Hustle Her

Hustle Her - Dr. Jana

What if the bravest thing you can say is, “I became a psychologist to save myself”? That line from Dr. Jana Otterbridge sets the tone for a conversation that moves with heart and precision, from adoption and identity to trauma, triggers, and the radical act of finding a therapist who truly fits. We don’t stay on the surface. We talk about the unnamed questions adoptees carry, the long tail of psychological injury, and how healing starts when we stop calling our wounds a personality and start building new responses with care. We also zoom out to the systems shaping us. Jana shares how UK training sharpened her voice when leadership curricula erased Black examples, and why representation isn’t a buzzword, it’s a map. We get honest about the multigenerational workplace: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z colliding over “work ethic” and mental health. Instead of the tired “work-life balance” script, Jana offers a practical capacity framework, adjustable daily “bubbles” that match energy to commitments without guilt. It’s a mindset shift leaders can operationalize and individuals can practice right now. Threaded through it all is purpose. Jana describes peace as the sign she’s on path, able to teach in a boardroom at noon and mentor on a street corner by dusk. She speaks to her younger self with tenderness, “you’re safe, you’re free”, and imagines a next chapter that includes anonymous giving and wider impact. If you care about mental health, organizational culture, representation, or simply living with more truth and less noise, this one will stay with you. If this conversation moved you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more honest stories, and leave a review to help others find the show. What capacity are you honoring today?

Hustle Her - Michelle

What happens when you step away from a successful career to rediscover your authentic self? Michelle Seymour-Smith's story offers a masterclass in intentional career transformation. Growing up in Spanish Point, Bermuda as a shy middle child, Michelle found her professional calling early – at just 13, she was helping with general ledger entries at an insurance company. This early exposure to accounting set her on a path that would lead to a 16-year career culminating as CFO. But when burnout hit, Michelle made the brave decision to walk away. "I literally just turned to my husband and said 'I'm done,'" Michelle recalls. His simple acceptance opened the door to what she calls her "year of yes" – exploring everything from Reiki certification to daily yoga practice. Most significantly, she challenged herself to have 200 meaningful conversations, a practice that organically led to board opportunities and a whole new career chapter. Michelle's perspective on leadership resonates deeply: "Leadership is respect for people." Drawing from mentors who valued her contributions from a young age, she emphasizes the importance of helping employees understand their role in the company's mission while giving them agency in how they accomplish their work. For women specifically, she advocates authenticity about the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities. What makes Michelle's journey particularly compelling is her recognition that "those things that make you different are your superpower." Whether feeling like an outsider culturally (with a Bermudian father and Portuguese mother), being the only woman in executive meetings, or transitioning careers when others might have stayed the course, Michelle found strength in her unique perspective. At the heart of Michelle's story are two principles she hopes to be remembered for: knowing your own value and recognizing your agency to make choices. "When you hit that stage of empowerment, when you really truly realize what you're capable of, nothing can stop you," she shares. "It's this feeling of being unleashed." Ready to discover your own value and unleash your potential? Michelle's journey might be exactly the inspiration you need.

Hustle Her - Nicole

Nicole Fox knows the depths of loss and the heights of resilience, and she shares her inspiring journey with us in this moving episode. A devoted mother and tireless advocate from Bermuda, Nicole opens up about the heart-wrenching loss of her son Rico to gun violence and how it transformed her life. Her story is not just about tragedy but about finding purpose through pain, as she co-founded Mothers on a Mission to support families affected by violence. Nicole’s candid reflections invite us to understand the profound impact of violence on families and communities, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy and healing. Nicole's journey is one of profound personal transformation, as she navigated her path to sobriety amidst relentless grief. Through spirituality and a 12-step program, she found strength and guidance, even in the darkest times. She talks openly about her battle with addiction, the role of divine intervention in her recovery, and the immense challenge of maintaining faith after her son's tragic death. Her narrative is a testament to the incredible power of forgiveness, inner resilience, and the light that can guide us through the darkest moments of life. As our conversation continues, Nicole emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in healing. She speaks passionately about her mission to provide hope and solidarity to those grieving, highlighting the significance of parental forgiveness and community advocacy. By founding a support group for mothers who have lost children to violence, Nicole not only honors the memory of those lost but fosters a supportive environment for others facing similar struggles. Her story is one of legacy and overcoming adversity, rooted in faith and the unwavering strength of family, offering inspiration and guidance to anyone navigating the painful journey of loss.

Hustle Her - Polina

Discover the inspiring journey of Polina Branco, CEO of Two Point O Collective, as she shares her unique life story from growing up under communism in Southeastern Europe to leading a thriving creative agency in Bermuda. With compelling anecdotes from her childhood in diverse countries like Iraq and Cuba, Polina’s narrative is a testament to the power of education and resilience. This episode promises a rich tapestry of insights into how her early experiences have shaped her worldview, leadership style, and personal philosophy, offering valuable lessons on love, happiness, and contentment. Explore the responsibilities of leadership through the lens of Polina’s  personal experiences, especially during challenging times like the economic impacts of COVID-19. She candidly discusses the transformative rebranding of Two Point O Collective and how her move to Bermuda led to meeting her husband and forming a life-changing partnership. Polina’s reflections on leadership, resilience, and personal growth provide a nuanced understanding of the profound connections that shape both personal and professional journeys. The conversation also highlights the struggles and triumphs of women in leadership roles, particularly in board positions. Polina shares her journey to becoming a board director and the hurdles women face, especially in Bermuda, due to historical gender biases. We discuss the importance of building a personal brand, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and supporting local businesses. Polina’s insights are aimed at empowering women to break barriers, foster meaningful change, and embrace the balance between career and personal growth. Join us for an episode filled with empowering stories and strategies for genuinely impactful leadership.

Huste Her - Laurie

Laurie Shiell from the Center Against Abuse joins me on the Hustle Her Podcast to share her heartfelt journey and insights into combating domestic violence. From her passion for Somerset cricket and morning rituals to her adventures in Korean skincare, Lori offers a personal glimpse into her life. We uncover the vital services the Center Against Abuse provides, such as counseling and legal advocacy, while discussing the pressing challenges of finding safe housing in Bermuda and the critical role of community awareness and support in addressing domestic abuse. Understand the complexities behind why victims remain in abusive relationships by exploring psychological and societal factors. Our discussion dives into the addictive nature of brain chemistry and how societal norms pressure both women and men to remain in toxic environments. We also touch on the unique difficulties faced by men, highlighting financial dependency and emotional manipulation as significant barriers to leaving. This conversation aims to foster a deeper understanding that can translate into more effective support for those trapped in the cycle of violence. Recognizing early signs of abuse is crucial, and Laurie and I walk through subtle indicators that can easily be overlooked. By examining behaviors like excessive control disguised as care, we stress the importance of trusting one's intuition and seeking help. We talk about the profound effects of abuse on children and the vital role of child services and school counselors. Friends and family play an essential role in supporting victims, and our discussion offers actionable guidance on how unwavering support can break the cycle of violence and create a path toward healing.