Leadership Purpose with Dr. Robin

Hosted by Robin L Owens

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309

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Oct 2026

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About the show

You have built a successful career, but you may be reaching a point where what once felt right no longer fits who you are now. On Leadership Purpose with Dr. Robin, host Robin L. Owens, PhD, speaks with high-achieving women about the significant career crossroads they have faced and the clarity, courage, and decisions that shaped what came next. These conversations go beyond polished success stories. You will hear how accomplished women navigated uncertainty, questioned long-held definitions of success, made difficult decisions, and created new ways to work, lead, and live with greater meaning and fulfillment. At the end of each guest conversation, she offers practical advice for the woman who may be standing at a career crossroads of her own. Through these interviews and occasional solo episodes from Dr. Robin, you will gain insight, encouragement, and new possibilities for your own next chapter. You may begin to see that the career crossroads before you is not simply a place of uncertainty; it may be the beginning of a career life that feels more meaningful, more fulfilling, and more fully your own.

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60 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 30332 min

26 Years of Loyalty. Then Everything Changed | Ep303 with Courtney Scott

"Career progression and career strategy are two different things. And you can keep getting better at what you do, and you can take on more and be of increasing value to an organization without necessarily positioning yourself for where you ultimately want to be." — Courtney Scott Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: If your career looks successful on paper but no longer feels like the right fit, you'll relate to Courtney's experience of spending 26 years with one organization and questioning what might be possible beyond it. You'll hear how to start rebuilding your confidence when a career change shakes your sense of who you are, especially when you've spent years proving your value in one place. You'll learn practical ways to build relationships beyond your workplace and start preparing for your future while staying committed to the role you're in. Courtney Scott is a strategic HR leader with more than two decades of experience building people strategies that support business performance. After 26 years with Learning Care Group, she now leads the HR function for a growing regional car wash business. Connect with Courtney at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-e-scott/ Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, offering b ehind-the-scenes podcast support for business owners doing work that matters at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

October 21, 2026Episode 30233 min

You Checked All the Boxes. Is This What You Want? | Ep 302 with Elena Arecco Bridgmon

"And so I had to get out of my own way and reimagine what life could look like and know that it doesn't have to be the way that I thought it had to be." — Elena Arecco Bridgmon Elena had the career, the home, and the family she had imagined for herself. On paper, she had checked the boxes. But she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more she wanted to do. In this conversation, she shares how she prepared to leave Bank of America, build a coaching business, and choose a different path without knowing exactly where it would lead. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: If you've done everything you thought you were supposed to do but your career no longer feels right, hear how Elena began questioning the expectations that had shaped her choices. Get a practical look at preparing for a career change, including building experience alongside your current job and making financial adjustments before leaving. Explore why asking for support can be difficult when you're used to being capable, and how letting others help can make a difference as you navigate what comes next. Elena Arecco Bridgmon is the cofounder and chief operating officer of Lumo Leadership, an executive coaching and leadership development firm. A professional certified coach with more than 20 years of experience, including 15 years at Bank of America, she helps leaders navigate transitions at work and in life. Connect with Elena at: Website: lumoleadership.com Email: elena@lumoleadership.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaareccobridgmon/ Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, offering b ehind-the-scenes podcast support for business owners doing work that matters at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

October 14, 2026Episode 30132 min

After 27 Years, She Chose a Different Career | Ep 301 with Kim Costa

"So I had to pay attention to what am I naturally drawn to and what excites me. And I kept filling myself on the side with those things. So those are the whispers that you're, even if you're not naturally intuitive, pay attention to what excites you and what you gravitate towards." — Kim Costa After 27 years doing accounting in a family construction business, Kim knew she was good at her work. But being good at it wasn't the same as feeling fulfilled. Pursuing a master's in accountancy seemed like the sensible next step, until a moment in a classroom made her question the future she was preparing for. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: If your career looks successful but feels increasingly disconnected from who you are, hear how Kim recognized the difference between filling a role and doing work that suited her. Discover how the interests you keep pursuing outside work might offer clues about what you want from your next chapter. Hear what preparing for a career change can look like, including simplifying your lifestyle, planning for an income gap, and finding support before making the move. Kim Costa is the author of Live in Your Wheel House and a top 5% realtor with 27 years of experience in residential design and construction. Her work explores how your home can support your current stage of life and the person you want to become. Connect with Kim at: Website: lifestylefoundations.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.e.costa/ Find Kim's book on Amazon here at: https://www.amazon.com/Live-Your-Wheel-House-Empowering/ Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, offering b ehind-the-scenes podcast support for business owners doing work that matters at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

October 7, 2026Episode 30022 min

300 Episodes Later: What I Know About Purpose, Decisions, and What Comes Next | Ep 300 with Dr. Robin

"Sometimes what changes in our lives doesn't begin with having the whole path figured out. Sometimes it begins with finally saying yes to the next step." This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from myself in this solo episode. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: If you're accomplished in your career but suddenly finding it difficult to decide what comes next, I explain why the questions you're asking at this stage of your career may need to change. You'll hear why having more information isn't always the answer when you're weighing several good options—and how getting clearer about who you are can help you make a decision that fits you. I share three questions you can ask yourself when you're at a career crossroads and aren't sure what should come next. They'll help you think differently about who you are now, the decision in front of you, and where you go from here. Dr. Robin Owens is the host of Leadership Purpose with Dr. Robin, where I explore how high-achieving women navigate career crossroads, the decisions they face, and what comes next. Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com= Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for Business Owners at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

September 30, 2026Episode 29930 min

The Dream You Keep Ignoring Isn't Going Away | Ep299 with Dr. Alicia Newsome

"Whatever lights you up, lean into that, you know, and be okay with it lighting you up. Sometimes it can even be fearful what's lighting you up." This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Dr. Alicia Newsome. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll hear how Dr. Alicia tested a new career direction before fully committing to it—and why giving yourself room to try something can be a practical way to approach a career crossroads. If an idea or dream keeps coming back to you, this conversation will encourage you to pay attention. Sometimes what you pushed aside years ago still has something to tell you about what you want now. You'll hear what it looks like to acknowledge that you don't have the next step figured out yet—and why being uncertain doesn't mean you have to rush into an answer. Dr. Alicia Newsome is an international speaker, executive advisor, functional medicine doctor, and author of Worthy of Rest: For the Woman Who Is Tired of Being the Strong One , who helps high-performing founders and senior leaders build profitable companies without sacrificing their well-being, marriage, or values. Connect with Alicia at: Website: https://www.dralicianewsome.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alicia-newsome/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alicianewsome/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.alicianewsome Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for Business Owners and Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

September 23, 2026Episode 29831 min

When Your Dream Career Starts Draining You | Ep 298 with Dr. Nikia Smith

"You are a superwoman. You're not the superwoman. So, like, yes, you are super, you can expand, you can grow, you can evolve. And that is the best for you. And whatever is the best for you is the best for everyone around you because you'll be the best version of yourself." This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Dr. Nikia Smith. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll hear what can happen when changing jobs doesn't fix the exhaustion because the real issue may be deeper than where you work. Nikia shares how she reached the point where she knew something had to change—and why that realization led her to look inward. If your professional identity has become a big part of how you see yourself, this conversation will help you think differently about what it means to change direction. You don't have to erase everything you've worked for to make room for another part of who you are. You don't need to have your entire next chapter figured out before you make a change. Sometimes the next best step is simply creating enough space to recover, get curious about what you want, and begin finding yourself again. Dr. Nikia Smith is a board-certified anesthesiologist, wellness coach, retreat facilitator, and founder of She is Fire Forged, a wellness brand that helps high-achieving women of color reclaim their peace, power, and purpose. Connect with Nikia at: Website: http://sheisfireforged.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikiasmithmd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheisfireforged Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for Business Owners at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

September 16, 2026Episode 29726 min

You Don't Need the Whole Career Plan Yet | Ep 297 with Lynn Smargis

"It's fine to stay where you're at now, but if you really don't feel aligned and there's something inside you that's like, I need to change, start figuring out what that change needs to be and start, like, making those little micro goals to get to where you wanna be." This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Lynn Smargis. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll hear how Lynn rebuilt her career more than once, including what she did when the pandemic wiped out 90% of her clients in just seven days and later when AI disrupted her business again. If you're successful but no longer feel aligned with the work you're doing, you'll get a practical exercise to help you start figuring out what you want next—without having to leave your current career before you're ready. You'll hear why self-belief, trusted people around you, and staying open to unexpected opportunities can make a difference when doubt creeps in and you start wondering whether you should go back to what feels safe. Lynn Smargis is the CEO and founder of Write for You Self Publishing, a six-time author, and host of the Self Publishing for Thought Leaders podcast who helps professionals, thought leaders, executives, and consultants turn their expertise into nonfiction books. Connect with Lynn at: Self Publishing for Leaders community on Skool https://www.skool.com/publishing-for-professionals-9809/about Self Publishing for Thought Leaders podcast https://pod.link/1801306827 Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for Business Owners at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

September 9, 2026Episode 29639 min

What Happens When You Stop Choosing the Safe Career | Ep 296 with Margaret Graziano

"And it's that ability to not be holding on to what is safe and what is secure, but believing and betting on me." This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Margaret Graziano. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: Hear what it can really look like to leave behind a successful career that feels safe when you know you want something different—and why having a vision for your future can help you make that choice. Margaret's story is a reminder that career transitions don't always unfold according to plan. Hear how she navigated financial uncertainty, a business partnership that went badly wrong, and moments when fear almost stopped her from moving forward. If you're at your own career crossroads, you'll hear practical advice for creating more choices for your future, including why continually reinventing yourself and making time for what brings you joy can help you imagine what you want next. Margaret Graziano is the CEO and founder of Keen Alignment, a workplace culture and leadership development consultancy, with more than 25 years of experience in organizational culture transformation, and has been recognized as one of Silicon Valley's top 100 influential women in business. Connect with Margaret at: Website: https://margaretgraziano.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Margaretgraziano.11/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretgraziano/ Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for Business Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

September 2, 2026Episode 29529 min

When Taking a Step Back Moves Your Career Forward | Ep 295 with Lindsey Busfield

"Don't be afraid to start over. Don't be afraid to take a step back and reflect even if that is in terms of professional title, if it's in terms of pay, if you can afford to do that. But don't be afraid to take one step back if it means that you're going to take two steps forward in five years." This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Lindsey Busfield. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You're successful, but you know where you are isn't where you want to stay. Lindsey shares what it was like to leave a successful position, start over as a temp, and build a new skill set that eventually led her to work that was a much better fit. You're trying to figure out what your next career move could actually be. You'll hear a practical way to look at what you've loved—and haven't loved—about your work over the past 10–15 years and use those clues to consider what could come next. Taking a step backward in title or salary feels difficult when you've worked hard to get where you are. This conversation offers another way to think about starting over and why a temporary step back could help you move toward work that feels more meaningful and fulfilling. Lindsey Busfield is a leading expert in legal SEO and content marketing and the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Partner at Optimize My Firm. Her career has taken her from studying philosophy and teaching English to managing agricultural compliance with Amish farmers before eventually finding her place in legal SEO. Connect with Lindsey at: Website: https://optimizemyfirm.com/ Email: lindsay@optimizemyfirm.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-busfield/ Podcast: Personal Injury Marketing Minute https://optimizemyfirm.com/podcasts/ Find Lindsey's book on Amazon here: How Personal Injury Lawyers Get Leads: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for Business Owners at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

August 26, 2026Episode 29428 min

Your Career Looks Great But You Want Out | Ep 294 with Nicole Johnston

"And then my next thought was, man, if I hadn't been so fast on the brake, I wouldn't have to go to work today. So when you're choosing bodily harm over your job, you should probably pay attention to that." This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Nicole Johnston. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: What if the career you worked so hard to build no longer feels like the career you want? Hear what happened when Nicole could no longer ignore that disconnect—and how she began figuring out what she actually wanted instead. Are you ruling out what you really want before you've even considered how it could work? You'll hear a practical way to question the "shoulds," assumptions, and self-imposed barriers that can keep you stuck at a career crossroads. Could the work no one notices be quietly getting in the way of your career? Discover how mental load and non-promotable work can consume hundreds of hours of your time—and what that could mean for your energy, opportunities, and next move. Nicole Johnston is a TEDx and leadership speaker, bestselling author of Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't , and executive and leadership coach who brings more than 30 years of global sales and marketing leadership experience at companies including Procter & Gamble, Hershey, and Kimberly-Clark. Connect with Nicole at: Website: https://innate-power.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572974406688 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolejohnstoncoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemjohnston/ Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon! This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for Business Owners with a Purpose at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz