Knowing When It’s Time to Pivot with Stephanie Ross
Have you ever looked at your life or career and thought, This should feel better than it does? Or wondered why you can’t just be happy with something that looks good on paper?
That feeling isn’t a lack of gratitude. And it’s not failure.
It’s usually a sign that you’re evolving — and that the version of success you once built no longer fits who you’re becoming.
In this episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Ross, entrepreneur, educator, community builder, and author of Seasons of a Soul-preneur. Stephanie’s story is a powerful example of what it looks like to honor that inner discontent instead of fighting it. From opening her first fitness studio at age 20 to closing it a decade later and reinventing herself through new businesses, community, and motherhood, Stephanie shares why restlessness is often an invitation to grow.
Why Feeling Discontent Is a Signal, Not a Problem
When the Old Version of Success Stops Fitting
Stephanie explains something I see often with high performers: we hit a point where what once energized us no longer does. The goals we chased, the identities we built, and even the businesses we loved can start to feel heavy.
That discomfort doesn’t mean you made the wrong choices. It means you’ve outgrown the season you’re in.
Discontent is often the first sign that it’s time to evolve — even when the next step isn’t clear yet.
Stephanie’s Story: Letting Go of an Identity She Built for 10 Years
From Fitness Studio Owner to Educator and Community Builder
Stephanie started teaching fitness in college, opened her first studio at 20, and spent a decade growing a business she once dreamed of. But after years of hustle — and the massive disruption of COVID — she realized the life she wanted in her 30s required something different.
Closing her studio wasn’t failure. It was alignment.
She pivoted into real estate, co-founded Small Business Sister Circle with her sister, and leaned into what she truly loved: teaching, creating, and building community.
The Seasons of a Solopreneur (and Why They Apply to Everyone)
Planting, Growing, Storms, and Harvest
Stephanie breaks the entrepreneurial — and career — journey into four seasons:
- Planting: Vision, excitement, and new beginnings
- Growing: Hustle, learning curves, and sacrifice
- Storms: Unplanned challenges, burnout, and doubt
- Harvest: Stability, fulfillment, and reflection
Most of us struggle when we’re in storms or back in a planting season after a harvest. But seasons are inevitable. You’re not doing it wrong — you’re simply in a different phase.
Naming your season brings clarity and self-compassion.
Why Forced Change Often Creates the Most Growth
When Staying Becomes More Costly Than Leaving
For Stephanie, COVID became a storm that forced reflection. For many of us, the catalyst looks different — burnout, restlessness, health issues, or simply the realization that the pace we’re keeping isn’t sustainable anymore.
Change is uncomfortable, but staying stuck in an outdated season costs far more in the long run.
Growth requires courage, especially when the pivot means releasing a role, title, or identity you’ve been known for.
Authentic Leadership: Inviting People Into Your Evolution
Why Real Builds Trust in a Noisy Online World
Stephanie shares why authenticity is central to her leadership style. Instead of hiding transitions or trying to appear polished, she invites people into her journey.
In a world full of information and AI-generated content, people are craving heart, soul, and humanity. Sharing your evolution — imperfectly — builds trust, connection, and community.
You don’t need to share everything. But you do need to be real.
Community Over Competition
Why Women Thrive Together, Not Alone
Through Small Business Sister Circle, Stephanie has built a community rooted in collaboration, education, and genuine support. She saw firsthand how lonely leadership and entrepreneurship can be — especially without examples or mentors nearby.
Community accelerates belief, growth, and resilience. It turns hard seasons into shared experiences instead of isolating ones.
Motherhood, Working Less, and Redefining Success
Doing High-Impact Work in Fewer Hours
Motherhood shifted how Stephanie defines success. With less time available, she became more focused, intentional, and strategic. The result? Some of her biggest professional wins — achieved while working fewer hours.
This season forced a powerful realization: more hours do not equal more impact.
Sustainable systems, support, and clarity matter far more than constant hustle.
A Final Reflection
If you’re feeling restless, burned out, or quietly discontent, consider this:
You may not be broken.
You may be evolving.
Ask yourself:
- What season am I in right now?
- What no longer fits?
- What would alignment look like for this phase of my life?
Growth often begins with discomfort — and trusting it can lead you somewhere better than you imagined.
How to Connect with Stephanie Ross
- Instagram: @stephanielea_ross
- Community: @smallbusinesssistercircle
- Book: Seasons of a Solepreneur (available on Amazon)
- Podcast: Soulpreneur Podcast
If this episode resonated, share it with someone navigating a pivot or season of change. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
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