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.
SUMMARY
Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her Way
In 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.
TAKEAWAYS
Mistakes 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.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Mistakes and Identity
02:23 Understanding Identity and Imposter Syndrome
08:15 The Role of Pride in Mistakes
10:37 The Science of Mistakes and the Brain
15:20 Reframing Identity and Embracing Growth
25:28 Practical Steps for Overcoming Mistakes
Resources Mentioned:
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 Ann
Instagram: @hercareerherway
TikTok: @hercareerherway
🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:
Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her Way
If you feel extra pressure during the holidays… it’s not just you.
Your 20s are a constant balancing act between who you are and who everyone thinks you should be.
SUMMARY
In this episode, we dive into the very real and often invisible pressure that 20-somethings carry — especially during the holiday season.
From family expectations to comparison spirals, to the quiet fear of “not being enough yet,” Hazel Ann unpacks why this chapter of life feels so heavy and what it actually means for your growth.
We explore the difference between healthy pressure vs. toxic pressure, how external validation rewires your motivation loop, and why chasing praise can leave you feeling empty after every achievement. Through metaphors, self-reflection tools, and gentle guidance, Hazel invites you to redefine success on your own terms — not society’s.
Built for ambitious individuals navigating uncertainty, identity shifts, and the emotional weight of early adulthood, this episode gives you permission to breathe, pause, and remember: ✨ you’re allowed to be in progress ✨ you’re allowed to not have answers yet ✨ your timeline is still valid
TAKEAWAYS
The holiday season amplifies career pressure and expectations.
Family gatherings can trigger the need to “prove” yourself.
Healthy pressure inspires movement and comes from self-belief.
Toxic pressure stems from comparison, fear, and proving your worth.
External praise can hijack your internal motivation system.
Growth pressure is intentional and aligned with your values.
Cognitive reappraisal helps reframe stress and external expectations.
Success must be defined by you — not others.
Presence matters more than perfection.
You’re allowed to sit in the unknown and still be on track.
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 Ann
Instagram: @hercareerherway
TikTok: @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.
SUMMARY
Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her Way
Guest: Calyn Coleman
In 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 alone
TAKEAWAYS
Feeling 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.
CHAPTERS
00:00 — Why Your 20s Feel So Overwhelming
02:58 — Identity vs. Expectations: Where Confusion Begins
05:46 — School, Confidence & Growing Up in Comparison
08:56 — Passion vs. Pressure in Career Decisions
11:54 — The Pivot: From Pre-Law to Fashion
14:50 — Academic Pressure, Perfectionism & Mental Health
17:57 — How the Pandemic Shifted Career Direction
20:58 — Taking Risks & Creating Your Own Path
23:43 — Celebrating Small Wins in Your 20s
Resources Mentioned:
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 Ann
Instagram: @hercareerherway
TikTok: @hercareerherway
Guest - Calyn Coleman
Instagram: @cay_cole07
🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:
👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay
If you’ve been doubting yourself lately, this episode is your reminder: your potential is real — and your next career step might be one mindset shift away. Today, we’re talking about the kind of self-belief that creates clarity, strengthens confidence, and helps you make better decisions in your 20s.
SUMMARY
In this episode, Hazel Ann breaks down how self-belief directly impacts your career direction, confidence, and ability to take action—especially when you’re navigating the uncertainty of your 20s.
You’ll learn how your internal narrative shapes the opportunities you pursue, the risks you take, and the way you show up in your work. Hazel Ann shares practical reframes to help you shift out of low-confidence loops so you can make clearer decisions, feel more grounded in who you are, and rebuild momentum when you feel stuck.
This conversation is meant to feel like a reset—a reminder that your thoughts aren’t just thoughts; they’re the foundation of your clarity, your career growth, and the identity you’re building.
Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, this episode supports you in moving from:
self-doubt → self-trust
confusion → clarity
hesitation → empowered decision-making
TAKEAWAYS
You’re capable of having what you want — your self-belief is the starting point.
Confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build.
Your thoughts shape your actions, habits, and ultimately your reality
When you shift your internal narrative, external opportunities shift too.
Give yourself credit for your growth
CHAPTERS
00:00 — Navigating the Chaotic 20s
03:18 — Why Self-Belief Changes Everything
07:05 — Shifting Out of Destructive Thinking
11:44 — Empowerment Through Community
15:30 — Gratitude, Growth, and Final Thoughts
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 Ann
Instagram: @hercareerherway
TikTok: @hercareerherway
🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:
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.
SUMMARY
Host: Hazel Ann | Her Career, Her Way
Guest: Eve Felder
In 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.
TAKEAWAYS
Advocating 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.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Guest Intro
00:03 – Early Career & Overcoming Shyness
00:09 – Entering the Culinary World
00:15 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself
00:21 – Persistence, Clarity & Career Growth
00:27 – Networking the Right Way
00:33 – Work-Life Balance & Boundaries
00:39 – Final Thoughts & Advice
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 Ann
Instagram: @hercareerherway
TikTok: @hercareerherway
🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:
What if all your distractions are actually disconnecting you?
SUMMARY
In this episode, we explore the unseen impact of overstimulation on your career clarity and sense of direction. If nothing in your life feels aligned lately, this conversation will help you understand why — and what your inner voice has been trying to tell you.
The host, Hazel Ann, breaks down how constant noise, scrolling, and consuming everyone else's opinions can quietly disconnect you from your values, purpose, and the deeper narrative you’re meant to lead. When you finally pause, silence becomes a powerful strategy — not something to avoid.
This episode is a reminder that your best ideas, clearest decisions, and most aligned career moves don’t come from doing more… but from tuning inward.
Built for ambitious individuals navigating the chaos of their 20s, EP 14 guides you back to the voice that matters most: your own.
TAKEAWAYS
The best thoughts and strategies come from silence.
Silence allows for personal reflection and growth.
Avoiding silence can hinder career progression.
Finding your voice requires stepping back from external noise.
Your mission and values are discovered in quiet moments.
Self-reflection is crucial for career clarity.
Listening to oneself is more important than listening to others.
Career moves should be made from a place of inner knowing.
Silence can lead to profound insights and ideas.
Taking time for oneself is essential for personal development
CHAPTERS
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Azarias, F.R., Almeida, G.H.D.R., de Melo, L.F., Rici, R.E.G. and Maria, D.A. (2025). The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health. Biology, 14(4), p.395. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040395.
Carroll, J.C. (2020). Imagination, the Brain’s Default Mode Network, and Imaginative Verbal Artifacts. Springer eBooks, pp.31–52. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46190-4_2.
Csikszentmihalyi (2022). Flow state: Definition, examples, and how to achieve it. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/flow-state#summary.
Harvard Business Review (2025). You Need to Be Bored. Here’s Why. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQKfIXMiA8.
Menon, V. (2025). Redirecting. [online] Elsevier.com. Available at: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0896627323003082
Riley, D. (2019). Why Do I Hate Being Bored? The Science Behind Life’s Most Uncomfortable State. [online] Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@daniel_riley/why-do-i-hate-being-bored-the-science-behind-lifes-most-uncomfortable-state-1ccb4a1c62cd
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 Ann
Instagram: @hercareerherway
TikTok: @hercareerherway
🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:
What if the secret to everything you want lies in being comfortable in the discomfort? In this episode, the host, Hazel Ann, unpacks the mindset shift that changes everything — showing up before you’re ready. Together with guest Kevin Breitinger, a fellow 20-year-old who took on a 60-second public speaking challenge, they explore how stepping into fear can unlock confidence, clarity, and growth in every part of your life.SUMMARYThis week’s conversation dives deep into what it truly means to embrace discomfort. Kevin shares how facing his fear of public speaking redefined his confidence, communication skills, and self-belief — transforming fear into freedom.Hazel and Kevin talk about the power of consistency, accountability, and intrinsic motivation, and how these principles build both character and courage. You’ll hear real insights on overcoming the fear of judgment, improving self-expression, and creating ripple effects that impact your career, relationships, and purpose.They also discuss how travel and self-reflection shape perspective, why discipline matters more than talent, and how to define your own version of success — even when imposter syndrome creeps in.Whether you’re chasing a dream, starting a business, or simply finding your voice, this episode will remind you that discomfort is the classroom where growth happens.
TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTERS00:00 Embracing Discomfort in Public Speaking03:54 The 60 Second Public Speaking Challenge06:25 Overcoming Judgment and Fear08:42 Commitment and Accountability in Challenges11:17 Intrinsic Motivation vs. External Validation14:06 Improving Articulation and Communication Skills16:26 The Importance of Listening and Silence19:06 Building Relationships Through Public Speaking20:45 Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement22:23 Setting High Standards and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome23:59 Embracing Discomfort for Growth27:32 The Importance of Discipline and Consistency32:23 Defining Your Dream Life34:16 Finding Inspiration and Motivation37:43 Overcoming Fear and Self-DoubtRESOURCES MENTIONEDIs Public Speaking Really More Feared Than Death? 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 Ann
Instagram: @hercareerherwayTikTok: @hercareerherwayGuest - Kevin TikTok: @1takekevin1🎧 Subscribe to the Her Career, Her Way YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@HerCareerHerWay
It's 4:30pm and already pitch black outside. Your motivation? Buried under blankets and a Netflix queue. Sound familiar?
SUMMARY
In this episode, Hazel Ann breaks down the Winter Arc: a framework for turning the darkest, coldest months into your secret competitive advantage. We're talking seasonal affective disorder (the science behind why winter feels so hard), the cultural trap of "New Year, New Me," and the exact 4-step framework I used to stop hibernating my ambitions and start building momentum when it mattered most.
No toxic positivity. No "just push through it" nonsense. Just real talk about auditing your life, rewiring your brain with neuroscience-backed strategies, and taking micro-actions that compound into major career shifts by spring.
This isn't about doing more. It's about doing differently—when it counts.
If you've been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you're just surviving until the new year... this one's for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
RESOURCES MENTIONED
LET'S CONNECT
This episode hit different? I want to hear from you.
Instagram: @hercareerherwayTikTok: @hercareerherway
Join the #WinterArcChallenge: Share your goals, vision boards, or micro-actions and tag me—I'm featuring your journeys all season long.
DM me on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode or the ONE thing you're committing to this week. Let's build accountability together.
Ever feel like everyone else just "gets it" faster than you?
You're not broken. You're just using the wrong strategies.
In this solo episode, Hazel Ann is getting real about the moment that changed everything: sitting in her internship, nodding along as her mentor explained a process, then completely blanking two days later. The shame of asking "wait, how do I do this again?" while other interns just... remembered.
This episode breaks down the three research-backed strategies that took her from frantically taking notes and remembering nothing to actually retaining what she learnt. No more re-reading the same paragraph five times. No more pretending to remember something you don't.
You'll learn why "learning styles" are actually limiting you (with research to back it up), the neuroscience behind why your brain deletes information, and the exact frameworks to learn faster without burning out.
If you've ever felt like you're working twice as hard to learn half as much, this episode is for you.
💡 What We're Covering in This Episode
📑 Chapter Timestamps
00:00 - The Internship Shame Story: When I Realized Something Was Wrong
03:15 - Myth-Busting: Why Learning Styles Are Limiting You
06:42 - How Your Brain Actually Works: The Science of Forgetting
10:28 - Strategy #1: The Testing Effect (Close the Tab and Explain It)
15:19 - Strategy #2: Spacing + Interleaving (Stop Cramming, Start Mixing)
20:34 - Strategy #3: Make It Matter (Attention + Emotion + Structure)
26:08 - Why This Matters Long-Term: The Compounding Effect
28:45 - Your Action Plan: Start With These 3 This Week
💬 Let's Connect
I'd love to hear from you! What's your "old you" learning habit that you're ready to leave behind? Or what was your biggest takeaway from this episode?
Instagram: @hercareerherway
DM me: I read every single message and love hearing your stories
If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you're feeling generous, leave a review—it helps other people find the show!
Remember: You're not behind. You're not broken. You just didn't know these strategies yet.
New you starts today. Let's go. 🎙️
📖 Resources Mentioned:
Sternberg, R. (1994). Thinking Styles.
Reid, J. (1995). Learning Styles in the ESL/EFL Classroom.
Riener, C. & Willingham, D. (2010). The Myth of Learning Styles.
Hatami, S. (2018). Learning Styles — A Review of Concepts and Research.
Huberman, A. (2023). Huberman Lab Podcast: Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning.
Brown, P., Roediger, H., & McDaniel, M. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning.
Dunning, D. & Kruger, J. (1999). Unskilled and Unaware of It.
In this episode of 'Her Career Her Way', Lori Atwood, a certified financial planner, shares her journey into finance and offers valuable insights on budgeting, saving, and investing. She emphasises the importance of understanding one's relationship with money, the need for emergency funds, and the significance of tracking spending. Lori also discusses the realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of having a financial runway before starting a business. Her advice aims to empower individuals, especially younger generations, to take control of their financial futures.
Takeaways
CONNECT with Lori Atwood
Instagram: @fearlessfinance
Tiktok: @fearlessfinance
FOLLOW & CONNECT
Instagram: @HerCareerHerWay
TikTok: @HerCareerHerWay
RESOURCES:
https://fearlessfinance.com/contact/
Enter "Her Way" in the promo code field and get $50 off your first meeting
Rate, review, and subscribe so other ambitious women can find us!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Financial Empowerment
02:58 Lori's Journey into Finance
05:54 Understanding Budgeting and Scarcity Mindset
08:39 The Importance of Happiness in Financial Decisions
11:45 Saving vs. Spending: Finding Balance
14:42 Emergency Funds and Financial Security
17:31 Navigating Economic Uncertainty
20:34 Tracking Spending: The Autopsy Approach
23:25 Grocery Spending and Overconsumption
26:24 The Role of Credit Cards in Financial Health
29:17 Investing Basics: Starting with Index Funds
32:16 Managing Student Loans and Debt
35:13 Retirement Planning: 401k and Roth IRA
38:14 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
41:10 Final Thoughts and Financial Advice
In this bonus episode of 'Her Career Her Way', Hazel Ann reflects on five transformative lessons learned over the past year, emphasising the importance of self-acceptance, the power of starting despite fear, the influence of one's social circle, the significance of recognising personal strengths, and embracing uncertainty as a pathway to growth. The conversation encourages listeners to set intentions for their next chapter, focusing on authenticity, meaningful connections, and the beauty of life's journey.
Takeaways
FOLLOW & CONNECT
Instagram: @HerCareerHerWay
TikTok: @HerCareerHerWay
💫 Rate, review, and subscribe so other ambitious individuals can find us!
Chapters
00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Growth
02:57 Letting Go of Judgment
05:47 The Power of Starting
08:56 The Company You Keep
12:12 Owning Your Strengths
15:05 Leaning into Uncertainty
17:54 Intentions for the Next Chapter
In this episode of Her Career Her Way, Hazel Ann explores the concept of perfectionism, discussing its impact on self-worth and personal growth. This episode reframes perfectionism from a character flaw into a strength you haven't learned to channel yet.
We break down the science (30-42% genetic), explore the 5 perfectionist types, and expose why society wants women "balanced" instead of powerful. You'll get practical tools to transform perfectionism from prison to power—including self-compassion techniques, restoration strategies, and language shifts that separate your work from your worth.
Bottom line: Your perfectionism protected you. Now let it serve you differently.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✨ Perfectionism is 30-42% genetic—you're wired this way, not broken
✨ 5 types exist: Intense, Classic, Parisian, Procrastinator, Messy—each needs different strategies
✨ Adaptive (playing to WIN) vs. Maladaptive (playing NOT to lose)—shift your approach, keep your standards
✨ Self-worth ≠ performance. "That didn't go well" ≠ "I'm terrible"
✨ The Balance Trap: Society limits women's bandwidth to limit their power
✨ Self-compassion reduces maladaptive perfectionism WITHOUT lowering standards
✨ Language matters: "This could be better" (opinion) vs. "I'm terrible" (self-judgment)
✨ You're not living in preparation—this IS your life
FOLLOW & CONNECT
Instagram: @HerCareerHerWay
TikTok: @HerCareerHerWay
Tag us with your perfectionist type—we're reading every message!
📚 RESOURCES
💫 Rate, review, and subscribe so other ambitious women can find us!
Her Career Her Way — Honest conversations for ambitious women building careers in their 20s.
Stop apologising. Start building. This is YOUR career, YOUR way.
Have you ever felt like there's never enough time—only to realise you've been managing the wrong thing entirely?
In this episode, Hazel Ann breaks down why time management feels impossible and reveals the game-changing shift that transformed her productivity: stop managing time, start managing energy.
We dive deep into the psychology behind why your brain sabotages your schedule, the science of procrastination, and practical strategies that actually work with your brain instead of against it.
In this episode, you'll discover:
✨ Time is finite. Energy is renewable
✨ You're not bad at time management—you're using a broken system
✨ Working smarter (aligned to your values) > working longer ✨ Your time struggles aren't a character flaw, they're a design flaw
If this episode resonated with you, screenshot it and tag us @hercareerherway
What's your biggest time struggle? Let us know in the comments—we read every single one
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Chapters
Have you ever talked yourself out of an amazing opportunity because you were terrified of making the "wrong" choice?
In this episode, Hazel Ann sits down with Gracie Rotman, who went from decision paralysis to living her dream life studying in Milan while building her own business. We dive deep into why our brains trick us into thinking there's only one "right" path—and how to move past that fear to grab the opportunities waiting for you.
Gracie is a Marketing graduate from the University of Florida. After a transformative internship at Coach, she took the leap to study abroad in Milan while launching her own networking business to help ambitious women network and build meaningful connections.
In this episode, you'll discover,
✨ There are no wrong decisions, only different timelines✨ Your fear voice vs. your true self—how to tell the difference✨ Every choice is either a blessing or a blessing in disguise✨ Everything that is meant to happen, happens
Gracie's Socials:
If this episode resonated with you, screenshot it and tag us @hercareerherway
What opportunity have you been overthinking? Let us know in the comments—we read every single one
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Chapters
This episode, Hazel Ann explores the real challenges of goal-setting in your 20s—from lack of clarity and fear of failure to the behavior-intention gap that keeps us stuck between what we say we want and what we actually do. She dives into the science behind habit formation, discuss practical strategies like keystone habits and understanding your "why," and explore how to break big dreams into actionable steps. The conversation emphasises the importance of self-awareness, planning, and embracing uncertainty as part of the growth process—because fear isn't a stop sign, it's often a signal that you're heading toward something meaningful.
Mentioned in the Episode:
"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Habit-Why-What-Change/dp/1847946240
In this episode of 'Her Career Her Way', Hazel Ann discusses the complexities of productivity, workaholism, and the importance of rest. She reflects on her personal experiences transitioning from a high-achieving internship to a period of downtime, exploring feelings of guilt associated with rest and the societal pressures surrounding productivity. Hazel Ann emphasises the need to reframe our understanding of productivity, recognising that rest is not a sign of laziness but a crucial component of creativity and personal growth. She offers practical solutions for achieving a balance between work and rest, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique career paths and the importance of self-reflection.
Works Cited
Internships aren’t always easy — but the challenges can teach you just as much as the wins. In this episode, I talk about handling tricky mentor relationships, learning how to ask for the feedback you need, and building intentional connections that last. I also share how I turned what once felt like “weaknesses” into strengths. This is the real behind-the-scenes of growing in your 20s — reminding you that setbacks are part of the process, and that your path forward is more within reach than it sometimes feels.
Wrapping up my internship felt surreal — I came in full of questions and left with lessons I didn’t expect. In this episode, I share how setting intentions early shaped my experience, the skills I built along the way (from Excel shortcuts to confidence in networking), and what working a 9-to-5 taught me about structure and balance. These takeaways are for anyone trying to make sense of the messy, exciting start of a career — with the goal of making it feel a little more clear and a lot more doable.
Check out this article for more information about the case study mentioned: https://jamesclear.com/implementation-intentions
Figuring out your passions in your 20s isn’t easy—especially when outside voices and endless choices drown out your own. In this episode, Hazel Ann Felder unpacks distractions (like thinking Suits meant law school was for me), and dives into psychology research and practical tools to help you tune into what you really want.
Along the way, we’ll explore:✨ The Asch conformity experiment on why we follow the crowd✨ Dan Gilbert’s paradox of choice and how too many options keep us stuck✨ Why, as Ben Hardy writes, achieving goals doesn’t always equal fulfilment✨ Insights from Rick Hanson on why pleasure is fleeting✨ Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz
Come away with tools to sift through the noise, reconnect with what excites you, and take small steps toward clarity—without the pressure to have it all figured out.
Ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s still not enough? From feeling guilty about downtime to comparing ourselves to family or peers, the pressure to constantly “do more” is real—especially in your 20s. In this episode, Hazel Ann Felder and Gracie Rotman unpack where that pressure comes from, how it shows up in everyday life, and why women are often taught to shrink themselves.
We’ll walk through practical tools—from journaling your daily “receipts,” to time blocking, self-affirmations, and reframing worst-case scenarios—that help remind you that you are, in fact, enough.