S1 E19: She Did Everything Right & They Let Her Go. She Gave Herself Permission, with Emily Carlson

Feeling stuck in your career pivot? In this episode of We Are Women, Unapologetically, healthcare tech executive Emily Carlson shares honest insights on adaptability, doubt, and finding clarity through small steps.

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Emily to explore what really happens when high-achieving women are forced to pivot. From navigating layoffs to launching a business mid-crisis, Emily opens up about what it means to evolve in real time—and why adaptability isn’t just a resume skill, it’s a life skill.

🧭 Chapters & Timestamps

0:00 – Welcome + Intro to Emily Carlson
1:10 – A career in tech, built out of necessity
2:35 – Getting laid off as a C-suite leader
3:52 – The blurry early days of pivoting
5:07 – Should I get another job... or try this on my own?
6:47 – Start with what brings you joy
7:41 – Red + green journaling to map your energy
9:01 – The surprising impact of informational interviews
11:02 – When you pivot… and then pivot again
12:33 – Adapting your business to match your energy
13:55 – Getting stuck in the survival loop
15:40 – Continuous learning + finding support
17:55 – Coaching vs. AI: real talk
20:00 – Why relationships matter in growth seasons
22:00 – Joy as your metric, even in IT consulting
24:00 – How Emily splits her time across multiple roles
25:45 – Movement as clarity: workout time is non-negotiable
27:20 – The magic of midday resets
29:02 – From full calendars to puppy walks
30:00 – How to time-block without burning out
31:30 – “Top 3” to-do list method
32:15 – The question she wishes people asked
34:50 – The transition advice every woman needs
35:53 – Final thoughts: Don’t hinge your life on someone else’s door

Key Takeaways

Clarity often comes after the chaos

Start by writing down what brings you joy

Don’t underestimate 15-minute conversations

Building a business starts with building belief

You're not behind—you're just in a transition

Follow Jessica on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacumming04/

Power Move of the Week:

Reach out to one person doing what you think you want to do—and ask them for 15 minutes.

Download my free power pivot career guide to help you get started: https://www.jcnewbeginnings.com/powerpivotguide

Download the Transcript HERE