What happens when you step off the treadmill of external expectations and start listening to your gut?
In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, I talk with Michelle Kim Cohen—attorney, mother, caregiver, and intentional leader—about what it really looks like to pause, reflect, and rebuild a life rooted in values instead of validation. Michelle took a 10-month sabbatical from her high-powered legal career to care for her father after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and in the process, redefined what success, peace, and leadership mean to her.
We talk about making decisions based on values, letting go of cultural “truths,” and the role of quiet in big life transitions. If you're standing at a crossroads, this conversation will help you trust your gut and choose what's right for you.
What We Talk About
Taking a 10-month power pause to care for family and reclaim joy
Listening to your gut—and getting quiet enough to hear it
Letting go of success “shoulds” and honoring what’s true now
Making values-based decisions, not fear-based ones
Work-life integration vs. work-life balance
Interviewing from a place of honesty and alignment
Sound meditation as a tool for clarity and peace
My Favorite Takeaway
Michelle shared the reminder she keeps by her office desk:
Prioritize my wellbeing and peace
Every workday must end
Don’t borrow from family time
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Connect with Michelle Kim Cohen on LinkedIn
You Turn: Get Unstuck, Discover Your Direction, and Design Your Dream Career by Ashley Stahl
Learn more about Cambium Learning Group
More from Leah
The Intuition Strategist website
Corporate Tarot Cards® Launch Bundle – Tools to help you make smarter, more aligned decisions
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