Redefining Motherhood and Embracing Life on Your Own Terms
What do you do when life throws you a curveball that shatters everything you thought you wanted? In this episode of the Women Thrive Podcast, we sit down with Carole Podell—personal transformation mentor and host of She Takes the Lead—to hear how she turned a crushing breakup and fertility struggles into a fierce reinvention.
Carole doesn’t hold back as she reveals the raw moments of betrayal and heartbreak that forced her to redefine her life on her own terms. With unapologetic honesty, she shares the power of community, the courage to rewrite your story, and why letting go of society’s rules is the ultimate act of freedom. Tune in for a no-holds-barred conversation about resilience, mental health, and the unstoppable strength that comes from embracing your true self.
The Power of Community and Vulnerability
A critical element in Carole’s healing and empowerment was her community. In moments of desperation, she leaned into her “tribe”—the supportive friends who showed up and allowed her to open up fully. Carole underscores the importance of shedding the “dirty little secrets” that oftentimes bind us, arguing that there is great freedom and support in vulnerability. By being honest about our stories and struggles, we allow our true self to emerge.
Redefining Family and Making Choices
One of the standout revelations Carole shares is her decision to become a single mother by choice. Her journey through fertility challenges was paved with resilience and adaptation. Carole passionately describes the process of embracing different possibilities for motherhood, which ultimately led to her decision to utilize a sperm and egg donor—a choice that underscored her commitment to defining life on her terms.
By shifting her perspective and releasing tightly-held notions of how her family should look, Carole found liberation and joy in her choices. Her approach to life, steeped in self-awareness and deliberate intention, serves as an inspiring framework for anyone looking to design their own life amidst uncertainty.
Key Moments from Carole Podell’s Episode
00:00 Introduction
01:52 Meet Carole Podell: A Journey of Reinvention
03:35 Overcoming Devastation: Carole’s Story
12:08 The Power of Community and Vulnerability
16:12 Intentional Living: Designing Your Own Path
25:42 Embracing Visibility and Overcoming Anxiety
28:15 The Podcast Journey: From Listener to Host
30:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
About the Carole Podell
A native New Yorker and a single mother by choice, is the dynamic host of the podcast, “She Takes The Lead,” where she leverages her extensive, diverse experience and network to provide her listeners with the tools and know-how to navigate their own professional and personal trajectories. Proving that we are all capable of great change as long as we stay moving. Her diverse careers include, beginning at age 13, working as an actress and singer in NYC, to then becoming an Emmy and Peabody award winning TV News Producer. Following that, she worked as a private event planner for high-net worth individuals and has since leveraged her unique background and skill-set to advise multi-billion dollar financial services firms in the HR and Real Estate/Facilities Services space.
About the Women Thrive Podcast
Women Thrive Podcast is your go-to resource for empowering and inspiring women determined to rise above challenges and achieve their fullest potential. Real, raw and authentic conversations with successful women from all walks of life. Featuring successful entrepreneurs, speakers, authors, experts, and business owners—who have faced personal and professional obstacles and yet continue to trailblaze and pave the path for others.
Whether you’re a woman navigating the complexities of leadership, striving for business success, or seeking growth in your personal life, this podcast offers the insights and inspiration you need. We dive deep into topics like leadership, business strategy, mindset, spirituality, marketing, visibility, media, PR, and so much more.
Join us every week to connect with a community of like-minded women, learn from their experiences, and be inspired to thrive in your own journey.
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