On this episode, Helen Jonsen sits down with writer, public relations expert, and self-described California Girl, Lisa Woolery, to talk about her “kaleidoscope career.” From teaching middle school English in SoCal to shaping messages in politics, public service, and corporate PR, Lisa built a life around words—until life rewrote the script.

After relocating her family to Kansas for a quieter life, Lisa’s husband, Eric, died suddenly just months later. What followed was a season of grief, survival, and, eventually, a return to the creative work that had always been calling her. Lisa shares howloss led her back to writing—through her memoir The Widow’s Comeback, a daily grief calendar, and a growing community for widows—while opening the door to a new chapter as a literary consultant and novelist.

It’s a conversation about resilience and reframing, and what it means to find your voice again when everything changes.

00:00 Writing Through Grief

02:03 Early Dreams and Teaching

03:12 Politics and Public Service

05:20 City PR to Corporate Offices

09:39 Family Pressures and Leaving Work

12:27 Moving to Kansas and Finding Voice

15:00 Dream Interrupted

16:46 Adoption and Building a Family

20:09 The Day Eric Died

23:07 Memoir Spark and Purpose

25:33 Sponsor Break

25:56 Publishing TheWidows Comeback

28:05 Workbooks andWidow Community

32:38 Literary Coachingand New Fiction

37:21 Kids Update andResilience

40:49 Life Now and Closing Reflections

Thanks to our sponsor:

Support for This Kaleidoscope Career comes from Divine Asset Management, a woman-ownedfirm advising individuals, families, and business owners on long-term strategies that align wealth with values.Explore more at WorkWithDivine.com

About Helen Jonsen & This Kaleidoscope Career

Helen Jonsen lives a kaleidoscope career built on decades of experience as a strategic adviser to corporate, nonprofit and public leadership, and a multi-platform journalist in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Helen is available as a keynote or workshop leader on This Kaleidoscope Career, and on topics to help you strengthen your spoken message to deliver it with confidence. Learn moreat helenjonsen.com or email helen@helenjonsen.com.

Helen’s new book: This Kaleidoscope Career: Empowering Women to Build Unconventional Careers and Redefine Success will be published byDeGruyter-Brill in September 2026.

Listen:In This Kaleidoscope Career podcast Helen helps leading women reframe their nonlinear careers across various industries, nonprofits and government,and helps others who aspire to unlock a successful kaleidoscope career. “This Kaleidoscope Career Podcast” is a production of helen jonsen media. https://www.helenjonsen.com/#this-kaleidoscope-career

----------

Online Course: Command the Room: Develop Your Signature Remarks Toolkit for LeadersHosted and written by Helen Jonsen in production with GenConnectU andLinkedIn Learning: A practical communication course for leaders who want tospeak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Register here and usediscount code: COMMAND15 for 15% off enrollment

TKCpod is edited on Descript. Learn more here https://descript.cello.so/u00D6MnPTT0

JoinInnovation Women. Do you want to speak for a living? Join a community ofspeakers supported by a platform. Learn more here: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=96435&awinaffid=2281255&ued=https%3A%2F%2Finnovationwomen.com%2Fjoin%2F

AffiliateDisclosure: This content contains affiliate links.helen jonsen media will receive a small commission at no cost to you.