Reinvention at the top. Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP09

Description

Here’s a little truth from the top. For many ambitious women, climbing the leadership ladder is more than chasing a title or a pay raise. In this episode of “Don’t Let the Smile Fool You,” we dive beneath the surface with Lucy Quist, trailblazing CEO and advocate for women’s leadership, as she opens up about what really happens when you get to the top.So here’s the story. You work hard, you plan, you sacrifice, and everyone’s proud of your successes. But what happens when you hit your career peak and realize something’s missing? Is it enough to have a great job on paper, or do you want your journey to matter—to create significance and real impact beyond yourself?Lucy takes us through the breaking point when she stepped away from her CEO role and set out to reinvent herself. Whether you’re a woman in a high-powered job, wrestling with fear, or questioning your next move, you’ll find insights that speak to your reality. We explore the hidden costs of leadership—family dynamics, health, and the pressure to always move forward. We also get practical on financial freedom, building support systems, the power of intentional planning, and how faith plays a role (but isn’t the only answer).This conversation isn’t just theory. Lucy shares her own lessons: why emotion doesn’t work at the negotiating table, how to manage fear, the importance of strategy in every area of your life—not just your career—and why community matters. We unpack the founding of the Executive Women Network and the Bold New Normal, and what it truly takes for women to support women at the highest level.Thinking about making a pivot, struggling with imposter syndrome, or striving for significance in your work? This episode gives you practical advice and honest stories so you don’t have to pretend everything is perfect under that smile. It’s time to reframe success, take control, and show up for yourself and others.00:00 Welcome: What’s beneath the smile in leadership? 01:05 What significance means beyond success 04:34 Why ambitious women walk away from