But what if there is another way?

In this episode of Wise Women's Conversations, Angela reflects on a simple phrase from her somatic movement class: "You only need to go to 70%." That idea sparked a much bigger question about how many of us, particularly high-achieving women, have been conditioned to believe that we always need to give 100% or more.

Drawing on her own experiences in banking, business and motherhood, Angela explores the tension between striving and surrender, masculine and feminine energy, and what it might mean to embrace the "melt" instead of the push.

If you've spent years leading teams, building a career or caring for everyone else, this episode invites you to consider whether slowing down might actually be the key to moving forward.

In this episode, Angela explores:

• The difference between pushing and melting
• Lessons from somatic movement and gentle exercise
• Why many successful women struggle to slow down
• How school, work and business teach us to strive for perfection
• The hidden cost of constantly achieving
• Angela's journey through banking, business ownership and motherhood
• The challenge of accepting that 70% might be enough
• How to reconnect with your body and let go of perfectionism

Reflection question

Where in your life could 70% be enough?

What would happen if you gave yourself permission to ease off the pressure and trust that you don't always need to push harder?

When was the last time you stopped and thought about what brings you genuine joy?

For many women, especially those who have spent years building businesses, leading teams, raising families or caring for others, fun often slips to the bottom of the priority list. We become so focused on responsibility that we forget to ask ourselves what actually lights us up.

In this episode of Wise Women's Conversations, I explore my own relationship with fun and why I've never considered myself to be a particularly playful person. Instead, I've discovered that fun doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

Drawing on my understanding of genetics, hormones and personality, I share why some people thrive on play and connection, while others find joy through adventure, creativity, movement or simply being immersed in nature.

The important question isn't whether you're having fun in the same way as someone else.

It's whether you're making space for the things that bring you pleasure, lightness and joy.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why many successful women struggle to prioritise fun
• Rethinking the traditional definition of fun
• How our biology and dominant hormones influence what we enjoy
• Why comparison can stop us recognising what genuinely brings us joy
• The difference between play, pleasure, adventure and connection
• How hiking, dance and spending time with my dogs help me reconnect with myself
• Simple ways to bring more lightness into everyday life

Reflection Question

What does fun look like for you?

Is there something you've been putting off because it doesn't seem "productive"? What small step could you take this week to bring a little more joy into your life?

In this episode of Wise Women's Conversations, I share the deeply personal story behind why I made the difficult decision to close a successful business, step away from programmes that were changing women's lives, and embrace a season of uncertainty.

As someone who loves having a plan, learning to sit with "I don't know" wasn't easy. But taking that step created the space I needed to reconnect with myself, spend more time in nature and discover what was waiting beneath the surface.

One of the most powerful lessons came while hiking. After a controlled burn-off in my local national park, I watched new life begin to emerge through the blackened earth. It became a beautiful reminder that even when life feels as though it's been burnt to the ground, new beginnings are often quietly taking shape.

If you're experiencing change in your career, your business, your relationships or simply wondering what comes next, I hope this conversation reminds you that you don't need to have all the answers today.

Sometimes your next chapter begins by simply trusting yourself enough to take the next small step.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why I chose to close a successful business
• The discomfort of not knowing what comes next
• How identity changes as we move through our 50s and beyond
• Why many successful women struggle with uncertainty
• The lessons nature has taught me about growth and renewal
• The importance of self-trust during times of transition
• Why looking after your health creates the foundation for everything else
• Taking small steps instead of waiting for the perfect plan

Reflection Question

Where is your happy place?

Where do you feel most like yourself? Where do you find clarity when life feels uncertain?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

After nearly 300 episodes of the Menopause Conversations podcast, I knew it was time for something new.

This podcast isn't just about menopause. It's about what comes next.

For many women, reaching our 50s and 60s brings a new set of questions. Our children may have grown up, our careers may have changed, and we finally have the opportunity to ask ourselves:

What do I want for this next stage of my life?

In this introductory episode, I share why I stepped away from my previous business, what I learnt during that time, and why I felt called to begin this new conversation.

We'll be exploring health, wellbeing, mindset, purpose and the wisdom that comes with experience. Most importantly, we'll be talking about what's possible as we age, because I believe this can be one of the most fulfilling chapters of our lives.

Whether you're a business owner, a leader, or simply a woman wondering what comes next, I hope these conversations encourage you to think differently about ageing and inspire you to create a life that feels meaningful and true to you.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why I decided to finish the Menopause Conversations podcast
• Stepping away from burnout and creating space to reflect
• Why I chose to return with a completely new podcast
• The questions many women ask as they move through their 50s and beyond
• Why ageing doesn't mean becoming invisible
• The importance of continuing to challenge ourselves and pursue new adventures
• What you can expect from future episodes of Wise Women's Conversations

I'd love to hear from you

What conversations would you like us to have?

If there's a topic you'd like me to explore in a future episode, I'd love to hear from you. Simply send me an email (angela@angelacounsel.com) and let me know what's on your mind.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who might enjoy joining these conversations.