Power Women: Carolina Stukenberg of The REAL UnlimitedYOU On How To Successfully Navigate Work, Love and Life As A Powerful Woman

An Interview With Shawna Robins

Prioritize Your Personal Well-Being and Health

In my quest for success, I initially neglected my health and well-being, believing that career achievements were paramount. However, I learned the hard way that good health is fundamental to enjoying and sustaining success. When my health deteriorated, I realized that no amount of money could replace the value of personal well-being. This experience taught me that making health and well-being a top priority is essential for long-term success and happiness.

How does a successful, strong, and powerful woman navigate work, employee relationships, love, and life in a world that still feels uncomfortable with strong women? In this interview series, called “Power Women” we are talking to accomplished women leaders who share their stories and experiences navigating work, love and life as a powerful woman.

As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Carolina Stukenberg.

Carolina Stukenberg is a dynamic and influential Women’s Creatrix© Transformologist© dedicated to empowering women to break free from detrimental cycles, conquer anxiety, silence negative self-talk, self-doubt, and eradicate deep-seated insecurities, using her distinctive and proven methods of mindset shifting and heart healing to inspire genuine authenticity, unshakable confidence, and radical self-love, ultimately leading to a life of happiness, freedom and enabling women to break all their glass ceilings. There is no limit to women’s empowerment.

Through her unwavering commitment to raising women’s emotional intelligence, rewiring stress responses, and fostering healthy boundaries, Carolina equips women with the inner wisdom, trust & confidence they need to build a future rich in self-worth, boundless trust, unlimited empowerment, and the power to overcome any obstacle, championing lasting and profound transformation that goes beyond superficial change.

As a beacon of hope for countless women seeking to rediscover and unleash their full potential, Carolina paves the way for enduring personal growth, authentic living, resilience, and raised emotional intelligence, making a significant impact on the lives of the women she guides. Women Ready to Book an initial consultation here.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

I was born to Argentine parents in South Africa, and my upbringing was a vibrant blend of cultures and languages. Growing up, I was raised by a conservative father who taught me to be polite and agreeable. As my parents’ marriage ended and my autistic brother needed all of my parents attention, I began to realize that I was being shaped by the expectations of others rather than discovering who I truly was, nor even encouraged to explore that in myself.

After high school, I went to law school to make my father proud. I received mixed messages growing up — be yourself, but also conform to my father’s vision of who I should be. I was encouraged to study law and get educated, but also to be a “lady” and let a man take charge of my life and finances. While I could practice law, I was discouraged from pursuing my passion for human rights advocacy and was steered towards being a safe and simple succession lawyer. These formative years convinced me that success meant fitting in rather than being my authentic self.

In my first and only law firm job, I quickly realized that my life wasn’t truly mine. So, one Friday, I made the bold decision to leave the legal profession and start a new chapter, exploring life and myself on my own terms. This was the beginning of undoing generations of conditioning and social expectations. I became an event manager, hosting large corporate functions and weddings, and then an adventure tour guide in the canyons and rivers of Southern Africa. My love for exploration — both in the world and within myself — was ignited.

A few years later, I pursued my dream of becoming a yacht captain. I trained for years, sailing across the world’s oceans, facing storms and waves that most of my peers could never even fathom confronting. As I became more qualified, I felt the pressure to conform, be agreeable, and fit in. The industry, dominated by men, often reinforced outdated stereotypes, expecting women to be subservient. Once again, I found myself in a familiar situation, feeling suppressed and unable to be my true self.

Accepting this led to a breakdown of my self-worth, but it also sparked the discovery of my soul-aligned business, which has become my mission and purpose: empowering women.

Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?

Many years later, while still conforming to the stereotypical roles expected of me in the yachting industry, I met my future husband. Early in our relationship, he celebrated my strength, tenacity, and power, even encouraging them. However, it wasn’t long before others onboard — guests and crew alike — began to recognize and appreciate my capabilities. This made my partner uncomfortable and perhaps even emasculated, as he lacked the years of experience I had. That was the beginning of my life falling into complete disarray.

When my future husband proposed, I said yes, of course. He wanted to take control, and I gave in — it was what I had been trained to do. We got married, but our eight-year relationship ended just two months later after being married. Unbeknownst to me, my husband had been living a double life, which he had hidden from me. This revelation threw my life into confusion and loss. The details of what happened aren’t important. What matters is what came after.

I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I lost everything: my life savings, my marriage, my place in the world, my self-trust, and my self-worth. I was a shell, left hopeless and alone, fending for myself during COVID in a foreign country. This painful period marked the start of my new career and profound personal development. It was as if my whole life had led to this breakdown, forcing me to find my voice again, my authentic self, and to redefine my path. In my search for healing and self-love, I began from scratch, burdened by years of baggage that weighed me down. I sought true healing and liberation for myself.

Despite seeing psychologists, counselors, therapists, and exploring alternative therapies, nothing had fundamentally changed within me. The underlying issues kept resurfacing. I knew my search would not be easy, but I believed there was something out there that could genuinely heal old patterns in myself and other women. I knew everything else I tried didn’t get me results, although intellectually I read every book, learnt every possible skill, thought speaking through my issues would resolve them. Nothing worked and nor did it stick. Depressed at the thought of returning to an industry that defined my role by my gender, I threw myself into finding a path aligned with my soul, purpose, and healing, without sacrificing my health, wellbeing, or authenticity.

That moment arrived when I signed up with a woman offering a unique approach, which wasn’t therapy as I knew it. I didn’t have to discuss my issues or what I thought the problem was. Within weeks, it felt like a veil had been lifted. My entire perception of myself, others, the world, and the future transformed completely. The changes were profound and naturally ingrained, as if the very issues I started with had never existed. This method changed my life in just two weeks. I was convinced I had found what I was searching for. After four weeks, I was completely committed to making this my new career. Through the pain and rebuilding of my shattered self and life, I discovered my passion and purpose. Since then, it has become my greatest love.

Now, instead of working for money to make me happy, I work with women, changing their lives in ways that deeply satisfy my soul. The money comes as a byproduct. Can the hardest challenges in life be the guiding force to our purpose? In my case, I would say yes.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

During my time working with women, one story stands out vividly, etched into my heart and mind. I recall a session with a single mother who came to me overwhelmed by a sea of emotions — a mix of anger, deep insecurity, and overwhelming stress. She had convinced herself that everyone hated her and felt constantly abandoned, let down by others, and gripped by rejection, anger, and disappointment.

As the session began, she was crying so heavily that even articulating her situation or emotions was nearly impossible. Her pain was palpable, and my heart ached for her as she struggled through her sobs. I could sense how deeply she was hurting and knew I could help her navigate through this labyrinth of emotions. I wanted her to gain inner wisdom, heal her insecurities, and handle everything safely and quickly. But I couldn’t have imagined her response after our session.

In just 35 minutes, there was a remarkable shift. I gently asked her to reflect on why she had initially come to the session. To my surprise, she paused, then began to laugh — a liberating, genuine laugh that felt like a breath of fresh air. She remarked that she had “simply had one of those weeks where everything seemed to pile on,” but now she felt ready to face it all with clarity and ease, and even said she was “excited”!

Witnessing her 180-degree change in emotions and perceptions was nothing short of miraculous and beautiful. In such a brief time, she had gained profound emotional intelligence and wisdom, completely shifting her perspective on what had seemed insurmountable just minutes before. By the end of our call, the woman who had started in tears was now exuding calm, happiness, and confidence, laughing through her words. It was a beautiful reminder of the incredible resilience and power within her and other women, and I felt truly honored to have facilitated her journey, rediscovering her own inner strength and joy.

The stark difference in her perception wasn’t temporary, either. Weeks later, when I asked her to reflect again, nothing had resurfaced. She had completely adopted a different way of seeing the situation, other people, and her role in it all. She didn’t hesitate or doubt herself. This unique experience, witnessing another woman’s inner turmoil transform into a laughable and manageable situation filled with energy and confidence, has stayed with me. That one 35-minute session proved to me that change can happen fast and last. That was the most striking point for me throughout this experience.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Raise your emotional intelligence and you will raise your resilience. For all women, working on raising our emotional intelligence increases our resilience in work, life, love, and relationships. I wish someone had told me this when I was younger. Working with a team on yachts and not being a target for others’ emotions during times of high stress made the difference between successfully completing a charter or ocean crossing and failing to develop true human connections and camaraderie.During one ocean crossing, when I was not the captain of the yacht, a storm hit, and things went wrong. One of the yacht’s sails was stuck and overpowering the yacht, potentially breaking the mast we needed to get across the ocean. Time was of the essence. In the midst of chaos, two large men were panicking and couldn’t see the obvious solution. I calmly tried to suggest a fix, but at first, neither man would listen to me. Instead of getting upset at not being heard or acknowledged, I put my emotions aside for the greater good. I didn’t become smaller; instead, I became more powerful and assertive, unattached to any rejection as a personal attack.Very quickly, I took over the position of captain, as I was the most qualified and experienced member onboard. I took the driver’s seat, turned the yacht into the wind to relieve the pressure on the mast system, and gave clear instructions to the two men. Once the boat was stabilized, I left one man to steer and instructed the other to support me as I went up the mast to unjam the sail rope. I harnessed up and went up the mast, confident in my ability and experience, even as the big ocean waves threw me around. I continued to instruct the men as I found the solution and soon saved the sail, the lines, and the mast.Had I been less emotionally intelligent, things could have taken a very different turn, jeopardizing the wellbeing of the yacht and the crew.

Authenticity and Truly Caring About Others. In a world where brute force and control are often celebrated, something valuable is lost: the true connection between team members. Respect is earned, not demanded. Being authentic and genuinely caring for others encourages real connection, teamwork, and camaraderie.On one yacht charter with guests onboard, things were going badly because a crew member wasn’t doing her job, jeopardizing the clients’ trip and the reputation of the captain, the yacht, and the management company. I was called in to replace the crew member because of my versatile background in yachting. I stepped onboard to relieve the problematic crew member, and it could have been a dramatic exit, further making the guests uncomfortable. I recall walking in and greeting the guests and the captain with my luggage in hand. I knew I had to approach the crew member and bond with her so she would leave on good terms without affecting the guests. She had already been causing a scene before my arrival.I spoke with the captain, who said he couldn’t talk to her because she kept losing control and becoming more defiant. I suggested he step back from the situation and let me manage the changeover, to which he agreed. As I approached her, I made sure to connect with her and show concern for her feelings and thoughts. I gave her time to vent in private, encouraged her to voice everything, and genuinely gave her my attention. As she began to trust me and saw that I was authentically connecting with her, her rage subsided. I calmly got her to leave the yacht peacefully and with integrity — something the captain couldn’t achieve by mere instruction.The most powerful tool is authenticity and truly caring; this builds rapport, trust, and earns someone’s respect. I went on to save the charter, not only taking over the other crew member’s role but also assisting the chef, who was out of her depth. A charter that had been going wrong for three days turned around completely once I stepped onboard and unified the team through real connection and a genuine desire to help everyone. By making the time to listen and empathize with them all, the last four and a half days of the charter improved significantly.The guests, the captain, the chef, the remaining crew, and even the management company all thanked me for bringing calmness and authority in a humane way. Everybody benefited.

Willingness to Learn and Question. The willingness to learn and question is vital in self-development. Overcoming our own limiting beliefs, blocks, glass ceilings, self-doubt, and emotional triggers is an ongoing journey, but it doesn’t have to be hard or take long for it to stick. In most working environments, as we gain experience, we tend to become complacent. It’s this complacency that hinders the success of people, businesses, and growth. By staying open-minded and willing to learn and question even our most established beliefs — whether our own or those of the industry we are in — we evolve, progress, and foster innovation. A consistent desire to grow is the epitome of great leadership and responsible power.In my early days of learning to sail and captain across the vast oceans, I was an avid student of the best captain I have ever learned from. During one of our initial ocean crossings together, the captain agreed to take on a “greenie” crew member — not just any novice, but an accomplished businessman, business owner, and corporate powerhouse. During that voyage, I witnessed this corporate man struggle to accept that his role onboard was subordinate to mine, merely due to his lack of ocean experience. Despite his extensive experience, knowledge, and qualifications in the corporate world, he was unable to take instruction, learn, or question his own beliefs and values.He was confrontational with the captain and me as we crossed the first 3,000 nautical miles. As the days went on, he became more upset and uptight, feeling insulted that he was not in a position of power and decision-making. At one point, due to his lack of willingness to learn, question, and be humble, he nearly collided the yacht with a large, fast-moving merchant ship in the middle of the night. As first mate, with my watch following his, I came up to assess the situation because I heard loud screaming from the VHF radio inside the yacht and no one was answering the call.Upon inspection, it became clear that the corporate man was oblivious, ignorant, and more preoccupied with his struggle for power and position on the yacht than our safety. He was literally putting our lives at risk. I noticed he was listening to music, unaware of my presence or the impending crash. I didn’t hesitate to take control at the helm station, correcting the yacht’s course drastically while communicating via radio with the merchant ship, which was limited in its ability to maneuver due to the sea state.The corporate man was offended and began belittling and reprimanding me for stepping in. Regardless of his thoughts or words, it was clear he had become a high-risk factor onboard, one we couldn’t afford, due to his lack of willingness to learn and question — even himself. Over the next few days, as we neared land, the captain observed this arrogant attitude and consistent attacks on me as the lesser female role onboard. The captain decided to tell the man to disembark, stating he would not continue the journey. As the corporate man he was, he threatened the captain and the company, contending that the contract had legal standing. He was right about one thing: the contract had legal standing, and his role was merely as a rookie crew member. The captain is entitled to remove any crew member at his discretion should it hinder the safety of the yacht and crew.That corporate man was left on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, to make his own way back home. Sadly, he couldn’t see the fault in his ways, and that was, for me, the greatest lesson in my early sailing days. Being humble, no matter our years of experience or competence, is a life skill we all should develop for real success.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. The premise of this series assumes that our society still feels uncomfortable with strong women. Why do you think this is so?

Strong women in my previous industry have challenged the longstanding norm of men in power and command. More women are applying for roles that have traditionally been occupied by men since the onset of the maritime world. They are speaking out against sexual harassment and stereotypical expectations of being subservient to the captain, as well as against being pigeonholed into roles such as cleaner, cook, or caregiver. Women who challenge these norms have often been reprimanded, punished, belittled, and disregarded. It was believed that women could not hold positions of power because they lacked the physical or emotional strength to face real storms or mechanical issues. Today, women are more than capable, owning their own yachts, sailing around the world, breaking the mold, and often making men feel uncomfortable when they encounter these strong women.

I have seen it time and time again: experienced sailor women, educated and empowered, capable of fixing motors, plumbing, and electrical issues, and sailing using intelligence rather than brute force, meeting city men who feel emasculated and out of place because they sense they are not needed by these women. In response, they belittle, insult, and attack these women for not fitting into traditional roles, only demonstrating their own internal struggles with what it means to be a man.

On one particular ocean crossing with a woman captain, an older male crew member, unable to accept commands from a woman, verbally reprimanded the captain daily. He went further, badmouthing her to management and all his friends. This limited view of women’s roles and abilities persists today.

I believe women must continue to challenge stereotypical roles and support and encourage one another. I have seen and experienced more bullying among women than from men. The deeply rooted social expectations of women, needs to be reassessed and questioned until the mold is broken. While it is better than ever for women, there is still a need for everyone to raise the bar, break the molds, and celebrate these changes and victories.

Without saying any names, can you share a story from your own experience that illustrates this idea?

A recent project I assisted with is a perfect example of breaking stereotypes. A highly experienced and competent sailor, this woman went on to win one of the most prestigious sailing awards today. Not only did she win the world’s most grueling solo race around the world non-stop, but she also took time out of her race to save a fellow sailor whose yacht had sunk in the open ocean.

Leading up to the start of the race, she was the only female entrant. Despite her incredible background and experience in the world’s toughest oceans, her team and I struggled for over two years to find her a sponsor. Each time we approached a potential sponsor, we were rejected. As the start of the race approached, other entrants secured sponsors while she was forced to make her own way. Her team and I devised a way around the need for a sponsor — innovation born from necessity. During conversations with potential sponsors, one thing kept coming up: she was a woman, so it was assumed she couldn’t win.

I knew from the moment she was selected for the race that she was the most experienced and capable contestant and that she would win. I never doubted it. But every sponsor, including men and women, didn’t believe in her capabilities. We faced rejection time and time again. This was a real-world example of the stereotypical presumption that women are less capable than men. Despite all this, with the support of her team and other wonderful people who assisted her in person, she went on to win the race, break every record, and prove to the world that women are capable of achieving the impossible.

This race, which has only been run three times since its inception in 1968, rarely sees contestants finish. She is a powerful woman who undoubtedly ruffled feathers, but by winning the race, she has redefined history and opened the door for women sailors globally, breaking the mold of female stereotypes.

What should a powerful woman do in a context where she feels that people are uneasy around her?

A powerful woman who makes others feel uneasy should hold her own. She shouldn’t bend to make others feel more comfortable; instead, she should lean into her authenticity and confidence. By being herself and standing her ground, she encourages others to adjust their perceptions and break the molds etched in their minds about how women should be. By leading through example, a powerful woman can redefine the playing field.

If a powerful woman causes others to feel uneasy and a resolution is needed, I suggest confronting the elephant in the room head-on. She can call it out, hear others out, and humanize herself to those who are uncomfortable. This approach opens the door to openness, support, and camaraderie. Such a woman should also be able to listen, understand others, empathize, and be open — leveraging women’s natural abilities to connect and create a team dynamic and environment of support.

I believe this principle applies not only to women but to any person, man or woman, who is strong and holds a position of power. They should have a method for self-reflection and be committed to their own self-development and improvement. Through self-improvement, they can raise their emotional intelligence and resilience, understanding that “with great power comes great responsibility.” This responsibility involves caring for others, challenging themselves, and continuously improving for the betterment of all.

Taking responsibility for their actions, authority, and role in any situation — whether positive or negative — distinguishes a truly powerful person. They are not just leaders but also role models who inspire others by taking ownership of their influence and striving to be better versions of themselves. This kind of leadership not only empowers the individual but also fosters a culture of growth and mutual respect.

What do we need to do as a society to change the unease around powerful women?

As a society, both men and women need to move beyond outdated stereotypes and assumptions based on gender. It’s crucial to stop defining women through old paradigms that no longer hold true and to question and challenge our own beliefs and language, especially when it involves derogatory clichés about women. Raising our children with these values will help them view each other as equals with unique traits, skills, and contributions that benefit the greater good. The sooner we embrace this mindset, the sooner we can create a more equitable society.

Some long-standing beliefs and assumptions are more entrenched and harder to dismantle. For example, consider the difference in how a female boss and a male boss are perceived when they are overdressed. A woman might be criticized for being too flashy or showing off, while a man in the same situation might be respected and seen as more powerful. Similarly, when a woman is strong and assertive in a business setting, she is often labeled as controlling or bossy, whereas a man displaying the same qualities is generally accepted without question. These double standards highlight the need for us to reevaluate and challenge these ingrained perceptions.

We need to ensure that our young girls grow up free from these imposed limitations and stereotypes. By providing them with female role models who embody leadership and authenticity, we can inspire them to become their true selves without being constrained by outdated beliefs. It is essential that future generations of women have the freedom to pursue their goals and dreams without facing barriers simply because they are women.

By actively working to eliminate these biases and supporting an inclusive environment, we can create a world where everyone is valued for their unique qualities and contributions, paving the way for a more equitable and just society

In my own experience, I have observed that often women have to endure ridiculous or uncomfortable situations to achieve success that men don’t have to endure. Do you have a story like this from your own experience? Can you share it with us?

Absolutely, let’s return to the yacht industry for a moment. I recently spoke with a woman who had endured eight months of sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and general mistreatment while working on yachts. She was subjected to unfair expectations — expected to clean up after others, take on additional blame, and work harder — all while being paid less than her male counterparts simply because she was a woman. This pattern of behavior is disturbingly common in the industry. Many women face these issues and come to accept them as the norm, believing that this is just how things are.

For women who aspire to become captains or advance in the yacht industry, the path is fraught with additional obstacles. They must jump through more hoops to prove their competence. When they speak out against the systemic issues affecting them and other women, their careers are often jeopardized. They are labeled as troublemakers, overly sensitive, or even crazy, which can make them unemployable. This is a stark contrast to their male counterparts, who often face fewer repercussions and may even evade accountability for similar or worse behavior.

I have observed that underqualified men can sometimes escape criticism and consequences, due to the leniency and biases that favor them, whereas qualified women are scrutinized more harshly and often unfairly penalized. This disparity highlights a troubling trend where men are not subjected to the same level of mistreatment and double standards within the industry.

It’s crucial that we address these systemic issues and work towards creating a more equitable environment where women are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. By recognizing and challenging these patterns, we can strive to make the industry — and all industries — a place where merit and professionalism are the true measures of one’s worth, regardless of gender.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women leaders that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?

Women face a range of challenges in leadership that their male counterparts often do not encounter. One of the most significant challenges is balancing their careers with the roles of mother, partner, caregiver, and household manager. Women frequently juggle these responsibilities daily, which can lead to burnout, while men typically do not face this level of multidimensional pressure.

Another major challenge is the expectation for women leaders to adopt traditionally male behaviors to be perceived as competent and successful. Women have unique physiological experiences, including hormonal fluctuations from the menstrual cycle and menopause, which can impact their performance. Unfortunately, these factors are often overlooked in workplace considerations, unlike the experiences of their male colleagues who do not face similar health-related challenges.

The lack of understanding and support for these aspects of women’s health in leadership roles is a significant issue. If workplaces were more accommodating of these needs and changes, it could lead to greater success and satisfaction for women in both business and personal life.

Furthermore,

Women leaders often face several challenges that are less commonly experienced by their male counterparts. Here are some of the key challenges:

1. Stereotypes and Bias: Women leaders frequently contend with stereotypes that question their competence and leadership abilities. They may face expectations to conform to traditional gender roles or are unfairly judged against standards that do not apply to men. For example, assertive behavior in women might be labeled as “bossy” or “controlling,” whereas similar behavior in men might be seen as strong leadership.
2. Double Standards: Women often have to navigate double standards in their professional environments. For instance, they might be criticized for being too emotional or too detached, while men’s behavior in similar situations might be interpreted differently. This inconsistency can lead to added pressure to constantly prove oneself.
3. Work-Life Balance: Women leaders often face heightened scrutiny regarding their work-life balance. They may encounter greater expectations to manage family responsibilities, and their professional commitments are sometimes questioned or undervalued compared to their male peers.
4. Networking and Mentorship: Women may have fewer networking opportunities and mentors than men, particularly in male-dominated industries. This can limit their access to crucial career advancement resources and support systems.
5. Representation and Role Models: The lack of female role models in leadership positions can make it harder for aspiring women leaders to envision themselves in such roles. It can also contribute to the perpetuation of existing biases and barriers.
6. Pay Inequality: Despite progress in many fields, women leaders often face challenges related to pay inequality. They may be paid less than their male counterparts for similar roles and responsibilities, reflecting broader societal issues related to gender pay gaps.
7. Credibility and Authority: Women may find it more challenging to establish credibility and authority, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their expertise and decisions are sometimes questioned more frequently than those of their male colleagues.
8. Backlash for Success: Successful women leaders may face backlash or resentment from colleagues and industry peers. Their achievements can be undermined or attributed to factors other than their skills and hard work, such as luck or external support.
9. Workplace Culture: In many industries, especially those that are historically male-dominated, women leaders may struggle with ingrained workplace cultures that are less supportive of women. This can include dealing with exclusionary practices, inappropriate behavior, or lack of institutional support for gender diversity.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to promote gender equality, support women’s leadership development, and create more inclusive and fair workplace environments.

Let’s now shift our discussion to a slightly different direction. This is a question that nearly everyone with a job has to contend with. Was it difficult to fit your personal and family life into your business and career? For the benefit of our readers, can you articulate precisely what the struggle was?

It was incredibly challenging to find a balance between personal and family life versus business and career. In my younger years, when I was just starting out, it seemed easier to focus solely on work and career advancement, often letting other aspects of life slide. However, as I grew older, I realized that friendships, family, and personal well-being are just as crucial. Attempting to correct this imbalance later in my career proved difficult, and the habit of prioritizing work over everything else had already become ingrained.

In my previous line of work on yachts, personal life often took a backseat. The high costs associated with charter yacht life — such as guest accommodations, food, and services — combined with the industry’s cutthroat competitiveness, meant that long-term crew members frequently faced the prospect of starting over from scratch once their careers ended. Many found themselves with nothing and uncertain about their next steps.

I spent nearly 20 years moving from boat to boat and place to place, which led to a lack of stability and the inability to be present for family and friends during special occasions or challenging times. Over the years, the need for a balanced life became more pressing, but the yacht industry rarely acknowledged or encouraged this balance.

The turning point for me came when I realized that my health had deteriorated due to the high-stress environment. The decision to pursue a more balanced lifestyle was driven by the need to address my health concerns. Later, as I wanted to start a family, I faced significant financial pressures and the challenge of finding a new career that would allow me to be present at home. These circumstances forced me to reconsider my career path and explore alternative ways to achieve stability and balance.

The struggle was not just about transitioning to a new career but also about redefining my priorities and finding a way to integrate personal well-being with professional success. This journey highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges of maintaining balance and the need for support systems that acknowledge the complexities of a fulfilling career and personal life.

What was a tipping point that helped you achieve a greater balance or greater equilibrium between your work life and personal life? What did you do to reach this equilibrium?

The turning point when the need for balance surpassed my commitment to work became glaringly evident when my health deteriorated to the point where I was physically sick, exhausted, and burnt out. At that stage, I was so overwhelmed that I could no longer perform my job effectively. There was no room for a break, no possibility of finding equilibrium within that role. I knew that continuing down that path would only worsen my health. I reached a critical juncture where I had to choose between my career and my well-being. Naturally, I chose my health.

It was a daunting decision, but deep down, I felt a strong pull towards a different path. I wanted to make a meaningful impact, change lives for the better, and find work that offered both balance and fulfillment. I realized that money alone couldn’t buy happiness. Since I began prioritizing my well-being, everything changed. I not only transitioned to a new career but also embraced a new chapter that became my most rewarding yet — transforming women’s lives.

Living with balance has become central to my life. My clients notice the grounded and comfortable way I now live, reflecting the positive changes I’ve made. I invested time and effort into personal development, addressing the internal blocks that had prevented me from achieving balance and valuing it in my life. I learned to measure my success not by my career achievements or income, but by the quality of my life. I embraced the importance of balance, downtime, rest, and nurturing relationships with friends and family. We all need this balance to truly thrive.

Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Powerful Woman?”

Five Essentials for Thriving and Succeeding as a Powerful Woman

1. Embrace Open-Mindedness and Continuous Personal Development

Success often leads to mastery, but resting on your laurels can lead to stagnation. Staying open-minded and committed to personal growth helps us adapt and evolve. For example, I once worked with crew members who believed they had mastered all there was to know. Their resistance to learning new skills or accepting feedback made them less effective in a dynamic environment. In contrast, those who maintained a learner’s mindset continued to grow and contribute meaningfully. Embracing continuous personal development keeps us adaptable and our egos in check, enabling us to navigate changes and advancements with grace.

2. Be Authentic and Caring

Trying to be someone you’re not or striving to please everyone is draining and often fruitless. Authenticity is key. When we present ourselves genuinely, we build trust and rapport. For instance, early in my career, I tried to fit into various molds to meet others’ expectations. This approach was exhausting and ultimately unsustainable. By embracing who I truly am and being open and caring, I found that people responded more positively. Authenticity fosters respect and builds stronger, more genuine relationships.

3. Develop Emotional Intelligence to Enhance Resilience

Reacting purely based on emotions can lead to decisions driven by momentary feelings rather than long-term goals. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing our emotions without letting them dictate our actions. I remember a period when I let my feelings guide my career decisions. If a situation made me unhappy, I would quickly switch jobs, only to find myself unsatisfied again. By learning to manage my emotions and focus on my goals, I developed resilience. For instance, when faced with rejection, I learned not to take it personally and to stay committed to my passion and career.

4. Find Your Voice and Master Communication Skills

Fear of speaking up can lead to feeling overlooked or misunderstood, often causing frustration. Effective communication is crucial. I used to struggle with expressing my thoughts and feelings, which often led to misunderstandings and frustration. By learning to articulate my ideas and concerns clearly, I was able to ensure that my voice was heard and respected. This shift in approach not only improved my professional relationships but also enhanced my overall effectiveness.

5. Prioritize Your Personal Well-Being and Health

In my quest for success, I initially neglected my health and well-being, believing that career achievements were paramount. However, I learned the hard way that good health is fundamental to enjoying and sustaining success. When my health deteriorated, I realized that no amount of money could replace the value of personal well-being. This experience taught me that making health and well-being a top priority is essential for long-term success and happiness.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

I would love to have a private breakfast with Lisa Bilyeu because she has navigated both business and personal challenges with remarkable success. Her journey resonates with me, especially as a woman who has chosen not to have children. Lisa is a trailblazer in openly discussing this choice, providing a powerful role model for others in similar positions.

Her ability to move forward despite not having every detail figured out is incredibly inspiring. Lisa’s determination and drive, regardless of her feelings at any given moment, demonstrate an admirable resilience. Her book, Radical Confidence, reveals how she often felt less powerful than she appeared but still chose to act with courage and conviction. Her message to women — to be the heroes of their own lives — strikes a chord with me. Lisa breaks conventional molds and inspires countless women, including myself, to pursue their own paths with confidence and authenticity.

I hope to be a role model to other women, just like Lisa.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About the Interviewer: Shawna Robins is an international best-selling author of two books — Powerful Sleep — Rest Deeply, Repair Your Brain and Restore Your Life, and Irresistibly Healthy — Simple Strategies to Feel Vibrant, Alive, Healthy and Full of Energy Again. Shawna is the founder and CEO of Third Spark, an online wellness hub for women over 40 who want to reignite their sleep, reset healthier habits and respark their lives. Shawna is a sleep expert, hormone health expert, and a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC). She has been featured on many podcasts including Dr. Mindy Pelz’s “The Resetter Podcast” and in Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and The Huffington Post. A free download of her latest book can be found at www.thirdsparkhealth.com/powerful-sleep/ You can follow her on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.