From Burned Out High Achiever to Multi-Million Dollar Coach: The Messy Truth About Success That No One Talks About
This week, I’m flipping the script and taking the hot seat.In this special episode, I’m joined by my client Angela—a life coach and medical doctor from New Zealand—for a deep, heartfelt conversation about what it really means to choose your path, trust yourself, and evolve beyond who you used to be.We dive into the real behind-the-scenes of my journey: the career pivots, identity shifts, and uncomfortable-but-worth-it moments that led me to where I am today. From walking away from business models that no longer felt aligned, to navigating fear and self-doubt, this episode is an honest look at what happens when we stop performing and start living from our values.Inside this episode, you’ll hear us talk about:Why choosing yourself often means disappointing othersLetting go of identities that once felt safe—but no longer serveWhat it really looks like to lead with integrity (even when it’s messy)How to stop outsourcing your power and start trusting your truthWhy redefining success is one of the most courageous things you can doThe quiet—but radical—act of living in alignment with your valuesThis isn’t about “doing it all” or chasing the next goal. This is about you—getting honest about what you want, what matters most, and where you’re still stuck in outdated stories that are keeping you from living fully. This episode is for you if you are: At a crossroads in your life or businessTired of chasing success that doesn’t feel goodReady to reconnect with yourself—and choose your next chapter with intentionAnd if this episode speaks to you, it’s time to go deeper...Join Me in Tulum — Only 3 Spots LeftMy 12-month coaching + retreat experience is for the high-achieving woman who’s done all the “right” things... and still feels like something’s missing.This isn’t about fixing you. It’s about meeting the real you—and giving her space to exhale.✔️ High-touch private coaching ✔️ Intimate, soul-shifting retreat in Tulum ✔️ A powerful sisterhood of women who get itReady to walk into your next chapter, lighter and more aligned than ever? Apply now for Tulum →Thank you for tuning in. If this conversation sparked something in you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.And remember— Your next level doesn’t require you to do more. It asks you to choose differently. You have the power to choose your way forward.
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This High-Earning Pilot was Losing Sleep Over Money at 3 AM (Here's How I Coached Him)
In this powerful episode, Lisa shares an unedited coaching conversation with Greg, an airline pilot who has significant wealth on paper yet still wakes up at 3 AM worried about money. This is context coaching in action—addressing the story problem, not the money problem.What you'll hear:The "Just Enough" Identity Crisis Greg has substantial assets and multiple properties, but his relationship with money is still governed by childhood stories like "money doesn't grow on trees." Despite his financial success, he operates from scarcity and wakes up anxious about lack. This disconnect between his actual wealth and his emotional experience with money is more common than you might think among high earners.Context vs. Content Coaching in Action Rather than coaching Greg on budgeting or cash flow management, Lisa immediately identifies that this isn't a money problem—it's an identity problem. She coaches to the pattern underneath his words, not the surface-level content he's presenting. This is the difference between treating symptoms and addressing root causes.Real-Time Transformation You'll witness the exact moment Greg has a visceral reaction to Lisa calling him "wealthy" and how she uses that as a gateway to help him step into a new identity. Lisa introduces the concept of pattern interrupts and gives Greg specific homework to retrain his brain out of scarcity thinking.The conversation reveals how Greg's scarcity mindset isn't just affecting his sleep—it's preventing him from doing more good in the world. He and his husband have already established endowments at his alma mater, but his "just enough" identity keeps him from fully stepping into his role as a wealthy person who can create positive impact.Lisa helps him see that holding onto lack mentality is actually a disservice to those who need him to show up in his full financial power. The shift from victim to steward of wealth becomes not just personal growth, but moral responsibility.Lisa gives Greg specific assignments: calculate his total net worth and use that number as a pattern interrupt whenever scarcity thoughts arise. She also challenges him to define what wealth means for him personally and plan how he wants to give back from that place of abundance.The homework isn't about managing money better—it's about managing his identity and relationship with wealth completely differently.Why This Episode MattersThis isn't theory or feel-good advice. It's real coaching happening in real time with someone who has significant financial success but is still trapped by old stories. If you're a high achiever who feels financially stressed despite your success, this conversation will show you exactly how those patterns operate and how to break free from them.You'll hear how quickly transformation can happen when you address the right problem. Greg doesn't need more money—he needs to step into the identity of someone who already has more than enough.Ready to examine your own money stories? Head to lisacarpenter.ca/wwm to apply for coaching and discover what's really keeping you stuck.
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The Truth About Coaching That No One Talks About
Fresh off her second Camino walk, Lisa tackles the question everyone's thinking but not asking: What's the actual difference between coaching and therapy? And why do successful, exhausted people often find therapy keeps them stuck while coaching propels them forward?Here's the real difference:Therapy is past-focused—diving into what happened to you, processing trauma, gaining insights about how things impacted you. You talk about the problem, get some insight, then leave.Coaching is future-focused—where are you now, where do you want to go, and what needs to shift to get you there? It's about identity shifts, accountability, and taking action.Lisa's approach is different because she coaches to your context, not your content. She's not listening to your circumstances—she's hearing the patterns underneath your words. Because the problem you think you have? It's usually not the problem you actually have.Think about money. Instead of talking about your financial struggles, Lisa asks: "If money were a person, what kind of relationship would you have with them?" Then you step into the identity of someone who treats money with reverence. That's how she became debt-free—identity shift first, results follow.You might need therapy if: You're dealing with clinical depression, trauma, or severe anxiety.You're ready for coaching if: You feel stuck despite having it all, keep repeating the same patterns, have done years of therapy but aren't gaining momentum, or you're ready to stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking responsibility for your future.The bottom line: Coaching isn't something you need—it's something you want because you love what it brings to your life and how it helps you expand into more. Ready to explore what's possible?Lisa has openings this summer and fall, plus Reclamation (her signature program) is open for registration. To learn about Lisa’s transformative "Reclamation" program, visit LisaCarpenter.ca/ReclamationTo learn about working 1:1 with Lisa click hereIf this episode resonated, share it with someone who might be ready to stop being a victim of their circumstances and start becoming the architect of their life.
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The Camino Recap 2025 — Why Your Internal State Creates Your Reality and Life Won't Get Better Until You Change
In this deeply personal episode, Lisa takes you behind the scenes of her second Camino walk—and the powerful reminder that true transformation starts with one simple, uncomfortable truth: No one is coming to save you. You have to choose yourself.Lisa shares how the contrast between last year’s torrential, miserable walk and this year’s lighter, more connected experience reflects the deeper work she’s done to heal, let go, and lead herself.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in your own patterns, this episode will remind you: Change is possible—but only when you decide to choose it. What You’ll Hear In This Episode:How last year’s dark, rainy Camino mirrored Lisa’s internal struggles—and why this year felt completely different The uncomfortable (but freeing) truth about choosing change for yourself Why healing and letting go isn’t a one-time event—it’s a layered process that requires courage and patience How your external world often reflects your internal state—and how to shift both The role of rest, nervous system regulation, and community in sustainable growth How to measure your progress without falling into perfectionism or self-judgment Lisa’s invitation to the women who know they’re ready for more You’re not stuck. You’re not broken. But you do have a choice.The question is: Are you ready to make it? Ready to Choose Yourself?Lisa’s exclusive Tulum Retreat + 12-Month Private Coaching Experience is for the driven, high-achieving woman who’s quietly wondering: “When is it my turn?” This isn’t another retreat—it’s a full year of support, nervous system work, and deep, identity-level coaching, culminating in a transformational week in Tulum. There are only a few spots left for the woman who knows she’s ready to stop outsourcing her fulfillment and start leading herself differently.→ Apply now to claim your spotListen now—and share this episode with the women in your life who need the reminder that the future they want is always one brave decision away.
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ENCORE: Embracing Self-Care in a High-Achiever's World
In this episode of the Full Frontal Living Podcast, we revisit Episode 42 where Lisa dives deep into the struggles many high-achieving women face when it comes to balancing their personal lives, business, and well-being. She shares insights on how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overworking are often the same traits that keep women stuck in a cycle of burnout, feeling overwhelmed, and disconnected from their true desires. What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Power of Choosing Yourself: Lisa talks about how important it is to make the decision to prioritize yourself, even when the world expects you to keep doing more.Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage: We dive into the importance of recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors and how they show up in high-achieving women’s lives. Lisa shares practical ways to break this cycle and embrace self-compassion.The Emotional Cost of Perfectionism: Understand how perfectionism and the need to please others are linked to burnout and emotional exhaustion, and how to shift from self-criticism to self-love.Redefining Success: Lisa encourages listeners to reevaluate what true success looks like for them—beyond the accolades and external validation—and how to build a life that truly aligns with their values.Finding Peace in the Chaos: Discover practical tools for quieting the noise and finding peace amidst the chaos of life. Lisa shares actionable strategies for creating more balance and slowing down without sacrificing ambition.Living with Purpose, Not Perfection: The episode closes with a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from living with purpose, not perfection. Lisa encourages listeners to show up authentically and stop chasing an idealized version of success. Key Takeaways:The role of perfectionism in keeping you stuck in burnoutHow to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and self-sabotageWhy choosing yourself and your well-being is the first step towards living a life you loveHow to shift your mindset from perfection to purposeThe importance of creating space for peace, joy, and self-compassion in your life Resources Mentioned:Full Frontal Living Podcast: https://lisacarpenter.ca/podcast/Lisa’s Website: https://lisacarpenter.caBook a Coaching Call with Lisa: https://lisacarpenter.ca/wwm/Are you ready to break free from the cycle of burnout and start prioritizing yourself? Listen to this powerful episode and get inspired to make the shift towards a more balanced, fulfilled life. If you’re ready for deeper work, join Lisa’s Reclamation Program and begin reclaiming your power today.
About The Full Frontal Living™ Podcast with Lisa Carpenter
With over 2 decades of coaching experience, Master Coach Lisa Carpenter dives deep into what it takes to navigate life as a successful, driven, ambitious woman without the frustration, overwhelm, anxiety and exhaustion.
This podcast is for you if you're realizing overworking is costing you your health and well-being.
You’ll enjoy conversations about what it takes to find balance as an A-type personality who wants to have an extraordinary life without adding more to the to-do list. You’ll learn what it takes to do less and achieve more, while making YOU a top priority.
New Zealand