Episode 008: Alicia Ayala: How To Know When It's Time To Leave Your 9-5 (Even If You're Winning)

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When You Outgrow the Dream: Alicia Ayala on Leaving Corporate
In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Ayala — a transformation coach who left behind a 22-year tech career, right as she was about to land her dream VP role.

Why? Because somewhere along the way, the dream stopped feeling like hers.

We talk about what it’s like to realize you’ve built a life that looks perfect on paper… but doesn’t feel like you anymore. Alicia opens up about motherhood, ambition, burnout, caregiving, and the quiet identity shifts no one prepares you for when you step off the corporate path — or try to navigate both.

This episode is a heartfelt, honest invitation to redefine success on your terms — and to give yourself permission to want both: the big life and the soft one.

We talk about:
The moment she realized her dream had changed — and what came next
Why balance is possible (but not without intention)
The identity shift of leaving corporate (and why it’s harder than it looks)
Why entrepreneurship triggered an unexpected loss of confidence
Creating a success plan rooted in your values
How to figure out what kind of change you actually need
The power of community for women in transition

If you’ve ever said, “I should be happy… but I’m not” — this one’s for you.

💬 Connect with Alicia
Website: aliciaayala.com
LinkedIn: @itsaliciaayala Instagram: @its_alicia_ayala 

Connect with your host, Eszter Godor
Instagram: / esztergoor  
LinkedIn: / esztergodor  
Spotify: Leap, Live & Lemonade on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4EbJLOy...

Feeling stuck in “WTF am I doing?” mode? Check out my free 5-day secret podcast: From "WTF I'm Doing" to "I Got This" in 5 Days will help you reset your mindset, simplify your focus, and start showing up like the version of you who’s got this — even if you’re still figuring it out.
Start here → https://esztergodor.com/wtf