The Career Breakers Show

Wendy Kleinfeldt is a Career Breaker.After rising through leadership and Learning & Development roles in tech, Wendy reached a breaking point. She realized the the “golden handcuffs” weren’t worth the cost to her self-respect or well-being. Drawing on a lifelong third-culture perspective and a strong mind–body intuition, she chose to walk away from corporate life and redesign work on her own terms.In this episode, Wendy shares how she left a high-paying role, moved states, and pivoted from corporate consulting to coaching. She’s now the founder at Purple Tiger Fitness where she helps women at the crossroads of fitness and leadership.In this episode, she shares about separating passion from purpose, why “career” isn’t always the right frame, and what it looks like to build an integrated life where work, family, and fitness support each other. We also talk about accountability, boundaries, and the small habits that unlock big change, like prepping for her first bodybuilding competition!Wendy offers powerful insights for anyone questioning the path they’re on. Tune in to hear Wendy’s story of courage and reinvention. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Wendy.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Here's how you can support the show and help others find it:1.) Follow Spotify or Apple Podcasts.2.) Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.3.) Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: ⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones⁠⁠⁠Thank you for supporting the show! ❤️Clip from Elizabeth Gilbert on Hobbies, Jobs, Careers, and Vocations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g7ARarFNnwWendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w3ndy/Wendy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpletigerfitness/Connect with Adriane | Email: ⁠⁠⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠⁠⁠ or LinkedIn:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/⁠⁠⁠

Todd Sattersten is a Career Breaker.Todd started his career in engineering and fabrication, but his interest in business books led him down a new path. What began as blogging and interviewing authors led him into publishing, first supporting authors with book launches, speaking, and events, and eventually taking over Bard Press, a Portland, Oregon-based book publisher.In this episode, Todd shares how persistence, pivots, and following what sparked his interest opened new doors along the way. He reflects on the hesitant yeses, the role of timing and finances in making career moves, and the lessons he’s learned from publishing influential business books.Todd offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career break, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, paying attention to what interests you, and taking action even when the next step isn’t clear.Tune in now to hear Todd’s story and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Todd.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Here's how you can support the show and help others find it:1.) Follow Spotify or Apple Podcasts.2.) Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.3.) Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: ⁠buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones⁠⁠/ Bard Press: Bardpress.com/Todd’s new book: https://bardpress.com/100best// Connect with Adriane | Email: ⁠⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠⁠ or LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/⁠⁠Thank you for supporting the show! ❤️

In this special season finale of The Career Breakers Show, host and creator Adriane Jones returns to the mic, solo, to reflect on Season 2, share behind-the-scenes updates, and offer a glimpse into what’s next — for the show and her!Over the past six months, Adriane has interviewed bold professionals navigating pivots, pauses, and transitions — not always with a plan, but often by following a spark. These stories reshaped her own thinking and helped her reimagine what’s possible in work and life.In this episode, Adriane shares what’s changed in her own career since Season 1. After five years of running a successful L&D consultancy, she’s craving collaboration, impact, and a new kind of challenge.She also reflects on what it means to change the pace of your “career treadmill” without losing your sense of purpose—and how parenting, ambition, and career identity evolve in unexpected ways.Tune in to hear Adriane’s honest reflections on growth, transition, and the messy middle of career change—and be sure to reach out and share your ideas for Season 3!Notes:Get updates on my journey and Season 3 and share your ideas by:💌 Signing up for my newsletter: adrianeejones.com🔗 Connecting on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/adrianejones⁠📬 Emailing me directly (please no spam!): ⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠THANK YOU to the incredible guests and listeners of Season 2! I'll be back after a summer break with more real, reflective stories from bold Career Breakers reimagining work. ❤️: Adriane

Sarah K Peck is a Career Breaker.After five years in the corporate world at the start of her career, Sarah knew it wasn’t the right fit, so she made her leap into entrepreneurship. A few career pivots later, and inspired by her own experience of pregnancy and startup life, she set out to write a book about what it’s really like to build a business while becoming a parent. But along the way, the interviews she recorded for research took on a life of their own, and everything changed.What began as a side project eventually grew into Startup Parent, the Startup Parent podcast, the Wise Women’s Council, and her latest venture, Founders with Kids.In this episode, SKP shares how she stumbled into a new career path while writing that book, how she navigated the early days of freelancing and motherhood, and how she’s continued to redesign her work around real life, not hustle culture.Her story is smart, honest, and full of real talk for anyone who’s ever questioned the rules of work.Tune in to hear SKP’s story of reinvention, and follow for more conversations with bold Career Breakers charting their own paths.NotesDid you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones⁠/ SKP on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahkpeck/SKP on Substack: https://substack.com/@sarahkpeck/Wise Women's Council: https://startupparent.com/wise-womens-council-community-mastermind//Founders with Kids: https://startupparent.com/founders-with-kids//Start Up Parent: https://startupparent.com// Connect with Adriane | Email: ⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠ or LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/⁠Thank you for listening! ❤️

Lea Pandozzi is a Career Breaker.She’s also my oldest friend—we go way back to 3rd grade!Lea began her career in higher education before making a bold pivot into big tech. At Amazon, she didn’t just follow a set path—she carved out her own, moving from recruiting into an executive business partner role where she could put her strengths to work.When the work no longer felt fulfilling, she chose to step away without a job lined up.That pause created space for new opportunities, including a career pivot into business operations at Boeing. When company-wide layoffs hit—through no fault of her own—Lea once again found herself facing uncertainty and leaned on what she’d learned to choose her next step with intention.In this episode, Lea shares how embracing both pivots and pauses helped her get clear on what she wants from work and life. We talk about working through the guilt of not having a job, making space for rest and joy during a job search, and staying grounded when plans change.Lea’s story shows how stepping away can give you the clarity and confidence to move forward on your own terms.Listen in as she reflects on her career journey and the choices that helped her find a better path—and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers redefining how we work.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones⁠/ Lea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-pandozzi-1b945531// Connect with Adriane | Email: ⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠ or LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/⁠Thank you for listening! ❤️

Murillo Sorensen is a Career Breaker.After working for over a decade in higher education and making a bold leap into the tech world, Murillo was hit with not one, but two unexpected layoffs. What could have been a moment of defeat turned into an opportunity for clarity, creativity, and growth.In this episode, Murillo shares how his career breaks gave him space to reconnect with his identity beyond work—embracing his lifelong love of storytelling and writing. During his time away from full-time roles, he enrolled in a creative writing course, finished the first draft of a novel, and leaned into a fuller version of himself: writer, educator, gardener, and lifelong learner.Murillo offers honest insight into navigating layoffs, rebuilding confidence, and redefining success on your own terms. His story is a powerful reminder that we are more than our job titles. And sometimes, a pause is exactly what we need to find what’s next.Tune in to hear Murillo’s inspiring story of curiosity, resilience, and reinvention. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Murillo.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones⁠/ Murillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soranso// Murillo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingwithmurillo// book: Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://tinyurl.com/47m3cfy5/ Connect with Adriane | Email: ⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠ or LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/⁠Thank you for listening! ❤️

Rebecca Magee is a Career Breaker.After years working in social impact and corporate social responsibility, Rebecca took not one but two intentional career breaks, each one reshaping how she thought about success, safety, and sustainability in her work.In this episode, she shares the story of her first break in her twenties, which helped her move from nonprofit work into a dream role in sustainable fashion. Years later, burned out and feeling ready for something new, she made the bold move to ask for a layoff so she could start her own business.Rebecca talks about what it takes to listen to your gut, how to navigate uncertainty when plans change, and the importance of community and self-trust on the path to entrepreneurship.Today, she runs Sister Seasons, where she supports changemakers and mission-driven organizations in building healthier, more human ways of working, grounded in the natural cycles of the body and the planet.Listen in to hear Rebecca’s thoughtful and empowering journey. And follow the show for more stories from bold Career Breakers like her.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones/Rebecca's website: https://www.sisterseasons.com// Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalmagee// Connect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Thank you for listening! ❤️

Jared Perry is a Career Breaker.Jared had been thinking about launching his own business for a while. When he was laid off from his role at a tech startup, it became the catalyst to move forward with a plan he’d already been quietly building - the launch of his fractional Chief of Staff business.In this episode, Jared shares how he navigated that in-between time by validating his business idea through unpaid work, rebuilding confidence, and creating structure - all with a baby on the way. He talks about staying focused on his vision, even when full-time opportunities came his way, and how he's now supporting early-stage founders in a way that aligns with his strengths and values.Jared’s story offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone exploring a more flexible, intentional path. He reminds us that you don’t need all the answers to begin, you just have to start.Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Jared.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones/ Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejaredperry// Connect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Thank you for listening! ❤️

Lakshmi Narayanee is a Career Breaker.After a successful career in big tech, including nearly a decade at Amazon, Lakshmi found herself feeling disconnected and uninspired. Despite being on a promising career trajectory, she knew something needed to change. So, she made the bold decision to take what she calls a "slowbatical," an intentional break to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with herselfHer journey began with a one-way flight to Bali, where she embarked on an "Eat, Play, Love" adventure. There, she leaned into rest, creativity, and human connection, and gave herself permission to just be. Eventually, Lakshmi went back to Amazon to see if a break was enough or if she needed a complete shift, and that experiment confirmed it was time to leave.Now living in Brooklyn, Lakshmi is building something entirely new—a digital movement rooted in creativity and play.In this episode, Lakshmi opens up about managing anxiety when stepping away from the familiar and how creativity can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. Plus, she leads a playful exercise to help spark wonder and imagination.Tune in to hear Lakshmi’s inspiring story of curiosity, reinvention, and building a life on her own terms. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Lakshmi.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones/ Lakshmi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshminarayanee// Lakshmi on Instagram: once.upon.a.grid/ Connect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Thank you for listening! ❤️

Tiffany LeNoir is a Career Breaker.After building a successful career in software sales, Tiffany hit a wall of burnout at 30 and realized that even high-paying jobs could feel like dead ends. She took a bold step back, quitting her job and spending the summer scooping ice cream and making greeting cards—giving herself space to reset and explore what truly mattered to her.In this episode, Tiffany shares how her five-month career break helped her redefine success, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and ultimately find a role that aligns with her values. Now, as the Head of Sales at Keep Company, she’s using her skills in a way that supports working parents and caregivers while making a meaningful impact.Tiffany also reflects on her experience as a Division I soccer player, drawing parallels between pushing her body in athletics and pushing through career challenges. Her journey is a reminder that taking a break doesn’t mean stepping back—it means stepping into a future that works for you.Tune in to hear Tiffany’s inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and finding fulfillment beyond the traditional career path. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Tiffany.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones./ Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanylenoir//Tiffany’s Email: Tiffany@keep-company.com/Tiffany’s Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mamamadetime/?etsrc=sdt/Tiffany’s Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mamamadetime/mama-made-time/ Connect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Thank you for listening! ❤️

Yue Zhao is a Career Breaker.Yue began her career in management consulting before transitioning into product leadership, first at startups and later at tech giants like Meta and Instagram. From the start, she approached her career as a series of stepping stones, intentionally seeking out experiences that would expand her skills and leadership abilities.But when her life and priorities shifted, Yue realized it was time to design a career that aligned with what she valued most, time with her family and the vibrancy of living in Barcelona. That decision led her to coaching, where she now helps women and minorities unlock their potential and accelerate growth to executive levels, guiding them through intentional career transitions with the same strategic approach that shaped her own path.In this episode, Yue shares how she strategically built her career in tech, the mindset shifts that helped her embrace change, and the importance of designing work around what truly matters. Her story is a powerful example of how career breaks don’t always mean stopping, they can be a shift toward something even more fulfilling.Tune in now to hear Yue’s journey of designing a career on her own terms and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Yue.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones./ Yue's website: https://www.yuezhao.coach// Yue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuezhao// Connect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Thank you for listening! ❤️

Barrett Brooks is a Career Breaker.After years of helping scale ConvertKit from $3M to $30M in revenue as COO, Barrett found himself at a crossroads where he felt underutilized, overworked, and disconnected from his family. Instead of pushing through, he made a bold decision: to step away without a clear next move, but with the conviction that there had to be something better.In this episode, Barrett shares how he approached his transition with intention, from open conversations with his wife about stress and finances to the logistics of stepping away from a leadership role. He dives into the career experiments he pursued, the uncertainties he faced, and how he ultimately found his way to coaching creative entrepreneurs.Barrett’s story is a powerful reminder that leaving a successful career path isn’t failure, it’s an opportunity to redefine success on your own terms.Tune in to hear Barrett’s journey of reinvention, career exploration, and embracing work that truly aligns with his gifts. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Barrett.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones.Barrett’s website: https://barrettbrooks.com/The Second Mountain by David Brooks (book): https://tinyurl.com/yypkdb3eConnect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Thank you for listening! ❤️

Janis Vogel is a Career Breaker. After navigating the high-stress demands of New York City’s film industry, the challenges of motherhood, and the profound impact of the pandemic, Janis transformed her journey - not by leaving her passion behind, but by reimagining her approach. Now, she artfully integrates coaching with film editing, choosing projects that inspire her, like her recent work on AppleTV’s "Severance."In this episode, Janis shares how she balanced her evolving career, embraced gradual transitions through personal challenges such as divorce and career pivots, and built a coaching practice that honors her creative spirit. Tune in now to hear Janis' inspiring story of redefining career success.Notes:Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones."Janis’ website: https://www.janisvogel.com/Janis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janis-vogel/Janis on Substack: https://substack.com/@janisvogelJanis on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/janisvogelConnect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Thank you for listening! ❤️

Brittney Van Matre is a Career Breaker.After spending nearly 12 years at Nike leading consumer and employee experience initiatives, Brittney reached a turning point—climbing the corporate ladder no longer felt fulfilling. The pandemic, along with personal losses, gave her the push she needed to walk away, even without a clear next step.In this episode, Brittney shares how she embraced uncertainty, giving herself permission to pause, reflect, and even experience boredom as a gift in her transition. Through a period of exploration and experimentation, she launched Rewild Work Strategies, a business that blends systems thinking with human-centric, nature-based leadership approaches. Today, she’s running Rewild Work Strategies while also pursuing a master’s degree in counseling psychology with a focus on adventure-based therapy and helping others navigate career pivots through coaching and a Maven course.Brittney offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a major career shift, emphasizing the importance of trusting yourself, stepping off the traditional path, and finding meaning in unexpected places.Tune in to hear Brittney’s inspiring story of courage and reinvention. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Brittney.Notes:Britney’s website: https://rewild.work/Brittney’s email: brittney@rewild.workBrittney’s Maven course: https://maven.com/brittney-van-matre/career-pivotsConnect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/Did you enjoy this episode? Help others find it! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Or show your support by buying me a coffee ⁠here⁠⁠. Thank you for listening! ❤️

Anita Guru is a Career Breaker.After years of building a successful career in corporate learning and development, Anita found herself facing a personal mental health crisis. Burnout, stress, and exhaustion had taken their toll, forcing her to confront a difficult truth—her career was no longer sustainable.In this episode, Anita shares how she made the courageous decision to step away, prioritize her well-being, and reimagine what success truly meant. Through deep reflection and healing, she found her way to work that aligns with her values. Now, as an occupational psychologist turned coach, public speaker, and therapist-in-training, Anita is dedicated to helping others navigate their own well-being and career journeys.Anita offers powerful insights on honoring your own needs, overcoming the fears of leaving corporate life, and embracing a more fulfilling path. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning what really matters, this conversation is for you.Tune in to hear Anita’s inspiring story of self-discovery, courage, and transformation. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Anita.Notes:Anita’s website:https://anitagurumindcoach.com/Anita on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_themindcoach_Anita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaguruConnect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or on LinkedInhere. Did you enjoy this episode? Help others find it! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Or show your support by buying me a coffee ⁠here⁠⁠. Thank you for listening!