
90. Redefining Success: Nicoa Dunne's Journey from Corporate Life to Life Coach
02/22/25 • 40 min
Join us in this enlightening episode as we embark on a profound journey of self-discovery with my guest, Nicoa Dunne from Life by Design and the Coffee with Nicoa podcast.
Nicoa shares her courageous transition from feeling unfulfilled in a corporate HR executive role to becoming an Life & Executive Coach, redefining her life on her own terms in her empty nest life.
Throughout our conversation, Nicoa reveals her personal story of navigating challenges such as panic attacks and societal pressures and emphasizing the importance of aligning life with true values. We dive into the complexities of identity transition, discussing significant life changes, including empty nesting, divorce, and career shifts, while shedding light on the accompanying feelings of guilt and the quest for self-rediscovery.
Highlights:
- Explore the journey from corporate success to life coaching and authorship.
- Discover the transformative concept of the "six-word story" for redefining self-identity.
- Understand the emotional landscape of navigating identity shifts after children leave home.
- Learn practical strategies for journaling and self-dialogue to gain clarity.
- Gain insights on managing energy and shifting perspectives for a more fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace change and prioritize personal happiness while navigating life's transitions.
- Recognize the significance of self-awareness and acceptance in enhancing relationships.
- Shift your mindset to view life as happening for you, rather than to you, to foster fulfillment.
- Challenge societal notions of success and create a life that resonates with your personal values.
We encourage listeners to embrace their unique journeys, allowing space to grieve past identities while celebrating the freedom to design a life that truly reflects who they are. Tune in for inspiration, insightful discussions, and practical advice to empower your self-discovery journey!
Nicoa Dunne Bio
Nicoa is a seasoned guide with 20+ years as a Human Resources Executive with General Electric, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Allscripts. She has excelled as a certified coach through the Newfield Network and the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching all while proudly parenting three kids!
Over the years, she has consulted 100s of business leaders and top executives from Fortune 100 companies across the globe, shap
FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life
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Join us in this enlightening episode as we embark on a profound journey of self-discovery with my guest, Nicoa Dunne from Life by Design and the Coffee with Nicoa podcast.
Nicoa shares her courageous transition from feeling unfulfilled in a corporate HR executive role to becoming an Life & Executive Coach, redefining her life on her own terms in her empty nest life.
Throughout our conversation, Nicoa reveals her personal story of navigating challenges such as panic attacks and societal pressures and emphasizing the importance of aligning life with true values. We dive into the complexities of identity transition, discussing significant life changes, including empty nesting, divorce, and career shifts, while shedding light on the accompanying feelings of guilt and the quest for self-rediscovery.
Highlights:
- Explore the journey from corporate success to life coaching and authorship.
- Discover the transformative concept of the "six-word story" for redefining self-identity.
- Understand the emotional landscape of navigating identity shifts after children leave home.
- Learn practical strategies for journaling and self-dialogue to gain clarity.
- Gain insights on managing energy and shifting perspectives for a more fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace change and prioritize personal happiness while navigating life's transitions.
- Recognize the significance of self-awareness and acceptance in enhancing relationships.
- Shift your mindset to view life as happening for you, rather than to you, to foster fulfillment.
- Challenge societal notions of success and create a life that resonates with your personal values.
We encourage listeners to embrace their unique journeys, allowing space to grieve past identities while celebrating the freedom to design a life that truly reflects who they are. Tune in for inspiration, insightful discussions, and practical advice to empower your self-discovery journey!
Nicoa Dunne Bio
Nicoa is a seasoned guide with 20+ years as a Human Resources Executive with General Electric, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Allscripts. She has excelled as a certified coach through the Newfield Network and the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching all while proudly parenting three kids!
Over the years, she has consulted 100s of business leaders and top executives from Fortune 100 companies across the globe, shap
FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life
ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.
LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag
Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.
CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok
Previous Episode

89. When Empty Nest Holidays Don't Go as Planned
Feeling a mix of excitement and dread as the holidays approach and your home is emptier than usual? Join me, Jay Ramsden, on a journey through the emotional landscape of empty nesting during this festive season. Together, we'll confront those pangs of sadness and disappointment when our kids choose to celebrate elsewhere, and we'll talk about how important it is to let those feelings surface. But there's a silver lining—by supporting our children's growing independence with love and patience, and keeping those precious connections alive we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and gratitude.
This episode is more than just a survival guide; it's an invitation to rediscover joy in the empty nest phase. As we open ourselves to the freedom this chapter offers, we'll find new ways to create vibrant holiday memories, whether with family nearby or far away. Embrace the call to lighten your life with positivity and purpose, and let's embark on a transformative journey that celebrates this new beginning with open hearts and minds. Get ready to greet the holidays with a newfound sense of joy and opportunity.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Empty nest for the holidays? Experts say this is how parents can cope with kids not coming home by Erika Hardison (Mon, December 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM EST on yahoo.com)
FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life
ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.
LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag
Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.
CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok
Next Episode

91. Unlocking Connections: Communicating with Your Adult Children
Join us for an engaging and transformative episode as we explore the challenges and triumphs of parenting teens while preparing for the empty nest phase.
In this captivating conversation, we welcome Jeanine Mouchawar, a seasoned parenting coach, who shares her expertise on fostering genuine connections with our children amidst their growing independence.
Jeanine emphasizes the importance of understanding teenagers' emotional undercurrents and offers practical techniques that not only strengthen parent-child relationships but also enhance connections in all adult relationships. By embracing compassion and curiosity, parents can navigate this transition with greater ease and grace.
Highlights:
- Gain insights into the underlying emotions that shape conversations with teenagers.
- Discover effective parenting approaches that resonate with both teens and young adults.
- Learn strategies for maintaining strong connections even as children seek independence.
- Explore the identity shifts parents experience as their children leave home and how to find passion and meaning in this new chapter.
- Understand how parenting skills can be applied to enhance adult relationships.
Key Takeaways:
- Transition into the empty nest phase by fostering curiosity and compassion in communication.
- Implement effective dialogue techniques to build stronger bonds with your children and other loved ones.
- Recognize and embrace your evolving identity and the opportunities it brings for personal growth.
- Prepare for the exciting changes ahead by reflecting on your parenting journey and its impact on future relationships.
Jeanine Mouchwar Bio
Jeanine Mouchawar is a parenting coach who helps moms and dads be their teenager’s go-to person. Her Parenting Mastery program teaches new strategies to stop battles and create a calm, peaceful home so their children can thrive. Her approach allows parents to stop feeling at a loss and start knowing what to do to feel close again. Parents reduce their frustration and worries and help their children be the best version of themselves.
Jeanine earned her B.A. from Stanford University and is a certified professional life coach. She is married and has three adult children.
You can find Jeanine online: LinkedIn,
FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life
ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.
LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag
Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.
CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok
This Empty Nest Life - 90. Redefining Success: Nicoa Dunne's Journey from Corporate Life to Life Coach
Transcript
I mean I had it all . I had everything the 2.4 kids , the white picket fence , the two houses , the multiple cars , a couple of cats , you know . And I was like why am I drinking this extra glass of wine every night ? And what's wrong with me ?
Speaker 2transformative journey through the uncharted seas of midlife and empty nesting . If you're
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