#98: The Courage to Change Careers
With Career Coach, Lauren Young Durbin
Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a day of transformation, connection, and celebration. Like Lauren, who you’ll meet in today’s episode, every woman in our community has a story that can light the way for others. Whether you're navigating your own reinvention, seeking deeper purpose, or ready to create meaningful change, you'll find your people here.
This isn't your typical networking event. It's an intimate gathering of purpose-driven women who understand that real magic happens when we drop the masks and share our authentic journeys. Through interactive workshops, a live podcast recording, and facilitated connections, we'll explore what it means to break through barriers and lift others as we climb.
Today’s Featured Uplifter: Lauren Young Durbin
Sometimes the most powerful shifts in our lives start with a simple question: "What if?" For Lauren Young Durbin, that question came from a friend who saw her entrepreneurial spirit long before she did. "I see you as an entrepreneur," the friend said. Lauren's response? "No, you're crazy." It wasn't that she lacked the capability – she simply had never seen that path as possible.
That moment of resistance would later become a cornerstone of Lauren's work as a career coach, helping other women recognize and push past their own limiting beliefs. After years of working in traditional roles, including a stint in the U.S. Senate, Lauren found herself drawn to career coaching through an unexpected route: a disappointing experience with her own career coach.
"She didn't really listen to me," Lauren recalls of that first coaching experience. "She took what I said and just ran with it." That interaction sparked a realization: "I can do better. I'm going to be the person that I needed for others."
Her Courage Practice: The Power of Strategic No's
Lauren's signature strength emerged early in life – the ability to say "no" with clarity and conviction. While many of us struggle with setting boundaries, Lauren developed this muscle naturally, even when it meant saying no to her own mother. Today, she helps clients develop their own versions of "no," teaching them that it doesn't always need an explanation. Sometimes, "That's not really a priority for me right now" is enough.
Her approach isn't about being dismissive – it's about being intentional. She might offer alternatives or connections when declining opportunities, but the core message remains: it's okay to protect your time and energy for what matters most to you.
Listen to this episode if:
You're contemplating a career transition but feeling stuck
You struggle with setting boundaries in your professional life
You're curious about building a business while maintaining stability
You want to learn how to turn your expertise into service
You're ready to challenge your own limiting beliefs about what's possible
5 Ways She Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital:
1. Start With What Scares You (but make it specific)
Instead of letting vague fears hold you back, Lauren teaches us to name them specifically. Turn "I'm afraid of failing" into concrete concerns you can address, like "I need X dollars in savings before making this leap."
2. Build Your Foundation While Keeping Your Safety Net
Lauren demonstrates that going "all in" doesn't mean being reckless. She maintained stability through a day job while building her coaching practice, showing us that courage sometimes means playing the long game.
3. Listen to What You're Not Saying
Notice the patterns in what excites you – they often point to your true calling. Lauren helps clients identify these patterns by having them list interesting jobs for a week, without judgment or limitation.
4. Guard Your Peace Without Guilt
When faced with naysayers, Lauren shows us we don't have to cut people out entirely – we can simply choose not to share certain parts of our journey with them. (Save the dream-building conversations for your supportive circle!)
5. Redefine Productivity for Yourself
Lauren reminds us that rest isn't just permitted – it's productive. Whether it's reading one page of a book or playing a game, small acts of self-care build the energy we need for bigger moves.
The Uplifters Chain
Boost your courage by checking out other career-change stories in these episodes:
Today’s opening is by
. Here’s her story.Let’s keep rising higher together.
💓 Aransas
PS: Did you get your Uplifters Live ticket yet?!? I can’t wait to share this day with you!
Uplift With Us!
🌟 Wear your inspiration with an Uplifter necklace. Treat yourself or gift one HERE.
💡 Need clarity on your next chapter? Explore private coaching to illuminate your path HERE.
🚀 Is your team ready to soar? Discover how I can boost your high-performers HERE.