In the most recent episode of “Daring to Leap,” host Lori Phillip sits down with Rosie Zilinskas, a certified high-performance coach and the visionary behind the “No Woman Left Behind” initiative. Rosie shares her remarkable journey from an executive vice president at a global insurance company to a champion of women’s empowerment in the corporate world.

The Journey to Empowerment
Lori Phillip: Rosie, welcome to the show! What inspired your transition from corporate leadership to empowering women through your coaching and podcast?

Rosie Zilinskas: Thank you, Lori. My journey began as an executive vice president leading the underwriting team at a large insurance company. I noticed many young women lacked the confidence to advocate for themselves. Reflecting on my own career, I realized I had waited too long to ask for promotions. This realization, combined with volunteering experiences, subtly pushed me toward empowering women professionally.

The Slow Evolution to Entrepreneurship
Lori: It’s fascinating how your transition was gradual rather than an overnight decision. Can you share more about this evolution?

Rosie: Absolutely, Lori. My involvement with organizations like Dress for Success started as a volunteer effort, evolving into a passionate mission to empower women. It was a slow, natural progression rather than a sudden leap into entrepreneurship. I found myself with more time as my kids grew older and my husband traveled frequently for work, which allowed me to dedicate myself to this cause fully.

Overcoming Career Doubts and Fears
Lori: At some point, you decided to leave your corporate role. How did you navigate the doubts and fears associated with such a significant change?

Rosie: Interestingly, I was laid off, which I now see as divine intervention. I had been contemplating leaving but hadn’t made the leap. The layoff, combined with a severance package, was the push I needed. It’s a reminder that sometimes external circumstances can guide us toward our true path.

Identifying Career Saboteurs
Lori: Let’s discuss the common career saboteurs. What are the top three, and how can women overcome them?

Rosie: The first saboteur is not feeling worthy of the career you desire. Many women don’t apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. Take Jamie Kern Lima’s story, for example. She faced numerous rejections before selling her cosmetics business for $1.2 billion. The second is operating under a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset. Embracing feedback and viewing it as a gift can transform your career. Lastly, not having a focused strategy leaves your career on autopilot. A custom career roadmap, including personal goals and routines, is essential.

Creating a Custom Career Roadmap
Lori: How can one create an effective career roadmap?

Rosie: It starts with understanding your desires and setting clear goals. Engage in self-assessment, seek advice from colleagues, and consistently review and update your plans. For example, regularly ask colleagues for feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, prepare for opportunities by crafting a story vault of your accomplishments, ready to share during networking or interviews.

The Importance of Preparation
Lori: How crucial is preparation in achieving career success?

Rosie: Preparation is everything. It’s akin to the real estate mantra, “location, location, location.” For career development, it’s “preparation, preparation, preparation.” Whether it’s interviewing for a new position or campaigning for a promotion, being prepared sets you apart. Crafting a succession plan and a 100-day action plan can significantly impact your career progression.

Embracing Integrity and Self-Care
Lori: Many struggle with prioritizing self-care and integrity. How can we improve this?

Rosie: It boils down to accountability to oneself. Breaking promises to yourself erodes integrity and costs you in the long run. Treat your commitments to yourself with the same importance as those to others. Schedule dedicated time for career development and honor it as you would any other crucial meeting.