Plot Twist: I'm the Guest! Interviewed by my Life and Business Coach...

Bonus Ep 2: A conversation about career transitions, perfectionism, identity, and creating your life one mindful opus at a time. In this special episode, the microphone is turned on me as I sit down with my coach, Lindsay Dotzlaf, who interviews me! We unpack the journey that brought me from a 20-year career with The Cleveland Orchestra into this new chapter of building MindfulOpus full-time. We go back to my musical upbringing in Monte-Carlo, beginning auditions at six years old, and winning my orchestra position at 21 while experiencing double tendonitis in both arms. I share how those early experiences shaped my relationship with achievement, perfectionism, and self-worth—and ultimately inspired my work supporting the whole human behind the art. At the heart of this conversation is what it actually takes to make a major life change. We talk about following my "clear yeses and polite no's," learning to distinguish intuition from fear, preparing financially, and allowing a possibility to exist on paper before expecting it to become real. I also share what it has felt like to return to the viola outside the structure of the orchestra, how podcasting helped me rediscover my voice, and why stepping into a new identity doesn't require abandoning the artist or person you've always been. Whether you're considering a career change, questioning the path you're on, or wondering who you might become beyond the roles you've always held, this conversation is an invitation to explore with curiosity and create your life - one opus at a time… You'll Discover: How perfectionism and achievement can become tied to self-worth Why the right decision can still feel terrifying How to recognize your "clear yeses and polite no's" The difference between intuition, fear, and an old belief Why daydreaming can be an important part of creating change How thoughtful financial preparation can support a career transition What it means to redefine success through joy, freedom, service, and community The meaning behind MindfulOpus     TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Welcome to the bonus episode and what this interview is about (01:43) Intro to the Mindful Opus Podcast (02:14) How Jo got into coaching (03:40) Discovering coaching as a profession (05:33) 20 years in the Cleveland Orchestra (10:47) Growing up in a musical family (11:14) Childhood in Monte Carlo and early music training (18:18) What orchestra culture is really like (23:37) Top coaching themes: excellence vs. perfection (26:33) Detaching self-worth from performance (28:28) Deciding to go full-time in coaching (31:45) The emotional reality of making the leap (40:32) Advice for others thinking about a similar transition (44:24) The money conversation and planning for the move (51:06) Why taking time off after leaving mattered (54:29) Starting the Mindful Opus podcast (56:56) Favorite part of podcasting (58:25) The hardest part of podcasting (62:09) What success looks like in two years (64:07) Where the name "Mindful Opus" came from (65:35) Where to find Jo online (67:01) Outro and closing thoughts   Resources: Interested in coaching? Sign up for a free consult at mindfulopus.com Follow Jo on Instagram: mindfulopus.com Interested in how to find some work/life balance? Grab the free well-being resource at mindfulopus.com About Lindsay: Podcast: Mastering Coaching Skills Instagram: @lindsaydotzlaf Website: https://lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/