Building HER with Katja Lillian

You’ve said it before.“I just don’t have enough time.”And in this episode… I’m calling bullshit.Because I’m a mom of a 13-month-old - and I still hear this excuse constantly from women who say they want more: more freedom, more income, more alignment, more fulfillment.This episode might trigger you.That’s intentional.Inside this conversation, we’re unpacking the real reason “I don’t have time” keeps showing up - and it has nothing to do with your schedule and everything to do with priorities, fear, and self-trust.If you’ve ever felt:Overwhelmed by your to-do listStuck in cycles of busyness with nothing to show for itFrustrated that you “want more” but can’t seem to make progressTriggered by women who do make it work…this episode is for you.In this episode, we dive into:Why “I don’t have time” is one of the safest excuses we use to avoid growthWhat you’re actually doing with your time (and where it’s leaking)The uncomfortable difference between being busy vs. being intentionalHow motherhood forced me to get radically honest about prioritiesWhy waiting for life to slow down is the fastest way to stay stuck5 tangible, real-life ways to reclaim time - without more hustleListen in if you’re ready to stop hiding behind busyness and start building a life that actually reflects what you say you want.

What if the path that looks easier on paper is actually the one draining you the most?In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing a real text message I sent to one of my long-term private clients - an accomplished woman in tech who has everything society says you should want… and yet feels anxious, disconnected, burned out, and deeply misaligned.This conversation cracked something open - and I know it will for you too.We’re diving into the two lies women are taught about success:that the “easier path” should feel good, and that alignment should feel effortless.Spoiler alert: neither is true.If you’re in a high-paying job you secretly resent, wearing golden handcuffs, battling imposter syndrome, or wondering “Why can’t I just be happy with this?”—this episode will hit home.I break down the difference between short-term comfort vs. long-term fulfillment, why alignment feels hard at first but gets easier over time, and how to start building self-trust and confidence without quitting your job or blowing up your life.You’ll hear:Why the “easier” career path slowly erodes confidence, creativity, and self-trustThe truth about alignment (and why it often feels harder before it feels lighter)How anxiety, burnout, and imposter syndrome are often signs of misalignment - not failureThe exact mindset shift that helped my client make over $30K on the side while still in techThe four phases of transitioning from a misaligned career into meaningful workHow to start exploring what lights you up without starting over or taking reckless risksWhy courage, uncertainty, and blind faith are muscles you have to practiceHow to follow your curiosity, energy, and excitement as clues to your next chapterThe question every woman should ask herself before choosing “safe” over alignedThis episode is for the woman who knows deep down that there’s more for her… but needs permission, perspective, and a grounded path forward.Because the easier path doesn’t stay easy forever.And alignment, while uncomfortable at first, pays dividends for life.If this resonates, send me a DM. I’m here to support you - no pressure, ever.

If it’s only January 16th and you already feel behind, rushed, pressured, or like you’ve somehow “messed up” the year… this episode is for you. Because the truth is: January is not a race, there is no invisible deadline, and you are not failing just because you missed a workout, skipped a post, or didn’t start perfectly on January 1st.In this episode, we cover:Why feeling “behind” in January is completely normal (and not a sign you’ve failed)The invisible urgency clock we’ve all been conditioned to race againstWhy January is not the time to have your entire year figured outHow hustle culture sneaks into personal development and entrepreneurshipWhy slowing down can actually move your goals forward fasterWhy honoring your current season is a leadership skill (not a weakness)Why messy progress still counts as progressThe “one-one-one” approach: one priority per day, week, and monthHow to stop chasing motivation and start trusting your paceand so much more!References mentioned: Vanessa Lau

Discover how to thrive in business amid chaos and uncertainty. The host shares her personal journey managing a family health scare while staying professional. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, showing that responding rather than reacting can enhance resilience. Learn why embracing messiness is key to building relatability with clients. Hard seasons can deepen your purpose and drive. If you're juggling caregiving and ambition, this episode provides encouragement and practical takeaways for navigating life's unpredictability.

I’m recording this episode from my parents’ guest bedroom in California - not because it was planned, but because life happened. A family health scare pulled me across the country, and in the middle of supporting my mom, solo parenting, and navigating heavy emotions, I still showed up for my business, my clients, and this podcast.In this episode, we’re talking about emotional intelligence and resilience - the skills that actually determine whether you keep going when life gets hard. Because success isn’t about perfect conditions, motivation, or hustle. It’s about how well you can regulate your emotions, lead yourself through discomfort, and keep taking action when life throws curveballs.This is a real, honest conversation for the woman building a business while life is still happening.✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:00:00 – Why I’m recording this episode from California04:15 – Why success has less to do with intelligence and more to do with emotional regulation08:30 – What emotional intelligence really means (and what it’s NOT)14:10 – The duality of emotions as a mom and entrepreneur19:45 – Why consistency breaks down when emotions run the show24:30 – Emotional intelligence vs. resilience (and how they work together)30:10 – Common ways entrepreneurs self-sabotage when emotions get heavy36:40 – Why discomfort is a sign of growth, not failure41:55 – How journaling builds emotional intelligence and resilience47:20 – 5 powerful journal prompts to regulate emotions and keep going55:30 – Final reminder: you don’t need perfect conditions to succeedIf this episode resonated with you, DM me on Instagram - I love having real conversations in the DMs. And if you’re feeling called to build your next chapter with support, I currently have limited one-on-one coaching spots for 2026 and my SheEO mastermind for early & aspiring coaches kicking off in March.Journal Prompts:1. What am I feeling right now - and where do I feel it in my body?2. What story am I telling myself about this feeling or situation?3. Is my reaction coming from fear, protection, or leadership?4. What would the most grounded version of me do next - even if it’s uncomfortable?5. When have I felt something similar before - and kept going anyway?

Why do so many people feel motivated in January… only to quit their goals by February?In today’s episode, we’re doing a 2026 reality check - breaking down why New Year goals fall apart and, more importantly, how you can be the exception. If you’re an early or aspiring coach, entrepreneur, or woman who is serious about building something real this year, this episode is your roadmap.We’re talking about the real reason motivation fades, why willpower isn’t the problem, and how to build habits and systems that actually last - even when life gets busy and excitement wears off.Inspired by principles from Atomic Habits, this episode focuses on identity-based habits, systems over goals, and designing your environment for consistency, not burnout.In this episode, we cover:Why most people quit their goals by February (and why it’s not a failure of discipline)The biggest mistake people make with New Year goal settingWhy motivation is unreliable - and what to rely on insteadThe difference between outcome-based goals and identity-based habitsHow early-stage coaches should think about consistency and momentumWhy systems matter more than confidence, clarity, or perfectionHow to make quitting harder than continuingThe truth about slow growth vs. failure in businessHow to stay consistent in 2026 without burning outWhat successful coaches do differently in the first 90 days of the yearIf you’ve ever told yourself:“I’ll start when I feel more confident.”“I just need more motivation.”“I always fall off by February.”This episode will lovingly call you out - and give you a smarter, more sustainable way forward.2025 REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS- What am I most proud of myself in 2025 - even if no one else noticed it?- Where did I stretch myself this year...and where did I play if safe?- What belief about myself quietly shifted in 2025?- What did this year teach me about my capacity - emotionally, mentally or financially?- What felt heavy this year? What helped me carry it?- Where did I show up braver that an older version of me would have?- What am I grateful I stopped doing in 2025?- What patterns, habits, or relationships no longer align with who I'm becoming?- When did I feel most like myself this year?- If 2025 had a lesson or theme, what would it be?

What if the season of life you’re afraid will slow you down is actually the one that helps you rise?In this deeply honest, full-circle conversation, Katja sits down with her longtime mentor Sam to unpack the identity shifts, mindset breakthroughs, and uncomfortable truths that come with building a business while life is expanding.This episode goes beyond strategy. It’s about the internal work that actually determines your success — especially when you’re navigating ambition, motherhood, relationships, and personal growth all at once.If you’re a woman who wants more — more alignment, more confidence, more ease and more success — this conversation will hit.In this episode, we explore:Why waiting for confidence before taking action is keeping you stuck — and what to do insteadThe mindset shift from hustle and grind to flow, ease, and trust (without losing momentum)The fear so many women have but rarely admit: “Will motherhood ruin my business?”How courage — not belief — is often the missing piece in personal growth and entrepreneurshipWhat changes when your identity expands faster than your old routines can supportHow becoming a mom can actually sharpen your focus, boundaries, and leadershipWhy personal development isn’t optional if you want success that lastsThis is a conversation about evolution — who you become as your life grows, how your mindset shapes your outcomes, and why you don’t have to choose between ambition and presence.If you’re in a season of change — or you feel one coming — this episode will help you feel less alone, more grounded, and deeply validated in your desire for both growth and fulfillment.🎧 Press play and let this conversation meet you where you are.👉 If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who’s navigating business, motherhood, or a major life transition — these are the conversations we need more of.

If your life “looks good on paper” but you’re still craving more - more purpose, more freedom, more money - this episode is your permission slip. I’m reflecting on 2025 and sharing the patterns I see in the women I coach 1:1: high-achievers who are grateful for what they have and still feel called to something bigger. Whether your pivot is a career change, a new city, or starting a business, I’ll help you normalize reinvention and move from stuck to self-led.Inside you’ll learn:Why wanting more doesn’t make you ungrateful - it makes you a leader.How to stop waiting for “clarity” and create it through action.The mindset reframe that turns the “unknown” from a scary void into a blank canvas.My 4-step Reinvention Method you can start todayIf you’re a coach (or an aspiring one), an entrepreneur at heart, or a corporate girlie ready to pivot, this one will give you the courage and the plan.Next stepsI have 2 spots for 1:1 coaching opening for 2026 - apply here!SheEO (my mastermind for early & aspiring coaches) kicks off March 2026. DM me “MORE” (all caps) on Instagram and we’ll see if it’s the right fit.You’re not behind. You’re not too late. You’re just in your reinvention era - and that’s where the magic happens. 

I started as a women’s life & mindset coach, grew into business mentorship, and built a top podcast—but it didn’t happen because of a fancy degree. After a BA in Interpersonal Communications and a certification from the Integrative Wellness Academy, I still heard crickets. What changed? Personal development (Tony Robbins’ UPW), brave decisions, and a lot of imperfect action.In this episode, I break down the five fears that keep high-achieving women stuck in lives that “look good on paper” but don’t feel good:Fear of judgment (the perceived opinions holding you back)Fear of failure (and why the only way to fail is to quit)Golden handcuffs (comfort that’s still… handcuffs)Identity tied to achievement (rules you outgrew)Waiting for permission / fear of the unknown (swapping “leap of faith” for repeatable steps of faith)You’ll learn the reframes and actions I used to go from people-pleasing to purpose: the “What if best-case scenario?”mindset, letting fear ride passenger while you drive, and how I went from certificate to six-figure coaching business in one year (and later, master coach on a top show).Listen if: you’re a new or aspiring coach, a corporate girlie ready to pivot, or a mom/high-achiever who knows you’re made for more.Takeaway: You don’t need a perfect plan—just the next brave step. Brick by brick, you can rewrite the resume and build a life that actually feels good.If this hits, share it with a friend and leave a quick review—it helps more women find the show. 💛Episodes Referenced:1. How I Overcame My Fear Of Speaking - and You Can Too2. The Confidence Framework: 5 Reframes I Shared On Stage

The biggest sale of the year is HERE & I don't want you to miss out on saving thousands (yes, thousands 🤫)Make sure you check out the deals & save up to 40% off!-------In this episode, I’m breaking down the real power of investing in yourself and your business—beyond the sales page promises and income screenshots. If you’ve ever thought, “Why would I take my hard-earned money and spend it on a coach/program/mentorship?” this one is for you.We dive into:🧠 The fears that come up around investing: losing money, making the wrong decision, failing, being judged, even fear of success⏳ Why not investing is actually more expensive when you think about time, missed opportunities, and staying stuck💸 How I went from my first terrifying $900 life-coach investment to multiple 4–5 figure business investments🔍 The invisible ROI no one talks about: identity shifts, energetic upgrades, proximity, emotional maturity, and rewiring your relationship with money💬 The difference between asking for permission vs. asking for support (and how it changes your whole energy)💥 Why you don’t need to “feel ready”—you just need to be courageousIf you’ve been sitting on the fence about getting in the room, joining a program, or hiring a coach, consider this your loving big-sis wake-up call. The moment you bet on yourself is the moment your life starts to change.