Breaking Free from Corporate and Embracing Fulfillment on Your Own Terms
Sep 2, 2024
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Roberta Dombrowski, a former VP of Research in the tech industry, shares her inspiring journey of breaking free from corporate constraints to discover true fulfillment. She discusses the often-overlooked tension between societal success and personal happiness. Roberta offers insights on merging mindfulness with business acumen in her coaching practice. She emphasizes the significance of aligning one’s career with core values and highlights the transformative power of self-awareness and taking actionable steps towards a more meaningful career.
Roberta Dombrowski's transition from a high-pressure corporate role to a coaching career illustrates the importance of aligning work with personal values for genuine fulfillment.
Mindfulness practices can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and energy, fostering self-awareness and prioritizing self-care amid societal pressures.
Deep dives
The Shift from Doing to Being
The emphasis on 'doing' in society often overshadows the importance of 'being' and personal fulfillment. Many individuals reach high levels of success yet feel unfulfilled, realizing that true satisfaction comes from aligning their work with their identity and values. This disconnect can lead to burnout, pushing many to question the significance of their achievements and prompting them to consider what truly matters to them in their careers. By focusing on who they want to be rather than merely what they want to accomplish, individuals can find more meaningful paths that resonate with their inner selves.
Roberta's Career Journey and Transformation
Roberta Dombrowski, who rapidly ascended to a VP role by age 29, faced overwhelming pressure and health issues despite external success. Her experience of panic attacks and a significant physical toll prompted a reevaluation of her career trajectory. Ultimately, she made the bold decision to step down from her corporate position and embrace a fulfilling coaching career. This transition allowed her to combine her extensive business experience with mindfulness practices, helping others navigate their career paths with greater clarity and intention.
Mindfulness and the Importance of Energy Awareness
Roberta highlights the critical role that mindfulness plays in understanding one's energy and intuition, emphasizing that ignoring internal signals can lead to serious repercussions. After suffering a broken ankle due to anxiety and disconnect from her body, she adopted mindfulness practices to manage her stress and anxiety levels effectively. She advocates for tracking energy throughout the day to cultivate awareness of how one's body responds to various work situations. This energy awareness can help individuals slow down, listen to their bodies, and prioritize self-care over societal pressures.
Navigating Career Transitions with Purpose
Individuals seeking career change often struggle with feelings of self-doubt, fear of judgment, and societal expectations. Coaches can facilitate this transition by guiding clients to explore the root of their fears and help them frame their aspirations positively. By focusing on their core values and desires, clients can develop a vision that aligns with their true motivations. This journey involves not only strategic planning but also emotional support, allowing individuals to honor their fears while pursuing paths that feel authentic and fulfilling.
Have you ever reached what you thought was the pinnacle of success, only to feel overwhelmed and unfulfilled?
Roberta Dombrowski experienced just that when she climbed the corporate ladder all the way to VP of Research in the tech industry. Realizing she wanted more from life, she made the bold decision to break free from her corporate role and forge her own path towards true fulfillment.
In this episode, she shares her transformative journey from the corporate world to a career that genuinely aligns with her values and passions. (Spoiler alert: She started her own coaching business and is now a highly regarded career coach on the HTYC team!)
What you'll learn
How to recognize signs that it's time to pivot from your current role.
Strategies to redefine success on your own terms.
Insights on finding a fulfilling path that truly fits you outside the corporate environment.