Big changes rarely happen all at once. And when fear has been making our decisions for a long time, even the first small step can feel enormous. Nancy and Questian bring listeners two conversations from the Theater of Public Speaking “Curtain Call” retreat, recorded by Nancy with women whose stories start in different places and arrive at the same realization. Katie Helle spent seven years staring at the same spreadsheet before burnout finally pushed her to leave a stable CPA role and start her own firm; Mariana Alvarez spent years rebuilding her sense of self after heartbreaking domestic abuse, learning that forgiveness — of the people who hurt her and of herself — couldn't be rushed. Both chose to move forward while still scared, and discovered that you don’t need to see the whole path to begin walking it.

Sponsors
Bill - http://bill.com/shecounts
Relay - https://relayfi.com/shecounts
Karbon - https://karbonhq.com/

• (00:00) - Welcome to She Counts
• (00:31) - Sponsors and Support
• (01:14) - Two Stories One Theme
• (02:40) - Retreat Setup and Interviews
• (03:35) - Meet Katie Heele
• (04:11) - Fear as Information
• (07:01) - Starting a Firm Doubts
• (09:44) - Entrepreneur Roots and Risk
• (12:00) - Seven Years to Act
• (13:13) - Burnout Flips the Switch
• (15:38) - Steps Not Leaps
• (18:20) - Find Help and Community
• (20:50) - Modern Firm Models
• (22:22) - Fear Means Growth
• (23:53) - 60% Want Change
• (24:17) - Write Down Fear
• (25:16) - One Step Plan
• (25:37) - Katie Closing Advice
• (27:19) - Fear Into Willingness
• (29:31) - Mariana Joins the Show
• (31:26) - Self Forgiveness Path
• (34:34) - Anger As A Wall
• (40:36) - Purpose And North Star
• (43:45) - Peace After Survival
• (45:59) - Be True To Yourself
• (47:23) - One Step Takeaway
• (48:30) - Wrap Up And Quote

• Katie Helle on LinkedIn - M Katie Helle, CPA | LinkedIn
• Source for Job Change stats cited - Resume Now. (2025). 2025 Career Gridlock Report
• Mariana Alvarez on LinkedIn - Mariana Alvarez | LinkedIn
• Theatre of Public Speaking - https://publicspeaking.mistymegia.com/?ref=857055

SPONSORS: [Bill, Relay, Karbon]

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