Forever35, Episode 389: Strategy, Spirituality, and Space with Hillary Power
Release Date: February 16, 2026
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guest: Hillary Power, Business Doula and Founder of River Day
Episode Overview
In this episode, Doree and Elise dive into the intersection of strategy, spirituality, and self-care with guest Hillary Power, a former corporate leader and current "business doula." The conversation explores Hillary’s unique approach to consulting that fuses corporate strategy with holistic, spiritual support—plus the transformative power of intentionally designed environments and women’s circles. The episode also offers candid discussions on embracing career transitions, finding fulfillment, and building authentic connections within one’s community.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Catching Up: Book Events and Personal Stories
Timestamps: 01:06–09:00
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Doree shares her recent experience moderating at a book event for her agent, Aaliyah Hannah Habib, author of Take it From Me: An Agent’s Guide to Building a Nonfiction Writing Career from Scratch.
- She highlights the book’s demystification of publishing, providing real pitches and behind-the-scenes insight.
- Quote (03:48) Doree: "Her whole thing is... she wants to sort of demystify it for people, whether they want to get into publishing or being an agent or they want to write a book or whatever."
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Elise recounts attending a “fertility book party” with her husband Rob, where he turned out to be the only male guest and unexpectedly encountered a gathering largely composed of his ex-girlfriends.
- Adds humor and camaraderie to the podcast’s opening banter.
- Quote (07:12) Elise: "And there is no other man there. He is the only male guest... basically we were at this party that was a bunch of Rob's exes."
2. Introducing Hillary Power: From Corporate to "Business Doula"
Timestamps: 09:00–12:05
- Doree formally introduces Hillary Power: Experienced in building and scaling global marketing departments, now blending business mentoring and spirituality.
- Hillary’s business, River Day, was inspired by the middle names of her children.
3. Self-Care as Mindset and Environment
Timestamps: 12:05–14:35
- Hillary describes her self-care practice:
- Focus on making every environment feel as good as possible, even when tasks are mundane.
- It’s not just about external ambiance but engaging with uncomfortable feelings compassionately.
- Quote (12:24) Hillary: "A self-care practice that’s really kind of like a mindset... how can I make every environment feel as good as possible to me?"
4. Hillary & Doree: Meeting Through Work and Shared Dating Escapades
Timestamps: 14:36–17:24
- The hosts and Hillary reminisce about meeting at BuzzFeed during the "early Tinder" era.
- A shared romantic connection led to “walls coming down” in their budding friendship.
- Quote (15:39) Doree: "'Come to my office...’ because you were like, 'Do you know this person?' And I was like, 'Yes, I know him. I lived with him.'"
5. Hillary’s Career Shift: From Corporate Tech to Holistic Consulting
Timestamps: 17:55–23:17
- Laid off 10 days after having her second child, Hillary reflects on the relief and fear of career disruption.
- She leaned into a long-standing spiritual practice, began leading women’s circles, and combined her business expertise with mentorship and coaching.
- Quote (18:27) Hillary: "I was really scared... but I was also a little bit relieved. I was like, oh, don’t have to go back to this, but I have to make money and I want to do something interesting and meaningful."
- She combines strategy consulting and spiritual support, often transitioning seamlessly between clients' professional and personal challenges.
6. Demystifying “Business Doula” Work
Timestamps: 23:17–28:14
- Hillary on her holistic approach:
- Her work isn’t about predetermined deliverables but helping clients feel “more embodied in their lives.”
- The role involves holding space, uncovering desires and values, and facilitating authentic alignment instead of giving prescriptive advice.
- Quote (25:11) Hillary: "People want to feel more embodied in their lives... I want you to feel like you in the next chapter."
- Common client themes:
- Leveling up at work, finding balance, navigating transitions from large companies to small businesses, and battling imposter syndrome.
- Energy, authenticity, and self-belief are core to successful leadership and decision-making.
7. Navigating Career Change & Burnout
Timestamps: 31:37–33:03
- Advice for listeners facing crossroads:
- Instead of making dramatic, binary changes, integrate elements of curiosity into your current life and see what resonates.
- Quote (31:37) Hillary: "Rather than doing that in abstract, wholesale, how can you begin to integrate that thing you’re curious about in your life as it exists right now..."
8. Women’s Circles: Sacred Spaces for Connection
Timestamps: 33:04–37:03
- Hillary shares her journey with women's circles:
- Discovered by accident; became a profound space for vulnerability, honesty, and being seen.
- The circle is a confidential, sacred space distinct from performative or competitive social dynamics.
- Quote (33:25) Hillary: "Literally, women sitting in a circle, speaking their truth, speaking openly and honestly, and oftentimes quite vulnerably from their heart space."
- Elise compares women’s circles to AA/NA traditions, highlighting their transformative “equalizing” nature.
9. The Power of Women’s Connection
Timestamps: 37:03–38:01
- On the importance of gendered spaces:
- Hillary: “Being a woman is so cool... there is something so potent and powerful about women connecting with themselves and connecting with each other.”
- She reflects on how these circles counteract social divisions among women.
10. Practical Advice for Aspiring Consultants
Timestamps: 38:01–39:32
- Hillary’s guidance:
- Start with your existing network; be honest about your journey’s newness.
- Hold outcomes lightly—don’t take refusal personally.
- Quote (38:21) Hillary: "You have a whole vibrant life full of people who are probably the most likely people to hire you... Start exactly where I am—a real theme for me..."
11. Closing Inspiration: “Start Close In” by David Whyte
Timestamps: 39:32–41:09
- Hillary reads the poem “Start Close In,” emphasizing incremental, personal steps in transformative journeys.
- The poem becomes a metaphor for both career and personal change.
- Quote (40:47) Elise: "That notion that the very first step is the one that you most don’t want to take."
12. Hillary’s Offerings & How to Connect
Timestamps: 41:24–42:16
- Ways to engage with Hillary:
- Website: riverdayprojects.com
- Offers: 1-on-1 sessions, workshops, retreats, and upcoming collaborative events (e.g., a flower essence retreat for spring).
Memorable Quotes
- Hillary: "A self-care practice that’s really kind of like a mindset... how can I make every environment feel as good as possible to me?" (12:24)
- Doree: "Her whole thing is... she wants to sort of demystify it for people, whether they want to get into publishing or being an agent or they want to write a book or whatever." (03:48)
- Hillary: "I always say no deliverables because it's not like we're going to create a deck and then you're going to be done." (25:11)
- Hillary (on Women’s Circles): "It's a place to see and be seen... at the psyche level." (35:12)
- Elise: "That notion that the very first step is the one that you most don't want to take." (40:47)
- Hillary: "Start exactly where I am, a real theme for me, and turning toward people that I know who like, know me, who love me." (38:21)
Important Timestamps
- 01:06–09:00: Catch-up stories, including book events and humorous take on a “fertility book party”
- 09:00–12:05: Introducing Hillary, her background, and River Day
- 12:05–14:35: Hillary’s self-care mindset and approach to environment
- 14:36–17:24: Early friendship, shared work, and the role of in-person connection
- 17:55–23:17: Hillary’s career transformation and the origins of her “business doula” role
- 23:17–28:14: The process and themes of Hillary’s work with clients
- 31:37–33:03: Advice for those in career transition or facing burnout
- 33:04–38:01: The structure and impact of women’s circles
- 38:01–39:32: Practical advice for starting a consulting or coaching business
- 39:32–41:09: “Start Close In” poem and its relevance
- 41:24–42:16: How to connect with Hillary and her upcoming offerings
Tone & Style
- Warm, candid, and supportive, with moments of gentle humor and friendly banter.
- The conversation moves fluidly between practical advice, personal anecdotes, and reflective thought—embodying the nuanced self-awareness Forever35 is known for.
Perfect For Listeners Who...
- Are contemplating a career change or seeking fulfillment beyond traditional success markers
- Appreciate a blend of strategic business insights with spiritual and emotional intelligence
- Value women’s communities and safe spaces for vulnerability
- Want actionable, authentic advice for launching their own business or consulting
Episode closing:
The hosts share their personal intentions for the coming week, tying back to self-care routines, with lightheartedness and mutual support—a signature Forever35 touch.