🎙️The voice note is 16 minutes long.

📚Reading the article is probably longer.

🔮💅 If you seek out the woo woo, read until the end for the resources.

Two years ago, the company I ran marketing for sold to a strategic acquirer; one of the first acquisitions that seemed to put a little bit of glimmer back into CPG after years of relative quiet in our industry.

On that day, my life felt no different.

The emails continued to flood in. Teams messages were ever present. And the dinner I had that night didn’t even include champagne. Of course, there were celebratory moments in the weeks and months leading up to it. But my point is that these moments are fleeting, and they don’t always feel the way you’d expect them to.

I’ve reflected on this a lot.

Maybe it’s because I didn’t earn the kind of life-changing money that would allow me to buy my dream home in cash. Maybe it’s because it wasn’t my company. Or maybe it’s because I’m just human.

Because I know - personally, and of - several people who fall into both of those categories, and their experience isn’t too different. Most of the time, they’re still searching for something, and looking for that moment again. And to be fair, I am too.

I was realistic enough to understand the shares I held in the company, so for me, it was never purely about the financial outcome. Instead, I had this belief that after we exited the company, everything would be easy. I thought opportunities would feel endless, that I’d finally feel like I had “made it.” I thought I’d never question what was on the other side. I imagined getting to cherry pick my next role and next company - a delish buffet of perfect marketing jobs on the other side, until I realized how wonderful the role I already had was..but sadly, it was already gone now.

Our brand had started to change hands, slowly and painfully. Our team started to break apart little by little as different retention periods ran their course. Our emails, our titles, our policies, our powerpoint templates, our email signatures, our culture. And then before I knew it, I was flying across the country to visit new colleagues in new HQ destinations. At first, the travel included some of the original team members, but eventually, it was completely on my own, without the people I spent years building our brand with.

I never fully processed that. I think even ambitious people who care deeply about their career are conditioned not to think about work in a vulnerable, emotional sense. We get angry, annoyed, fed up - those emotions are allowed, but rarely do we allow the real emotions behind them - like grief or sadness.

My new colleagues were perfectly nice, and I still have relationships with them. I learned a lot of things I would not have learned in a start-up that I’m grateful for. But this isn’t about that.

I never fully allowed myself to sit with the emotions of watching the role I loved so much completely change into something I didn’t recognize.

The first lesson started to show.

All I could think was - thank god I enjoyed our journey building this brand, but you always wish you could go back and cherish it even more if you only knew what was on the other side.

The cynical-adjacent “love your problems, you may never have them again” and the overdone, but useful “wherever you go, there you are” ring true here.

I feel a little bit of pity now when I hear founders or startup employees wax poetic about “when their company sells”, which is rich coming from someone who spent years talking about the same thing with bated breath.

I vowed to never live for an exit in my next journey. They’re never guaranteed, and the “I’ll be happy when…..” never actually works. If it did, there wouldn’t be founders buying back their old brands, formerly exited founders still trying to win again even when the outcome doesn’t look great, or blog posts like this one, linked here.

It was rewarding to run toward a goal with a team of likeminded, ambitious humans that made up our team. Once we reached the goal of all goals - an exit to a strategic - that ended. Slowly, then abruptly. Our goal was gone.

The lesson? To be present and enjoy your life in the current moment. I know, I’m sorry. You wanted a better lesson, but this is the best one I’ve got.

I didn’t feel done with our brand, but I did feel done with my new corporate life that started a year after our acquisition was made final. A 9-5 where I follow the rules and put my head down was never going to work for me. I really wanted to learn to be a corporate girlie, but I have raging ADD, conviction that results in extreme inability to follow rules when I don’t agree with them, and a specific type of creativity that doesn’t belong in brand management. My brain is wired for intra and entrepreneurship, and this wasn’t a long term fit. I took what I needed (so many incredible “big CPG” playbooks) and left what I didn’t (rule following and bureaucracy.)

When I realized I wanted to build something again, I started interviewing. I was so sure that I’d find the shiny new role that would feel like “it” again, until months passed, dozens of conversations advanced, and I never did. Nothing gave me that feeling. This wasn’t the buffet of marketing roles I had imagined.

Do I know too much about the inside of how companies function now? Am I just jaded? Am I lazy? Am I too burnt out to think? Am I depressed? Am I too picky? Is a job just a job? Am I in my flop era? Why did nothing feel exciting or worth doing!!!!???? I couldn’t figure out why this was happening.

There wasn’t really a through line in what I didn’t find interesting - but there was always something. Too big, too small, team already too established, team not established enough, brand already built, role too defined, board dynamics look bad, brand not cool, weird founder vibes, corporate interview process, messy operational vibes…you get it. Always. Something.

I’d have weeks at a time during conversations that gave me energy, only to reflect more and feel exhausted by the same ones.

I started to think about consulting. I started to spend time on Substack reading about non-traditional career journeys (Kate Citron’s False Start!!!) I felt like maybe, just maybe, I could consult and do some fractional work. In fact, this is exactly what I did after the first CPG acquisition I was a part of, and it went very well. So why not now? My mind started to wander…what would that look like in this new version of myself, 8 years from the last exit?

What I did next might surprise you. I completely ignored my gut and listened to my brain. Lesson number two: don’t do that. This lesson is called “listen to your heart.” Once again, I’m sorry…not what you wanted to hear!!!

When I think of what I did next, I imagine myself walking slowly by the water in Miami where I was based at the time, and then immediately jumping into oncoming traffic, hailing an Uber (no cabs there, lol) and then speeding to the airport to reroute my life and take a CMO role in NYC…because that’s kind of exactly what I did. 🙃

I took a CMO role at an emerging brand. I told almost no one, including a mentor of mine, who pointed it out to me months later. Turns out, this person had done the same thing before - failed to share news of a new role (post acquisition, might I add) with their mentor, when they knew in their gut it wasn’t the right move. It’s funny how our hearts/gut/body knows the things, but our brain always has a compelling counterargument.

I had always wanted to move back to NYC, so that was fine and good, but I immediately knew my new role wasn’t a fit. The thought of jumping back into a full time CMO role and giving it my all, making it “my baby”, just felt so off for me. I told my executive coach (who I rehired after realizing I needed support) that imagining going all in on another brand gave me the same visceral reaction as a cat being held too tightly, desperately wiggling to get free. That cat, in my mind, was always Soleil, my sweet girl who is run by her emotions - my muse.

So what now? I started to tune into what lit me up. There were a lot of the things I ignored or chalked up to “hobbies, not work”: calls with early stage founders and operators, coffee chats with peers about how to approach different business challenges within their brands, and sitting in on pitch calls with founders through the angel investing community I'm part of. I started to think about how I had no time to really build what mattered to me if I stayed in this full time role. I was craving exploration. I wanted to write more, read more, take the coffee networking chats, and see all the things in my new (again) city of New York. I was curious about building out AI workflows for a business, and getting the ability to really own that for a brand that wanted it. I wanted to explore new challenges, new ways of thinking. I was craving variety, autonomy, and a sense of ownership over my own life.

I started to have conversations. I realized that a lot of the companies I was interested in, and the problems I wanted to solve, weren’t actually full-time needs. I just didn’t know what to do with that information.

Luckily, I was seeking, and I found.

I was on work travel and came across ’s Substack, The Landing Pad. This post specifically, about fractional work, went off like the brightest lightbulb, and it hasn’t turned off since. Why wouldn’t I, and why couldn’t I, go fractional? In that moment I knew - “I’m not looking for full time roles, I’m looking for clients” - Justin’s words, eloquently said - and it was decided.

So what happens now? For the first time in a long time, I feel a sense of wonder and excitement about letting the world surprise me. I’m confident in the value I can bring to brands, and am committed to finding the right clients, not just clients. I’m excited to figure it out again.

Marketing is evolving before our eyes, and so are the people it. The way we work is changing at breakneck speed. Company cultures are changing. Expectations are changing. I'm watching some leaders gracefully adapt, while others cling to old ways of working, and I don't want to spend my career protecting the old playbook. I want to write the next one, my next one. This decision is a step in that direction.

Is fractional work a forever for me? Probably not, I’m naturally a team-oriented extrovert, and I thrive working in smaller groups with likeminded individuals. I like to build one thing to a final goal. But this feels good right now, and that’s what I’m leaning into. Staying present and listening to the heart. Two things that are simple, but not easy. Two lessons I learned the hard way.

In full disclosure,

Julia

This post was made possible by introspection, executive coaching, a lot of reading, and my group chat. If these topics interest you, enjoy the below.

• Book: The Karma of Success, Liz Tran

• Book: Rethinking Work: Seismac Changes in Where, When, and Why, Rishad Tobaccowala

• Substack: The Future Does Not Fit Into Containers of The Past by

• Substack Article: The Bench by , It’s Always An Inside Job

• Blog Post: I am rich and I have no idea what to do with my life by Vinay Hiremath, former CEO/CTO of Loom

• Substack Article: How To Actually Start Fractional Work by , The Landing Pad

• My executive coach: Belma McCaffrey

• Substack: False Start by

• Substack: Anna Mack’s Stack by

• Substack: How To Go Freelance by

• My group chat: Two libras I text with everyday, including the inimitable

  ---

I’m Julia. I spent the last decade building consumer brands inside of start-ups from $0-$200M. Today, I partner with founders, operators, and investors as a fractional CMO and marketing consultant, helping build brands that deserve space on shelf.

This isn’t really a marketing newsletter, but marketing sometimes sneaks itself in. Instead, you can expect to hear from an ambitious over-sharer writing about careers, leadership, self-improvement, and building a life. Equal parts boss bitch and woo-woo. 🔮💅👑

Interested in working together? Learn more here.

For feedback, collabs, or anything else, reach me at hi@juliaperez.co.

The most dangerous thing you can do as a marketer is become antiquated. As a CMO, I pride myself on my insatiable curiosity, never my playbooks. I was talking about OWYN yesterday and what actually led to our $280M acquisition. I kept coming back to our culture of learning - a team of trailblazers who left no stone unturned. It was never about the damn playbook.

If you’re not fortunate enough to be part of a team like that right now, lucky for you - you’ve got the internet. And there are so many brilliant writers to learn from, so let’s go there.

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I recently discovered by , a seasoned CMO sharing some of the best career advice I’ve ever read - not just on Substack, but in general. His take on AI is excellent and every marketer should read it.

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In Full Discloure,

Julia

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I’ve long associated motherhood with a sense of selflessness I’ve never seemed to embody, a daily list of to-dos that sound chronically un-fun, and a painful way to throw my youth out the window. To the fabulous moms that are reading this - don’t come for me!!! I know my thoughts don’t equate to someone else’s lived experience, but I gotta keep it 100 and speak for myself here - and for me, I’ve never really dreamed of being a mom.

In my late 20s, the fertility clinic boom was everywhere. I remember going to launch parties for the new hot fertility start ups where we drank wine and had AMH testing done together in the name of wellness and ambition. It was around this point in my life where I started to declare - “I’ll just freeze my eggs, and get a surrogate when it’s time!” as if it was as easy as routine botox. Because that’s what the global women’s fertility market (valued at approximately $40B+ today) wanted us to believe during the #GirlBoss movement. “Just freeze your eggs!” like it was the most sure of things.

It wasn’t until I met my husband (I was 29) that I started to actually believe that someday, in the very far future, I might enjoy having a family. Deep down I know I have some maternal instinct, because the things I love most about him - his patience, his playfulness, his selflessness - are exactly the qualities I’d want a child to grow up around. The areas where he’s strong are the areas where I know I fall short.

But here I am, 35 years old, still uninterested in becoming a mom. I wonder if I’ll ever really want this, or if it’s just a decision you eventually just choose. With each passing month, regardless of how youthful I feel or look, I can feel my biological Rolex ticking like a time bomb and I fucking hate it.

Naturally, as 27 year old me would have predicted, it was time to freeze my eggs post wedding - or in this case, embryos, as they have a better chance of surviving. Prior to going through embryo freezing (known as IVF - as I’ll refer to it moving forward) I thought I knew what it would entail, and I was so fucking wrong about that.

I started this little corner of the internet to talk openly about things most women keep quiet. I remember when I was going through the IVF process, I swore I’d share everything, until the results I received were less than ideal, and I was devastated to talk about it to even my closest friends. But we’re showing up, and we’re going to talk about it all, because if I can help even one woman, I’m good with that.

The cost

I had pretty good corporate insurance at the time. But insurance covered $0. My insurance only covered IVF if you’ve been trying to bring an actual baby into the world for one year without success. Infertility is extremely difficult, and to know that insurance only helps you once you’re in the thick of that very dark place is disappointing. And again..this is better than most plans would have it.

Meds + egg freezing + creating embryos + PGT-A testing + freezing embryos = $25,000-$26,000 in Miami, FL.

Be sure to push back on the prescriptions they give you. I did not do my research, and was left with about $2,000 worth of leftover meds, which was avoidable. You can always buy more during the process if you need them.

I used a 0% No APR (for 21 months) credit card to pay for everything. No use spending your own money up front (as long as you know how to manage your money), and the patient plans available at most clinics tend to have high monthly payments. Originally, the card I received had a $10,000 credit limit. I called the company and asked for an increase, explaining that it was for a medical expense. Since I have strong credit, it was approved within a few days.

If you’re planning to freeze your eggs, my best advice is to get on an HSA healthcare plan so that you can pay for everything tax-free. I will be paying off my credit card with tax-free dollars that are currently invested until the promotion period runs out.

The Clinic

Originally, I had planned to go to IVFMD in Miami. While I have a few friends who had success there (lots of eggs frozen, and even one baby on the way!) I didn’t trust their team due to disorganization within the clinic that concerned me. I pulled out (no pun intended lolz) at the final hour. I ended up going to CCRM in Aventura. I would recommend them.

The preparation

My advice is to get started ASAP if egg freezing or IVF is on your mind. There are a lot of things that need to happen before you start.

I started a prenatal stack from Thorne and my husband was taking Swim Club to prepare. Shameless plug: we are investors in Swim Club - the science behind their male fertility supplement is second to none.

My husband and I did genetic panels to check if we had any genetic mutations in common. We did not.

I got my AMH tested to check my ovarian reserve (results landed at 3.4, which is very strong my age) and I quit my birth control to get started.

It took a few months for my follicles to wake up from birth control, which is measured via ultrasound.

I was ready to start the process 2 months before my honeymoon (can not be bloated for boat days in Italy…!), but on the day I planned to start the process, we had to delay after finding a cyst (aka, an enlarged follicle in this case) that would have absorbed the medicine disproportionately.

We were told to wait until my next menstrual cycle, but that was not possible. I had our honeymoon, a wedding to travel to, work trips to other states pre-planned...a lot going on! This one enlarged follicle set us back over 4 months. This is why I say to get started sooner rather than later. It does take time.

The process

The worst part of the process was the constant appointments for blood work and ultrasounds. Sure - I felt gross, couldn’t drink alcohol, couldn’t take baths, and couldn’t work out...but the appointments - especially in Miami rush hour - were a time suck.

Then there are the meds. I cannot believe clinics trust patients to handle thousands of dollars worth of medicine on their own. The mixing and measuring of everything was extremely stressful, and if it wasn’t for my husband, I would have hired a nurse to come to my house each day for an extra $1,000 or so to help me.

I was on medicine for about 7-8 days. My AMH is high, so it didn’t take much time for my follicles to grow.

The bloating was terrible from about day 4 onward. On the last 3 days, I felt like I had the flu, it was brutal. I laid down in the dark and could barely work.

I was going in for bloodwork every morning/every other morning. You are not able to plan the appointments ahead of time, because you find out when your next visit will be based on your bloodwork each day. Traveling outside of your city is not an option during this process, and your mornings (now reserved for blood work and ultrasounds) are not your own for at least 7-11+ days (depending on how long you stim for.)

The Surgery

The surgery itself was a pretty uneventful process. I was under twilight anesthesia and woke up in moderate pain, which was to be expected. My husband did his sperm sample while I was in surgery.

The good news: when I woke up, they shared that we retrieved 25 eggs. I was ecstatic!

I took my fabulous (and very much needed) little painkiller and enjoyed my Eataly croissant on the way home.

The bloating post surgery was much, much worse for me than the lead up. It took about 9 days until I felt and looked like myself, and it was unpleasant. You will not want to go anywhere for about a week (even though I had to.) Oh and...you still can’t workout, not until you get your cycle back. So call it a month or so of no fitness.

Brutal attrition results

This was the part no one warned me about. My AMH is high, my husband’s sperm results were excellent across the board, and I got 25 eggs...what could go wrong?!

No one, and I mean, no-fucking-one, educated me on attrition when it comes to results in IVF. IVF attrition refers to the expected, gradual decline in the number of viable eggs, fertilized eggs, blastocysts, and euploid embryos throughout an IVF cycle. You can start off with stellar numbers, and end up a month later with heartbreaking results. And I had no idea.

This is why I feel so compelled to share this piece, because had I only froze eggs (and not embryos), I would have assumed I had an unlimited insurance policy of future babies. This is not the case, and the rhetoric that egg freezing is a guarantee is just another false hope marketed to women.

A day after the retrieval, your medical team will call you and tell you how many eggs were mature and how many were fertilized.

• Out of 25 eggs, only 15 of mine were mature. Below average.

My clinic was concerned that if they kept me on fertility stimulation any longer, I would be at risk for OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) due to having a higher ovarian reserve. To mitigate the risks associated with OHSS, they triggered me on the earlier side, and not all eggs were able to mature. Obviously, I understand that clinicians must do their best to protect their patients from harmful symptoms, but this still sucked to hear.

• 10 of the 15 eggs were fertilized, which is on the lower end of what is considered average, but not abnormal.

For the next week, I spiraled, ran scenarios nonstop, and became a frequent lurker on r/IVF.

• About a week later, I received the call about the number of blastocysts (embryos) we made from the fertilized eggs. I was extremely optimistic to hear that 8 out of 10 fertilized eggs made it to embryos, an outstanding result.

All of my embryo grades were rated in the “good” and “great” territory. I was so excited, and for the first time ever, started imaging my future baby. Was it the hormones?!

Three weeks later, you receive PGT-A results. PGT-A testing is genetic testing for blastocysts, a necessary step in IVF, because nonviable embryos will not survive to term.

Important note: The clinic I originally was going to do this procedure with did not recommend PGT-A testing for women under 36, which is insane considering what ended up happening with my results.

The percentage of viable embryos (known as euploid) declines with age. At age 35, it’s expected about 50-60% are viable, so my doctor told us to expect anywhere from 4-6 euploid given our results.

• Unfortunately, probability was not on our side. Only 2 out of 8 embryos were euploid.

In addition to the 2 euploid embryos, 1 embryo was a mosaic (an embryo containing a mixture of both genetically normal and abnormal cells that may be able to correct intrauterine) and 1 embryo was inconclusive - genetic counselors could not give a firm answer on whether it was chromosomally normal or abnormal. This makes 50% (4 out of 8) confirmed aneuploid, 25% confirmed euploid (2 out of 8), and 25% a complete toss up (2 out of 8.)

I was devastated, and felt immense guilt and disappointment for the days that would follow. Guilt for what my body didn’t do for me, and guilt for feeling this way, knowing hundreds, if not thousands of women on r/IVF would dream of achieving 2 viable embryos from one retrieval.

My results are not objectively bad, but they’re certainly not lucky, speaking from a lens of probability.

The illusion of control

The general rule is that for every one live birth, patients should bank 2-3 embryos, so we fall a bit short. Now we sit with the understanding that our 2 euploid give us roughly an 85% chance of one live birth. But after all I’ve learned and gone through, probability means nothing to me now.

What happened? “Bad luck” is the only answer I’ve received.

Every embryo had a completely different chromosomal pattern, we’ve run every test - and they all come back solid, there are no signs of anything “wrong” - nothing that points to future infertility - just luck not being on our side for this round.

Do we spend another $25,000 chasing better odds? Or do we sit with the truth that control was always an illusion?

For now, we’re choosing the latter.

The thing no one tells you about buying yourself “more time” - you don’t actually get peace of mind. You get a new thing to be afraid of, at least that’s my personal experience. I went into this not even sure I wanted kids, and came out the other side terrified that it won’t work when I do. That the moment I finally want this - my two euploid embryos won’t be enough. And then I’ll be heartbroken over something I spent most of my life being indifferent to.

I paid $25,000 for a false sense of control - and I’d still recommend it to you. Just go in knowing that’s exactly what it is.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

“Soft girl life” content is flooding our algorithms.

You know the kind I’m talking about. Hooks that play to the tune of “stay at home girlfriend”, “soft girl life”, “staying in your feminine”, “princess treatment” - It’s all the same dialogue, just in different packaging.

It’s the type of content that aims to shame women for making a lot of money, because that must mean you’re “in your masculine.” If you make big, important decisions for your family, that must mean you “have an overstimulated nervous system.”

This content is rage bait for ambitious women on a mission, and it’s escapist brain rot for women who are burnt out and lost in their purpose. Unfortunately, I’ve been both of these women over the past few years - and felt the infuriating pull of soft girl life propaganda, courtesy of our all-revealing algorithms that know just where to trigger us when we’re at our most vulnerable.

If you’re wired like me, a “soft life” - at least the way it’s advertised on TikTok - is simply not going to cut it. But when you’re burnt out, emotionally drained, or lost in your purpose, it’s easy to believe a soft life is the solution. But listen girl…you may be misdiagnosing yourself.

I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t aim for a life with more ease and comfort. I recognize that capitalism wasn’t designed with women in mind (like… at all) and to deny that would be toxic girlboss-ism…but we also need to acknowledge that a life without challenge or edge is not the solution ambitious women are seeking.

There are millions of women who truly want a soft girl life. In my next life, maybe I will come back as one! If that is you, you are not the audience for this piece. I’m speaking to ambitious women who want a “big life” - their words. For this camp, a “soft girl life” isn’t the answer. So what is? Perhaps a conscious rebuild of your lifestyle and career design.

Ambitious women are realizing that the traditional route of climbing the corporate ladder just isn’t what we thought it would be. There’s a post-girl boss reckoning that Millennial women are fighting and Gen Z women are critically aware of avoiding. It’s too rigid, it doesn’t spark the creativity that intuitive thinkers crave, and it doesn’t allow us to color outside the lines. The traditional rules of the boardroom don’t leave much room for interpretation in terms of self-expression - whether it’s how you show up visually, how you let your personality shine, or the way you use your brain. But is opting out entirely the only answer we have? Is a life of frictionless ease really going to be the unlock that brings “happiness” - whatever that means? Is that even the goal?

Once we tune into what feels misaligned, we can work on finding or creating something better. I’m going to take you through my personal framework - rooted in autonomy, ownership, and freedom - three things I realized that I needed in my next chapter.

Ambitious women want autonomy.

It’s not about a blank calendar, it’s about a calendar that allows for self-directed workflow. That could look like…

• Control over our calendars - Less back-to-back meetings with a calendar that is not your own.

• Time for deep work - Space to create, strategize, and build.

• Flexibility within structure - The ability to take a walk, grab a coffee, and reset.

• Choice about when and how to show up - No overly rigid in-office mandates, but not a fully remote lifestyle, either.

Ambitious women want ownership over their work.

Chasing a title doesn’t bring fulfillment, but working on something you care about can be deeply rewarding. That could look like…

• A stake in what’s being built - The feeling of shaping something instead of maintaining someone else’s machine.

• Clear connection between effort and impact - Seeing how our work moves the needle.

• Alignment with personal values - Work that reflects who we are, and what we care about.

• Growth tied to expansion, not endurance - Advancement that feels like learning, not just more work.

• Shared upside - Any of this without recognition, equity, and financial upside becomes disempowering.

Ambitious women want the freedom to be themselves.

Women (and all people, but especially women) thrive inside a community. When you know you’re in a space where you’re celebrated for your gifts, and not just your output, work feels a lot more energizing.

• Teamwork – We don’t talk enough about how much it matters to really vibe with the people we work with. Which is crazy! As an extrovert, this is massively important to me.

• Embracing duality – Being strategic and analytical without suppressing “feminine” traits of warmth, expression, humor, and emotion.

• Expansive connection – Being in spaces with other strong teammates, clients, or mentors that allow you to think differently and learn.

Reading through this framework may feel daunting. I’m not saying it’s easy to find or create this. But once you start to identify where your personal misalignment is, that’s the start. The route you take will be deeply personal.

• False Start by Kate Citron is a great place to explore if you’re starting to get curious about what a non-traditional career path might look like.

• How To Go Freelance by Grace Abbott is a wonderful resource for freelancing.

• Anna Mack’s Stack is an eye-opening look into designing your own portfolio career.

• And at Full Disclosure, I remain bullish on intrapreneurship and finding the right start-up to join and grow. My first Substack piece was all about that.

As for the soft girl life (and tbh, most things in my life) I’ve got strong opinions, loosely held - and I reserve the right to always change my mind. When you’re in the thick of it, the fantasy of passivity can feel appealing, but for most of us strong-willed, ambitious women, it’s probably not the answer you’re looking for.

My hope is that as we grow, we honor the complexity that makes us who we are - without opting out or taking ourselves out of the game.

And if you needed to hear it - there’s nothing masculine about using your brain, babe!

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

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The first time I ever felt true burnout as an adult, it came in a physical form. My face hurt one night - seemingly out of nowhere. My jaw, cheeks, and ears had an undeniable pressure radiating out of them, and I had no idea why.

This came at a time when I was living a life I had meticulously architected for years. I had a job that fulfilled me, a team that empowered me, and a gorgeous apartment I was finally able to afford in one of my dream neighborhoods.

At the same time, I was waking up at 5:00 AM to hit the gym before my commute outside of the city, coming home after an hour commute, getting changed, and leaving the house again for whatever social event was penciled into my calendar. Mentally, I felt fulfilled, happy, and energized, but inside my body was screaming at me - “Girl, you’re burning TF out. We’re putting you in time out.”

This is the type of burnout that is most commonly referenced in the mainstream narrative - Overload Burnout.

Overload Burnout is the type of burnout that tends to hit high performers who are motivated and mentally in the game, but are running their body into the ground. Overload Burnout tends to hit physically, since mentally - you’re feeling alive.

This wouldn’t be the last time I would experience Overload Burnout. It’s a familiar one for me. But what about the other two that are less widely known?

The other two dimensions can feel terribly uncomfortable for high performers, because they have the ability to convince you that you’ve lost your spark. Before we get into them, know that these dimensions are widely studied and validated by burnout researchers, most famously Michael Leiter and Christina Maslach, and not something I’m winging for Substack.

I’m referring to the types of burnout in more popularized terms, but the academic profiles they’re rooted in are the ones Leiter and Maslach define as Overextended, Disengaged, and Ineffective, respectively.

I first experienced Under-Challenge Burnout in a role where I was chronically under-stimulated. Every day I logged on (not some days, every-single-day) I felt disconnected, bored, and numb. I was wishing for the weekend every Monday. I started to consider pivoting industries completely.

“Maybe I’m not interested in marketing like I thought I was.”

“Maybe I need a change.”

“Maybe I was never good at marketing and I just got lucky.”

…was the narrative looping in my brain at this time.

I hired a leadership coach to help me figure out what to do next. We worked on defining my values, what lights me up, and what I’ve witnessed my gifts were over the years. I quickly realized that I was not working on projects that honored my “zone of genius” at all. Cue Under-Challenge Burnout.

Under-Challenge Burnout can also coexist with Neglect Burnout, as it personally did for me in that role. I feel like this one is almost never talked about, and can manifest as capable, ambitious people gaslighting themselves and steering into serious imposter syndrome territory. I wish more people knew about it, because it’s a sneaky one that creeps up on you and creates new ways for people to doubt themselves.

Neglect Burnout comes to life when you’re overwhelmed but don’t have the support, clarity, or resources you need to succeed. You’re putting in effort, but everything feels chaotic, and direction is unclear. Over time, you start to feel helpless, disorganized, and like no matter what you do, you can’t get ahead. It’s not about lack of motivation - it’s about feeling set up to fail.

If Under-Challenge Burnout reflects misalignment with one’s natural gifts, Neglect Burnout reflects misalignment with one’s personal values and the values or structure within the company you’re working for.

The antidote for Overload Burnout? Intentional rest and firm boundaries.

Unfortunately, the antidote for Under-Challenge Burnout and Neglect Burnout are a little more complex.

First, you’ve got to get very clear on your personal values and how you like to work. Next, it’s about knowing yourself - your natural strengths, your personal gifts, what genuinely lights you up.

And yes, sometimes the fix for these lesser-known dimensions of burnout means finding a new place that supports your gifts and values. (Sorry, I didn’t say it would be easy to feel fulfilled!) But it doesn’t always start with leaving. Sometimes it starts with small conversations, small shifts, asking for what you need, or experimenting with work that feels more aligned. The clarity itself is a step forward.

You’re not lazy, you’re just burnt out. And now you actually know what to look for, and what to do next.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

There’s an art to getting your ideas bought in, and mastering it is the line between being seen as “a solid contributor” and being seen as “a strategic operator.” It took me years to understand this, and while “going corporate” often gets an eye roll for the sheer number of internal sell-in decks you’re expected to produce, the work does sharpen you. I’ve learned a lot about pitching ideas in my corporate era - pushing for internal buy-in forces you to build a narrative, anticipate objections, back things with data, and map out logistics. In other words, it taught me how to pitch like a leader - not just someone with enthusiasm and a cool idea.

Instead of shutting down or pulling away when your ideas don’t land, let’s unpack what could actually be getting in the way.

1. You haven’t earned trust yet.

If your big ideas keep getting shut down, you probably need a few more “small wins” under your belt. This is where reporting becomes so important - impact that is tracked and highlighted creates visibility. Over time, that visibility becomes leverage, and leverage gets your bigger ideas approved.

2. You think “information” is a story.

Storytelling is how humans connect. It gives structure, meaning, and direction to what would otherwise just be data or facts. Many people confuse information for a story, but a deck full of facts is not a narrative. Your audience needs a “so what” - a clear beginning, middle, and end that ties everything together. Know your audience, decide what you want them to walk away with, and choose the information that serves that story - not the other way around.

3. You don’t understand the business problem you’re solving.

Marketers often start with the idea instead of the problem. They fall in love with the concept, the event, the influencer, the vibe - and only afterward try to reverse-engineer a business case. It should be the opposite. You start with the business problem, translate that into a clear marketing objective, and then build ideas that ladder up to it. If your pitch doesn’t anchor to the business need, leadership will always see it as a tactic, not a strategy.

4. You haven’t thought through logistics, budget, or constraints.

This is the part that makes your idea real. Your plan must at least be pressure-tested before you’re presenting it as a potential option. If you can’t speak to timeline, budget range, internal partners, or obvious roadblocks, the idea feels fragile. Leaders don’t approve fragile ideas.

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5. You’re pitching personal bias as strategy.

This one is a massive oversight in marketing. Strategies need to be backed with data - your taste is not a business case. At a certain level in your career, vibes alone don’t cut it.

6. You’re presenting like a peer, not a leader.

Back to the topic of our beloved decks. Yes, they can feel like a drag - but there’s power in presenting information that’s clear, visual, and easy to follow. If your deck looks like a brain dump, that’s exactly how your thinking reads. A messy deck tells a leader “I’m still figuring it out,” while a tight, well-structured one says “I’m in control, and here’s where we’re going.” Delivery and packaging are half the pitch.

7. You’re not tailoring the pitch to your audience.

Before you pitch anything, your first question should be: “Who is the audience?” When you pitch everyone the same way, you’re guaranteeing a no. Translate the idea into the language of whoever is in the room.

So maybe your boss doesn’t hate your ideas after all - they just need help seeing your vision. Great ideas don’t sell themselves, and any marketer who wants to make their way into leadership has to learn how to sell. With reps over time, you will master the art of the pitch.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

Over the last decade in business, I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside so many powerful, magnetic women who have shaped how I view leadership - and have shown me what it looks like when we do things *our* way.

Unsurprisingly, these women tend to share a lot of similar qualities, and the way they lead serves as proof to me that we don’t need to follow outdated codes or stereotypes to find success.

Read on for the 5 Things I’ve Learned From Magnetic Women in Leadership.

1. They don’t adjust to the energy in the room, they influence it. Powerful, magnetic women don’t tone themselves down. They know that when you show up as you are, you lift everyone else a little higher.

I’ll never forget a woman I worked with in my mid-20s who embodied this perfectly. She wore bright red lipstick, used exclamation points in emails, and brought genuine warmth to every interaction - no matter who she was speaking to. Watching her move through spaces so authentically made me realize it was okay for me to be myself.

As women, we have this unique ability to influence the energy in a space with our presence, warmth, humor, and intuition. Hiding those traits doesn’t make you easier to work with, it just makes you forgettable. When you lean into who you are, you give others the permission to do the same, and that’s a beautiful thing.

2. They don’t pretend to know it all. There’s nothing that reads more insecure to me than a know-it-all. We’re often taught that confidence means being certain all the time - that having an answer for everything (often immediately, too) is the mark of a strong leader. But real leadership is about knowing what you don’t know. It’s being willing to rethink your hypotheses, to ask for input, and to even change your mind when new information comes in. The magnetic leaders I know always get this right.

3. They uplift others in public. Making others feel seen is a leadership superpower. The best leaders I’ve worked with don’t just shout out people on their projects, they go out of their way to recognize others, even when it has nothing to do with them. They’ll say things like, “I love what so-and-so is doing,” especially when senior leaders are in the room. And it’s not strategic - it’s just how they operate. They make entry-level team members feel as important as executives, always finding a way to connect, celebrate, or make someone feel included. That’s the kind of energy people remember and it’s exactly why others admire them. This is how influence is created.

4. They never lose sight of the human side of ambition. In my early 20s, I worked for a woman who taught me to view “work” as our own personal body of work. Anytime I whined or “ughed” my way through an assignment (younger me was 😬😂), she was quick to put things into perspective and remind me that the work was important - not just for the company, but for me. She never made me feel like I was working for the business, but rather, that I was working on myself through it. Years later, I’ve come to see that the best leaders don’t just drive results - they teach people to find meaning in the work itself.

5. They blend compassion with command. Being a magnetic woman in leadership doesn’t mean you’re easy going, agreeable, or best friends with your team. It means you lead with compassion and high standards. You can deliver tough feedback or drive big goals, but you do it from a place of care for your team and for the business. When I read Radical Candor, this became more clear to me - the author explains that great leaders “care personally” while “challenging directly.” That balance of deep care is what inspires growth.

I’m grateful for the women in my life who have inspired me to lead more authentically, and have shaped the way I show up today.

What resonated? What did I miss? I would love to hear your thoughts.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

Hello from post-honeymoon bliss! I’m trying something new with this format - there’s always so much in my brain from beauty, to clothing, books, concepts, to podcasts - and I often find Instagram a very disposable place to share it all, so figured I’ll try this.

I recently returned from two weeks in Amalfi and Mallorca and feel renewed. If you know me, you know that I don’t love to travel, but I do love to vacation. I think there is a big difference. I highly recommend Hotel Miramalfi in Amalfi, Hotel Cappuccino in Palma, and Pleta De Mar in Mallorca if this sounds like you.

Leading up to vacation, I had been feeling true symptoms of burnout. Not the type where you’re necessarily overworked, but the feeling you get where you’re not fully lit up. I had a lot of reflection time on vacation and towards the end of my trip it was clear - I’m ready to take on a couple big, new challenges. And when I got back, I realized the rest of the world was on the same wave too, with “The Great Lock In” suddenly everywhere on TikTok. I didn’t open the app once on my honeymoon (proud), so it felt like there must’ve been something in the water. Sometimes the antidote for a particular type of burnout really can be a big, new challenge. I’ve been thinking a lot about this.

📚Books Fresh In My Brain:

Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini - An entertaining must read for any self-made, ambitious person, especially women. I have since binged all things Jen Romolini. She has a lot of interesting takes on the relationships people have with their careers.

From Good To Great by Jim Collins - I try to always read a business book and an interest book - this one obviously being a business book; I think it’s a great read for aspiring leaders. His book Built To Last is now in my queue.

Purpose & Profit by Dan Koe - I found on Substack and although his writing is geared towards entrepreneurship, there were a lot of useful takeaways for me in this book. It’s a quick, easy read.

Currently Reading: They All Came To Barney’s by Gene Pressman - I will save more thoughts for when I’m done but I’m loving it.

🎧In My Headphones:

Extended Scenes by Jennifer Romolini - I started to binge this podcast after reading Ambition Monster. I like that Jennifer is a Gen X-er because she’s feels like the wise, big sister I don’t have. There’s a bit of a “wtf is the point of all of this career stuff” vibe on her podcast, which is a welcomed respite from the #girlboss of it all. Her podcast hosts dialogue that all ambitious people should be having.

💪Fitness:

One of my “big, new challenges” is dialing my fitness and nutrition up a notch. For months, I was feeling really “meh” about strength training. I was dreading the aggressive energy of Equinox at 6AM and doing a ton of Time Under Tension workouts by Kelly Cole at home (and I still plan to 2x a week - they’re amazing) but now I’m back to hitting it hard with 3x a week traditional strength. I also realized that cooking dinner every night was adding a lot of unnecessary stress in my household, so I signed up for a meal plan (dinners only, prepping my lunch) and although it’s pricey, it’s worth every penny. This is the only option I’ve found that lives up to my standards of being both clean/fresh and delicious. It’s called Beyond Reproach if you’re in Miami.

📈Marketing win: Coconut Cult is killing it with their NYC Collab Lab. The coconut yogurt brand is in part known for their collaborations and drops with likeminded brands, and to celebrate that, they’ve created a pop-up that revolves around the idea of showcasing other brands not only in their yogurt at a build-your-own collab bar (yum), but in an experiential capacity by letting other brand’s shine in their space (fun.) It’s smart because Coconut Cult gets to “borrow” clout from the participating brands, all while tapping into the qualified audiences they each own. The TLDR; it’s efficient from a CAC perspective, and Coconut Cult has the right to play here with their history of collabs.

💓Things I’m Loving:

Latisse - it’s the fastest working, most powerful eyelash serum - always going back to it!

Time Under Tension workouts - Classical pilates isn’t enough for me most of the time, and Mega former workouts sometimes feel like too much. Kelly’s TUT is the perfect in between. Her workouts combine weights, resistance bands, gliders, and sometimes even just bodyweight. They’re incredibly challenging but in a way that feels oddly satisfying, and she’s the first trainer to ever help me strengthen my core. She really understands the body!

Update Energy Drink - I’ve been using this as pre-workout when it’s too early for coffee, it’s super clean and gives a really nice focus.

Nespresso’s Blue Bottle collab pods - I don’t know what I’ll do when they stop selling these at the end of the year (I asked..December is the end </3.)

These insanely comfortable and affordable Steve Edelman sandals I wore in Spain. Sometimes my most affordable sandals are my most comfy. I got the gold, they look more expensive IRL and go with everything.

Bye for now!

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

As much as I love a good book about habits, strategies, and case studies, I have a soft spot for spiritually-adjacent self help books that got me interested in this personal “work” in the first place. Sometimes after a long day at work, the last thing you want to read about are frameworks - you kind of want to dream, feel, and imagine what’s possible for yourself.

In the spirit of this feeling, (and a reminder to myself not to neglect the soul behind all of this), I’m sharing a few of the more spiritual self-improvement books that have stayed with me.

The Karma of Success – Liz Tran

Liz Tran is a former VC-turned-executive coach who brings a rare blend of spirituality and high performance to her work. She’s coached founders behind buzzy, successful startups, but her approach is rooted in intuition, inner alignment, and Eastern philosophy. This book is soulful and grounding…bonus points if you read it in Tulum like I did because - wow, what a better place to tap into the soul?

Creating Money: Attracting Abundance – Sanaya Roman & Duane Packer

Definitely on the woo-woo end of the spectrum, but if you’re open to it, this book is expansive. It treats money as energy and shifts your thinking from scarcity to possibility. There are visualizations and affirmations, which may not be for everyone, but for me, it unlocked a new relationship with the idea of abundance. Not about spreadsheets or strategies - more about opening the channel.

The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz

Originally published in the 1950s, this one is a timeless mindset reset. David J. Schwartz was a motivational writer and professor who believed that most people are held back not by lack of skill, but by small thinking. The book pushes you to see bigger possibilities in your career, relationships, and self-image. It’s not subtle, but that’s kind of the point - it jolts you out of your own limitations. I first read this in..maybe 2015?! And I’m thinking it might be worth a reread.

The Daily Stoic – Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is a stoicism evangelist who’s made ancient philosophy digestible and relevant for today’s modern chaos. The Daily Stoic is a book of daily entries with quotes from thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, paired with short reflections from Holiday himself. It’s the kind of book that reminds you you’re not the first to struggle with uncertainty, ambition, or ego. Each entry is a quick 5 minute read that can change the trajectory of your day.

Ego Is the Enemy – Ryan Holiday

This is another standout from Ryan Holiday’s library, but it hits a different nerve. Where The Daily Stoic is meditative, Ego Is the Enemy is confrontational - in a good way. It calls out the subtle ways ego holds us back in arrogance, in insecurity, in fear of failure, and in obsession with validation. If you’re ambitious (and hiii, if you’re reading this, you probably are), this book is an important mirror.

The Compound Effect – Darren Hardy

Darren Hardy is the former publisher of SUCCESS magazine. He distills one powerful idea in this book: small actions, done consistently, create huge outcomes. It’s a great book to pick up when you feel stuck or want to make a shift but aren’t sure where to start. The reminder here is that you don’t need to overhaul your life - just tweak the inputs and be consistent.

The Big Leap – Gay Hendricks

A few years ago, I was telling my friend David about how wonderful things were going in my life, and how I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and ruin it all. He asked if I’d ever heard of the “Upper Limit Problem,” the idea that we subconsciously self-sabotage when life feels too good, and suggested I read The Big Leap to explore it. The book’s author, Gay Hendricks, is a psychologist and personal growth pioneer who coined the term. If you’re someone who has a hard time leaning in and accepting blessings, you will enjoy this read.

Journey to the Heart – Melody Beattie

This is a daily meditation book. Each entry is just a page long, but somehow seems to hit exactly what you need that day. It’s not tactical - it’s nurturing, gentle, and deeply rooted in self-compassion. I like to think of it as a quiet reminder that your inner world deserves just as much attention as your goals.

Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill

A classic. Written in 1937, this is one of the foundational texts of the self-improvement world. Napoleon Hill spent decades studying successful people (including Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford) and distilled their common traits into lessons around mindset, belief, and persistence. Some of it feels dated - but the core idea that your thoughts shape your reality still hits. It’s a classic for a reason, and worth reading through a modern lens.

Think Like a Monk – Jay Shetty

My husband’s grandma actually recommended this to me, and tbh - I would not have picked it up otherwise, so I’m glad she mentioned it. Jay Shetty went from being an actual monk to a self improvement influencer and podcast host. I know what you’re thinking… but this book is good. Shetty shares lessons from his time at the ashram, but makes them practical for daily life - from managing comparison to finding purpose. It’s a calming, thoughtful read, especially if you’re feeling burnt out or disconnected. He bridges Eastern wisdom and modern ambition in a way that feels really accessible. I need to find it… it would probably be good for me right now.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of these reads. Tag me if you buy them! I’m currently looking for my next “soulful adjacent self improvement read” for my honeymoon coming up in a few weeks. If you have any recommendations, drop them in the comments!

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

One of the best personal finance analogies I've ever heard is that when you have a trust fund, it's like having board members. I can't say if it's true or not because unfortunately, I do not have a trust fund, but from what I do know from people who have one, it seems like an accurate take. It's something I play back to myself often, perhaps for no reason other than to remind myself that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I grew up in a family that valued stability and played by the traditional financial rulebook: buy a primary home, contribute to your 401(k), and count on a pension for retirement. “Pick a stable career, save more than you earn, don’t go into debt, and always be frugal” were the mantras I heard growing up. That advice worked for my family and a certain generation, but it’s not exactly rooted in abundance, and it doesn’t fully align with the goals or reality of today’s modern professional.

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I wasn’t always “good with money” - math didn't come easy to me in school. I have early memories of crying over times tables in grade school. I coined myself “bad with math” and “bad with money” until I realized I wasn’t actually bad at either - I just needed a reason to care. Turns out, living in the financially competitive, cut-throat environment of NYC while having the ego of a very competitive, slightly delusional young woman is a collaboration fit for me to start caring.

So how did I get good at money…and how can you get good with money? It’s a mix of emotion and equations.

1. Stop comparing.

The first step as you elevate your life and your social circle is to stop comparing. Stop trying to understand how so-and-so affords such-and-such. Stop asking yourself why you can’t seem to afford X, but this person can afford Y. You might never figure it out. And if you can’t grasp it after a three-minute ponder, the answer is often (not always) that the person started on level 5, and you're starting on level 1 or level 2, 3, or 4, depending on who is reading this, given I know nothing about your upbringing. As a general rule, if you’re interested in elevating your finances, stop trying to compare or keep up. It’s simply not worth it. Own your own life.

2. Don’t believe everything you hear.

People talk about their wins more than their losses. When you hear Chad at the bar talking about how much money he made from Tesla stock, do you think he’s going to mention how much he lost on a crypto scheme? Probably not. People also don’t share the behind-the-scenes math when they tell you what they sold their house for - they’ll forget to mention homeowner taxes, inflation, or the money they sunk into renovations. Be genuinely happy for others, but be mindful of the influence you take in.

3. Avoid the traps of consumerism

You’re seeing a theme here, right? Financial abundance starts with being self-assured and resisting the pressure to keep up. That pressure can come from anywhere, especially the algorithms and influencers whose job is literally to sell us stuff.

I’ve had to remind myself: influencers make money by selling a lifestyle. Of course they always have the cutest outfits - that is their job. If your paycheck depended on convincing others to buy what you're wearing, you’d be dressed to the nines too. But that’s not your reality, so don’t go broke trying to mimic theirs. Influencers get paid to consume, and they’re constantly gifted the latest and greatest in free PR. That’s not the setup for most of us.

I’ve heard friends talk about chasing the dopamine hit of shopping - online or in-store. I get it. One thing that’s helped me is keeping a running wishlist. I use my Notes app and a Pinterest board to save things I love or want to buy. I sit on them for a while. If I’m having a low-spend month or there’s a special occasion, I might revisit and finally pull the trigger. But more often than not, I’ll come back to that list weeks or months later and realize that I don’t actually want it anymore.

I’m now more addicted to the momentum of investing than I am with spending. More on that later.

4. Understand that money is emotional.

It’s possible for something to be a smart financial investment yet still produce a negative emotional outcome.

For example, “buying a house in a super up-and-coming neighborhood” might make sense on paper - but for me, it’s not worth it. I need to feel inspired by my neighborhood and that wouldn’t bring me joy. On the flip side, buying a vacation home might make someone very happy, even if the returns aren’t as strong or liquid as investing in the stock market. Then, it’s emotionally speaking, a great investment for that person.

These are simple examples to show that money isn’t just a spreadsheet, your emotions and unique dreams matter.

I highly recommend getting acquainted with Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich if you're trying to define your own “Rich Life.” He has an excellent podcast that gives an inside look into personal finance for couples. I also love the book, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, which goes deep into the emotional and psychological side of personal finance.

5. In a world full of manifesting, do the math and face the facts.

Now that we've covered the mindset shift part, you're going to have to face the numbers, because an abundance mindset alone isn't going to cut it. Sooo sorry!

It’s common for adults to have no real understanding of what they can actually afford - short term or long term. If you ever want to figure out whether you can buy that house someday, or afford to live in a luxury doorman building in your favorite neighborhood in 2 years (just examples, don’t spiral), then yes - you need to crunch the numbers.

Find out the monthly (or annual) costs, and understand what kind of income you’d need to comfortably afford your desires. This might sound grossly oversimplified, but if you have no idea what those numbers look like for your dream life, it will always be a wish and never a plan.

Manifesting is great. Creating Money: Attracting Abundance is a wonderful book I’ve read twice, but you also need a strategy.

Over the years, I’ve become obsessed with tools that help me calculate my goals:

• Smart Asset to estimate what my paychecks will look like after taxes at different income levels.

• A Compound Interest Calculator to project how my savings and investments will grow over time.

• Zillow for the Mortgage calculator

• ChatGPT to play out scenarios that combine all of the above to save time on Excel spreadsheets

Because I run the numbers, I know what it takes to afford the things I dream about. That’s why I invest, save, and act accordingly. I wouldn’t be nearly this aggressive with my investing or savings if I didn’t know how much my dream custom kitchen in a certain neighborhood actually costs. ( Mood = 😫)

(Data → Plan) + (Manifest) = $$$

6. Be smarter than your interest rate.

Growing up in a middle-class family, I assumed all debt was bad. But as I got older, I realized that how you manage debt matters more than just having it or not.

Here’s the basic framework:

1. Understand what you owe - how much, and at what interest rate

2. Understand what you could earn from investments, savings accounts, or other assets

If the money you’re putting toward extra loan payments could earn more elsewhere, that’s worth considering.

Take student loans for example: many have interest rates around 3–5%. If you’re doubling up on payments just to wipe it out faster, ask yourself: could those extra dollars earn more in a high-yield account or the stock market? The answer might be yes!

(Also, PSA: If you have student loans, look into refinancing. Even a small drop in interest can make a difference. )

Here’s a personal example of how I use debt: When we decided to freeze our embryos, I used a 0% APR credit card to cover the $25,000 cost. I had the cash, but I’d rather keep that money growing in investments while I pay off the balance slowly with no interest. I decided to use a credit card instead of a medical payment plan because the monthly payments were much lower than the medical loan. This is the beauty of good credit - I would not have been approved for such a high balance without strong credit.

I’ve only done this with a couple of major expenses in my life, but the numbers make sense as long as you’re disciplined. Just don’t let the promo period end without a plan, because the interest rates on these cards are very high.

Remember that emotions count. Some people just sleep better with zero debt, even if the math says otherwise. The key is knowing your preferences and your numbers.

7. Understand that crypto and angel investments are alternative forms of investments.

Both of these assets have become trendy lately, and like many viral subjects, they often reach the wrong audience. I would never invest money into crypto or angel investing that I would need in the next 10 or 15 years. The general advice is to invest 1-5% into crypto (if you’d like) but this isn’t a post about general advice. So, do what feels good to you, just don’t look at it as anything other than an alternative investment.

8. It’s simple, not easy.

One of the wealthiest people I know once told me, “S&P and let it be,” after I vented about not owning a primary home. His point? The stock market - specifically the S&P 500 - is often the simplest, most effective wealth builder.

This isn’t a home-vs-stocks debate. It’s a reminder that investing doesn’t have to be complicated. When friends say they don’t know where to start, I tell them to Google the top-performing ETFs over the past 5–10 years. That’s your answer.

Unless you're really into studying companies, skip stock picking. Want max return with minimal effort? Buy a few solid ETFs, and let them ride.

Once you feel comfortable and want more risk - go ahead and invest some funds in companies you are personally knowledgeable about and believe in.

Don’t check your portfolio every week, and don’t freak out and pull money out when you see the red, downward arrow. Benchmark your portfolio against the general market’s performance. For example - if your your portfolio is down 5%, but the general market is down 15%, you’re actually doing well.

Personally speaking, I like to benchmark my portfolio against the S&P 500, even though I have a decent amount of “riskier” single stocks which sometimes bring my portfolio much higher, or much lower than that benchmark.

9. Set up auto investments immediately.

Seriously - do it now! The number one way to build wealth is by investing early and often, and the easiest way to stay consistent is to set it and forget it. Start small - anything you can do, even if it’s $50 a month. Invest in your 401(k), in index funds, whatever works for you (preferably both.)

When you don’t see the money in your checking account, you won’t spend it.

Learn to live on slightly less now, and your future self will thank you. Momentum feels good and leads to more abundance.

10. Surround yourself with financial content and topics.

You’ll notice I plugged several books, podcasts, and resources here. I think that’s a big part of becoming financially abundant - to be interested. When you approach personal finance with a curious mindset, and look honestly at the numbers over and over, it becomes a habit. The worst thing you can do for future you is to avoid money today.

11. Understand that no one is coming to save you.

This might be a relevant note to end on. I will never forget where I was when I listened to the So Money Podcast episode with Jennifer Barrett, author of “Think Like a Breadwinner”. It really inspired me to take more ownership of my life and start looking at my finances from an empowering perspective. This episode went live in 2021, and since then I got married, invested well over six figures entirely on my own, said “no” to a lot of unnecessary designer looks, purchased art, bought an investment property with my husband, continued to rent our primary residence with ease, and have auto invested every single one of my pay raises.

Little by little, and then all at once, it clicks. That's life, but financial habits and investing are kind of like that, too and that's why we call both “compounding”.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

Likability, influence, speaking with presence, and an air of confidence - they all have it. It is in many cases, “a must” to get to the executive leadership level, especially as a marketer.

This was also a convenient conclusion for me to draw, for a couple reasons.

1. Communication skills and likability have always come naturally to me. I’m self aware enough to know that inspiring and leading others is something that comes easier to me than analyzing Excel spreadsheets or crunching financial forecasts. I am a natural born extrovert, and an innate leader.

2. I recently became a member of Toastmasters International, a non-profit educational organization for individuals to improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. I’m a weekly member at our local club, and joined to improve my executive presence.

As I’m sitting there with my convenient conclusion - about how all great leaders have charisma - I thought to myself that it would be a great Substack to write, maybe something titled “Charisma is what they can’t AI”, so typical, so on-trend, but then something funny happened; I started writing my Toastmasters Ice Breaker and my thoughts took another turn about what to share.

For anyone reading not familiar, the Ice Breaker is the first formal speech you present to the group as a Toastmaster; it’s a 4-6 minute speech where you tell the group about yourself and weave the story into why you decided to join Toastmasters.

I started writing mine, with the central theme of Kanye West’s “Everything I’m not made me everything I am” (Yeah, I dislike what Kanye has become now, but let’s just put that aside for now. This is a brilliant song.)

In my speech, I go on to talk about how in every era of my life - college, post-college in NYC, and my now corporate era post start-up, I’ve come to know that my insecurities, shortcomings, differences, etc. have actually made me - ”everything I am.” In the end, I explain that I joined Toastmasters because I realized, I was never going to be that MBA-educated, hyper-quantitative leader. So instead, I joined Toastmasters to focus on what I’m already naturally inclined to win at - leading, communication, public speaking, inspiring. Not because it’s easy for me, but because this is where I have a chance to really win. And yeah, it also lights me up!

I used to think that just because certain things came easy to me, it meant they were easy for everyone else, until I started paying more attention. These were not just “easy, soft skills” that I wrote them off to be, these were my super powers.

Almost a year ago, I was strongly considering studying for the GMAT to get my MBA.

Mentors/friends: “But why? People go to business school to do what you’ve already done.”

Me: “I feel I need to round out my skillset, I want my resume to be bulletproof.”

I hear that back now, and while it’s not a horrible reason to get a $250K MBA (k. maybe it is) it also sounds like it’s driven by insecurity…because it was.

What if, instead of being good at something you’re decent at now, you became exceptional at something you’re good at now? What if leaning into our superpower and owning that power is really the way?

Instead of asking yourself what your superpower is, because I mean.. damn - that’s a loaded question. Ask yourself about what take for granted, that you've maybe even dismissed because it feels too easy. The thing that energizes you. The thing people come to you for without even realizing they’re doing it.

Here’s how I started thinking about mine, and how you might start uncovering yours:

1. What feels effortless to you but valuable to others?

Listen to what people say about you. What’s funny is, people have told me things like - “you make people feel good after talking to you, people want to be around you” and time and time again, I just kept writing it off as “yeah, I’m good at making friends, so what?” So all this to say, it might take time for you to really believe it. 🙂

2. What would you pay to keep doing, even if it wasn’t part of your job?

I love talking, mentoring, and leading discussions - all day long. I don’t need a deck or a spreadsheet to feel lit up. I am good at vibing with others, I am an extrovert. Sorry about it!

3. What drains you vs. what lights you up?

I used to think I needed to “fix” the things that drained me. Reverse them, become a new person, somehow make them not drain me, or prove that they didn’t. No.

4. What did younger you get in trouble for or teased about?

Some of my earliest memories are leading the neighborhood kids into clubs with rules, late slips, and weekly meetings. Insane. My little sister hated it, and called it “Julia’s big ideas.”

Sometimes our earliest quirks, being “too talkative,” “too opinionated,” “too bossy”, are the very things that become our edge when we learn to own them.

Finding your superpower is about owning the stuff you already do best and realizing that just because it comes naturally doesn’t mean it isn’t rare, valuable, or worth doubling down on. Let’s aim to be exceptional about what we’re good at, rather than become good at what we’re okay at. The later feels just good enough; the former feels like it stands out. Let’s swim with our own current, and not against it.

And now here is your permission to listen to this glorious Kanye song, even if we don’t like what he stands for now. There is just no way I can abandon the Graduation album.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

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I now have a very clear vision of how I want to be perceived in business, which helps a lot - but it wasn’t always that way. I’ll never forget the most embarrassing moment of my career; I turned up to a meeting where I was meeting an agency for the first time, I had just been promoted, and it was expected for me to show up and own the room. The agency was full of “cool, NYC people” though, so I turned up wearing a look that was far too casual, mildly inappropriate, and wasn’t what my bosses were used to seeing my wear. I got a firm talking to - a “wtf was that?" and I was immediately grateful, even through the intense embarrassment that hovered over me for weeks.

It made me reflect - how do I want to be perceived in business? and I’d encourage you to do the same. As for me, I’m trying to gracefully tow a line between “someone who works in marketing, is youthful, and gets it” and someone who is a seasoned professional, a leader.

Today I’m rounding up some of my tried and true favorite pieces that you can mix in and out to create a formula that works for you. Everything I’m recommending are items I’ve tried IRL and/or own. We’ll embark on all from left to right, and then we’ll talk about how I manage(d) the expenses of building a professional wardrobe.

The Favorite Pant by The Favorite Daughter. I have so many pairs of trousers, but these are my favorite. I recently graduated from the Aritzia Effortless Pant. I find the fabric on The Favorite Pant to be higher quality - thicker, but breathable. The crotch is a lower, looser fit that feels more modern than the Aritzia Effortless Pant which gives it a more fashion forward look. I have these in blue pinstripe, white, and black. They’re true to size, but run very long, so I tailor them.

Cropped jackets. It took me a while to feel at home in a blazer because in general, I’m personally drawn to more feminine fits. A jacket like this is a great alternative for pairing with longer pants, or high waisted styles that are less form fitting. My personal go-to for jackets like this are Frame, L’Agence, or Nili Lotan, but J. Crew has great alternatives that I own, too! I wear these constantly.

Great belts. Yes, spending upwards of $200 for a belt can feel a little crazy, but it’s really not when you consider the polish they add to a look. It’s such an easy formula. My personal favorites are by Anderson, but I’ve been dying to buy one from Aureum as well. Belts are not something you should cut corners on; cheap hardware is often easy to spot and can make or break a look. Even with high end hardware, be careful with lotion - it can cause the hardware to wear off. It happened to me with an Anderson belt, but they replaced the belt for me after a quick email with some photos because I couldn’t find anyone in Miami to fix it. Another reason I don’t cut costs here!

Cashmere. But of course! Cashmere sweaters and t-shirts are such an easy go-to, whether it’s to drape around your neck, actually wear, or add a little texture to an otherwise plain look. You don’t need to break the bank - J.Crew cashmere is great quality. I have several pieces from both J.Crew and Club Monaco and I wear them constantly.

Aeyde Boots. Worth every penny. I have 3 different pairs of boots from Aeyde, but if I had to choose, I wear the style with a pointed toe most often. These boots are incredible - easy to walk in for miles and miles, and they go with anything. I’ve had them for years, and whenever you need to (usually after a full season) you can take them to a cobbler and they’re immediately good as new.

A perfect blazer. I’m still searching for my forever blazer, but I have a few that hold me over until I find my soulmate blazer. I’ve gotten a few great ones on The RealReal and Aritzia that I wear often. This one from Aritzia looks great, I also love this one from Lafayette that I tried at Neiman’s, and this more boxy style I tried at Toteme at their Melrose location. There’s a reason I don’t own them yet though - They’re expensive, and I don’t think it’s super necessary for me to upgrade right now. The patience in building a capsule wardrobe!

The Carolyne slingback by Manolo Blahnik. The #1 go-to. Manolos are incredibly comfortable once you break them in, and I find the heel height ideal for long days. They’re a classic for a reason, and they come in so many colors with different details if you want something a little more unique. Hint: The RealReal is a Manolo gold mine and you can easily find gently used Manolos on the site for a fraction of the retail price. Another shoe you can take to the cobbler for years to come.

Sandal Heels by A. Emery. There’s a big debate on open toed shoes at the office, and it’s really important to be aware of your company culture before you opt to have your toes out! That said, I work in a more casual environment (unlike women in banking or law) and on hot summer days, I personally feel okay with it, assuming the rest of the look is more corporatized, and my pedicure is freshly done. The trick is finding sandals that don’t give off a sexy vibe - keep the heel low, opt for a thicker heel, and avoid overly strappy styles. Balance the look with a higher neckline, a jacket, and pants. A. Emery does a great job here - their sandals are very comfortable and appropriate for a day to happy-hour vibe at a start-up or more casual environment.

Cropped pants. For the days you’re over a long trouser, especially in the summer, I love a chic, cropped pant - something on the slimmer side. They pair really well with a Manolo heel, a sandal, or flats. I have a few pairs from Club Monaco that I’ve had since 2016 that I still reach for today - purchased at age 26, still rocking at age 34! Prioritize fabric in this department so that you’ll have a piece that’ll last forever.

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Investing in professional pieces can feel daunting when you’re trying to also balance spending needs for everything else life demands: seasonal trends, wedding guest looks (IYKYK $$$), vacations, date nights…I get it! Recently, I’ve shifted to investing more in more professional look and less in my “going out” or casual looks. That might have to do with my age, but I find it more important for me to shift gears into that area of my life. Here are things I do to help manage the expenses of building a wardrobe:

1. I have a Pinterest “wish list” where I save items I’m interested in, but not ready to pull the trigger on. I think it’s important to develop your look slowly and meticulously, so you don’t make purchases you later regret.

2. I always ask myself, “will this piece help me get ready faster in the morning?” if the answer is yes, that’s a great sign. If the answer is “yes, but only once I buy brown boots and a brown belt” then it tells me my closet might not demand it right now.

3. I reward career wins or moments with new looks. If I’m speaking on a panel, attending an amazing networking event, or have an upcoming presentation, I use it as a “reason” to treat myself to a new look. I find it helps exude confidence at the event, and then I have it for years to come. I can easily go into my Pinterest board and see if it’s time to purchase that item I’ve been eyeing.

4. I buy items that can transition out of the office. Most things on this board, I can dress up for dinner, or down for daytime. I try to avoid items that feel ‘overly corporate’ that I’d never wear anywhere else. This also helps you maintain a youthful and authentic look at work.

5. I avoid fast fashion and trends where I can. I definitely have items from Mango, & Other Stories, and Zara, but as a general rule, I try to stay away from these brands for more staple pieces like pants, jackets, or shoes. While you *can* find winners at these stores, the chances they’ll hold up for years to come are lower. Instead, I’ll turn to The RealReal to find something second hand that will stand the test of time.

Helpful? Not helpful? Want more splurge-worthy pieces, more steals? Let me know! The goal isn’t to cosplay corporate chic, but to step into a professional version of your authentic self.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

“My work should speak for itself.”
The hard truth is that hard work is not enough to get the recognition, raise, or promotion you’re looking for. Early in my career, I learned the importance of showcasing work internally. If you don’t tell people what you’re doing for the business, they don’t always know. People are busy, and they’re usually focused on their own work. Knowing how to “brag” the right way is a skill.

“I’m not here to make friends.”
Relationships are capital. Your network is your net worth, etc. When you’re well-liked within your organization, you can get a hell of a lot more done—for the business and for your own career. The easiest thing you can do to improve your standing at work is to be likable, cooperative, and positive…aka, friendly. It’s about finding the right balance.

“Quiet quitting is empowerment.”
When you quiet quit, you’re only cheating yourself - and stagnating. You’re already paid to be in the seat; it benefits you to apply yourself and learn on someone else’s dollar. Plus, reputation is everything. Do you want to be known as someone who does the bare minimum?

“Work from home is the future.”
I’m grateful to have spent my twenties in the office and learning how to interface with leadership and peers head-on. Watching how leaders that I worked for move about the world influenced so much about how I navigate things today. I was a sponge, and those little conversations here and there, are words I have taken with me for years. While I love working from home now, I recently had the opportunity to work in person at our team’s LA office for an extended trip, and it highlighted why IRL work is key for building trust internally. Visibility and connection are big; if you have the chance to show up in person, don’t waste it.

“You’re not paid enough to care.”
…and if you think like this, you never will be.

“Hustle culture is toxic.”
If you’re in your 20s (and arguably, your early 30s) and want to achieve great things (and you define “great things” as career fulfillment and monetary gains), then you damn well better be hustling.

“Bring your whole self to work.”
Please don’t. Through my mid-twenties, I probably brought too much of myself to work, which in hindsight, might have hindered my personal development. There’s a balance between being yourself and letting your colleagues in on everything going on in your personal life. Your colleagues are your teammates, not your closest friends. You can still be authentically you and show up as a professional.

“I need to do work that lights me up.”
And I need a brownstone on the UES and a vacation home in Miami. The hard truth is that your work will not always light you up. You’ll need to do things that bore you and drain you sometimes. As my former boss used to tell me “I know it’s tough, that’s why it’s called a job.” If you find fulfillment in the bigger picture of what you’re working on, you’re on the right track. If you expect every minute and every day to light you up, you’re set for serious disappointment. You have to find your why, and let that be the reason you are lit up.

“Always ask for more. Be delusional.”
Generally a good idea when negotiating, but this is can be very misguided advice. For example, if someone demands a price on a service or a role that’s completely, unrealistically far above the going rate, it can come off as ignorant and expose a lack of self awareness. Don’t just “ask for more” because a friend or a self-empowerment guru told you to. Instead, seek advice from others you trust in your field, listen to your gut (but question your own imposter syndrome), do research, and finally, take calls and interviews. That’s how you’ll know what to ask for.

“You can manifest your dream job.”
You cannot manifest and sit on your couch. Manifesting should ultimately set a spark within you to start thinking about how you can make your dreams happen. If it doesn’t, read The Compound Effect, do what the book says, and manifest on the side.

“Solopreneurship > Full-time employment.”
I’ve done both, and people really romanticize the former. For the right person with the right goals, it can be great—but it definitely isn’t the answer to fulfillment, financial security, or everything else you’re hearing on TikTok. My personal opinion is that too many young people are going solo before really homing in on what their value is, and before learning the rules of business. Before going solo, make sure you’re pursuing this new avenue for the right reasons.

Was that harsh? The algorithm loves a good soundbite, but your career is built in the in-between. Romanticize your dream job, just don’t forget to do the work that gets you there.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

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I actually never realized networking was a strength of mine until recently; I realized a lot of the questions I received were about mentorship - something I thought came naturally to everyone.

So let’s talk about it: what’s mentorship anyway?

I’m constantly asked how I stay in touch with people from past experiences and how I find mentors. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t just “find a mentor” - at least, I never have. You cultivate relationships that, over time, lead to mentorship. Let’s rethink the mentor/mentee relationship. Here’s a look into how I approach it:

• I don’t do any traditional “mentor” work with my mentors or mentees.

• I don’t have set check-ins with my mentors or mentees. I don’t have the capacity to do this, nor would I expect it of anyone else.

• To me, mentor is a fancy way of saying, “I deeply admire this person, they have so much knowledge to impart on me, and we stay in touch. I ask for advice when I need it, and I’m there cheering on all their moves and adding value where I can.”

I have mentors, and I’m a mentee myself.

So how do you actually be a good mentee? Here are my top five pieces of advice.

1. The best time to find a mentor is when you’re not looking for one.

This is true for all networking. It’s about cultivating relationships when you don’t “need” something - like advice or a job.

Remember: this is the human part of business. And it’s human nature that we don’t want to collect friends who have nothing to offer us or only come around when they need something. Harsh, but true. Be that friend first. Starting a relationship from a need-state is a big no-no.

2. Add value to their life.

On that note, you should be adding value. Even if you’re going through it and feel like you have nothing to offer, think about how you can give back by understanding the needs of your mentor or prospective mentor. A few examples:

• Usually, mentors tend to be older than mentees. Maybe you know a really great student who would be an exceptional intern for their team. Or they’re hiring for a junior role and you can help promote it to your network. Your age can actually be a value-add.

• Have you learned something recently that might help their business? Maybe you took a call with an agency you thought would be great for them to know about. Perhaps you read an article that felt relevant to their work. Pass it on!

• When and if they ask for help from you - jump on it. This is your opportunity to show up. They might not be your boss (or your boss anymore), but when my mentors ask anything of me, I treat it like they are! Whether it’s helping find their relative an internship, bridging a connection, or giving an opinion on something they're working on - handle it, ASAP.

3. Stay connected!

I’m often asked how I stay in touch with people from my past. “Is it awkward if I ask so-and-so to get on a call so I can talk to them about my job search?”

If you’ve been completely silent for years on end, and now you need something from them so you’re e-mailing them, yes - it might be.

There is no excuse for not staying connected today when our phones are attached to us. Something as simple as rooting for the person you admire on LinkedIn, or reposting their brand/company’s content on social media, can go a long way in staying connected. (I’m speaking as a marketer here, but you get the idea.) Show up digitally.

Depending on what they share on social - the same goes for birthdays, personal announcements like a new home or family update… you get the idea.

Mentorship is a two-way street. People love to mentor those who energize them and spread kindness.

4. Make it easy for them.

Speaking of a two-way street: you’re not hiring a mentor. You’re entering into a relationship where your role is to make it easy for them to help you - by being prepared, respectful, and focused. Your attitude should be: "How can I make it worth their time to invest in me?" not "What can I get from them?"

• Before you schedule a call to ask for advice, do your own research and reflection on the questions you want to ask. You’ll get more out of the call and you’re also showing them that you’re being intentional about why you need their help, not ChatGPT or Google’s.

• Take initiative to send your availability and calendar invite. Be eager to work around their schedule, even if it’s not convenient for you. Move things around to make it happen.

• Find out the best way to get in touch with them. Some love text, others prefer email. When in doubt, simply ask. Millennial mentor note: please get out of our DMs, for the love of god! 😫

5. Show you’re worth the investment.

Mentors want mentees who show initiative, self-awareness, and follow-through.

The best thing you can do is take their advice seriously, put it into action, and share your wins with them. It shows them that their time isn’t being wasted. It’s also a wonderful way to stay connected, as I mentioned in #3.

There’s nothing better than feeling like you can make a positive impact on someone’s life, and that's exactly why we give back through mentorship.

Your network is your net-worth, act wisely.

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In Full Disclosure,
Julia

As the saying goes:
“Nothing is certain except death, taxes… and rewriting your resume.”
That’s how it goes, right?!

Whether you’re refreshing your resume for a pivot or just updating your latest role, it’s easy to fall into some common traps.

Here are 4 mistakes I see all the time and a few quick ways to fix them.

1. Your resume lacks a story.

Humans need stories to understand things — this is true in sales, marketing, public speaking, and life in general. When I scan a resume, I’m immediately trying to understand your “superpower,” also known as your story. Your point of view should come through with or without a boilerplate line at the top, though more often than not, I’m seeing resumes that include one. Not every resume needs it, but if you’re using that space to communicate your story, try distilling it into two sentences to make sure it’s clear. For example, mine might be: “Senior marketing leader specializing in high-growth CPG companies, with deep knowledge of marketing to health and wellness consumers.” Even if you don’t include a boilerplate, making sure your resume communicates your unique one-liner is a great place to start. This should influence every point of your resume. Write it down and live by it.

2. Too many buzzwords.

Words are just words — and anyone can throw them on a resume. “Passionate,” “highly motivated,” “fast-working,” “results-driven”... these are overused and not ownable to you or your unique experience. I often see them packed into boilerplates or summaries at the top of resumes. If you’re going to use descriptors outside of your position bullet points, make sure they actually say something about your story. For example, mine might be: intrapreneurial, high-growth leader, trailblazer, lean-budget optimizer, digital-first — because those speak to the way I work, the environments I thrive in, and I have the rest of my resume to prove it. Does your resume “prove” it?

3. Lacking organization and context.
I don’t know if this is technically a thing, but when I was in college, my guidance counselor told me to structure my bullets like this: bullet #1 gives context to the company, bullet #2 outlines your responsibilities, and bullet #3 is your individual brag moment — something you owned, or maybe a promotion. Over the years, I’ve expanded on this with real-world experience, but I still come back to it as a solid framework. I read a lot of resumes where bullet #1 jumps right into tasks or responsibilities, and I’d recommend using that first bullet to ground the reader:

1. What is the company? (What do they offer, Who do they market to - explain the business for the reader.)

2. How big was the company? (Sales, employees, funding - anything that gives scale.)

3. What exactly did your role entail?

4. How many people reported into you?

This is especially helpful when the company isn’t a household name. Also — on the topic of bullets: use fewer of them. Be a more concise storyteller. No one wants to (or will) read sentence after sentence on a resume. This all comes back to crystallizing your story and point of view.

4. No cause and effect.

One of the most common misses I see on resumes is a lack of cause and effect. A lot of resumes list out responsibilities, and while that tells me what you did, it doesn’t tell me why it mattered. For example, “managed email marketing” is a task. Instead, try “launched a new email strategy that improved retention rates and LTV by X%” — this is an over-simplified example, but the point is that it shows the before and after. You owned something, and as a result, something happened. That’s what turns a task into a win. It also helps me, as the reader, quickly connect the dots on your impact without having to dig for it. Every bullet point is an opportunity to show movement, growth, or change — don’t waste it!

In Full Disclosure,

Julia

It can feel like an all-or-nothing approach between finding self-fulfillment, making money, and having a sense of stability. What if I told you that you didn’t have to choose? Enter: the case for Intrapreneurship.

By definition, “Intrapreneurship is the practice of nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit within an established company. It involves employees taking initiative to develop new products, services, or processes - essentially acting like entrepreneurs while working within the company's framework.”

I’m an Intrapreneur in the CPG landscape. I’ve helped build start-ups that led to two company exits to strategic acquirers (CORE in 2018 to KDP, and OWYN to Simply Good in 2024). Through these moves, I’ve not only built a modest financial nest egg, but a name for myself - and a career that fulfills me.

Given my experience in start-up CPG, my advice may feel geared toward that genre, but it can be applied almost anywhere - though the “easiest” way to do this is typically at an earlier-stage, high-growth company vs. a larger corporate conglomerate.

Let’s talk about the 5 steps I’ve personally taken to cultivate an intrapreneurial career:

1. Approach career opportunities like an investor looking for a return, and ask yourself (and the interviewers) the hard questions.

• Assess the leadership - do I believe in this team?
  You must also understand if your personality is a fit with the larger group. Finding your tribe is essential if you’re going to ship your own ideas within a company.

• Do I believe in this mission?
  If the team’s goal doesn’t light you up, it’s probably a sign this isn’t “the one.” The entrepreneur’s mission should feel a bit far-fetched, but if there’s true skepticism, listen to that — because if you’re not motivated by the mission, you won’t be the best intrapreneur (or hire!) for the business.

2. Acutely understand the internal structure and growth opportunities.

To get better answers, you have to ask better questions. Please don’t ask, “What are the growth opportunities at the company?” in an interview. It’s lazy at best.

Instead, ask about the organizational structure of the team, who manages what, and the business’ immediate goals around scaling the business or the department you’re about to join.

I personally went for organizations that were more flat, knowing I could make an impact and climb the ranks once I proved myself — and avoided companies that had personnel directly above me that might have blocked growth.

3. Focus on learning and bringing more value versus making more money.

You’re either learning or you’re earning - you’re not always doing both.

Understand the goals of other departments at the company, not just the one you’re joining. How can you add value outside of your position or even department?

This goes back to #2 - choosing a company where you can flex many muscles and work cross-functionally to learn as much as you can, and contribute as much as you can.

First you add the value, then you make the money.

4. Fiercely self-manage.

First things first: you’re going to need a boss who champions you. And before you get there, you’ll need to build trust with them. (As I’m writing this, I realize I could write an entire post on earning trust with a supervisor. More to come.)

For now - what does self-management look like? Someone who excels at self-management asks for feedback all the time, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Having open communication on a consistent basis ensures you know where you stand, which allows you to set goals for growth with your manager and ensure there’s alignment on both sides.

If you don’t have a manager you can do any of this with, you may need to work on building stronger trust.

5. Understand equity compensation.

This is especially relevant in the CPG landscape, but I did put this last on the list because your journey in intrapreneurship is not reliant on equity. It’s about what you build within an organization and what you can own to make a name for yourself.

If you’re fortunate enough to have equity on the table (and for any CPG organization, you should), it’s best to negotiate the terms prior to employment so that you have leverage.

As you advance in your journey, it’s worth consulting legal counsel who specializes in employee equity contracts, especially if equity is a significant part of your compensation and a key reason you’re taking the role.

Intrapreneurship will demand you to care deeply, and treat your work like an owner every day. It’s like having your cake, and expensing it too.

In Full Disclosure,

Julia