52: Scientist by Degree, Space Holder by Destiny | Ola Zaitoon

Ola shares her story of leaving behind a successful but unfulfilling career in science to follow her passion for community, creativity, and movement. Growing up in a culture where only careers like engineering or medicine were seen as valid, she pushed herself to earn a master’s degree in stem cell research—only to realize it wasn’t aligned with her spirit. Through retreats, dancing, and holding space for women, Ola has built something beautiful and brave: a life and business that feels true to who she is. Her story is a beacon for anyone questioning the path they were told to follow.Find Ola at:https://www.instagram.com/and.werise_/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574092655272Keywords:from scientist to entrepreneurhow to find your purposewomen’s retreats Windsorcultural dance healingleaving science careerArab women entrepreneurshiphow to hold space for womenbuilding a soulful businessWindsor dance classes for womenOla Windsor storyHashtags:#PurposeDrivenLife #WomenEntrepreneurs #LifeAfterScience #RetreatLeader #OrientalDance #WindsorEvents #WomensRetreat #HealingThroughMovement #TinasArenaPodcast #OlasStoryTimestamps00:00 – Meet Ola00:38 – Succeeding But Not Satisfied03:17 – Holding Space for Women06:12 – Advice for Finding Your Passion: Keep Experimenting07:06 – Listening to Feedback and Following the Signs08:02 – The Power of Movement and Egyptian Dance10:20 – The Culture Shock of Open Mic Storytelling—and Why It Felt Like Home11:28 – Launching Dance Classes for Women and Teens (Pay-What-You-Can!)13:00 – How Dance Builds Confidence and Inner Power14:46 – Why Everyone Should Try This at Least Once16:00 – You Only Get One Life—Do What You Love17:00 – Where to Find Ola and Join Her Classes