In this episode of the UpliftHER Leadership Series on the Self-Care Goddess Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mary Brodie , digital experience strategist, founder of Gearmark, two-time author, and a thoughtful voice at the intersection of technology, human experience, and conscious leadership.

Our conversation was a beautiful, expansive exploration of what it truly means to navigate change with grace. Mary shared her nonlinear career journey from aspiring English professor to digital strategist, from corporate roles shaped by layoffs and pivots to founding her own consultancy — and the deep self-awareness, curiosity, and compassion that carried her through each chapter.

This episode weaves together career evolution, leadership, spirituality, and resilience, offering gentle yet powerful insights for anyone navigating uncertainty or redefining success on their own terms.

✨ Here’s what we explored in this rich and reflective conversation:

✅ Embracing nonlinear career paths and releasing the pressure to “have it all figured out”

✅ Why knowing what you don’t want can be just as powerful as knowing what you do

✅ Navigating layoffs, job loss, and career transitions without internalizing shame

✅ Reframing rejection and understanding that most setbacks are not personal

✅ The role of curiosity, experimentation, and flexibility in conscious leadership

✅ How meditation, Buddhism, and self-compassion reshaped Mary’s inner world

✅ The difference between empathy and compassion — and why compassion creates healthier boundaries

✅ Letting go of codependency and learning not to take things personally

✅ Acceptance as a leadership skill, not a form of resignation ✅ Insights from Mary’s upcoming book: Acceptance: The Key to Being a Good Listener

Mary reminds us that most paths are reversible, few decisions are permanent, and growth often comes from allowing ourselves to pause, reflect, and evolve. Through her wisdom and lived experience, she invites us to lead with presence, listen more deeply, and meet life’s transitions with compassion rather than fear.

Leadership isn’t about certainty; it’s about awareness. When we stop taking life’s twists personally and start meeting them with acceptance and curiosity, we open the door to more aligned, human-centered leadership.

✨ Take a deep breath. Your journey doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else — only to you.
Connect with Mary BrodieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfbrodie/Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mary-Brodie/author/B07ZBP6359?shoppingPortalEnabled=trueWebsite: https://www.mfbrodie.com/Connect with Me ( Rita)

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