The GPS to Joy | Maryl Petreccia | Author & Entrepreneur

Maryl Petreccia is an entrepreneur, dancer, author, and self-proclaimed Joy Expert who has lived through nine major losses in seven years, including the death of her husband, and still chooses to live life at an 11+. Drawing on her book GPS to Joy, she shares how to navigate life’s toughest transitions, find your way forward, and create joy even in the midst of grief. Maryl opens up about becoming an entrepreneur at 21, building businesses without a mentor, and the resilience it took to rebuild her life after unimaginable loss. She reflects on lessons from her immigrant family, her love of ballroom dancing, and the golden breadcrumbs of wisdom she leaves for others. If you’ve ever wondered how to transform challenges into possibility, Maryl’s story will show you what’s possible when you trust that what you need will find you. Chapters 00:00 Meet Maryl Petreccia 04:20 The First Business She Launched at 21 09:10 Lessons from Building Without a Mentor 14:30 Growing Up in an Immigrant Entrepreneurial Family 19:45 Partnership and Building a Distribution Company 24:10 Surviving Nine Losses in Seven Years 30:25 Why She Wrote GPS to Joy 35:15 How Ballroom Dancing Helped Her Heal 40:50 The Role of Faith and Spiritual Practices 45:35 Golden Breadcrumbs: Wisdom from Her Journey 50:20 Navigating Grief with Optimism 55:15 Creating the Joy Movement 59:40 Mentors and Figures Who Inspire Her 1:04:10 Advice for Anyone Facing a Transition 1:08:25 How to Connect with Maryl The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices