She Quit Drinking, Stopped Scaling, and Built a Mental Health-First Business with Lauren Perna

Chronic Boss Scholarship Winners on Building Businesses, Managing Flares, and the Power of Community

What does it look like to build a company while your body is working against you? In this episode, host Lilly Stairs sits down with two Chronic Boss Scholarship recipients who are doing exactly that — and doing it brilliantly. Jolie Wyatt, founder of If the Shoe Fits and newly minted Babson grad, is revolutionizing the footwear industry with custom-fit heels built from 3D foot scanning technology. Amanda Berk, co-founder of Liora Health, is building a digital platform that matches women with chronic conditions to care advocates who show up with them — literally and figuratively — before, during, and after medical appointments. Both women are students, entrepreneurs, community builders, and chronic illness patients navigating it all at once.   What makes this conversation so special is how candidly Jolie and Amanda talk about the intersection of chronic illness and entrepreneurship — not as a liability, but as a lens. They cover the very real tension of scheduling your week on a Monday when your Thursday body is completely unpredictable, why stress is the common thread connecting conditions as different as hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic migraine, and how learning to block time for rest (not just work) has been a game-changer. They also share the moments that almost stopped them — including the belief that they weren't "sick enough" to deserve this scholarship — and why they applied anyway.   This episode also gets into the power of mentorship and community in a way that will light you up. Both Jolie and Amanda share the relationships that have changed everything for them — from cold DMs that turned into advisory board seats, to connections forged at the Chronic Boss launch party that are still going strong. If you've ever wondered whether putting yourself out there is worth it, this episode is your answer. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN * Why stress is the hidden trigger connecting wildly different chronic conditions — and what Jolie and Amanda each do to stay ahead of it * The scheduling hack that every chronic illness entrepreneur needs (hint: it's not just blocking time for calls) * How to think about transparency with your community, your friends, and your network when you have a chronic condition — and why sharing opens more doors than it closes * Why cold outreach works, even when you have 250 Instagram followers — and how both guests built their advisory boards entirely through DMs * The "not sick enough" myth that almost stopped Amanda from applying to the scholarship — and why that thinking is worth confronting head-on * What the Chronic Boss Scholarship has meant to real recipients over four years and $36,000 in awards * How to build a reciprocal mentorship relationship that actually fills both people's cups TIMESTAMPS [00:00] — Welcome & Episode Introduction Lilly sets up the episode and shares why the Chronic Boss Scholarship has been the most rewarding part of running Chronic Boss.   [01:30] — Introducing Jolie Wyatt and Amanda Berk Quick intros on both guests: Jolie's custom-fit heels company If the Shoe Fits and Amanda's patient advocacy platform Liora Health.   [02:01] — Jolie's Chronic Boss Elevator Pitch Jolie introduces herself, describes the technology behind If the Shoe Fits, and shares her diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa at age nine.   [02:54] — Amanda's Chronic Boss Elevator Pitch Amanda walks through her journey from Hashimoto's to chronic migraine, from healthcare communications to grad school, and how it all led to co-founding Liora Health.   [04:24] — Managing Chronic Conditions While Building a Business Both guests get honest about day-to-day impact — flare cycles, mental health as a chronic condition, and the emotional weight of being a "doer" whose body doesn't always cooperate.   [06:26] — Why Mental Health Belongs Under the Chronic Illness Umbrella Lilly makes the case for reframing mental health conditions as chronic conditions — and why that framing gives them the visibility and depth they deserve.   [10:01] — The Monday/Thursday Problem Every Chronic Entrepreneur Knows Jolie names something so many founders feel but rarely say out loud: how you feel and what you can do on Monday is not the same as Thursday, and there's no way to calculate that.   [11:20] — Practical Hacks for Juggling Entrepreneurship, School & Chronic Illness Time blocking for breaks (not just tasks), listening to your body before a flare hits, and why rest is a business strategy — not a weakness.   [13:51] — The Power of Community and Radical Transparency Amanda and Jolie on being open about their conditions — with friends, founders, and followers — and how that honesty unlocks connection rather than closing doors.   [16:55] — Jolie's Origin Story: How If the Shoe Fits Was Born From a business dress day in high school to a prototype she built by hand in Johannesburg — the full arc of four years, multiple pivots, and a manufacturer in New York City.   [25:15] — Amanda's Origin Story: How Liora Health Came to Be The four-month migraine flare that changed everything, the realization that women with chronic conditions shouldn't have to navigate the healthcare system alone, and the case for patient advocacy as a sustainable business model.   [31:36] — The Role of Mentorship: Jolie & Emily Levy How a cold LinkedIn message before the Chronic Boss launch party turned into one of Jolie's most important mentorship relationships — and the "sit under a tree" advice that still resonates.   [38:57] — The Role of Mentorship: Amanda & Alex Wilderson How Amanda cold-DM'd a podcast host she admired, and how that casual FaceTime turned into an advisory board seat, a South by Southwest partnership, and a friendship.   [44:05] — The Chronic Boss Scholarship: What It Meant to Each of Them Both guests share how they found the scholarship, the self-doubt that almost kept them from applying, and what it meant to finally feel seen.   [52:25] — What Does Being a Chronic Boss Mean to You? Closing reflections from both guests on wearing your chronic illness on your sleeve, the superpowers it gives you, and what it means to live fully — not just between flares.   Connect with Jolie & If the Shoe Fits: 🖤 / instagram.com/iftheshoefits.co [https://instagram.com/iftheshoefits.co]  🖤 / linkedin.com/in/joliewyatt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliewyatt]  🖤 / iftheshoefits.co [https://iftheshoefits.co]   Connect with Amanda & Liora Health:  🖤 / instagram.com/liorahealthadvocates [https://www.instagram.com/liorahealthadvocates/]  🖤 / liorahealth.io [http://liorahealth.io/]  🖤 / linkedin.com/in/amanda-berk [http://linkedin.com/in/amanda-berk]   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ [https://chronicboss.com/] 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ [http://instagram.com/chronicbossco/] 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss-collective/] 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco [https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco?lang=en]    Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ [https://lillystairs.com/] 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/] 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs [https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs]

She Quit Drinking, Stopped Scaling, and Built a Mental Health-First Business with Lauren Perna

What if your mental health struggles weren’t holding you back, but actually shaping you into a stronger, more intentional leader? In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Lauren Perna, founder, multi-entrepreneur, storyteller, and Chief Community Officer of Chronic Boss. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a business while living with anxiety, depression, and the pressure to constantly do more. From launching her agency during uncertainty to redefining success on her own terms, Lauren shares how she has learned to work with her mental health instead of against it, and why honoring your limits might be your greatest advantage. You’ll hear why: * Anxiety can be a powerful tool for accountability and responsiveness * Depression can deepen empathy and help you build stronger communities * You don’t have to scale your business just because everyone else is * Community is essential for sustainable entrepreneurship * Networking should be strategic and not burn you out * Sharing your story can create real impact, but boundaries still matter * Sobriety and mental health are more connected than we talk about And perhaps most powerfully of all, Lauren explains why building a business that protects your nervous system is just as important as building one that grows your revenue. This conversation is part founder story, part mental health reality check, and part permission slip to build a life that actually works for you. If you’ve ever wondered: * Can my mental health actually make me better at what I do? * Do I have to scale to be successful? * How much of my story should I share publicly? * Can I build a business without burning out? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: 1:16 Lauren’s “chronic boss” elevator pitch and living with anxiety and depression 2:25 The unexpected path to starting her business 4:45 The highs and lows of entrepreneurship 7:30 Why community is critical for founders 8:00 How to network strategically without burning out 11:57 The pressure to scale and choosing not to 13:21 Redefining success on your own terms 17:54 Why not everyone wants to be “the boss” 18:24 Realizing mental health is a chronic condition 22:16 Sharing your story and where to draw the line 30:03 Lauren’s sobriety journey and its impact on mental health 34:04 Navigating alcohol culture in business settings 37:56 Mental health and sustainable success 38:14 What being a “chronic boss” really means Attend the Mentally Fit Founder Event May 14, 2026 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-founder-stories-stories-reflection-and-guided-conversation-tickets-1986648187207 [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-founder-stories-stories-reflection-and-guided-conversation-tickets-1986648187207?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_G3Dc01iXBvDCU-GpZZ5DaomYesHpC6HDwIS6g_bto5xygdkycEBPmHbU5Qb6jsOKEfFNny-VDK0yDLnl8YdITBzLR668CvESEKSHXAkWyMju6YqY&_hsmi=413945998&utm_content=413945998&utm_source=hs_email]   Connect with Lauren: ✨/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenelizabethperna/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenelizabethperna/] ✨/ Lauren Perna Communications: https://www.laurenperna.com/ [https://www.laurenperna.com/]  ✨/ Mentally Fit Founder: https://mentallyfitfounder.com/ [https://mentallyfitfounder.com/]  Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ [https://chronicboss.com/] 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ [http://instagram.com/chronicbossco/] 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss-collective/] 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco [https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco?lang=en]  Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ [https://lillystairs.com/] 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/] 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs [https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs]

From Paralyzed Overnight to Powerhouse Pharma Exec with Jess March

What if your chronic illness wasn’t a liability—but one of your greatest leadership advantages? In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Jess March, pharmaceutical executive, patient advocate, mom, and longtime leader in the rare disease space. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a meaningful, high-impact career while living with multiple chronic conditions—and why lived experience belongs in the room where healthcare decisions get made. Jess shares how waking up paralyzed at 29 with multiple sclerosis forced her to reimagine everything she thought her life would be—and how that journey ultimately sharpened her ambition, deepened her leadership, and transformed the way she thinks about work, advocacy, and impact. You’ll hear why: * Your lived experience is not a weakness—it’s strategic insight * Advocacy should not be a side hustle, especially in healthcare * Patients need to be in leadership rooms, not brought in after decisions are made * Disclosure at work is deeply personal—but can also unlock connection and community * Energy management is a form of intentional leadership * Boundaries are not a sign that you’re less ambitious—they’re how you protect your health and sustain your goals And perhaps most powerfully of all: Jess explains why chronic illness didn’t take her ambition away—it clarified it. This conversation is part career conversation, part leadership lesson, and part reminder that chronic illness may change your path, but it does not define your potential. If you’ve ever wondered: Can I still be ambitious after a diagnosis? How do I navigate disclosure in a corporate environment? Can chronic illness actually make me a stronger leader? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover:  1:17 Jess’s MS diagnosis and waking up paralyzed at 29 5:30 How she built a 25-year career in pharma and rare disease 9:21 Why lived experience is a strategic advantage in healthcare 11:30 Why advocacy is not a side hustle 14:11 Navigating disclosure at work with chronic illness 17:35 Energy management, spoon theory, and sustainable success 20:59 Boundaries, ambition, and protecting your health 24:40 What patient leadership in healthcare should really look like 27:40 Advice for people with chronic illness who want to lead and advocate 31:08 What being a chronic boss means to Jess Connect with Jess March ✨/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-march/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-march/] ✨/ Chronic Boss Hub: https://chronicboss.com/jessica-march/ [https://chronicboss.com/jessica-march/]  Mentions ✨ / Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: mymsaa.org [http://mymsaa.org]  ✨ / Autoimmune Association: autoimmune.org [http://autoimmune.org]  Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ [https://chronicboss.com/] 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ [http://instagram.com/chronicbossco/] 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss-collective/] 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco [https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco?lang=en]  Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ [https://lillystairs.com/] 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/] 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs [https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs]

The Chronic Economy is the $100B Market Hiding in Plain Sight with Michelle Irving

What if chronic illness wasn’t a burden—but the foundation of a whole new economy? In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Michelle Irving, chronic founder, career visionary, and the mind behind the term “the chronic economy.” Together, they unpack how millions of people living with chronic conditions are reshaping work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of business—often without realizing it. Michelle shares how being diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune condition forced her to redesign her career from the ground up—and how that journey led her to build two global businesses, advise executives, and create frameworks that help people pursue ambition without burning their bodies to the ground. You’ll hear why: * 30%+ of the workforce lives with chronic conditions—and why calling them a “burden” is wildly outdated * The chronic economy is already worth billions (and still invisible to most leaders) * Most chronically ill professionals are overcompensating, not underperforming * Sustainable work isn’t about accommodations—it’s about redesigning how work gets done * AI may actually make chronic work strategies mainstream for everyone And perhaps most jaw-dropping of all: Michelle takes one full week off every month—no meetings, no email, no guilt—and explains exactly how she built a business that doesn’t need her to survive. This conversation is part big-picture vision, part practical roadmap, and part permission slip for chronic founders, professionals, and leaders who know there has to be a better way. If you’ve ever wondered: * Can I be ambitious and chronically ill? * Is it possible to build a business or career that actually works with my body? * What does sustainable success really look like? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: * 4:11 What the chronic economy is—and why it’s just getting started * 13:05 Chronic founders, entrepreneurship, and redefining ambition * 20:07 Boundaries, pricing, and saying no without burning bridges * 25:03 Why “performing wellness” is draining talent at work * 27:32 How AI is changing capacity, admin, and leadership * 40:01 What it really means to be a chronic boss Connect with Michelle Irving ✨ Websites: https://www.chronicillnessatwork.com/ [https://www.chronicillnessatwork.com/] ✨ http://careerandchronicillness.com/ [http://careerandchronicillness.com/] ✨ LinkedIn - @michelleirvingofficial [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleirvingofficial/] ✨Instagram: @michelleirvingofficial [https://www.instagram.com/michelleirvingofficial/] Mentions Leadership Series: https://www.careerandchronic.com/chronicleadership [https://www.careerandchronic.com/chronicleadership] (Feb 2026) Ambition Program: https://www.careerandchronic.com/ambition [https://www.careerandchronic.com/ambition]

Meet the Woman Behind the Mic: From Hospital Bed to CEO with Lilly Stairs

In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, our host Lilly Stairs opens up about her journey from chronic illness patient to powerhouse advocate and entrepreneur. With colleague and friend Lauren Perna stepping in as interviewer, listeners get a raw, honest look at the experiences that shaped Lilly’s mission-driven career. Lilly’s story begins with early diagnoses—psoriasis at age seven and OCD during her teen years—and takes a life-altering turn when she is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease at 19. These challenges sparked her passion for patient advocacy at a time when the field was still largely undefined. Throughout the episode, Lilly traces the evolution of her career: establishing herself in advocacy, launching her consultancy Patient Authentic to elevate patient voices in healthcare, and creating Chronic Boss, a community for ambitious women navigating chronic conditions while pursuing big goals. The conversation highlights core themes of Lilly’s work—owning your narrative, prioritizing mental health, recognizing burnout, and redefining ambition through a chronic illness lens. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience and drive can coexist, and that women with chronic conditions deserve space to lead, build, and thrive. Themes:  OCD is widely misunderstood and often hidden in plain sight. A lack of autoimmune awareness propelled her into patient advocacy. Patient advocacy remains an emerging—and deeply needed—field in healthcare. Lilly founded Patient Authentic to help organizations meaningfully engage patients. Daily routines and boundaries are essential for chronic illness entrepreneurs. Chronic Boss was built to empower ambitious women living with chronic conditions. Owning one’s story creates personal and professional strength. Burnout awareness is crucial for protecting mental health. Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction 01:59 — Early Health Journey: Psoriasis and Childhood Resilience 04:06 — Mental Health in Focus: Understanding OCD 08:32 — Age 19: Diagnoses That Shifted Everything 12:21 — The Spark of Patient Advocacy 14:02 — Building a Career Rooted in Advocacy 18:00 — The Launch of Patient Authentic 21:44 — Patient Authentic’s Mission and Impact 24:32 — The Creation of Chronic Boss 27:32 — Empowering Ambitious Women with Chronic Illness 29:29 — Entrepreneurship, Flexibility, and Balance 33:38 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Mental Health 36:24 — What’s Next for Chronic Boss   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com [https://chronicboss.com/]🖤 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chronicbossco/]🖤 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/]🖤 TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco]   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com [https://lillystairs.com/]🖤 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/]🖤 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs]