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What if growth isn’t about adding more, but about letting something go?

In this episode, Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey and I talk about what happens when a heart-based, aligned career (literally) drifts out of its lane.

We explore the shift from resilience (getting back to “normal”) to pro-zilience: asking whether the system you’re returning to actually works, and how systematic subtraction can change everything.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode

1. Resilience isn’t always the goal—redesign might be.
Getting back to “normal” isn’t always the win we think it is. Nell invites you to consider pro-zilience: not bouncing back into the same system, but intentionally subtracting what no longer fits so you can build something more sustainable.

2. Subtraction starts with self-knowledge, not big decisions.
You don’t have to burn it all down. Small experiments like paying attention to energy, noticing the “shoulds,” and questioning gold-star habits will help you build the muscle of discerning what to let go of.

3. When you subtract intentionally, the ripple effect is real.
Letting go doesn’t just benefit you. Whether it’s leadership, teamwork, or parenting, thoughtful subtraction creates more impact for everyone around you and gives you permission to lead from alignment, not obligation.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop adding by default and start asking a different question: what might I release so I can live and lead more intentionally?

Connect with Nell:
🤝 100 Day Challenge: Writing + Subtraction Tips on Substack
💛 Free 3 Step Guide: Stop, Drop and Roll toward a life that feels as good as it looks
🛜 Nell on the web: Website

Nell’s Flourishing Fave:
+ Read: The Power of Fun – How to Feel Alive Again, by Catherine Price
+ Movement: The Class

🌟 The Flourish Careers Podcast is proudly highlighted in the Top Career Podcast Guide

Ways to work with me:
+ Join Fried to Flourishing, the self-paced career change course or virtual coaching experience.
+ You’re invited to the Gathering Ground, an insider circle where careers take root, grow, and flourish.
+ Browse around the shop and check out the playbooks: Make The Leap, Ultimate Playbook for Heart-Based Career Change | The Complete Interview Prep Playbook | Jumpstart Your Job Search, Gift for Grads

Want more career wisdom? Check out these podcast episodes/blog posts!

+ Career Courage: Why It’s Finally Time To Do What’s Right For You—And How To Begin
+ Career Reinvention Roadmap (Part 1): Signs, Shifts + Steps to Your Next Season
+ Career Reinvention Roadmap (Part 2): Redefining Success

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.

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