What if your second act could be even more meaningful than your first? Vasu Tolia is an extraordinary woman whose heart-led career path took her from medicine to art.

She is a retired pediatrician who followed a quiet nudge that turned into a bold second act. After decades of caring for others through medicine, she channels that same compassion and creativity into her artwork. Her vibrant, socially conscious pieces are designed to inspire and heal—to bring beauty, reflection, and emotional comfort into the world.

What I love most about our conversation is how honest and encouraging Vasu is about what it means to start over. We talked about fear, perfectionism, and the courage it takes to trust your inner voice. She reminded me (and hopefully you!) that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Vasu shared how her work now lives in hospitals and educational spaces, offering peace in stressful places. We also explored how her medical background gave her transferable skills—empathy, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving—that show up in her art daily. If you're ready for a more creative path or simply curious about the connection of creativity + well-being, this episode is for you.

Vasu's story is a beautiful reminder that the most fulfilling paths are the ones led by the heart.

🤝 Connect with Vasu: Website | Facebook | Instagram @toliavasu | LinkedIn | Download the free Art Calendar

🎨 Flourishing Favorite: Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

💛 Stay in touch! LinkedIn | Instagram | Pinterest

🖋️For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog

Born to be creative, forced to think corporate? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I explore how creativity and courage can reignite your career, even if you don’t consider yourself “artistic.” Through stories and reflections, let's discover how to bring creativity into your work, spark new ideas, and feel more like yourself again. If you’ve felt stuck or disconnected, this is your invitation to play, explore, and let creativity lead the way.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

📖 Read Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go

🤝 Join Heather Eck’s Inner Glow membership

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

🌟 Feeling stuck? Fried to Flourishing career change experience offers career clarity, resume refresh, and job search coaching. Use code PODCAST for $50 off!

💛 Stay in touch! LinkedIn | Instagram | Pinterest | Freebies + Shop

🖋️For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog

Please note that I value confidentiality. In cases where real-life experiences are recounted, names may be changed, or stories are shared with direct permission from those involved.

This week, we’re continuing the conversation from last week because one of the most common questions I get is: “How do I navigate salary negotiations in a way that feels confident to me?”

This best-of episode from The Flourish Careers Podcast vault features a conversation with fellow HR leader Sabine Gedeon, and it’s one of our most-loved episodes for a reason. If salary conversations have ever felt awkward or overwhelming, this episode is your friendly roadmap to negotiating with heart and strategy.

🌟 Connect with Sabine: Website | LinkedIn

🎙️ Related Episode: Should You Discuss Salary at Work Featuring Yolanda Owens

📚 Resources mentioned: Article: How To Ask for A Raise At Work

💛 Stay in touch! LinkedIn | Instagram | Pinterest

🖋️For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog