Diaries of Ambitious Women

Janeica Davis
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Diaries of Ambitious Women — Leadership, Identity, and Reinvention in a Changing Economy Honest conversations about ambition, authority, and what it takes to build a sustainable career when AI, motherhood, and modern work no longer play by old rules. For women done shrinking, done drifting, and ready to lead themselves through what's next. diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com

  1. Burnout is a sign of over-giving with Dr. Nicole Pertillar (Ep: 45)

    JAN 28

    Burnout is a sign of over-giving with Dr. Nicole Pertillar (Ep: 45)

    Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a signal. In this episode of Diaries of Ambitious Women, I sit down with Dr. Nicole Pertillar—therapist, coach, artist, and creator of Mosaic Mindset—for a deeply grounding conversation about what happens when ambitious women give endlessly without pausing to care for themselves. Dr. Nicole shares how a serious car accident became a forced pause that transformed her relationship with work, rest, and purpose. Together, we explore why so many women—especially mothers, caretakers, and high-achieving women of color—struggle to slow down, even when their bodies are asking them to. In this episode, we explore: * Why burnout is often a sign of over-giving, not weakness * The cost of ignoring your body’s wisdom and inner voice * How grief, trauma, and “broken pieces” shape us—and why they deserve care * The cultural conditioning that teaches women to self-sacrifice * What it means to create a sustainable rhythm of rest * Why pausing is not falling behind—but returning to yourself This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and redefine ambition in a way that honors your spirit, mind, and body. Key takeaway: Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement. ✍🏽 Reflection: Where in your life are you being asked to pause—but continuing to push? Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    42 min
  2. The Weight of Success with Julia Rock (Ep. 44)

    JAN 7

    The Weight of Success with Julia Rock (Ep. 44)

    This week’s episode is a necessary conversation — one that names what so many ambitious women and mothers feel but rarely say out loud. Julia Rock joins me to talk about what happens when you achieve the success you worked for and still feel like something’s missing. Together, we explore the burnout that hides behind promotions, the isolation that comes with seniority, and why the phrase “I’m fine” can be the most dangerous lie we tell ourselves. Julia shares her own story of workplace trauma, depression, and the moment her boss refused to accept her automatic answer — a moment that changed everything. This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply validating. It’s for every woman who has wondered why success doesn’t feel the way she imagined, and why climbing higher sometimes means losing yourself along the way. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why the challenges women face don’t disappear at higher levels — they just get lonelier * How burnout can be invisible, even to yourself, until someone else sees it * The physical and emotional cost of pushing through when you’ve outgrown your role * Why money and titles don’t guarantee fulfillment (and what actually does) * How workplace trauma and mistreatment compound burnout in devastating ways * What it takes to rebuild after hitting rock bottom — and how to never go back * Why “you are enough in and of yourself” is the foundation for sustainable success 💡 Key Message: Elevation without fulfillment is exhausting. You can have the title, the salary, and the respect — and still feel like something’s off. That feeling is valid. And recognizing it is the first step toward building a career that doesn’t cost you yourself. 🌿 Stay Connected on Substack: Listening off-platform? Subscribe on Substack to Substack fns, emotional intelligence tools, and extended show notes. 📲 Connect With Me Follow along on LinkedIn for daily encouragement and behind-the-scenes insight. ⭐ Support the Show if this episode resonated, become a free or paid subscriber, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with a woman who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more ambitious women find this community. Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
  3. The Essential Women: Ambition, Motherhood, and Showing Up Fully — Part 2 with Lauren Miura + Melanie Hatchell (Ep. 43 )

    12/23/2025

    The Essential Women: Ambition, Motherhood, and Showing Up Fully — Part 2 with Lauren Miura + Melanie Hatchell (Ep. 43 )

    This week’s episode is an early gift — a reminder that you don’t have to do everything alone. In Part 2 of The Essential Women, Lauren Miura, Melanie Hatchell, and I reflect on what it truly means to support ambitious mothers — especially during seasons when life feels demanding, tender, and constantly in motion. We reflect on the in-person Essential Woman workshop we co-facilitated in November of 2025 and what's coming next in 2026. Together, we explore the unseen labor women carry, the value of being truly witnessed in your journey, and why community isn’t a luxury for ambitious women — it’s essential. This conversation offers both grounding and reassurance, reminding you that you don’t have to do everything alone. I typically release new episodes bi-weekly on Wednesdays, but with this Wednesday falling on Christmas Eve, releasing this episode early felt aligned. Consider this an early gift — a moment to pause, reflect, and feel supported during the holiday season. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why community is essential for ambitious women and mothers * How being seen and supported changes the way we lead and grow * The importance of rest, reflection, and grace during full seasons of life * Why sharing your story helps other women feel less alone * How small acts of support create lasting impact * What it means to honor ambition without abandoning yourself 💡 Key Message:You are not meant to carry everything alone.Your ambition is valid.Your season matters.And being supported doesn’t make you weak — it makes you sustainable. 🌿 Stay Connected on Substack Listening off-platform? Subscribe on Substack for reflections, emotional intelligence tools, and extended show notes. 📲 Connect With Me Follow along on Instagram and Tik Tok for daily encouragement and behind-the-scenes insight. ⭐ Support the Show If this episode resonated become a free or paid subscriber, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with a mom who needs this message. Your support helps more ambitious women find this community. The Essential Woman Part 1 - Linked it below: Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    25 min
  4. Ep: 42 - Unstoppable Voices: Breaking Through the Silence with Jodie from I'm Just a Woman

    12/10/2025

    Ep: 42 - Unstoppable Voices: Breaking Through the Silence with Jodie from I'm Just a Woman

    This episode opens up a raw and honest conversation about womanhood, agency, and the courage to speak up in a world that often expects women to stay small. My guest, Jodie, is the writer behind the Substack publication, I'm Just A Woman (to learn more click the link), where she creates space for women to show up unapologetically, tell the truth, and speak from the heart. Together, we explore the outdated narrative that women should be passive or quiet, the lingering expectation to “hold your tongue,” and why so many still feel uncomfortable when women stand fully in their confidence. I also share my own experiences working in a male-dominated industry — including the moments when I’ve had to shut down comments, set boundaries, and refuse to play the role of the “quiet one.” Through this conversation, we unpack the deeper fear society holds about what happens when women come together, own their power, and refuse to be grateful for scraps of progress. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why women have historically been expected to stay quiet — and what happens when we don’t * How cultural conditioning still shapes confidence, assertiveness, and self-expression * The reality of navigating male-dominated spaces and honoring your boundaries * Why some people fear the power of women’s unity and collective voice * The difference between acknowledging progress and settling for the bare minimum * How reclaiming your voice becomes an act of self-respect and personal liberation 💡 Key Message:You don’t have to shrink. You don’t have to whisper.Your voice is not “too much” — it’s exactly what the world needs. You are allowed to speak.You are allowed to take up space.You are allowed to be unstoppable. 💜 Work With MeWant deeper support? Explore Virtual Mom Bestie 1:1 Coaching to receive grounded, personalized guidance that meets you where you are. 🌿 Stay Connected on SubstackListening off-platform? Subscribe on Substack for weekly reflections, emotional intelligence tools, and extended show notes.Plus, join the next Power Pause for Moms, our free monthly reset session. 📲 Connect With MeFollow along on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn for daily encouragement and behind-the-scenes insight. ⭐ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with someone who needs this reminder today. Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    29 min

  5. 11/12/2025

    Ep: 41 - The Double Standard Dilemma: Why Women Still Have to Prove Themselves with Urmi Hossain

    This episode features a powerful cross-cultural conversation about identity, ambition, and belonging. My guest, Urmi Hossain, is a corporate professional, author, speaker, and advocate for women’s empowerment. Born and raised in Italy with Bengali heritage, Urmi shares her experience of growing up between two cultures — and how she transformed that sense of “not fitting in” into a source of strength, leadership, and purpose. Together, we explore how cultural expectations shape women’s self-worth, why independence is often discouraged in traditional systems, and how redefining womanhood begins with reclaiming your autonomy and inner truth. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: * How cultural narratives influence women’s confidence and self-identity * What it means to “not belong” — and how to turn that into power * The hidden double standards women face across cultures * Why self-actualization isn’t gendered — it’s human * Practical ways to reconnect with yourself beyond roles and expectations * How rest, reflection, and alignment create space for true fulfillment 💡 Key Message:You don’t have to fit into a cultural script to be whole. Your identity, your ambition, and your story are enough — just as they are. You are allowed to evolve.You are allowed to redefine what womanhood means to you. 💜 Work With Me Ready for deeper support? Explore Virtual Mom Bestie 1:1 Coaching and see how we can work together in a way that meets you right where you are. 🌿 Stay Connected on Substack Listening off-platform? Subscribe on Substack for weekly reflections, emotional intelligence tools, and full show notes.Plus, stay tuned for the next Power Pause for Moms, our free monthly reset session. 📲 Connect With Me Follow on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn for daily encouragement and behind-the-scenes insight. ⭐ Support the Show If this episode supported you, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend who might need this reminder today. Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    33 min

  6. 10/09/2025

    Ep: 40 - Reclaiming You: Beyond Motherhood, Titles, and Expectations

    This episode is a powerful reminder that perfection is an illusion. Together, we explore how societal expectations have shaped the way women define worth — and how to return home to your true self: messy, evolving, and beautifully human. Through personal reflection and actionable insights, I’ll share how to shift from striving for perfection to embracing authenticity, joy, and inner peace. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to release perfectionism and redefine success on your own terms * The psychological roots of “not enoughness” — and how to rise above them * Practical tools to ground yourself in self-compassion and self-trust * A powerful well-being model (PERMA) to help you flourish in life and motherhood * Why you are — and always have been — enough 💡 Key Message:You are not what you do.You are who you are — a divine, expansive being having a human experience. Let go of perfection. Return to yourself.You are powerful, worthy, and enough. 💬 Support & Stay Connected 💌 Subscribe:Join me on Substack at @janeicadavis for reflections, tools, and emotional intelligence resources for ambitious women. 🌸 Join the Ambitious Mom Circle:Connect with a community of women embracing both ambition and motherhood. This intimate circle is designed to help you lead with self-trust, emotional balance, and alignment.👉 Learn more & join here 📝 Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a 5-star rating and a thoughtful review on Apple Podcasts — your support helps more women find our community. 🤍 Share:Send this episode to someone who needs the reminder that she is enough — it might be the healing message she’s been waiting for. Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min

  7. 09/04/2025

    Ep: 39 - The Essential Woman: Reconnecting with Who You Truly Are — Part 1 with Lauren Miura + Melanie Hatchell -

    In this soul-stirring episode of Diaries of Ambitious Women, I’m joined by two incredible guests and spiritual sisters: Lauren Miura, an Executive Coach based in New York City, and Melanie Hatchell, Founder of the Girls Middle School in Palo Alto and a Certified Life Coach. Together, we share our deeply personal journeys through transformation, motherhood, career pivots, and spiritual growth — inviting you into an honest conversation about what it truly means to live in alignment with your authentic self. Our connection began at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University, where we co-created The Essential Woman — a workshop designed to help women reconnect with who they are beneath all the roles they play. I’m Janeica Davis, your Executive and Emotional Intelligence Coach, and I’m here to guide you through this powerful dialogue — one that reminds us all that ambition and authenticity can coexist beautifully when we return to our essential selves. ✨ In this episode, we explore: * What it means to embody your essential self * How motherhood and ambition often collide — and finding peace within that tension * Redefining freedom and success at every stage of life * Listening to the inner knowing that guides us beyond cultural expectations * The power of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in personal transformation 💡 Perfect for:Mothers, leaders, and ambitious women seeking balance, authenticity, and purpose — and anyone ready to rediscover who they are beneath the expectations of the world. 💜 Work With Me Ready for deeper support? Explore Virtual Mom Bestie 1:1 Coaching and see how we can work together in a way that meets you right where you are. 🌿 Stay Connected on Substack Listening off-platform? Subscribe on Substack for weekly reflections, emotional intelligence tools, and full show notes.Plus, stay tuned for the next Power Pause for Moms, our free monthly reset session. 📲 Connect With Me Follow on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn for daily encouragement and behind-the-scenes insight. ⭐ Support the Show If this episode supported you, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend who might need this reminder today. Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    42 min
  8. Ep: 38 - Don’t be Afraid to Pivot + Try Something Different + Get a Dope Coach

    06/27/2024

    Ep: 38 - Don’t be Afraid to Pivot + Try Something Different + Get a Dope Coach

    Feeling stuck in life and like you don’t know what to do or focus on? I’ve been in your shoes and had to pivot on many occasions. In this empowering episode, I deep dive into how to reframe your mindset to get you where you want to be, encourage you to pivot, not quit, and provide insight on the value of hiring a coach as an effective strategy to get you to where you want to be. Key Takeaways: •  Recognize unconscious patterns that contribute to the issue. • Owning the power within you and believing in yourself • Asking for help and how hiring a coach can get you quicker results in a shorter amount of time compared to doing it on your own • Connecting the dots of your life and realizing it’s prepared you for who you’re becoming • Giving yourself grace and being patient with yourself as you learn, evolve and grow. Get ready for a transformative conversation packed with bold insights and actionable steps to help you handle anything life throws your way with confidence. This episode will empower you to emerge resilient, empowered, and ready to achieve your goals without sacrificing your well-being! Your journey to a thriving life starts here! Love this episode and want more content & motivation? Follow Janeica on Instagram for daily motivation and tips: https://www.instagram.com/janeicadavis/  #dontquit #pivot #pivotinlife #motivation #coach #relationshipcoach #marriagecoach Get full access to Diaries of Ambitious Women® at diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com/subscribe

    21 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Diaries of Ambitious Women — Leadership, Identity, and Reinvention in a Changing Economy Honest conversations about ambition, authority, and what it takes to build a sustainable career when AI, motherhood, and modern work no longer play by old rules. For women done shrinking, done drifting, and ready to lead themselves through what's next. diariesofambitiouswomen.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Janeica Davis
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Diaries of Ambitious Women
  • Show Website
    Diaries of Ambitious Women