In the season finale of We Are Women, Unapologetically, Jessica Cumming breaks down why bold pivots require courage—not permission—and how to take decisive action before you feel ready.
EPISODE SUMMARY:
You’ve been told to wait, to be sure, to get one more degree, to get approval. This episode dismantles all of it. Jessica walks through the three biggest lies women believe about readiness, shares research-backed truths about the real risks of staying stuck, and guides you through writing your own pivot permission slip.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Confidence comes before clarity. Start now, even if it’s messy
Permission isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you decide
Waiting to feel ready is the costliest decision women make
Strategic pivots require rituals, support, and discomfort
Celebration fuels the journey every step counts
CHAPTERS WITH TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Full-Circle Reflection + Burnout Reality Check
02:22 — Decision Activation: The Wake-Up Call
05:12 — Three Reasons Women Keep Waiting (Clarity, Permission, Readiness)
11:09 — Redefining Risk: The True Cost of Playing Small
13:41 — Pivoting Isn’t Selfish—It’s Leadership
15:39 — Toolkit Recap: Building Bridges, Not Burning Them
18:31 — Introducing the Unapologetic Mindset
19:48 — The 3 Power Pivot Principles (Confidence, Permission, Change)
30:15 — Your Pivot Permission Slip: Reflective Exercise
35:04 — The Science of Self-Authorization
39:30 — Framework for Decisive Action
42:35 — Embracing Discomfort and Celebrating Progress
44:42 — Season One Gratitude + What's Next
Download the transcript here
Print out your permission slip here
Want to take this work deeper?
Grab the tools that will help you turn clarity into motion:
The Career Confidence Blueprint — a planning system to navigate long transitions with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
Shift Happens: The Power Pivot System — a fast-action workbook to help you claim your next move now.
Power Move of the Week:
Write your pivot permission slip and take one bold action in the next 72 hours.
Want personal support on your pivot or want to know more about season 2?
DM Jessica on LinkedIn or reach out through jcnewbeginnings.com to explore how she can support your next move.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.