frey