S1 E19: She Did Everything Right & They Let Her Go. She Gave Herself Permission, with Emily Carlson

Feeling stuck in your career pivot? In this episode of We Are Women, Unapologetically, healthcare tech executive Emily Carlson shares honest insights on adaptability, doubt, and finding clarity through small steps.In this episode, Jessica sits down with Emily to explore what really happens when high-achieving women are forced to pivot. From navigating layoffs to launching a business mid-crisis, Emily opens up about what it means to evolve in real time—and why adaptability isn’t just a resume skill, it’s a life skill.🧭 Chapters & Timestamps0:00 – Welcome + Intro to Emily Carlson1:10 – A career in tech, built out of necessity2:35 – Getting laid off as a C-suite leader3:52 – The blurry early days of pivoting5:07 – Should I get another job... or try this on my own?6:47 – Start with what brings you joy7:41 – Red + green journaling to map your energy9:01 – The surprising impact of informational interviews11:02 – When you pivot… and then pivot again12:33 – Adapting your business to match your energy13:55 – Getting stuck in the survival loop15:40 – Continuous learning + finding support17:55 – Coaching vs. AI: real talk20:00 – Why relationships matter in growth seasons22:00 – Joy as your metric, even in IT consulting24:00 – How Emily splits her time across multiple roles25:45 – Movement as clarity: workout time is non-negotiable27:20 – The magic of midday resets29:02 – From full calendars to puppy walks30:00 – How to time-block without burning out31:30 – “Top 3” to-do list method32:15 – The question she wishes people asked34:50 – The transition advice every woman needs35:53 – Final thoughts: Don’t hinge your life on someone else’s doorKey TakeawaysClarity often comes after the chaosStart by writing down what brings you joyDon’t underestimate 15-minute conversationsBuilding a business starts with building beliefYou're not behind—you're just in a transitionFollow Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacumming04/Power Move of the Week:Reach out to one person doing what you think you want to do—and ask them for 15 minutes.Download my free power pivot career guide to help you get started: https://www.jcnewbeginnings.com/powerpivotguideDownload the Transcript HERE