BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence

Paola Soares- Inspired by Jenna Kutcher, Christian, Women entreprenuers
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Do you ever struggle with imposter syndrome when it comes to your career or business? Wish you had unshakable confidence no matter who's in the meeting? Ever wonder how those wildly successful women got to where they are today? What if I told you that every one of them had moments of "failure" would failure seem less scary to you? What if "failure" is part of the journey towards success and purpose? Welcome to the BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED podcast. In this podcast you will learn practical tips on how to develop the boss woman within you to excel with confidence in your career and business. Hear candid conversations with trailblazing women that are dominating in their fields as industry leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers and more. Learn as they share wisdom, strategies and get vulnerable about how moments of "failure" propelled them to where they are today. Hi! I'm Paola Soares:) I'm a former Journalist and National News Producer that has had stories appear on Univision, Telemundo ABC News among others. While working in news my favorite stories were always profile pieces that helped and inspired. I started this podcast because I'm passionate about helping women gain confidence in their careers, businesses and overcome the fear failing that many times can be holding them back from living the life of their dreams. Because I've been there. I remember: + being in meetings with CEO's, Anchors, and other high level bosses and being too nervous and second guessing myself so much that I wouldn't speak up and share an idea that I really felt was a great one. + Thinking that I was nothing like those boss women that I looked up, that they had never struggled and I was the only one that had setbacks. + Being let go from what I thought was dream job and feeling like like I was a "failure" and struggling to move past it till I had a life-changing realization. Now I'm taking my love of story telling and combining it with something that is on my heart, helping women overcome fear of failing and gain confidence when it comes to their careers, businesses and callings. Stop second guessing yourself and become the boss woman that deep down inside you know you are supposed to become. Shake off that discouragement, it's not too late, you are not behind! If you are ready for your boss-woman breakthrough this podcast is for you! Get ready to get inspired!

  1. 4H AGO

    167. How I Almost Gave Up on My Dreams: The Story That Changed Everything

    What happens when you slowly start becoming the version of yourself you never wanted to be? In this deeply personal episode, Paola Soares shares a story she doesn't often talk about—the season where she felt stuck, disconnected from her purpose, and dangerously close to giving up on her dreams altogether. Between leaving her career in national news and launching her podcast, there was a chapter filled with uncertainty, unfulfilling jobs, and a quiet but heavy question: "Is this really it?" This episode walks through the internal battle of starting and stopping, losing momentum, and almost accepting a life that felt out of alignment. But it also reveals the pivotal moment when someone stepped in, believed in her, and refused to let her stay stuck. Because sometimes the breakthrough doesn't come from doing more—it comes from someone reaching out their hand when you've stopped reaching for your own future. This is a story about identity, self-belief, and the power of not doing it alone. If you've been feeling inconsistent, discouraged, or afraid you might become the woman who gives up on her dream… this episode will meet you right where you are.     In this episode: The season where everything felt uncertain and off-track The pattern of starting and stopping (and why it's so hard to break) The moment that changed everything—and why it mattered more than you think What actually shifts when you stop trying to do it all on your own The identity shift that leads to real momentum         ✨ Ready to finally take action on the dream God has placed on your heart? Join Paola for the Spring BFSF Dream Community Call—a free live experience designed to help women get unstuck, gain clarity, and start showing up consistently. On this call, she'll walk through the 5 key shifts needed to move forward with confidence, and open up space for: Live coaching, encouragement, and feedback on the dream or project you're stepping into Connection with like-minded women who are also choosing to step out in this season A behind-the-scenes look at the Purpose Co. Accountability Community and the transformation happening inside The opportunity to share what support you need most right now 🗓 May 6th at 12PM EST 🎟 Free 1-hour Zoom call 👉 Save your spot here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Frbt1SOQZ6DSA2KHdwBBw 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here   Join the Email list and become a BFSF Insider Get Behind the Scenes Access and be the first to know about upcoming events and giveaways! Join here

    23 min

  2. APR 15

    166.How Limiting Beliefs Are Secretly Holding You Back (+ 7 Common Ones to Break) (REWIND)

    What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your strategy, your circumstances, or your resources—but the beliefs you've been carrying for years? In this Rewind episode of But First, She Failed, Paola Soares dives into the powerful and often hidden topic of limiting beliefs—the subconscious thoughts and narratives that shape how women show up in their careers, businesses, and everyday lives. These beliefs are often formed early on and reinforced over time, quietly influencing decisions, confidence, and the willingness to take action. The challenge? Most people don't even realize they're operating from them. This episode unpacks what limiting beliefs are, where they come from, and how they can manifest in subtle but impactful ways—from fear of failure and fear of success to feelings of not being good enough, not qualified enough, or not worthy of more. Paola also walks through 7 of the most common limiting beliefs that may be keeping women stuck, playing small, or second-guessing their next step—whether in their career, business, or pursuit of a bigger purpose. For anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure why progress feels harder than it should, this conversation offers clarity, awareness, and the first step toward breaking free. Because the truth is—what feels like reality may actually be a belief that can be changed. ✨ Ready to finally take action on the dream God has placed on your heart? Join Paola for the Spring BFSF Dream Community Call—a free live experience designed to help women get unstuck, gain clarity, and start showing up consistently. On this call, she'll walk through the 5 key shifts needed to move forward with confidence, and open up space for: Live coaching, encouragement, and feedback on the dream or project you're stepping into Connection with like-minded women who are also choosing to step out in this season A behind-the-scenes look at the Purpose Co. Accountability Community and the transformation happening inside The opportunity to share what support you need most right now 🗓 May 6th at 12PM EST 🎟 Free 1-hour Zoom call 👉 Save your spot here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Frbt1SOQZ6DSA2KHdwBBw   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here Join the Email list and become a BFSF Insider Get Behind the Scenes Access and be the first to know about upcoming events and giveaways! Join here

    16 min

  3. APR 8

    165. Reset Your Focus for Q2: 5 Steps to Get Clear & Aligned To Have Your Best Year Yet

    Feeling scattered, distracted, or stuck—and not sure what to focus on next? In this episode of But First, She Failed, Paola Soares shares a powerful Q2 reset with 5 simple steps to help women get clear, realign their priorities, and build real momentum—without overcomplicating the process. This episode walks through how to slow down, refocus, cut distractions, and simplify what actually matters in this season—so progress finally starts to feel aligned again. Whether navigating a transition, building something new, or trying to get back on track after feeling inconsistent, this conversation offers both clarity and direction. Inside this episode: A simple 5-step reset to refocus for Q2 How to get clear on what actually matters right now What's been quietly pulling focus and slowing momentum How to simplify goals and take aligned action This episode also offers a glimpse into the Purpose Co. Accountability Community—a space designed for women who are ready to stop doing life and business alone and start moving forward with clarity, accountability, and support. ✨ Ready to stop doing this alone? Join Paola for the But First, She Failed Community Call on May 6th at 12PM EST—a free live experience where she'll teach on the power of accountability, community, and how to finally move forward in your calling with clarity and support. You'll also have the opportunity to receive live coaching and connect with like-minded women pursuing their God-given purpose. 🔗 Save your spot below: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Frbt1SOQZ6DSA2KHdwBBw — 🎧 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review—it helps more women step into their purpose and hear messages like this. Thank you for being part of this community. 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

    19 min

  4. APR 1

    164. AI Can't Replace This: How to Stand Out & Become Irreplaceable with MyStoryPro AI Founder Patrice Poltzer

    In this episode, Host Paola Soares sits down with former Today Show producer, storyteller, and founder of MyStoryPro AI, Patrice Poltzer, for a powerful and timely conversation on how to stand out in the age of AI—without losing your voice. As artificial intelligence continues to flood social media, email, and online platforms with content, many women are feeling more invisible than ever. The question isn't just how to use AI—it's how to rise above it. Patrice brings a unique perspective, blending her background in national television with her expertise in storytelling and emerging technology, to reveal why personal story is quickly becoming one of the most valuable assets in business, branding, and leadership today. Because while AI can generate content… it cannot replicate lived experience, conviction, or calling. In this conversation, Paola and Patrice unpack what it really takes to stand out in a world where everyone has access to the same tools—and why the women who learn to own their voice will be the ones who rise. Inside this episode: Why storytelling is becoming a premium skill in the age of AI How to use AI as a tool—without sounding like everyone else Why your personal story is your greatest competitive advantage The behind-the-scenes reality of building a business, raising a family, and stepping into visibility How vulnerability can actually become your superpower (not your weakness) Patrice also shares her journey from the Today Show to building an AI-powered platform, the unexpected failures that shaped her path, and the bold pivot that changed everything. If you've been questioning how to show up, how to stand out, or how to use AI without losing who you are—this episode will remind you that your story is not the thing holding you back… it's the thing that will set you apart. — ✨ Ready to stop doing this alone? Join Paola for the But First, She Failed Community Call on May 6th at 12PM EST—a free live experience where she'll teach on the power of accountability, community, and how to finally move forward in your calling with clarity and support. You'll also have the opportunity to receive live coaching and connect with like-minded women pursuing their God-given purpose. 🔗 Save your spot below: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Frbt1SOQZ6DSA2KHdwBBw — 🎧 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review—it helps more women step into their purpose and hear messages like this. Connect with Patrice:  Join her newsletter: https://patricepoltzercreative.com/newsletter My Story Pro AI: https://mystorypro.ai

    54 min

  5. MAR 25

    163. She Will Not Fail: A Word for When You Feel Lost, Discouraged, or Ready to Give Up on Your Purpose

    In this episode, Host Paola Soares delivers a powerful and timely message for the woman who feels stuck, discouraged, or on the verge of giving up on what God placed on her heart. After planning a completely different episode, Paola felt led in a different direction—sharing a word rooted in scripture, personal experience, and a recent moment where things didn't go as expected. In this honest and faith-filled conversation, she opens up about a recent setback in her own journey and the deeper lesson it revealed—one that speaks directly to seasons where nothing seems to be working despite effort, consistency, and intention. This episode speaks to the woman navigating: A season of confusion or lack of clarity around her calling Discouragement in her business, career, or God-given dream The tension between trusting God and wanting control The fear that she may have missed it or gotten it wrong Through scripture, reflection, and real-time insight, Paola shares a perspective shift that reframes what it means when things aren't unfolding the way they were expected. This is more than encouragement—it's a reminder of what remains true, even in uncertain seasons.   💛 ✨ You're Not Meant To Do This Alone — Join Paola Live If you've been feeling stuck, overthinking your next step, or trying to figure out your calling, business, or that God-given dream on your own… this is your space. Join Paola and a room of like-minded women for a free live Accountability & Community Call where you'll receive real support, encouragement, and the opportunity to get coached live. She'll share a powerful shift that changed everything in her own journey—then open it up for live coaching and conversation. ✨ Come share what's on your heart ✨ Get guidance and clarity on your next step ✨ Be surrounded by women who are also ready to move forward 🗓 Wednesday, May 6th at 12PM EST 🔗 Save your spot here: ✅ Register Here https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Frbt1SOQZ6DSA2KHdwBBw#/registration You don't have to do this alone 🤍   Follow on Instagram: @ButFirstSheFailed Or join the email list here: https://sincere-wildflower-98577.myflodesk.com/hxh7gitt2i  And if this podcast has encouraged you Thank you for being part of this community. 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

    19 min

  6. MAR 11

    162. 5 Hard Lessons From 5 Years of Podcasting: The Truth About Success No One Talks About

    Five years ago, Paola Soares pressed record on the very first episode of the But First, She Failed Podcast — not knowing who would listen, where the journey would lead, or how much she would grow along the way. In this episode, Paola pulls back the curtain on the real behind-the-scenes of five years of podcasting — the lessons, the mindset struggles, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs that only came through persistence and faith. For anyone who has ever started something meaningful — a business, a calling, or a dream — and questioned whether to keep going, this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to continue showing up when the path forward isn't always clear. In this reflection, Paola shares what five years behind the microphone has taught her about perseverance, mindset, faith, and why pursuing purpose-driven work is never meant to be done alone. If you have been feeling stuck, uncertain about your next step, or simply ready to realign your vision for the season ahead— you are invited to join the upcoming Vision Reset Experience, a live guided coaching and reflection session designed to help participants pause, reset their vision, and gain clarity for what's next. Register for the Vision Reset Experience here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1Frbt1SOQZ6DSA2KHdwBBw   This episode is also part of the podcast's 5-year anniversary celebration week, where several gifts are being given away, including podcast coaching, a free month inside the Purpose Co. Accountability Community, a beautiful prayer journal, and VIP hot seat coaching during one of the upcoming live community sessions.  TO ENTER the giveaway: Either register for the vision reset experience or leave us an Apple review! You get one entry for each!  To stay updated on the giveaways happening throughout the week: Follow on Instagram: @ButFirstSheFailed Or join the email list here: https://sincere-wildflower-98577.myflodesk.com/hxh7gitt2i And if this podcast has encouraged you Thank you for being part of this community. 💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

    37 min

  7. MAR 4

    161. Why You Can't Find Your Purpose: Quiet Grief, Identity Shifts & Clarity with Nicole O. Salmon

    In this episode, Host Paola Soares sits down with author and Purpose Alignment Coach Nicole O. Salmon to unpack a surprising reason many women struggle to "find their purpose": quiet grief—the losses we move past but never truly mourn. If you've been praying for clarity but still feel stuck, disoriented, or emotionally drained, this conversation will help you name what's really going on and take a healthy next step forward. Inside this episode, we talk about: How unprocessed grief can clog discernment and distort self-perception Identity shifts that happen as you evolve (not because you failed) Adult friendships that fade—and how to navigate relational grief with wisdom Why purpose isn't a destination, but a lifestyle you live from Simple ways to move from overthinking into aligned action Nicole is a partner on the YouVersion Bible App and the author of Courage and Confidence: A Bold Guide to Unboxing Who You Were Created to Be. If you feel called but confused, this episode will give you language, encouragement, and a clearer path forward.   Connect with Chelsi Jo: Instagram:Let's Connect: @nicoleosalmon Nicoleosalmon.com JOIN THE NEXT FREE COMMUNITY CALL: Feeling stuck, unclear, or craving accountability as you move forward in this season? Our free Purpose Co. Accountability Community calls are designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful next steps—together. Join the waitlist to be the first to know about our next free call happening in March, where you'll experience the heart of the community: clarity, encouragement, and real accountability alongside like-minded women. 👉 Join the waitlist and be the first invited : Sign Up HERE   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

    41 min

  8. FEB 25

    160. The Systems That Set You Free: How to Organize Your Life & Business (Time Management for Entrepreneurs) with Chelsi Jo Moore REWIND

    In this REWIND episode of But First, She Failed, Host Paola Soares revisits one of the most practical and powerful conversations on building a life that actually works for you — not against you. If you feel overwhelmed, behind, scattered, or like your home life constantly spills into your business goals… this episode is for you. Paola sits down with Chelsi Jo Moore, host of Systemize Your Life, a top-ranked podcast with over 2 million downloads and 350+ episodes. Chelsi Jo is known for helping women — especially entrepreneurs and work-from-home moms — create simple, sustainable systems that reduce chaos and increase clarity. In this conversation, we explore: What it really means to systemize your life (and why it's not as rigid as it sounds) How time management systems create more freedom — not less The connection between home organization and business productivity Common mistakes female entrepreneurs make when trying to "do it all" How to move from reactive living to intentional structure This episode is especially relevant if: You're building a business while managing a home You constantly feel like you're playing catch-up You want more peace, consistency, and follow-through You know you're called to more but your schedule feels chaotic Systems aren't about perfection — they're about support. And as you grow in your calling and leadership, structure becomes the thing that sustains the vision. Connect with Chelsi Jo: Instagram:Let's Connect: @chelsijo Free Quiz: https://chelsijo.co/system JOIN THE NEXT FREE COMMUNITY CALL: Feeling stuck, unclear, or craving accountability as you move forward in this season? Our free Purpose Co. Accountability Community calls are designed to help you pause, reflect, and take meaningful next steps—together. Join the waitlist to be the first to know about our next free call happening in March, where you'll experience the heart of the community: clarity, encouragement, and real accountability alongside like-minded women. 👉 Join the waitlist and be the first invited : Sign Up HERE   💻 Let's Connect: 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here 📩 6 Ways to Know You're Walking In Your Calling (Free Resource) 133. Why You Need To Develop This 1 Thing To Be Successful Get the Overcome Failure Framework Resource Here

    42 min
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About

Do you ever struggle with imposter syndrome when it comes to your career or business? Wish you had unshakable confidence no matter who's in the meeting? Ever wonder how those wildly successful women got to where they are today? What if I told you that every one of them had moments of "failure" would failure seem less scary to you? What if "failure" is part of the journey towards success and purpose? Welcome to the BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED podcast. In this podcast you will learn practical tips on how to develop the boss woman within you to excel with confidence in your career and business. Hear candid conversations with trailblazing women that are dominating in their fields as industry leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers and more. Learn as they share wisdom, strategies and get vulnerable about how moments of "failure" propelled them to where they are today. Hi! I'm Paola Soares:) I'm a former Journalist and National News Producer that has had stories appear on Univision, Telemundo ABC News among others. While working in news my favorite stories were always profile pieces that helped and inspired. I started this podcast because I'm passionate about helping women gain confidence in their careers, businesses and overcome the fear failing that many times can be holding them back from living the life of their dreams. Because I've been there. I remember: + being in meetings with CEO's, Anchors, and other high level bosses and being too nervous and second guessing myself so much that I wouldn't speak up and share an idea that I really felt was a great one. + Thinking that I was nothing like those boss women that I looked up, that they had never struggled and I was the only one that had setbacks. + Being let go from what I thought was dream job and feeling like like I was a "failure" and struggling to move past it till I had a life-changing realization. Now I'm taking my love of story telling and combining it with something that is on my heart, helping women overcome fear of failing and gain confidence when it comes to their careers, businesses and callings. Stop second guessing yourself and become the boss woman that deep down inside you know you are supposed to become. Shake off that discouragement, it's not too late, you are not behind! If you are ready for your boss-woman breakthrough this podcast is for you! Get ready to get inspired!

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