Episode 2: What I’d Tell My 25-Year-Old Self About Career, Control & Joy

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If I could go back and talk to my 25-year-old self—the one with fear in her chest and ambition on her back—I wouldn’t give her a checklist.

I’d give her permission.

Permission to stop gripping so tightly.

Permission to stop believing that hustle equals worth.

Permission to lead herself first—because that’s where joy begins.

As a former corporate VP turned executive coach, I work with high-performing professionals every day who are asking themselves the same question: Is this it? This episode of The Joy CEO Podcast is my love letter to every ambitious leader who’s still learning that success without joy is just an empty victory.

Here are the 3 truths I wish someone had told me sooner:

1. Trust That It Will Work Out (Even If You’re Afraid It Won’t)

Early in my career, I tried to control everything—my performance reviews, how others perceived me, whether I’d be promoted. But here’s the truth: Control is an illusion. Especially in corporate life.

Reorgs happen. People get promoted who “shouldn’t.” Leadership changes, and the rules shift overnight.

You know what is in your control?

Your mindset. Your preparation. Your presence.

I use a tool with my clients called the Hula Hoop Theory. Visualize a hula hoop on the ground around your feet. What’s inside it—your attitude, your energy, your thoughts—is all you can control. Everything outside it? Not yours.

2. Great Work Matters—But It’s Not Always Enough

For years, I believed that if I just kept my head down and delivered, someone would notice. Sometimes they did. But often? They didn’t.

Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s strategy.

“If you’re not talking about your work, someone else is. And they might not frame it the way you’d want them to.”

You don’t have to brag—but you do have to give people the right soundbites. Make it easy for your leaders to talk about your contributions in rooms you’re not in. That’s how you build momentum.

3. You Need Something Outside of Work

Work was my identity for far too long. I told myself it was drive, but it was tunnel vision.

And tunnel vision kills creativity—and joy.

I wish I’d stuck with tennis. Or joined a volunteer cause. Something that made me feel alive outside of quarterly results. These outlets don’t just make you happier. They make you more interesting—in interviews, in meetings, in life.

Want More Joy in Your Leadership?

If you’re carrying the weight of success but still feel unseen, stuck, or tired… I see you.

And I’m here to remind you:

You don’t need to hustle your way to worth.

You don’t need to do it alone.

You can have a powerful career and a joyful life.

Let’s build that together.

📩 Reflect on This

• What are you trying to control that’s outside your hula hoop?

• Are you hoping to be discovered—or are you making your work visible?

• What hobby, outlet, or cause could you commit to that has nothing to do with your job but everything to do with your joy?

📲 Connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram

🗓️ Book a Discovery Call: loripine.com

Because leadership gets stronger when your joy does too.