Breana, a marketing manager in advertising, had a career that looked good on paper. Agency experience, publisher-side growth, a manager title. Something was still missing, and she couldn’t quite name what.

“I never really understood what I liked to do. I knew what I didn’t like, but that’s not the same as knowing what lights you up.”

That disconnect is what brought her to the Career Clarity Accelerator. Here’s what changed for her.

The Turning Point: From Doubt to Direction

Before coaching, Breana often second-guessed herself at work, especially in high-stakes meetings with leadership.

“I’d spend my entire weekend preparing for meetings. I wasn’t confident. I didn’t know what was expected of me.”

One simple shift, asking her CEO directly for clarity, led to a real breakthrough. With support, she learned how to lead conversations, prepare strategically, and show up as a proactive leader instead of a reactive one.

Reconnecting with What She’d Been Missing

Through the discovery work in the program, Breana rekindled her love for cooking, wellness, and animals, things she hadn’t made space for in years.

“I realized I was spending all my time working or watching Netflix. I wanted more.”

That realization led her to launch a YouTube channel focused on cooking and lifestyle content, a project that doubles as a bridge into a new industry.

“This isn’t just a hobby. It’s a bridge. It gives me experience in a space I want to grow into.”

Confidence and Clarity, Together

Breana wasn’t actively job hunting, but once her LinkedIn and resume were updated as part of the program, opportunity moved fast.

“It was only the second place I applied to, and they offered me the job. That’s never happened before.”

Because she’d already built out her career success stories and a clear blueprint, Breana could articulate her value and evaluate the offer with confidence instead of second-guessing it.

Three Lessons That Made the Biggest Difference

1. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
“I learned to log off. To make time for what brings me joy. That’s made me a better leader and a happier human.”

2. Know yourself.
“I finally understand my interests and strengths and how they show up both at work and in life.”

3. Pursue what you’re drawn to, on purpose.
“Having a creative outlet has changed my energy completely. I’m building something that excites me.”

Was It Worth the Investment?

Breana had hesitations going in.

“I didn’t think I had the time. I wasn’t sure it would be worth the money. But it absolutely was.”

She now considers it one of the better investments she’s made, not just in her career, but in herself.

What’s Next for Breana

She’s stepping fully into leadership in her current role, launching her first YouTube video, staying open to opportunities that blend her skills and interests, and moving forward with a clear one-year and five-year vision guiding her.

“It’s been amazing to see my skills and passions collide. This program gave me a clear path forward.”

Watch the full interview with Breana:

Common Questions

How do you build confidence for high-stakes meetings at work?
Breana’s shift came from learning to lead meetings instead of just reacting to them, spending less time over-preparing out of anxiety and more time showing up with a clear structure. Confidence followed the shift in approach, not the other way around.

Can you turn a hobby into a career-adjacent side project while working full-time?
Yes. Breana launched a cooking and lifestyle YouTube channel alongside her full-time marketing role, treating it as a bridge into a space she wanted to grow into rather than a replacement for her day job right away.

Why does self-care matter for career growth, not just wellbeing?
For Breana, setting boundaries and making time for things outside work wasn’t separate from her professional growth, it was part of what let her show up as a better, steadier leader at work.

More Client Stories

• Stephanie’s story, on soul-searching before job-searching and finding real fulfillment
• Jillian’s story, narrowing 100 ideas down to a real plan

Ready to Go From Stuck to Clear?

If you’re craving clarity and a sense of direction in your own career, Katherine’s story is worth reading too, another advertising career that found its way somewhere new.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free Career Alignment Audit™ and let’s map out your goals, work through what’s in the way, and design a career that actually fits you.