Self-Reflection for Success with Elle Ballard

12/16/24 • 23 min

What if the key to unlocking your career success is not just about your skills or experiences but about the way you think and the relationships you build? In this special episode of Career Can Do, we’re re-sharing an inspiring conversation from Elle Ballard’s podcast, Empowered Global Women in Business, where Elle, the host, speaks with Careers Can Do’s one and only - Mary Ann Faremouth. Mary Ann brings a wealth of knowledge on how mindset and connection shape the trajectory of our careers.

In this episode, Mary Ann shares how your mindset can either propel you toward success or hold you back. She explains that success isn’t just about the tactical aspects of your job—it’s about believing in yourself, adjusting your thinking, and overcoming the barriers that often exist in your own mind. "Your mindset determines your success," Mary Ann states. "When you shift your thinking, you shift your outcomes."

A big focus of the conversation is the importance of building meaningful relationships in your professional life. Mary Ann emphasizes that success isn't just about what you know, but who you know. "The power of relationships cannot be overstated," she says. "Having a strong network can help open doors and guide you through tough situations.”

Resilience also plays a central role in this conversation. Mary Ann talks about how setbacks are inevitable in any career, but it’s how you respond to them that truly matters. "Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it's about how you pick yourself up and move forward," she explains.

Whether you're looking to pivot to a new career path, strengthen your confidence, or overcome obstacles, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive in today’s dynamic professional world. Mary Ann’s actionable tips, paired with Elle’s insightful questions, will leave you inspired and ready to take charge of your career with renewed focus.

Resources

Elle Ballard on the Web | Empowered Global Women in Business Podcast (Apple Podcasts) | LinkedIn

Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

Buy Mary Ann's book - Revolutionary Recruiting: How The Faremouth Method Helps Job Seekers, Recruiters and Businesses Learn To Match People With Their Passions

Resources

Elle Ballard on the Web | Empowered Global Women in Business Podcast (Apple Podcasts) | LinkedIn

Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

Buy Mary Ann's book - Revolutionary Recruiting: How The Faremouth Method Helps Job Seekers, Recruiters and Businesses Learn To Match People With Their Passions

Previous Episode

From Family Dream to a Lasting Legacy with Jessica Levine

How do you turn a family dream into a thriving business? On this episode of Career Can Do, Jessica Levine shares the inspiring story of Jonathan’s The Rub, a Houston-based restaurant group started by her father. As Director of Operations, Jessica reflects on how their journey began with a small catering business and grew into a beloved local restaurant chain with multiple locations.

Jessica’s passion for the restaurant industry began early, working alongside her father at just 12 years old. “I always say I grew up in the business,” she says, recalling how those early experiences shaped her career. After college, she joined her father to help grow the business, opening their first small restaurant with just seven tables. From there, Jonathan’s The Rub expanded into a Houston favorite, earning awards like the Ed Wolf Economic Development Award. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing—Jessica explains how they adapted through challenges like the pandemic while staying true to their values. “You have to embrace the chaos. It’s a rollercoaster, but that’s where growth happens.”

For Jessica, the heart of their success lies in creating a “third place” for the community—a welcoming space where guests feel at home and everything is made from scratch with care. “It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience and the relationships we build,” she shares. Her advice for others? Follow your passion, be prepared for ups and downs, and focus on building meaningful connections.

This episode is an inspiring look at how hard work, resilience, and dedication can transform a family vision into a lasting legacy.

Resources

Jessica Levine on Jonathan's The Rub | Jonathan's The Rub Instagram

Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

Next Episode

Ambition Without Burnout with Faye McCray

In a world driven by hustle culture, have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Am I chasing success or truly living it? In this episode of Career Can Do, Faye McCray, a lawyer, author, and executive leader, explores this profound question with Mary Ann Faremouth. Her insights challenge conventional ideas of success, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Faye grew up believing success required relentless effort, only to realize later that the constant grind was eroding her well-being. Her pivotal realization? Overwork isn’t a badge of honor — it’s a barrier to fulfillment. Instead of wearing busyness as a status symbol, she urges people to redefine success on their own terms. Ask yourself: “Am I working toward my dreams or just staying busy?” If it’s the latter, it’s time to reassess.

Another crucial lesson Faye offers is that your job is not your identity. In a world where introductions revolve around “What do you do?”, she reminds us that our worth extends beyond job titles. By setting boundaries—like removing work apps from your phone—you create space to be fully present in non-work moments. This shift allows for a more holistic sense of self, not tied solely to professional accomplishments.

Faye is also a firm believer in the power of pause. Her “Rest and Reclaim” retreats offer people a chance to step back and reflect. But you don’t need a retreat to practice this. Simple pauses—like a walk or a device-free meal—can restore clarity and spark creativity. Breaks aren’t indulgences; they’re essential for personal growth.

When it comes to future goals, Faye advocates for intentional planning. Her advice? Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps, just as her mother did when pursuing higher education. This approach makes even the most ambitious objectives feel achievable. Flexibility is key—life happens, and sometimes timelines shift.

Finally, Faye emphasizes the timeless principle: “Know thyself.” True growth requires self-reflection. By taking moments of stillness, you can better understand your desires and realign with your purpose.

Success isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about living with intention. Take that walk. Log off from work apps. Reclaim your time. As Faye reminds us: Ambition and boundaries can coexist.