Embracing Flexibility and Radical Acceptance: A Conversation with Jen Vertanen

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In this episode, which originally aired on April 17, 2023, we dive deep with Jen Vertanen, an inspiring life coach and project manager who masterfully weaves together her passion and profession. Jen takes us on a captivating journey through her experiences in coaching, mentoring, and project management, offering invaluable insights on how to balance a fulfilling day job with a calling that lights up your soul.

Jen opens up about her personal journey from the brink of burnout to a place of true fulfillment. She emphasizes the transformative power of self-awareness and the commitment to doing the work. We explore the profound impact of words, the importance of self-acceptance, and the liberating process of living authentically.

Along the way, discover powerful tools for self-inquiry, such as envisioning your vibrant 80-year-old self and the magic of sitting in silence to connect with your inner wisdom. We also shed a little light on the reality that not everyone is ready for this deep work, and the importance of meeting each of us where we are.

Join us as we let go of judgment and fully embrace the exciting and transformative journey of radical acceptance.

Key Points:

• [00:00] Introduction
• [06:43] Jen’s career journey and early mentoring experiences
• [13:27] Identifying and letting go of what's no longer serving you
• [16:29] Doing the work: what it means and how to approach it
• [18:51] Tools for self-inquiry and connecting with your future self
• [21:13] The power of language: avoiding 'should' and 'but'
• [25:54] Balancing being and doing, and finding freedom
• [30:44] The importance of continuous self-evaluation and adjusting your approach
• [42:21] Recognizing exhaustion and using it as a clue for self-inquiry
• [44:23] Key takeaways and golden nuggets

Jen Vertanen is a Coach + Consultant for gutsy, determined women tired AF by the status quo ready to give themselves unapologetic permission to do whatever it takes to make their Bold AF Goals a reality.
Not only is Jen a strategic project manager with 30+ years experience, she's also been on the frontlines with her own personal transformation (from loneliness and self-loathing to not only loving, but liking herself and her life) as well as the thousands of lives she’s helped through coaching and podcasting.
Using her signature candor, humor, and unique approach to doing the work, Jen wants the world to know it’s never too late but you do kind of need to get going.
When she’s not worrying about her three adult children or brainwashing women to fall in love with themselves, you can find Jen getting a massage or unwinding at the end of the day curled up on the couch with her hubby and newfs bingeing old episodes of The Amazing Race in Saint Paul, MN.

• Jen Vertanen’s Website
• Find Jen on Facebook
• Follow her on TikTok
• Connect with her on Instagram

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Thank you for tuning in to this episode! We hope you found some golden nuggets and inspiration of your own. Join us next week for another kickass conversation!

Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.