How to Pivot Without Losing Yourself with Jeannette Reyes and Mona Abdi

Summary

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She’s So Lucky – Episode Summary

Episode Title:

How to Pivot Without Losing Yourself with Jeannette Reyes and Mona Abdi

Air Date:

January 13, 2026

Host:

Les Alfred

Guests:

Jeannette Reyes and Mona Abdi ("Off the Record" podcast)

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Brief Overview

In this New Year’s episode, host Les Alfred sits down with Jeannette Reyes and Mona Abdi for an honest, practical, and vulnerable conversation about how women can make bold life and career pivots without sacrificing their identity or well-being. They dig into themes of "breaking the rules," building resilience, supporting each other, and creating fulfilling lives beyond external measures of success. The conversation is full of insight for anyone feeling the urge to make a change, with real talk about fear, practical strategies, and the importance of community.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking the Rules and Challenging Norms

(Starts ~01:20)

• Les sets the tone by framing 2026 as the year to “break the rules”—not literally, but by pushing societal norms and challenging limiting beliefs.

• Jeannette shares her aim to break the rule of “always having to monetize” hobbies, focusing instead on joy for its own sake:

  “I'm embracing doing things with no other goal than to just be joyful… It's really tempting when you get into a hobby to turn it into a side hustle. So that's a rule that I'm looking to break.” – Jeannette [01:46]

• Mona talks about stopping self-policing and surrendering the drive to be palatable and universally liked, especially as a woman of color in the public eye:

  “I want to show up unapologetically myself and connect not because of similarities, but just of differences and know that no matter how I show up, that I add value to a room…” – Mona [02:27]

Notable Discussion: The trio reflect on how public-facing women (especially Black women) face heightened consequences for being “unlikable” or diverging from norms. They agree that part of rule-breaking is building distress tolerance for the backlash.

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2. The “Pivot” Process: Knowing When & How to Leap

(Starts ~07:23)

• Mona describes her journey as driven by a “nagging feeling of misalignment.” Fear of leaving behind a hard-won title and what others would think initially held her back until her sister reframed the fear:

  “The biggest fear you haven't mentioned is if you stay and what that looks like and what that means.” – Mona [08:29]

• Jeannette’s pivot came not from hating her job, but craving more freedom and flexibility. She offered a “litmus test” to her employer seeking a compromise, and when it was rejected, clarity followed:

  “A pivot starts when you make the quiet decision with yourself that you want something different. And the rest is just logistics.” – Jeannette [10:51]

• Both stress how much identity and others’ opinions complicate pivots, especially when immigrant backgrounds or cultural expectations are layered in. The importance of community, accountability, and resisting the urge to “betray” one’s upbringing by wanting more than just security or status, is highlighted.

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3. Handling Fear and the Unknown

(Starts ~18:29)

• All three discuss the universal fear of stepping into the unknown when pivoting, and the mental hurdles involved.

• Mona on mindset:

  “We think of every worst case scenario possible… but we never think of the what if? It all works out. What if good things come from this?... We are programmed to fight or flight. But… what's scary is looking up 10 years later and realizing that like, you've done nothing that you've wanted to do.” – Mona [18:52]

• Jeannette advocates for balancing practicality (“combat your fear with knowledge and receipts”) with self-belief, reminding listeners that it’s natural (even a “birthright”) to evolve:

  “You don’t owe the old version of you a lifetime subscription. … You are doing what I think is, like, your birthright. This is what it is to be human.” – Jeannette [20:12]

• Les adds that critical safety nets and pragmatic planning (financial and otherwise) made her pivot possible:

  “What makes me feel safe, and how can I put as much of that in place as possible?” [22:16]

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4. The Importance of Support Systems & “Board of Advisors”

(Starts ~24:53)

• Mona describes an important pep talk from Carrie Champion, whose blunt confidence (“Are you crazy? Of course that's a right.”) helped tip the scales.

• Jeannette recommends having a personal “board of advisors”:

  “It’s basically people that you consciously and intentionally select to form the group of people that will pour into you and guide you and give you advice.” – Jeannette [27:51]

• The trio emphasizes knowing whose opinion genuinely matters, differentiating between well-intentioned but limiting advice, and support that expands your vision.

• Mona reflects that even mentors can give fear-based or limiting advice—seek inspiration from people who’ve achieved what you want to achieve.

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5. What Happens After the Pivot: Twists, Challenges, and Joys

(Starts ~32:02)

• Both Mona and Jeannette acknowledge post-pivot “twists:” humility, unexpected hard days, and imposter syndrome as they started new in unfamiliar territory.

  “The pressure of it now being a business, and it needs strategy and what's the vision?… I never had any aspirations to be an entrepreneur. I appreciated how difficult it was...” – Jeannette [33:58]

• They stress the value of documenting your journey—even just through private journals or old spreadsheets—to see growth:

  “One day you'll look back and realize you had a story worth documenting… you owe it to yourself to document your journey, the good and the bad.” – Jeanette [37:05]

• Mona notes the importance of finding joy in small wins and developing humility about what you don’t know, especially as you switch careers.

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6. Building and Sustaining Their Own Podcast

(Starts ~41:41)

• Les congratulates Mona and Jeannette on their first anniversary as podcast hosts. Both discuss the learning curve—from building everything themselves to the vulnerability of self-promotion.

• Jeannette on imposter syndrome and self-promotion:

  “We are used to being the messengers, not the message… there's a vulnerability that comes with it. There's a humility that comes with it, and there's a bit of a risk because people can love it or not like it.” – Jeannette [44:24]

• Both agree strong work ethic, mutual respect, and relying on each other have been key to avoiding conflict.

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7. The Power of Showing Up, Consistency, and Being Seen

(Starts ~49:29)

• Mona shares the rewarding feeling of people connecting with their podcast in real life:

  “People walking up to us and saying that they listen… if I could bottle that little feeling of just gratitude and gratefulness and joy to know that somebody took the time to listen…” – Mona [49:29]

• Les talks about her own commitment to consistency:

  “Come hell or high water, every Tuesday, an episode is going to happen.” – Les [52:00]

• The guests agree—the only way to make pivots “stick” is to show up and commit, even when it's hard.

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8. Practical Advice and Takeaways for Listeners

(Starts ~52:32)

• On pivoting:

  “Be kind to yourself. It is difficult. We're all scared. Nobody knows what's on the other side.” – Mona [52:54] “Do it scared, but prepared… fear is only a signal that this really, really matters to you and that you're invested... but you owe it to yourself to have a plan. We're not just gonna pivot on vibes.” – Jeannette [53:15]

• On embracing luck and habit change for the New Year:

  Jeannette: “Hack your habit. Find a way to get yourself to do something. Be creative. … Probably the most successful New Year’s resolution I’ve ever had.” [54:13] Mona: “For me, I think it’s about showing up intentionally… being able to look forward to things, and that was missing in 2025.” [54:51] Les: “I’m trying to get back into hobbies and enjoying things outside of work and being really intentional about carving enjoyment outside of work.” [55:56]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A pivot starts when you make the quiet decision with yourself that you want something different. And the rest is just logistics.” – Jeannette [10:51]
• “You don’t owe the old version of you a lifetime subscription.” – Jeannette [20:12]
• “What’s scary is looking up 10 years later and realizing that like you’ve done nothing that you’ve wanted to do…” – Mona [18:52]
• "Document your journey, the good and the bad. ... one day you'll look back and realize you had a story worth documenting." – Jeanette [37:05]
• “People walking up to us and saying that they listen… if I could bottle that little feeling of just gratitude and gratefulness and joy…” – Mona [49:40]
• “Be kind to yourself. It is difficult. We're all scared. Nobody knows what's on the other side.” – Mona [52:54]
• “Do it scared, but prepared. ... fear is only a signal that this really, really matters to you and that you're invested.” – Jeannette [53:15]

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Section Timestamps

• Breaking the Rules & Self-Policing: 01:20 – 06:50
• How to Know When to Pivot: 07:23 – 13:39
• Handling Fear of the Unknown: 18:29 – 22:57
• The Role of Support Systems: 24:53 – 31:46
• Twists After Pivoting (Challenges & Growth): 32:02 – 38:28
• Podcasting as a New Venture: 41:41 – 48:14
• Joy in Being Seen & Consistency: 49:29 – 52:29
• Advice & Habits for a Lucky Year: 52:32 – End

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Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is candid, sometimes funny, always supportive—and unafraid to name the unique challenges women (especially women of color) face when pivoting or stepping into the unknown. Les, Mona, and Jeanette balance encouragement with practical advice, making the episode both inspiring and actionable.

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Summary Takeaways

• Pivots are not just about logistics—they’re about identity, community, and courage.
• Preparing for change, seeking support, and documenting your journey turn pivots into empowering experiences.
• Consistency, kindness toward yourself, and intentionally finding joy are crucial for thriving in change.

Whether you’re contemplating a major career change or simply seeking more joy in your routine, this episode offers insights and encouragement to help you create your own luck in 2026 and beyond.

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Transcript

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Welcome back to she's so Lucky.

[Jeanette]

My name is Les.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I am so happy to have you here. If you're listening to this episode when it comes out, you know it's a brand new year. It's January, and here on she's so Lucky, we're Talking about having 2026 be our luckiest year and doing that by breaking the rules. So if you listen to my solo episode last week, I talked all about what breaking the rules meant. I'm not telling y' all to do anything illegal. Don't slash that man's tires. Don't go to jail. We're talking about pushing up against norms and limiting beliefs in order to have our luckiest year. And when I think about a way to break the rules, I think about leaning into pivots. So naturally, if we're going to talk about pivots, I had to invite the queens of the pivot to the podcast. Please join me in welcoming Jeanette and Mona from off the Record.

[Jeanette]

What an introduction.

[Mona]

Hello.

[Jeanette]

It's good to be here.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

It's so good to have you. I've wanted to have y' all on the podcast forever. I'm so glad we're making it work.

[Mona]

Yes. We also had you on our podcast, and when I tell you it is one of the most watched, like, you dropped so many gems that we're going to have you back.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I'm so excited. I do feel like this is going.

[Mona]

To be a good.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Almost kind of like part three.

[Jeanette]

I feel like it. It was almost like a trio of.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Episodes because I know I did the rebrand episode and then I came on your show to talk about rebrand, and I feel like this is going to be kind of the culmination of. Of all of it, talking more about pivots. But before we talk about pivots, I would actually love to get more insights from y' all on breaking the rules. So, as I mentioned, that's the theme that we're going through this month. What is a rule that each of you is interested in breaking this year?

[Jeanette]

Oh, man. I think at a time, Mona and I were actually just talking about this at a time where we're being pushed to optimize to be more productive, to monetize, to leverage, to scale. I'm embracing doing things with no other goal than to just be joyful, whether it's a hobby, whether it's. I mean, we were talking about dancing or, you know, taking dance classes or sewing classes. I feel like I haven't Done that in a really long time. And it's really tempting when you get into a hobby to turn it into a side hustle. So that's a rule that I'm looking to break when we're being pushed to do the opposite.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

That's a good one.

[Mona]

Yeah. I think for me, it's about self policing and also trying to be palatable to everyone. I think for so long in our career field, it's all about, you know, relating to people. But I feel like sometimes I do that at the expense of myself. And I want to show up unapologetically myself and connect not because of similarities, but just of differences and know that no matter how I show up, that I add value to a room, that being my authentic self and bringing whatever other flavors I have in my life experiences is wanted and needed.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I love that you mentioned self policing. I feel like it's something that we do a lot. How do you catch yourself when you're about to, like, self police or hold yourself back?

[Mona]

Ooh, that's a good question. So for me, what I realized is being a kid of immigrants, that it's always about, like, you know, they say the model immigrant, right? Like, don't shake the table too much, but, like, get in these rooms and work hard and keep your head down. And I feel like for so long I've carried that, not realizing that I was watering myself down a lot. And so what I do now is when I want to either find a common interest or I see myself relating to somebody with things that I don't necessarily agree with. For example, I'll just say, like, no, actually I don't like country music, which is not true, but you know what I mean? Like, but I'm interested to hear what you have to say. And so realizing, like, do I actually like this? And one thing I'm really trying to do now, too, is, like, find out a little bit more about myself, right? Like, what do I actually like and not what I've convinced myself that I like for so many years.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Do you feel like with that it stems from a place of, like, wanting to be likable, like, having to be more palatable? Love to hear both of your thoughts on that and how you push up against this desire to be palatable.

[Jeanette]

I think there's definitely a likable aspect to it, especially, gosh, I mean, I think we can all, all relate to being public figures, having a social media platform. You want to be likable. You want people to see themselves in you in as many ways as possible. But sometimes, as you said, it's at a cost, a personal cost. But there's that temptation of likability, especially when you see that particular quality that someone else has and they have a lot of followers or a lot of popularity because of it. So it's that you have to wonder, is the trade off mutually beneficial? And if it's not having to check yourself in that moment, because it's a slippery slope. Right. Once you. You trade something off that costs you something, you're more likely to do it again, you know?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I also think the downsides of perhaps having a moment where you're not likable or not palatable, it feels like the repercussions of that feel really strong for women who are public victors and then don't have some melanin on top of that and have a moment where you're less than likable. I mean, get crucified, you know? And I know sometimes I feel this feeling fear of maybe if I'm, like, having a bad day, or maybe I got a little bit of an attitude, or maybe I have an unpopular opinion. Being really afraid of what is the pushback that I could get if I say something in it, it doesn't land with people because our ability to bounce back from that is not as easy as other people might have it.

[Jeanette]

I have noticed you've in recent times, although I feel like you've, at least from the times I've heard your podcast in recent years, but especially recent, you've been leaning into, I have an unpopular opinion. I have a hot take, and this is the reason why. And I think people really resonate with that because it's refreshing. We've become, in our opinions and things like that, so homogenous that it's nice to see someone say, actually, y' all are doing this, and I'm not really feeling it.

[Mona]

You know what I mean?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

But there's also always a limit. I'd even say the hot takes that I've shared publicly are, like, warm takes. You know, it's like, does anybody really care that I don't like Love Island? You know, do I have takes that are hotter?

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Sure do.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

But, like, you know, how much of.

[Mona]

That can we really. I'm dipping my toe into the water. I'm not going full. Right, Right.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Because I also think we've seen examples where we've seen public figures who are black women in particular, maybe share something that doesn't. Doesn't quite land or isn't well received, or maybe it wasn't the right moment.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

To share that take. Crucified. Yeah.

[Mona]

The grace that's extended to some is not extended to us.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah.

[Mona]

And it's. Yeah, it's the unfortunate truth. But I think part of what you were saying and something that I'm working on now is a distress tolerance. Right. So knowing that when you share that take, that may ruffle some feathers, it's okay. And I can handle it, and I can sit in it, and that helps with the pivot that we were talking about as well. When you take that leap of faith, when you change direction and everything feels unknown, knowing that you can handle it and you can sit in the discomfort, I think is very important. Definitely.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah, definitely. So coming back to pivots. Love that you brought us there. You both have been really public specifically about your career pivots. I mean, anybody who has followed you for maybe an amount of time knows that you both have a news background. You have made your respective pivots out of news into media in other forms. So I would love to talk a little bit more about how those pivots felt for you in the moments that you were doing it. I also know my audience will write in a lot, even about my own pivots and saying, hey, I feel this need to make a change. I feel like maybe it's time for me to do something else. How do you know when it's time to make a leap? So I'd love to go back to those moments for each of you when you knew it was time to move a different direction.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

You were first.

[Mona]

That's a good one. Oh, Lord. The intuition screaming. At that point, for me, it was this nagging feeling knowing that there was a misalignment. And so. But then again, it's like your brain and your intuition are just not on the same page. For example, like, for me, I knew that I had different interests, that I wanted to pursue different things, but then there were things like a title.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Right?

[Mona]

Something that you worked so hard for. Am I throwing this all away? What would other people think? Right. Like, don't get me started on that. And so I had to filter my decision through all those lenses at first, and it created just a lot of confusion. And. But then it got to a point where I realized that what's scarier was staying. And actually. And it was my sister who helped me realize this, where she. Where I kept telling her all the fears that I had for making the jump, and she was like, yeah, but the biggest fear you haven't mentioned is if you stay and what that looks like and what that means. And then it's also good to have people in your corner. For example, like my sister, like Jeanette, I called her, and I remember one time I was like, let me sign one more contract, right? It's in two, three years. There's no real harm in that. And she was like, yeah, but you're gonna look up, and that's two, three years that you could have been. And it's exactly what has happened, which is building, learning, making mistakes, getting back up, trying all of these new things, and growing so much that I have in the last two years that wouldn't have happened had I signed another contract, for example.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

So good. So good. What about you?

[Jeanette]

I would say, for me, it was an interesting position to be in, because I actually really, really loved my job. Like, it did not feel like work at all. And it was hard for me to both accept that you can love your job and enjoy it and yet still feel a growing misalignment. I had always felt like a pivot happens, either out of desperation, out of frustration, out of resentment. And so these two things, for me felt like they couldn't coexist. And in fact, it felt like I was asking for a lot, like I was kind of being spoiled, right? But ultimately, I asked myself, what are the things that I really want? And I wanted flexibility. I wanted freedom. A lot of people don't know that when you're in news, you're not allowed to, you know, in. In my case, take on any brand partnerships, right? You don't want to run into an issue where your objectivity comes into question. So I truly had to choose one or the other. And I basically decided three months before the end of my contract. I gave myself a little bit of a litmus test. I had proposed a compromise to my employer, and I told myself, if they say no, then this is the sign that I have to move on. I was fairly sure that they were going to maybe meet me somewhere in the middle, and ultimately, we couldn't make it work. And the minute I heard no, it was like I woke up, and it was everything. The noise of. Of worry and doubt. And all of that quieted. And immediately I knew I have to walk away. And the rest was logistics. Like I always say, a pivot starts when you make the quiet decision with yourself that you want something different. And the rest is just logistics. So the following three months, that's when I started doing my research and finding a manager. And obviously, you're looking at the finances and all of that, but I would say the scariest part wasn't so much the leap. It was dealing with opinions. You know, what would people think? I think there's a lot of value placed on titles, especially in our culture. Titles and your job being, your identity. If you don't have that, then what are you? So that was, I would say, the most challenging part. But it felt. It felt really freeing to walk away and bet on myself, ultimately.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Once you made the decision, following it through. Exactly. I want to come back to something that you just mentioned where you thought, am I being spoiled by asking. Asking for this, asking to kind of have it all right? Have this enjoyment and the alignment. Why do you think that is? Why do you think we feel like it's almost too much to ask for, to have the things we want?

[Jeanette]

I think being first gen, a woman, being a minority, like, there's so many things where you're conditioned to believe that if you've made it to the top, especially at a place where there aren't a lot of people like you, especially when so many people have poured into you and sacrificed for you. I mean, there are people who left their country for you to come here and say you want joy and fulfillment in your job. You know what I mean? Like, how about a good paycheck and status? Like, isn't that enough? And so that's where it feels like, oh, my goodness, rising for the ancestors.

[Mona]

Every morning is a heavy load.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Exactly.

[Jeanette]

And I think that conditioning will have you thinking, to want something that is fulfilling to you and to evolve is a betrayal to yourself and the people who sacrifice for you. It's a slap in the face. My larger family initially felt that way. My mom was like, girl, go for it. Like, she was fully on board with me going for it. And so, as Mona mentioned, having people in your corner who are encouraging you, who are also kind of holding you accountable, who know, like, okay, this is what you want, but this ain't matching up. Right? Someone can call BS Cause it's easy to tell yourself, well, you know, the paycheck is good, the status is great, and someone can say, but you want. You wanted freedom and flexibility. Like, the math ain't mathing. Having someone like that in your corner as opposed to someone that's telling you to quiet down. Your intuition goes a really long way and helps you step into. Into that leap or pivot with boldness, which is what you need, because you're going to get the criticism. And if you're not 10 toes down, it's either going to be an Unpivot or a weak pivot.

[Mona]

Pivot right on back to where you started.

[Jeanette]

It's a U turn at that point.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

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[Host of She's So Lucky]

I also think when it comes to pivots there can just be so much fear. Whether it's like fear of people's opinions as you were just describing, fear of disappointing your family, fear of the unknown. I actually think fear of the unknown is probably the the biggest fear that holds people back. Did either of you experience that while you were making your respective pivots of okay, I'm stepping into something that is entirely new for me. I don't know what's next. How do I handle this?

[Mona]

Yeah, I mean, it's so scary. It feels like you're walking into the darkness. Right. But what I realized time and time again is that we think of every worst case scenario possible. Like, what if all of a sudden I'm jobless right now, nobody wants me, or what if? And then like insert an possibility that's not even on the table. Right. But we never think of the what if? It all works out. What if good things come from this? What if I get even more opportunities? And it's about just leaving space for that and realizing that like, you have to think as many positive thoughts as you think negative thoughts because the negative thoughts will consume you otherwise. Because that's what we are programmed to do. Right at the fight or flight. And you want to take that flight, you want to leave and, and, and go back to what's comfortable. But I feel like we're talking about 20, 26. And one of the goals that I have and I realize is change happens in discomfort. And the reason why you're so uncomfortable is because you're learning new skills, you're adapting, you're changing. And if you don't sit in that discomfort, then you're just gonna plateau. And I feel like that's scary. That's what we should look at. What's scary is looking up 10 years later and realizing that like you've done nothing that you've wanted to do, that you're in the same spot and you're miserable. That's scary.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Scary. Yeah.

[Jeanette]

I would say there was a lot of fear, right? Because I'm also going into a fairly new industry to everybody, right? It's going into full time content creation. I, I say combat your fear with knowledge and receipts. Receipts in that, hey, I can, I can do the big things. I, I've shown myself to have good work ethic to do my research. I was reaching out. I was DMing influencers, I was DMing managers. I was looking at the numbers, I was looking at my savings account. Like, I think it's fair to be very, very practical. And I think that practical, heck, I was like, I can't burn any bridges. Let me be friends with the news director across the street just in case. Because I think it's good to be realistic and have a plan A and a plan B. And I think knowledge and research will calm some of that fear. However, I'll also say that most of it is mental. You can have the logistics and all of that, but if your mind isn't in it and you don't truly believe in yourself, anything's gonna knock you down. Any headwind is gonna take you out, and you're gonna freak out. You don't owe the old version of you a lifetime subscription. So not feeling guilt for wanting something different. Actually feeling like, man, I'm doing what I'm supposed to do as a human. I'm supposed to evolve. I'm supposed to want different things. I'm supposed to, you know, take myself out of my comfort zone. Like, you are doing what I think is, like, your birthright. This is. This is what it is to be human. And that relieves a lot of the pressure and a lot of the guilt and allows you to really enjoy, which is what you should be doing. Enjoying your pivot. It's exciting. It's a new chapter. You're about to find out things about yourself that you never knew, things that you're good at, things that you might need to work on and hire for.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

We have some moments of being humbled sometimes in a pivot. Exactly.

[Jeanette]

But I say more than anything, it should be exciting for you.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah, definitely. I can share so many of the sentiments that you both said. I know, especially when I was gearing up to leave my job to go full time, it was probably like a two year process to really feel ready. And a lot of that was realizing, okay, I don't have a safety net outside of myself, particularly financially or if this doesn't work. So how do I build the safety net for my own definition of safety? What makes me feel safe, and how can I put as much of that in place as possible? And it took, like a two year plan to get there. And then once those things were in place, I was like, okay, now I feel like I have something to catch me if I fall. But I think sometimes if we want to kind of bury our head in the sand with the details of it and then be like, just going off.

[Jeanette]

Vibes, I'm just gonna go, yeah, it could work.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

But it seems like such a more stressful way to go.

[Mona]

But it's also. I mean, the. The first version that you just mentioned is not sexy, right? Oh, I spent two years researching and planning, and I spent about two years. I made that decision two years before I actually made the decision. Right. Talking to people and actually talking to people saved me from making one of the biggest mistakes that I would have. I would've went from one situation right back into the next situation. And it took talking to people, doing that research. That's not sexy. But eventually you get to the same place, right? And you get to it a little bit more well prepared and well equipped as well. I think that's why, like, yes, we could say, like, release your job. Would it be else to say, release your job. But it doesn't work that way. It's more about realizing, like, what skills do I have? Let me do an inventory check and how can I use that and develop it and the contacts that I have to set a Runway so that I can take off. Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Of the people that you talked to, was there a piece of advice that you got that you felt was particularly helpful?

[Mona]

I talked to Carrie Champion and it was in the middle of my decision, I think she asked one question and it opened the floodgates and I'm like, girl, this is what I'm dealing with. I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to leave. And da, da, da. And I'm like, just trauma dumping on her, poor thing. Right? And the way she just put into perspective, she just looked at me was like, are you crazy? Like, what are you even debating? Like, of course that's a right. And just her assurance made me, like, just take these, like, glasses off and look at the situation in a completely different way where I was like, wait a second, I can see what you're talking about. And maybe I am ruminating and I'm too caught up in what people think and. And what this looks like and am I making a mistake? And. And again, all the stuff that we talked about, but for some reason with her just, like, taking that 30,000 foot view and being like, are you crazy? The decision is easy. This is the right decision. And, like, look at the possibilities and what the doors that can open for you. I always felt like that was the flip that switched that I was like, oh, okay, yes, this is what I need to be doing.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Having those people that sometimes can show you the things that you may not be seeing when you're so close to it is really important. I think what I've gathered from watching the two of you, it also sounds like you've been that for each other. You've been a big part of each other's pivots and been that support system for one another. Can we talk more about your friendship, how it's evolved and how you've supported one another through your pivots.

[Jeanette]

Trauma bonding.

[Mona]

Yes, we are the same person.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Any sort of, like, work, friendship or professional connection is a trauma bond, in my experience.

[Jeanette]

Yeah.

[Mona]

Oh, 1000%. Oh, man.

[Jeanette]

I mean, I think it was that we Were we came from the same industry. And so, gosh, we both could relate to how restrictive it was, the dreams that we had outside of news and. And what? We even podcast. We couldn't do the podcast together because then the companies would fight over who owned the podcast. And that as we kind of shared that with each other, you start kind of realizing, like, man, we've been talking about this for years.

[Mona]

We're like pinky in the brain. There's no pinky. It's just brain. Like, we're here to take over the world. Those are a conversation. Right on. Accused them, like, let's interact. This is how we're going to take over the world. And you need that.

[Jeanette]

Well, then you're like, so I renewed my contract.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I know, right?

[Mona]

You need that friend that has that little crazy. Right. Your crazies have to match. And we have. We're literally morphing into the same person. Because everything tracks at this point. You gotta convince me you're not. But, yeah, like, I think having someone who is just as career oriented, who values, you know, like, similar values and a work ethic. Yeah, that is so important. And also who will give it to you real, right? Like, you're not gonna let me just throw something away and be like, yeah, girl, whatever your heart desires. Like, no, I'm gonna sit you down.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I cannot imagine Jeanette ever saying whatever your heart desires.

[Jeanette]

If you.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Thumbs up.

[Jeanette]

Yeah, I don't think that's ever come.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Out of my mouth. Actually.

[Jeanette]

That's all my mouth.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I cannot picture it.

[Jeanette]

I call it a board of advisors, and it's basically people that you consciously and intentionally select to form the group of people that will pour into you and guide you and give you advice. Mostly professional, but it can be professional and personal. And for me, it's my mentor, it's my mom, it's Mona and a couple of other friends. But these are all people who know me in different ways. Like, my mom knows my trauma and how it manifests itself, right? So, like, for me, there was a job I renewed twice. Even Mona was shocked. I was depressed at this job. Like, very clearly depressed. And I renewed because I was chasing the money. Like, for me, I would do anything for financial security, even at the expense of my mental health. So having someone that can tell you, hey, I think this is your trauma speaking and making you make decisions that are going to cost you more than you're willing to give. I always recommend people have a board of advisors and cut it off beyond that because at some point, too much advice from people creates noise and you get decision paralysis and you're nowhere. But these are the people that I consulted when I made my pivot, who've known me for many, many years. And these are people who could all say, I think you're ready for this. This aligns with who you are and what you're capable of.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah.

[Mona]

And I think that's important about friendships in general. Like whenever you're letting anyone into your life and letting people get close enough to influence you, like they have to be people that you respect and whose opinions you respect, but also aren't low key haters. I think that's important. And that way, when you do come to them, you've already built this rapport, this trust. But if you're always keeping your cards close around them or you don't trust their opinion, of course they're not gonna give you the solid advice. But also, like, why are you keeping that energy around you?

[Jeanette]

Right?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Or even people who, I think it's important to know who to go to for what.

[Mona]

You know what I mean?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Or even if people are maybe in a season where they feel like maybe I have these old friends back home and I've kind of outgrown it or whatever, it doesn't mean that you just cut them off, but it means they're not on the board of advisors.

[Jeanette]

You know what I mean?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

They're not who you go to for that. If their vision can't fully see where it is you're trying to go and they can't give you insight that's going to actually be helpful, whether it's an opportunity for you to grow or if it's like, girl, you're ready, go for it. You got to have that discernment to know who to go to.

[Jeanette]

Absolutely. We look at things in black and white. We think it's a bad person who, like somebody could be well intentioned and they love you and they care for you, but they're projecting or they don't, they don't truly know you and they're not in a position to really give you advice in this area. So it, I, I don't think we should categorize people by they're a good or bad person or they don't love me. Because that'll have you thinking, well, my friend, you know, she's, I don't know. So clearly, you know, she means well. I think her advice is, is sound for this.

[Mona]

That's a really good point because I feel like some of the worst advice I got early on were from mentors and they were well meaning. Yeah. But they can only give you advice based off of their experiences and their own fears and their own limitations.

[Jeanette]

What a certain level.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Jeanette]

There comes a point where I think your, your mentors.

[Mona]

Oh, definitely that. And it got to a point where like, early on, I'm like, I want to be where Robin Roberts is. Right. And I'm here, this intern. And they're like, yeah, honey, that's sweet, that's cute. But you should start off in like small town Texas. And like, who knows, you might get married. And Dayton, Ohio, no shade today in Ohio. But I was just like, why are you already making my name smaller?

[Jeanette]

Yeah. And they might want to. They might want to be managing our expectations. They don't want you to be disappointed. But yeah, you're right.

[Mona]

I would see things that defied what they were saying. Right. Like, for example, the fact that Robin is in her seat already shows me that people can get there. Right. I remember in the beginning I grew up in San Diego. And with news, it's really hard to start in a major city. You start in nowhere. Texas. You start in like those really, really small towns. And I was like, okay, well, like, you know, maybe if I work hard, if I try to figure this out, I can get to a top 50 market. And they would just be like, no, you're setting yourself up to fail. And I'm just like, okay, you guys just hired a girl that's 23 years old, fresh out of college. I can see what you're saying is not true. And so instead of just listening to you, I want to know what she did. How did she get here? Because the thing is, it can happen. If you see it, it's possible.

[Jeanette]

I will say one time I broke up with my mentor. I was having a tough time. I started in a mid sized market, so it was bigger than you typically would out of college. And I had a particularly rough day. And I called him and he had said, see, I told you not to go there. Hey, that's the last time he's over here from me. Because it wasn't helpful. No, like, and I told you so wasn't helpful. And he wasn't right. It was just a rough day. And what I want to hear from a mentor isn't I told you so. I want to hear, okay, now that we're here, let's say you think you're right. Now that we're here, what do we do?

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Jeanette]

You know what I mean?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Solution oriented.

[Jeanette]

Solution oriented. So being cognizant of some people are good for a season and you might outgrow them. And you've got to find other people and connect with other people who can meet you where you are so important.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Now I'm curious if in your respective pivots have you had any twists, things that have thrown you for a loop, unexpected moments where you were like, oh, wait a minute, was, was this the right decision and you had to kind of reground yourself in the moves that you've made?

[Mona]

It's a good question. I don't think anything that has thrown me off course, I can't believe I was contemplating, but it's more. So there are still hard moments. Everything is in rainbows and butterflies. Since it's still hard work, I am, I'm learning again, right? At this other job I like, had already established the skills that could let me coast. I feel like I'm learning again. I feel like I'm making new connections and almost starting from the beginning. And a lot of it can feel overwhelming in the beginning because you're like, there's so much I don't know, there's so many questions I have. But for some reason I feel like. And I think it's because of news, right? Our contracts are usually two, three years. And anytime my contract was three years the first year, hot mess, mistakes everywhere, like you feel like you are drowning. Second year, you're like, this is still really difficult and I can't believe this is like sustainable. Third year, something just clicks and you look up and you're like, oh my God, I'm light years from where I used to be. I have mastered whatever connections, language skills, whatever it is that you needed. All of a sudden one day it just appears and you look at yourself almost as if you're looking from outside yourself and you're like, wow, I. I'm doing exactly what I set out to do and it reaffirms. And I feel like that's kind of where I am now, where I'm just like, oh, wow, I see. But the hard days were there, I'm not going to lie.

[Jeanette]

Yeah, content creation was a side hobby. It was just, it was a side hustle. Not even, heck, it wasn't even hustle because I wasn't making any money. It was just for fun. And that gave me a little bit of confidence because like, I don't know, I don't care if this goes viral. And I got my job, I got a full time job.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I do.

[Jeanette]

Here's a little video.

[Mona]

Exactly.

[Jeanette]

So I think the pressure of it now being a business, and it needs strategy and what's the vision? And then literally just, you know, this. I mean, an S corp and then taxes and, like, delegating. And there was so much that I did not know. I never had any aspirations to be an entrepreneur. I appreciated how difficult it was, and so I had no intentions of ever going into it. And, boy, it's humbling. Like, you realize, okay, I'm really good in front of the camera, behind the camera. It's a steep learning curve. And it wasn't so much that I was doubting my pivot, but I kind of wondered, man, should I had been developing these skills before I walked away, is it smart to be building the plane while flying it? That's where it can get frustrating. And I don't know if you've ever been through this, but you kind of wonder, are other people going through this behind the scenes all the time?

[Mona]

You know what I mean?

[Jeanette]

Fighting for my life.

[Mona]

You're fighting as anyone else can't fight.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

For their life right now.

[Jeanette]

And you feel like you're the odd one out, so. And you don't know what you don't know. And that can be scary because it's like, man, I think I could think I'm killing it, and someone could take a peek in and be like, ma', am, how. How is this going?

[Mona]

No spreadsheets, no budget.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Gosh.

[Jeanette]

So, yeah, that. That, to me, was the most difficult part. I had underestimated how steep of a learning curve it would be on the business side.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah. But then with that, once you do learn and when. Or once you do have that little win where it's like, oh, yeah, I made that spreadsheet.

[Jeanette]

You know what I mean?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Then you feel extra proud of yourself.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Jeanette]

And that's where it's so cool to see. I could. I'm a. I'm a quick learner or having the humility to, like, accept that I'm not good at this, but I'm going to, let's say, hire for it or delegate it or study it. And I always. I'm a big advocate, and I do regret not doing this documenting, even if it's journaling, Journaling the journey, because then you're able to, speaking of receipts, kind of go back and see, man, I was here. Look at where I am now, and you're able to appreciate your growth a lot more. For me, it was just like, to write it down makes it real.

[Mona]

I'm gonna ignore this chapter. I'm just gonna say that I appeared and I knew everything.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah.

[Jeanette]

So it would have been nice to be able to look at some journals, journal entries of me wondering, what is an S Corp?

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Right.

[Jeanette]

Why is the IRS calling me? It's really to see. To grow and to see your growth.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

It's so true. And even if you don't formally document it, I feel like there are little bits of it that you can still find. I had a little project that I was doing earlier this year where I was digitally decluttering because it was like my icloud mess, my Google Drive mess.

[Mona]

All of this stuff.

[Jeanette]

Did you organize your Google Drive?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I organized everything. And I went back from the beginning of content, the beginning of the podcast, and I was looking at some of my old little sheets that I made years ago of when I, like, had my first ad, and the podcast made, like, a couple hundred dollars or when it first hit a thousand downloads or whatever, those little milestones in my old little spreadsheets. And as I was organizing things and figuring out what stuff was, I saw.

[Jeanette]

And I was like, wow, I was.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

So excited for that at that time. And look at how far it's come.

[Jeanette]

Now for people who are going through a pivot or any kind of journey. Like, one day you'll look back and realize you had a story worth documenting. And I think whether it's for yourself or for other people, you owe it to yourself to document your journey, the good and the bad.

[Mona]

Damn, that was a good one.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jeanette]

I mean, I don't have any documents.

[Mona]

But you should.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

No, you should.

[Jeanette]

Don't be like me.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

You know what?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Something that reminds me of, I am so bad about photos. And I realized I don't have any photos of myself that aren't content.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I go through my camera roll. It is all videos that are content.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Do I have any photos of myself actually documenting different parts of my life?

[Mona]

Not.

[Jeanette]

Not really.

[Mona]

I literally bought a camcorder yesterday because I missed that. Like, my family and I used to have a camcorder where we'd go around and, like, our trip to Las Vegas, we're not posting it anywhere.

[Jeanette]

You know what I mean?

[Mona]

I almost had that nostalgic feeling of, like, I don't want it captured on an iPhone. Like, I wanted to capture it on video like we used to, so that it feels more sentimental because you're right, we don't capture anything just to capture it.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

And I also think it's good to start documenting kind of the afters. Right. Of the seasons that we're in now, because Inevitably, at some point, we're gonna pivot again and we're gonna wanna see that starting point.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

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[Host of She's So Lucky]

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[Podcast Host/Announcer]

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[Jeanette]

R.W.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

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[Host of She's So Lucky]

Now that y' all are a couple years out of your work in news and you have, like, settled into these new directions that you're in, I would love to talk more about how that's feeling.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Now.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

One of the things that I also think is really exciting. Y' all just had a podcast anniversary. You just hit one year of podcasting.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Which is really exciting.

[Jeanette]

Our baby is now a toddler.

[Mona]

I'm a mother. Yes, mother. I'm a mommy.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

You are. In multiple ways. So now that you're one year into that collaboration together, I would love to hear more about what your reflections are and how you're feeling and what you've learned one year into it.

[Jeanette]

Don't do it. I'm kidding.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

No, I low key kind of do. Whenever people do ask me podcasting advice, I'm like, should I start a podcast?

[Jeanette]

I'm like, low key, low key, high key.

[Mona]

I don't.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I don't know if you should like.

[Jeanette]

And not to discourage anybody, but I'm.

[Mona]

Like, yeah, the amount, like, why weather.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

If you want a peaceful life, don't do it. If you were glutton for punishment like.

[Mona]

We are, then do it.

[Jeanette]

Absolutely. Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

What did we learn?

[Mona]

A lot. A lot. Oh, my gosh. We built it from the ground up. And I think. I don't even think we knew, because if we knew, I don't think we would have started.

[Jeanette]

No, Right. We would have overthought it and planned it for five more years.

[Mona]

Five more years. I think we're so used to being talent and having a team of producers and editors and news directors and floor directors, like everyone and when everything fell on us, we brought our experience, and we know how to make a good tease, and we know how to do this kind of stuff. But the business side of things, I feel like we learned a lot. I also will say, I don't think I could have done it without you.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Vice versa and vice.

[Mona]

Thank you. We have very similar work ethics, and I feel like we're also, like, if I say I'm gonna show up, I'm gonna show up. So, like, if I said I was gonna do it when I'm, like, tired, I worked, and we need to write a script. If Jeanette's like, hey, is the script in? I'm like, all right, let me pull out this laptop, because I'm not gonna let her down. And throughout the process, like, we haven't. Knock on wood. I haven't argued once. We haven't butt head once. Because we're all in. And because we are not counting, how much do you do and how much do I do? It's more of just like, okay, where am I needed? Let me grab this. You got a busy week ahead. All right. I'm gonna start filling out forms and writing scripts and trying to help out as much as I can. What I would say is learning entrepreneurship ahead.

[Jeanette]

Yeah. To your point about being on the same page, I think it really helps to work with someone whose intentions and kind of heart, you know. Right. If the other person isn't able to show up this week, it's because they truly cannot. So we give each other the benefit of the doubt a lot. But I also think our track record proves that we're. We're all there. What's been a learning curve for us is we are used to being the messengers, not the message. So, like, the beginning, especially with the podcast, it was like, well, if you find out we had a podcast, you.

[Mona]

Find out we got, oh, my God, do you have a pot? Maybe. Maybe marketing. None.

[Jeanette]

Because we're so used to telling other people's stories. You know what I mean? So you're. You don't have really a stake in it. When it's your stuff, when it's your baby, there's a vulnerability that comes with it. There's a humility that comes with it, and there's a bit of a risk because people can love it or not like it, and you've got the immediate numbers. Right. Like, the sales department at the news station saw that your newscast tanked. You might not have.

[Mona]

You didn't know, Right? That's none of my business.

[Jeanette]

Tech still ain't but yeah. So I think that's been the hardest thing, where you're having to pivot in that way and do a lot of self promotion.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Jeanette]

And be repetitive. Like, for me, it's like, you didn't catch it the first time. Sorry, you missed.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I still struggle with that. Cause I sure hate repeating myself.

[Mona]

I'm like, what do you.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I said that in episode 87 in 2019. What do you mean?

[Mona]

Self promotion is so how do you feel?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

No, I hate it. I hate it. It's a battle every day. It's something I'm still trying to figure out. Yeah.

[Jeanette]

You've got to really. It's like shameless self promotion. And because it's such a saturated industry, you have to double and triple down on it because there's so much noise out there. But it's been a cool experience because you also, like I said, you see the things that you're really good at, like, oh, man, our storytelling skills are really transferable. So many skills were transferable and other.

[Mona]

Skills are not existing.

[Jeanette]

Not so much.

[Mona]

Yeah. But we're learning.

[Jeanette]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

And with that, that piece of being a news where you're just the messenger to also kind of being a bit of the product yourself.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

How has that been? Have you experienced any discomfort with that? And how do you navigate that?

[Mona]

Yeah. Loud. I think naturally we're like that. I don't like talking about myself. I'm very unintentionally private. I'm not even aware that I am withholding information. I'm just not used to sharing. And then news takes that up a notch. Because you really are about. I'm not inserting myself into this story.

[Jeanette]

It's a bad act of honor.

[Mona]

Yeah. I'm fading into the background. And then I think part of the transition was going into entertainment news. You are the product as well. Like, you're a personality. And I remember in the beginning, they were like, oh, we put that in. Or like, we put your outfit in the show. And I was. I was so shocked. I was like, oh, what? Me?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Me?

[Jeanette]

Like, why am I in this about journalism?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Like, how did I get in this?

[Mona]

And then I realized that it wasn't an issue to take up space to share my story, to talk about and insert myself in the conversation. And same thing with the podcast, where you want to connect with your audience, and part of connection is trust, and you want to tell them what you're going through and take them on the journey with you. And it's a muscle that I'm still learning how to Flex. But it full circle kind of what I talked about, what I'm working on is the self policing. Like, I'm so used to being like, okay, how am I showing up? Being very cognizant of how I'm coming across? Am I talking too much? My sharing too much and just letting that go and just existing. I think that's part of what I'm working on.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Is there anything about, particularly podcasting, having your own platforms that you've really enjoyed that was unexpected? Unexpected benefits joys you didn't see coming?

[Jeanette]

I think with the podcast, I didn't.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Realize.

[Jeanette]

How different people's perspectives were of us. Like, I didn't realize. I wow. I guess I'm never really vulnerable on social media. Once we like, you know, shared some of our flaws and some of our challenges and insecurities and all of that, what's been really pleasantly surprising is how great it feels to be seen for people to connect with you in your flaws, in your insecurities. Right. Like, it's not the wins necessarily. It's like, oh, I struggle with that too. Like I was talking, we did a podcast about retrospective vulnerability, which is something that I do. I share my struggle. After chapter's closed, we got a pretty bow on top and I'm gonna tell you about what had happened. And I shared why that is. And the number of people that that came out and said that they also do the same thing and that they also struggle with that and shared the same reasons was really refreshing because I was nervous about sharing that. I didn't want it to sound like I was being fake or any of that. So that return has been really good. Especially as someone who is always fearful or nervous of being vulnerable, you know.

[Mona]

To piggyback off of that, I feel like the most gratifying or surprisingly enjoyable part of all of this has been people walking up to us and saying that they listen. I'm. They will never get old.

[Jeanette]

There are people on the other side.

[Mona]

Well, because think about it like, I've spent many years in network news and so people would come up and say, oh my gosh, I like, watch abc. I watch I saw you on GMA or whatnot. But when it's from this little old podcast that you started and put all this hard work into, and you're in New York and two people stop you and they're like, oh, we love your podcast. It is. I can't even explain if I could bottle that little feeling of just gratitude and gratefulness and joy to know that somebody took the time to Listen, you.

[Jeanette]

Know what I mean?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

It was the biggest compliment that someone is willing to, like, walk around with your voice in their ears. I still do feel like it's weird and, like, don't believe it. And when people say that, I'm like, oh, my God. Really?

[Mona]

You do.

[Jeanette]

Thank you. My God, especially. And then again and again, you chose me.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah, like me. Because I don't really be listening to.

[Jeanette]

Myself like that, you know, I don't even know what I sound like.

[Mona]

I know. I'm not going to lie. I vividly remember every morning when I was getting up at like 3am in the morning, doing live shots in LA, just listening to you and be like, okay, what episode do I want to listen to today? And then just getting on that weekly schedule. So, yes, people are listening right here.

[Jeanette]

You were also one of the few that was consistent because I would listen to you when I was. I did four and a half years long distance and I was in Philly, my husband was in dc. So I would listen to you on my two and a half hour drives. And the way. I'm sorry, but if you missed a couple weeks, you have disappointed me. I was looking forward to this drive and with you, I knew I could count on you every week to like, get me through the. Through the drive. Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah. That consistency piece, I think, is really key. You really do have to, like, show up for people and show up with your message. You can't ghost your audience.

[Mona]

No.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah.

[Jeanette]

It's so true. It's like a cardinal rule.

[Mona]

You said something the other day in a post. I wish I could repeat it back to you, but maybe you remember as well where you're saying, like, consistency is something to you.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

I may have said it was my superpower or something. I know I've said things like consistency and discipline are my superpower.

[Mona]

I just clicked with me where I'm like, wow, like, identifying with something like consistency, where, you know, obviously you could say something like, I'm just, I'm a messy person or I'm a late person. Right. But identifying and with consistency is.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah, yeah, I know we make jokes about being crazy. I also make jokes about being crazy because I am. But that is like, my form of crazy was like, particularly when I started podcasting, I made a commitment to myself of like, come hell or high water, every Tuesday, an episode is going to happen.

[Jeanette]

So I like that you take it that seriously. And I think those qualities in any aspect of life, personal or professional, take you a really long way.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Jeanette]

And people see it. People appreciate it.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

And especially if you're making a pivot. I mean, the only way to really do it and make it stick is to show up and to be consistent and commit to what it is you're pivoting.

[Jeanette]

Exactly. Yeah. That's so true.

[Mona]

Yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

So before we wrap up, I just have a couple more questions so that we can get takeaways for the girls, you know, because the girls who listen to this podcast, they're so proactive. They love being able to apply things. So I'd love to hear from each of you, you know, if there's one piece of advice, maybe something that we talked about today that you want to repeat or something new that someone who is considering a pivot could apply to their lives, what would it be?

[Mona]

Be kind to yourself. It is difficult. We're all scared. Nobody knows what's on the other side. So if you could just give yourself that grace to be kind to yourself and let yourself feel all the emotions and make all the mistakes. Just keep going in that consistency aspect.

[Jeanette]

Yeah, I would say do it scared, but prepared. Sometimes we take fear as an indicator of, well, maybe I'm not supposed to be doing this. Maybe this is my intuition telling me this isn't a good idea. I believe fear is only a signal that this really, really matters to you and that you're invested. But I also believe that you owe it to yourself to have a plan. Right. We're not just gonna pivot on vibes. And to plan it out and to be strategic and to be intentional is the only thing that compliments fear.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

So before we wrap, of course, it's a new year. When this episode is coming out. January, we're all on our New Year's resolution vibes. I'd love to hear one lucky habit that each of you is taking into this year.

[Mona]

Ooh, will you go first?

[Jeanette]

I don't know if this would count as a habit. Oh, my gosh. Maybe this isn't a good answer.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Actually, now we definitely want.

[Mona]

Was my.

[Jeanette]

New Year's resolution earlier this year. It was waking up early and, like, finding a hack, and the hack was Pilates. It made me the fear of losing money. Paying for that cancellation fee without going to the class was enough to get me out of bed. It's like, hack your habit. Find a way to get yourself to do something. Be creative. I'm going to take that into the new year. I think that's been probably the most successful New Year's resolution I've ever had, because it has paid tenfold. I've been more Productive. I'm up earlier. I feel better about myself.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

That's a great one. What do you do?

[Jeanette]

Would that be considered a habit?

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yeah, definitely a habit.

[Mona]

Cool. That was definitely a habit. Yeah. Yeah. I wish the gym thing pained me. I'm still donating to the Eco. You are philanthropic. Canceled. And just so that they can get their money. But I will be working out this year. For me, I think it's about showing up intentionally. And the reason why I say it's a habit's, like, for example, like, if I'm planning a vacation to really plan it out, like, if I wanted to go somewhere, putting it on the calendar, getting excited for it months in advance, planning out the excursion months in advance, and, like, doing that with everything that means something to me. So whether it's a lunch date with us girls, like, like, picking a new restaurant for us to try, or, like, putting it on the calendar so that it happens and it happens with intention, where it's not just like, hey, girl, are you in the city? Like, let's grab lunch. Those are always great. But I love being able to look forward to things, and that was missing in 2025. I kind of was just like, ah. So much is going on that I miss slowing down, getting excited about things and. And planning it. I'm looking forward to it. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Being able to enjoy.

[Jeanette]

How about you?

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

I'm curious.

[Mona]

Ooh.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

For me, I'm trying to get back into hobbies and enjoying things outside of work and being really intentional about carving enjoyment outside of work. So I'm trying to do one activity a week that I don't even document it. I don't even post it. People don't even. They won't even know what it is.

[Jeanette]

I love that because that makes you more interesting.

[Mona]

It is more mysterious Tuesday, and y'.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

All didn't even know.

[Mona]

You know, on the.

[Jeanette]

Hello. I think we could all do that.

[Mona]

Yeah. Well, invite us.

[Jeanette]

We're going to find a hobby. I just don't know what it is.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Okay, so we're going to take some classes.

[Mona]

Yes.

[Jeanette]

And it's going to be a secret. It's going to be our secret.

[Mona]

Yes.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Yes. Ladies, thank you so much for joining me. This was so much fun. I know.

[Mona]

Thank you so much.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Thank you all so much for tuning into this week's episode. Make sure you check out the description below. We will have all of Jeanette and Mona's information. Also, make sure that you are listening.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

To off the Record.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Wherever you get your podcast. Stay subscribed to both of our shows.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

So that you don't miss an episode.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Thank you for tuning in and I'll see you next week.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of she's so Lucky. If you're ready to create your own luck, hit that subscribe button wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube so you don't miss an episode and head to the show. Notes for resources, links and discount codes. And if you are really feeling lucky, we would appreciate your rating and your review.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

It really helps us be able to.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Improve the show, to get great guests and to understand what you want to hear more of. Thank you for tuning in and I'll see you next week.

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[Jeanette]

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[Mona]

Please note that this episode may contain.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services.

[Mona]

Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products.

[Host of She's So Lucky]

Or services referred to in this episod.