For years, I told myself I was fine. I was building businesses, traveling constantly for work, and raising four kids. From the outside, everything looked strong.
But somewhere between the career and the carpool, I'd lost the woman who used to walk into any room certain of herself. A former NCAA athlete who couldn't remember the last time she'd felt truly strong.
The turning point came in an airport. Sitting at the gate, I watched the career travelers in their suits and noticed how many walked a little slower — some even a little out of breath getting to the next gate. I remember wondering: is that the path I'm on, doing the career I love? Around the same time, my suit pants stopped being so forgiving, and my waist was getting tighter.
Those two small moments landed hard. I became determined to reclaim myself while succeeding in my career — not by choosing one over the other.
So I built a different way — a system designed for the season of life I was actually in. Not more information. When I got my edge back, I saw how many other high performers were living the exact same story. That's why Strong & Lean exists.