Why This – Why Now?
Because I’ve spent way too much of my life afraid.
Fear has been a steady companion — gut-clenching, cold-sweat-inducing fear. And while it’s stolen a lot of time I’ll never get back, it’s also given me a gift: I can spot fear in others from a mile away. It’s like a sixth sense.
Let’s rewind. Where did all this fear come from?
Birth order. Who knew that being the youngest of six — with a 14-year gap between me and the oldest — would shape so much of how I see the world? I watched my brothers and sister head out into life while I was stuck at home, too young, too little, too annoying (and yes, I fully own that I could be a brat when I wanted to be). That sense of being left out, of not being good enough, settled in early. And it stayed.
But here’s the thing: that fear helped shape skills that have served me incredibly well. I became someone who pays close attention to others — especially those who are struggling. I learned to ask thoughtful questions, to really listen, and to build genuine relationships through curiosity and care.
My goal has always been simple: leave people feeling better about themselves after we talk. Do I always get it right? Of course not. But I notice when I don’t — and I try to show up better the next time.
Fast forward to today, and this shows up in my work as a coach — especially with people going through career transitions. So much of the work is about navigating fear: fear of the unknown, fear of not finding a job, fear of not belonging anywhere. That stretch between one job ending and the next beginning can feel like floating in space. And when you’re in that limbo, fear often leads the way. It colors how people view themselves, their value, and their future. Hello, imposter syndrome.
It’s no surprise — we’re wired this way. That old part of our brain, the amygdala, is constantly scanning for threats. It’s helped humans survive for over 300,000 years. But in modern life, especially during change, it can make things harder than they need to be. Thankfully, our brains have also evolved, giving us tools like reason, reflection, and the ability to calm ourselves down. I’m no neuroscientist, but I’ve learned a lot from people who are. And it’s made a real difference — both for me and for the people I work with.
So how do you manage fear during change?
There’s no magic switch, but here are a few things that help:
Acknowledge it. You’re not broken — you’re human. Your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do.
Get out of your head. Move your body. Breathe. Meditate. Talk to someone you trust — or a professional who can help you reframe things.
Remind yourself of what you’ve already overcome. Fear is loud, but it forgets your wins. Keep a list. Revisit it.
Be gentle with yourself. That inner critic? You don’t have to listen to it all the time. It’s okay to tell it to sit down and be quiet.
Protect your energy. Some people — even well-meaning ones — just aren’t helpful during change. It’s okay to set boundaries.
So why am I really writing this?
Because I’m right there with you. After years in the corporate world, I’m stepping into something new as the co-founder of a business. And yes — I’m both excited and absolutely terrified.
This post is part pep talk, part personal reminder, and part offering to anyone else who’s walking through change right now. You’re not alone. Fear will show up — it’s kind of its thing — but it doesn’t get to drive.
We do.