Using Your Story to Inspire and Impact

In this episode of The Woman's Hustle: Coach Kay and Mary Beth O'Connor discuss Mary Beth's incredible journey from addiction to becoming a federal judge. They explore themes of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the power of advocacy in reducing stigma around addiction. Mary Beth shares her experiences of reevaluating her life after retirement, the challenges of publishing her work, and the message that it's never too late to pursue one's passions and make a difference in the world as an entrepreneur and beyond. Key takeaways from this episode: Advocacy can take many forms, and sharing your story is powerful.There is no timeline for success; it's about taking the next step.Aligning your skills with your interests can lead to fulfilling opportunities.Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She also is in recovery from abuse, trauma, ptsd, and anxiety. Her story is chronicled in her memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. She’s had essays in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Recovery Today.Mary Beth is a Director for She Recovers Foundation and LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple and secular paths to recovery. She develops relationships with other organizations, such as Women for Sobriety. And Mary Beth trains attorneys and medical professionals about substance use disorder and recovery. Find more on Mary at https://junkietojudge.com/Chapters: 01:20 - From Trauma to Triumph04:44 - Reevaluating Life After Retirement09:09 - The Importance of Mental Health14:42 - Advocacy and Reducing Stigma17:06 - Thrills and Spills of Publication20:39 - It's Never Too Late to Start22:01 - Future Endeavors and Closing ThoughtsInterested in being a guest on The Woman's Hustle? Do you meet these minimum requirements: Female Business Owner (full or part-time) operating for a minimum of ONE yearLooking to expand your audienceOpen to sharing your challenges, triumphs, and insight as an EntrepreneurAudio and Video RecordingVirtual and In Person availableLet's talk more! Click here to set up an e-meeting and learn more about being a guest on The Woman's Hustle!Let us know what you think! Support the showAbout Upgraded MindsetZ - Kisha Woods - Founder and CEOKisha is an award‑winning Certified Life & Business Coach, author,  speaker, resource and advocate. As the Founder and CEO of Upgraded MindsetZ, she leads a mission to help women break free from outdated cycles, find their voice, and step confidently into their purpose in life, career and entrepreneurship.Follow Kisha on Socials: *LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkaytransforms/*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachKayTransforms/*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkaytransforms/Learn more: www.upgradedmindsetz.life