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Episode Snapshot (timestamps are approximate)
- 00:00 – 04:30 • Why Dani’s story hits home for high achievers: success on paper ≠ fulfillment
- 04:31 – 12:25 • Dani’s background: senior director in population health, leading 100+ across four departments
- 12:26 – 18:55 • The squeeze season of motherhood + leadership: when personal goals disappear
- 18:56 – 25:35 • Values in action: the “don’t go back to the meeting” moment with her daughter
- 25:36 – 34:40 • Redefining success from achievement → meaningful impact (and why that’s uncomfortable)
- 34:41 – 42:30 • Making the pivot: letting go of titles, certainty, and golden handcuffs
- 42:31 – 51:10 • Life on the other side: teaching, selective consulting, book in progress — Lead to Trust, neuroscience certification
- 51:11 – 59:00 • How coaching created margin for clarity and action (the brain benefits, too)
- 59:01 – End • Dani’s Life Audit Framework + advice if you’re on the edge of change
What We Cover
When “success” stops feeling successful
I share Dani’s career arc—PhD in epidemiology, 17 years in healthcare leadership, and a senior director role in population health—along with the uncomfortable truth many high performers face: external achievement can get too narrow. Dani realized she had no space for personal goals and was living out of sync with her values.
The catalytic moment that changed everything
During a packed back-to-back day, Dani’s three-year-old asked her not to return to yet another meeting. That pause revealed the cost of constant context-switching and the misalignment between the leader she was for others and the leader she needed to be for herself.
Redefining success in this season
Early career = competency, credibility, and climbing. This season = meaningful impact, presence, and trust. Dani reframed success as enabling others to move forward and designing a life with intentional margin—even if it means releasing titles and timelines.
What the pivot looks like (and feels like)
Dani stepped away from a big role without immediately jumping to the “next thing.” She’s working three days a week, teaching in higher ed, taking on select consulting/masterclasses, completing a neuroscience certification, and writing Lead to Trust (pre-launch details coming in February; planned summer launch). The theme? Slow down to align, then act.
Coaching as a catalyst (not a pep talk)
Dani describes how coaching gave her protected time and outside perspective to convert swirling thoughts into decisions. We talk about the difference between a supportive friend and a coach who helps you move forward, stay congruent with your values, and build self-trust.
Apply here to book a 45 minute complimentary clarity call, and learn if 1:1 High Performance Coaching could be a good fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- Clarity requires courage. If you’re over-achieving and under-fulfilled, something needs to shift.
- Every season asks for a different you. Redefine success to fit this chapter, not the one from five years ago.
- Margin is a strategy, not a luxury. Space to think is often the missing ingredient for wise decisions.
- Lead yourself first. Self-trust grows when your calendar reflects your values.
- You’re allowed to change your mind. Careers are long; alignment beats autopilot.
Leaders & People Managers
If Dani’s story reminded you of your team, I run a 90-minute Team Effectiveness Workshop to help teams cut distraction and deliver on what matters. Ask me about bringing it to your organization.
Work with Me
- 1:1 High-Performance Coaching — growth in career with connection to what matters most. You’ll gain outside perspective + direction for your next chapter. Apply here: www.mollyasplin.com/application
- Corporate Cohort — small-group coaching for high-achieving women (1 woman per company; capped at 10). Apply here: www.mollyasplin.com/application
