Ebony Nichols switched from a career in higher education to creating a stationery business specializing in cards and confetti. She and her business are spreading joy to customers everyday.We discuss:What is a joy practice and why do you need one?Giving yourself the grace to ask what you need.How to embrace the present while planning for a better future. Keeping a joy reserve.Shop Ebony’s stationery store, Announce Divinely: Announce Divinely websiteEtsyConnect with Ebony on Instagram:  @announcedivinelyRead Ebony's bioConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Ebony Nichols switched from a career in higher education to creating a stationery business specializing in cards and confetti. She joins to discuss recognizing boxes we (or others) may put ourselves in and how to expand outside of those expectations. In this episode we discuss: Making a decision to let go of what you think you should be doing to pursue the dreams in your heartGetting out of the "smart girl box" and exploring creativity outside of the set academic pathHow finding her creativity helped Ebony find the right career pathWhat it takes to make your dreams a reality - closing the gap between thoughts and action Read Ebony's full bio here: https://www.disruptthedefaults.com/podcastepisodes/018Shop Ebony’s stationery store, Announce Divinely Announce Divinely websiteEtsyConnect with Ebony on Instagram:  @announcedivinelyConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

One of the most important things you can do for your next role is to make the most of the role you currently have.In this episode we discuss: How to plan a career moveDefining career successThe importance of changing your mindHow to get what you need from your current work experienceIdentifying your work motivatorsMaking a career plan: now, next, laterEpisode Resources:9 Work Motivators Resource - this helps you figure out what motivates you at work Purchase Ilana’s book, When I Became Light:AmazonWord BookstoresGoodreadsRead Ilana's Bio Here: https://www.disruptthedefaults.com/podcastepisodes/017Connect with Ilana on Instagram:  @poemsbyilanaEmail Ilana: poemsbyilana@gmail.comConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

What we discuss:The book writing processHow to define success for creative projects Emotions involved with sharing your creativity How sharing what you’ve created helps others support you Purchase Ilana’s book, When I Became Light:AmazonWord BookstoresGoodreadsRead Ilana's Full Bio HereConnect with Ilana on Instagram:  @poemsbyilanaEmail Ilana: poemsbyilana@gmail.comConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

This episode was recorded at the end of 2023, but a word of the year can be created or revisited at anytime! We discuss: Why we have a word of the year + how it is helpfulHow to create a word of the yearResources for reflection + planningWhy community is so important Our experiences with using a word of the year and what we've learned Sign up for Yarminiah's newsletter:  https://yarminiah.substack.com/Yarminiah's website:  https://www.yarminiah.com/Purposerosa's website:  https://www.purposerosa.com/ Read Yarminiah's Full Bio HereResources mentioned:Quarterly Vision Workbook by Yarminiah RosaFree Word of the Year tips - download on the podcast websiteAnnual review planner by Zim FloresConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Cindy shares her journey to law school, how she started her side hustle coaching/speaking business, and why she switched careers to make her side hustle her full-time job. Even though she loved what she was doing, she shares the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. At the end of the episode we discuss ways you can start and grow a new side hustle. Her book, Overcoming Debt, Achieving Financial Freedom: 8 Pillars to Build Wealth, details how she paid off over $200,000 worth of student loan debt and built a path to financial freedom.She shares her journey with authenticity, joy, and humor. This is one you don’t want to miss! Connect with Cindy on Instagram: @zerobasedbudgetCindy's website: https://zerobasedbudget.com/ Read Cindy's Full Bio HereConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Haley Herridge is back for part two! In this episode she shares what it was like to be on the Netflix show, Easy Bake Battle, and her experience after winning. We discuss how Haley fought through the noise to find direction in her business and ways she simplifies her kitchen to make life easier. She shares a resource she created to help you save time (and money) when it comes to deciding what to cook. The answer to “What’s for dinner?” just got a lot easier! Her meal plan has been released since we recorded the episode - Don’t forget to download it at the link below! Tune in for actionable tips and advice for simplifying your kitchen and some fun behind the scenes of her tv appearance. Download Haley’s Happy Kitchen Meal Plan HERE.Connect with Haley on Instagram: @hayherridgeHaley's website: https://haleyherridge.com/ Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Have you ever had a dream that seemed like it would never happen? Haley always dreamed of being on a cooking show and applied to shows for over 6 years, but kept getting rejections. Instead of letting that stop her she turned it into a learning opportunity and eventually landed on a cooking competition on Netflix! On this week's episode she shares her early childhood cooking memories, her career journey, and the process to finally getting on a cooking show in part one of a two part series. In 2 weeks she'll be back to talk about her experience on the show, building her personal brand, and what she's currently up to with her content! This episode will inspire you to keep going even if your dream seems far away and to re-frame a NO as an opportunity to learn and grow. Connect with Haley on Instagram: @hayherridgeHaley's website: https://haleyherridge.com/Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Have you ever wondered what people mean when they say to bring your full self to work? Ebony Wyatt joins us to discuss her journey building confidence throughout her career and navigating how to show up at work. We talk about how building a strong support system, accepting (and implementing) feedback, and exploring your interests outside of work can increase your confidence in showing up how you want for each situation/room you enter. Ebony Wyatt is a corporate business leader with 21 year of experience and is the owner of Ebony Wyatt Speaks and is the creator of the “Building Your BadAss Brand” and “Building Your BadAss Network” workshop series. Connect with Ebony:Ebony's Website | Ebony's Instagram @ebonyspeaks2u | Follow Ebony on LinkedIn Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Allison is a Duke student, content creator, and pastry chef. She has learned to find the fun in new situations and offers tips for getting started on a new idea. This episode is great for anyone: Wanting to start a new hobby or side hustle On a path that is no longer workingNeeding a reminder to dream again Allison's episode is the first one under the new name and it is a fitting story to show how powerful it can be to disrupt the defaults in your life. Allison's Instagram - @alchenny | Allison's TikTok - @alchenny | Allison's Website | Allison's BioIf you enjoy the podcast please leave a review, rate, and follow! Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Dr. Tonia Branche joins us today to talk all about friendship! We discuss:What it means to have access and responsibility for someoneWhat we've learned about friendship How moving impacts friendshipWays to show people you careHow to be more intentional with growing friendshipsThis episode is great for anyone who wants to make new friends, grow relationships with existing friends,  or needs to re-evaluate their approach to friendship (ours is always changing as we grow). Here’s the article the inspired the conversation on access and responsibility in friendships - https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2022/10/11/one-way-to-actually-guard-your-heartFollow on Instagram - @dr.equiteeFollow on Twitter - @drequiteeRead Tonia's Bio - https://www.disruptthedefaults.com/podcastepisodes/009Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Here's a short recap of season 1 and an overview of what's to come in season 2. The season 2 theme is disrupting the defaults. All of the guests have challenged some norm for how we should build our career or life. Excited for you all to tune in on March 1! Stay connected with Rachel:https://www.rachelsimone.co/https://www.instagram.com/rachelsimone.co/Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Dr. Tonia Branche joins us today to share:Her journey to becoming a doctorWays to stay motivated on a long career pathHow she found her niche in her fieldTips for making a move to find the support you need Ways we can get involved in advocacy and equity work This episode is great for anyone with a long career journey, people who need help finding their niche in their field, and anyone interested in health advocacy and equity.Tonia has spent her life/career dedicated to service and is a great person to learn from if you are still figuring out your unique way of giving back and serving others.  Follow on Instagram - @dr.equiteeFollow on Twitter - @drequiteeRead Tonia's Bio - https://www.disruptthedefaults.com/podcastepisodes/008Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Have you ever wanted to pursue a passion project or dream? It’s possible, even if it takes longer than you expect. Kindra Wray is back as guest host! She interviews Rachel about the story behind the podcast and how/why it came to be. Follow Kindra on LinkedInRead Kindra's bioIf you enjoy the podcast please leave a review, rate, and subscribe! Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

If you've ever thought about taking a non-traditional career path, feel like you may want to make a career change or ever wondered if you'll find a dream job - this episode is for you. Talent consultant, Kindra Wray, joins as a guest host for today's episode and the next one. She interviews Rachel Garcia (podcast creator and host) about her career journey.  Rachel and Kindra discuss their career journeys and what they've learned about themselves in the process of creating a career. Follow Kindra on LinkedInFollow Rachel on LinkedInRead Kindra's bioIf you enjoyed the podcast please leave a review, rate, and subscribe! Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Rhea made the switch from counseling psychology to corporate HR through building a strong network, being prepared, asking great questions and communicating her transferable skills. Rhea shares actionable tips for communicating your skills, figuring out what’s your next step, and finding a role that aligns with your strengths. Rhea's full bioFollow Rhea on LinkedInConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Betsy Hicks is an accomplished fashion and interior design professional with experience across multiple industries. Her story is not only inspiring, but a great reminder that the best opportunities may require you to say yes when the door opens (even if you don't feel 100% ready). Read Betsy's full bioBetsy's Career Includes Working as:Employee #1 at a fashion startupVarious roles/companies in the fashion industry including as a buyerInterior design entrepreneur Betsy's Interior Design Business (Residential Interior Design Firm): http://www.betsyhicksinteriors.comFollow Betsy on Instagram: @betsyhicksinteriorsConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

In today's world careers are rarely straight lines. Joanne's story is a great example of embracing career transitions to create a meaningful career across industries, companies, and location. This episode is great for anyone who doesn't want to limit their career to one job/path.Read Joanne's Full Bio HereJoanne's Instagram: @joanneramosthefarmConnect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Laura's career has been full of many unexpected twists, turns, and challenges. She is a journalism major turned tech recruiter, career coach, marketer, internet security entrepreneur, and now pr firm owner. Her story is one that will keep you engaged and inspire you to make the most of any challenges that come your way. She is a great example of using your skills and resources to create new opportunities no matter the situation.  Laura Craddick PR (Austin): http://craddickpr.com/Read Laura's Full BioIf you enjoy the podcast please leave a review, rate, and subscribe! Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website

Kelsey is a speech language pathologist turned stay at home mom and charcuterie board company owner. Throughout her career she learned that sometimes the biggest lessons you learn from a job aren't easy to find. Although a dream job sounds nice, sometimes a good job enables you to build a dream life. That may be the real dream after all.Follow Kelsey:IG - @oliveandorange (charcuterie board business in the Dallas/Fort Worth area)IG - @yeslekaldingerRead Kelsey's full bioIf you enjoy the podcast please leave a review, rate, and subscribe! Connect on InstagramSubscribe to the newsletterLearn more about the podcast and guests on the website