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Here's what I've been talking about with clients this week...

Alanis Morissette reflects on three decades since Jagged Little Pill

...discussing addiction, menopause, and the predatory music industry of the 90s in a candid Guardian interview ahead of her Glastonbury debut.

• Recovery requires radical honesty: Morissette describes addiction as “relief-seeking measures that kill you eventually,” naming work, love, sex, and shopping as her personal struggles. She emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed therapy and authentic self-expression over people-pleasing behaviors that once required “tequila or Xanax” to maintain.

• Midlife brings liberation from performance: At 51, perimenopause has freed Morissette from “25 years trying to be someone who didn’t have this temperament.” She celebrates the directness and reduced people-pleasing that comes with age, while advocating for better understanding of women’s health issues and alternative treatments.

• Creating abundance through “multiple intelligences”: Morissette homeschools her three children using an expanded version of Howard Gardner’s theory, celebrating 16 different types of intelligence. This approach reflects her commitment to nurturing environments where sensitive people can thrive rather than face the “brow-beaten” conditions that drive them toward self-harm.

​Discover how Morissette’s “psychobabble” became mainstream wisdom and why she considers herself an “existential cockroach” in the full interview.​

Esther Saehyun Lee advocates for building a “personal council”

...a diverse group of trusted advisors who understand systemic workplace barriers and help professionals navigate without compromising their authentic selves.

Key takeaways:

• Traditional mentorship falls short when addressing microaggressions, workplace politics, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect women of color, often promoting self-erasure rather than authentic growth

• Personal councils provide collective wisdom from diverse sectors, helping professionals recognize unfair power dynamics as systemic issues rather than personal failings while maintaining their whole identity

• Finding authentic belonging matters more than fitting in – Lee emphasizes investing energy in spaces and people who value your contributions rather than forcing yourself into environments that demand you shrink

Build your own personal council to navigate professional challenges with authenticity and support. Read the full article.​

Career success requires strategic planning and consistent action.

Rather than overwhelming yourself with lofty ambitions, break down your professional development into manageable steps that build momentum over time.

Key takeaways:

• Create mini milestones: Transform ambitious long-term goals into monthly actions like earning certifications, expanding your network, or acquiring new skills that compound into significant career growth

• Develop sustainable habits: Replace passive activities with career-building routines—update your resume biannually, connect with one LinkedIn contact weekly, and conduct quarterly goal reviews to track progress

• Apply the 3 Cs framework: Leverage content (online learning resources), coaching (mentorship or professional guidance), and community (networking groups) to accelerate your career trajectory with structured support

Transform your career aspirations into reality through small, intentional steps that align with your professional vision. Discover the complete roadmap and additional strategies.​