What happens when pushing through just isn’t an option?
In this deeply resonant episode of UnCeiling You, I sit down with the incredible Trisha Tyon—a career strategist and coach who specializes in helping professionals navigate chronic illness, burnout, and caregiving responsibilities without sacrificing their ambition.
✨ We talk about:
How to match your ambition with your energy—especially on tough days
Redefining success when life throws a curveball
Trisha’s personal story of being diagnosed with lupus at 25 and how it reshaped her entire career path
The power of self-advocacy at work and how to start having those difficult conversations
What a truly inclusive workplace would look like—and your role in creating it
The hidden cost of “pushing through” and how to gracefully slow down without falling behind
Trisha shares actionable advice for anyone feeling stuck, exhausted, or overlooked—and her message is compelling for ambitious women navigating invisible challenges.
💡 Her parting advice?
“Give yourself grace. You don’t have to prove your worth by pushing past your limits.”
📩 Want to connect with Trisha? Find her on LinkedIn: Trisha Tyon Email her at: [email protected]
And check the show notes for her calendar link + info about her brand-new coaching program for professional women ready to land their dream jobs!
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. @UnCeiling You
In a recent episode of the UnCeiling You podcast, Natalie Luke, PhD, sat down with Julia Frense Maria, a rising star in the field of sourcing and procurement, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of taking on big roles, overcoming imposter syndrome, and making values-aligned career pivots. Julia shared inspiring stories and actionable advice for women at all career stages.
Taking the Leap: Embracing Big Roles Before Feeling Ready
Julia recounted her experience of being approached by a recruiter for a role that was several levels above her current position. While initially surprised, she decided to embrace the opportunity. The process involved interviews, flying out to meet company leaders, and even a meeting with the CEO.
She admitted feeling nervous and uncertain about stepping into the new role but emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort:
“Feeling insecure doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Lean into the discomfort, face the challenges, and trust yourself to grow into the role.”
Her key takeaway? Growth often begins outside of your comfort zone.
Aligning Passion and Values: A Career Pivot Moment
Julia shared a pivotal moment in her career when she realized her role no longer aligned with her values, despite initially feeling passionate about it. This realization led her to make a bold career move, establishing her three non-negotiables:
A great work culture.
Work-life balance.
An impactful role.
She reflected on how this decision shaped her career:
“If the environment doesn’t feel right or it’s taking a toll on your mental health, it’s time to make a change. That pivot taught me to focus on what truly matters.”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Lifelong Journey
Imposter syndrome is a recurring theme for many professionals, and Julia is no exception. She openly discussed feeling like an imposter in nearly every role she’s held:
“Imposter syndrome often comes with new challenges. I remind myself of my achievements and that no one knows everything. It’s about learning, making mistakes, and growing.”
Natalie echoed these sentiments, highlighting that even seasoned leaders experience self-doubt. She emphasized the importance of self-talk and resilience in navigating these feelings.
The Power of Networking and Mentorship
Julia attributes much of her success to cultivating relationships with mentors and leaders:
“Building relationships with people you admire is a skill. It opens doors, expands your skill set, and creates opportunities.”
She shared two standout networking stories:
A conversation with a mentor led her to advocate for a new role, which ultimately resulted in her leading a new department.
A year-and-a-half-long effort to build a relationship with a company’s head of development culminated in a unique role tailored to her skill set.
Her advice? Be vocal about your aspirations and nurture genuine connections.
Taking Risks and Growing Through Career Transitions
Throughout her 10-year career, Julia has worked across four industries, each transition bringing its own set of challenges and fears:
“Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Each jump has broadened my perspective and enriched my skill set.”
She stressed that risks can be scary but often necessary for achieving meaningful rewards.
Advice for Women at All Career Stages
Julia offered tailored advice for three distinct groups of women:
New Graduates: “Be open to possibilities and don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Use your voice and build relationships.”
Professionals Feeling Unaligned: “Step back, reflect on what sparks your passion, and explore ways to incorporate it into your career. Don’t fear the unknown—networking can reveal unexpected opportunities.”
Women Leaders: “Mentor younger women. Share your journey, insights, and support. Your guidance can inspire and empower others.”
Finding Bright Lights in Your Career
Julia closed with a powerful message:
“Seek out the bright lights—mentors and leaders who inspire and support you. They can help you navigate challenges and take the next step.”
For those interested in connecting with inspiring leaders like Julia, Natalie invites listeners to join the UnCeiling Zone, where members can engage directly with podcast guests.
Listen Now
Catch the full episode of UnCeiling You to hear more about Julia’s journey and insights on career growth, imposter syndrome, and networking. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
Watch Now
Catch the full episode of UnCeiling You to hear more about Julia’s journey and insights on career growth, imposter syndrome, and networking. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
Have you ever felt like an underdog in your career? No matter how hard you work, the odds are stacked against you. You’re not alone. In the debut episode of UnCeiling You, host Natalie Luke dives deep with financial services leader Jennifer Pestikas to uncover the secrets to overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating career setbacks, and using ambition and imagination to rise to the top.
Jennifer’s inspiring journey, from her humble beginnings as a bank teller to becoming a respected industry leader, shows us that resilience and a growth mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. Keep reading to discover her story and actionable insights that can help you break through your own career barriers.
The Underdog Spirit: Lessons from Rocky and Real Life
Jennifer’s favorite movie, Rocky, mirrors her career journey. Like the iconic underdog, she faced numerous challenges, from grief and self-doubt to career roadblocks. Yet, she chose to rise each time.
In one pivotal moment, Jennifer stepped into a leadership role after the sudden passing of her mentor and boss. The experience tested her resilience and highlighted the importance of creativity in overcoming challenges.
“I had to get creative,” Jennifer shares. “There were only so many notes in his file cabinet. Even when I wasn’t ready, I had to figure out how to lead.”
Jennifer’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how you rise after being knocked down.
How Jennifer Overcame Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common struggle, especially for women in leadership roles. Jennifer candidly discusses how it affected her confidence and leadership early in her career.
“Imposter syndrome is tied to fear,” she explains. “But the key is to recognize it, take stock of your accomplishments, and reframe the story you’re telling yourself.”
Here’s how Jennifer reframed her mindset:
Acknowledgment: Recognizing imposter syndrome as part of the growth process.
Reflection: Reviewing past achievements to reinforce self-worth.
Reframing: Creating positive affirmations to replace negative self-talk.
Her journey highlights that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process that builds confidence over time.
Practical Career Lessons from Jennifer Pestikas
Jennifer’s conversation on UnCeiling You is packed with actionable advice for women navigating their own career challenges. Here are some key takeaways:
Own Your Career: Don’t wait for someone else to advocate for you—take responsibility for your growth and advancement.
Embrace the Underdog Mindset: Use setbacks as fuel for your ambition. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.
Support Other Women: Amplify the voices of women in your workplace. Collaboration is more powerful than competition.
Use Imagination and Ambition: Be creative in crafting your career story and bold in pursuing your goals.
Jennifer’s insights are not just inspiring—they’re practical tools for anyone looking to grow their confidence and career.
Why You Should Listen to This Episode
Jennifer Pestikas’ journey is more than a personal success story—it’s a guide for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain in their career. Whether you’re battling imposter syndrome, navigating a tough leadership moment, or simply looking for motivation, her story offers a roadmap to success.
In this podcast episode, you’ll learn:
How to navigate imposter syndrome and reframe self-doubt.
The power of imagination and ambition in overcoming challenges.
Strategies to take radical responsibility for your career.
How to build a supportive network that lifts you up.
Listen to the Episode Now Ready to embrace your ambition and unceiling your potential? 🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
Conclusion Jennifer Pestikas’ story proves that no matter where you start, you can write a powerful career narrative with ambition, imagination, and resilience. Her insights are a reminder that even when the odds are against you, you have the power to rise.
What’s your next chapter? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to UnCeiling You for more inspiring stories and actionable advice.
