Permission to Pivot with Leah Chin
Have you ever met someone new and immediately thought they were special? Not just nice. Not just talented. But grounded, thoughtful, and fully themselves?
That’s exactly how I felt when I met today’s guest, Leah Chin [https://www.instagram.com/leahmchin/?hl=en].
Leah and I met years ago while working at a creative agency where we consistently brainstormed (and executed) big ideas and built content for major brands. I can strongly say if you’re looking for someone with a creative eye and a vibey POV, she’s all that (and then some).
Did I mention she’s personally worked with brands like Ami Cole [https://www.instagram.com/byamicole/?hl=en] and Ember Niche [https://www.instagram.com/emberniche/?hl=en]? Right, the resume is STACKED.
What makes Leah’s story powerful is that she didn’t just talk about wanting change: she made it.
Originally on a path toward the medical field, Leah pivoted into a full-time career in social media and content creation. That kind of career change is not small. It requires clarity, courage, and a willingness to let go of the version of yourself you once thought you had to become. Our conversation went so deep that at one point, I asked Leah, “Is this a therapy session?” Maybe!
In this episode, we get into:
* what it really takes to pivot careers
* her transition from the medical industry to a creative field
* balancing a full-time job with your own creative pursuits
* building a career in social (she now manages social over at CFG [https://www.instagram.com/cfgtalent/?hl=en] - a global influencer marketing agency)
* developing sustainable wellness routines
* staying authentic both online and IRL
If you’re navigating a career shift, questioning your path, or trying to build a creative life without burning out, I encourage you to tap in.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Leah's Background
02:02 Leah's Journey from Medical Industry to Digital Storytelling
04:05 The Role of Mentors and Friends in Career Change
05:51 Authenticity and Being True to Yourself as a Creator
07:59 Creating a Wellness Community for Women of Color
09:56 Unlearning Myths About Wellness and Self-Care
11:50 The Ongoing Nature of Wellness and Self-Improvement
13:49 The Challenges of Adulting and Mental Health
15:46 The Impact of Mindset and Self-Talk on Creativity
17:44 Waking Up Early and Building New Habits
19:40 Balancing a Full-Time Job with Creative Projects
21:37 The Therapeutic Power of Puzzles and Art
23:39 Self-Compassion and Giving Yourself Grace
25:29 Overcoming Comparison and Self-Doubt
27:16 Travel and Finding Confidence Outside Your Environment
29:26 The Importance of Giving Yourself Time
31:14 Places That Make Leah Feel Most Relaxed
33:18 Key Lessons in Wellness and Creativity
35:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude
“When it comes to creating, I think that I give myself grace, which allows for there to be balance.” - Leah Chin
Keep up with Leah: her IG [https://www.instagram.com/leahmchin/?hl=en], her TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@leahmchin?_r=1&_t=ZT-94GQgn76sEo], her wellness page [https://www.instagram.com/shesintowellness?igsh=ZW96bzl6ZmNvc2pp]. She’s a masterclass in building an authentic online presence that actually connects.
Follow the podcast on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/gemswithgenpod/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gemswithgenpod], and follow Gen @g.ennifer [https://www.instagram.com/g.ennifer/]
Stick around. I’ll see you in the next one. 🫶🏾
💎 Gen
