??Balancing Act: Career, Caregiving, and Self-Care with Jessica Weisz

Welcome back to "The Microdose Diet" newsletter, your trusted source for achieving success, passion, and happiness in life and career. ??

Today, we're diving into the world of personal and professional development with a special guest who embodies the spirit of growth and transformation. So, without further ado, let's get started!

??Meet Our Guest: Jessica Weisz

Hi, Jessica! Hello! I asked Perplexity, "Who is Jessica Weisz?" and here’s what it said:

Jessica Weisz is an investor, entrepreneur, caregiver, and rule breaker passionate about humanizing workplaces, achieving work-life balance, promoting gender equality, and challenging conventional thinking in business and society. She is known for enabling others to thrive by questioning societal norms and advocating for change. Jessica Weisz has a diverse background in business, including experience at McKinsey and as the founder of Rule Breaker. She is also a venture partner at StandUp Ventures, a former BMO employee, and, most importantly, a friend of mine.

Jessica, welcome! It's great to have you here today.

??Reflecting on the Past: From Corporate Ladder to Authentic Life

Jessica, let's start with a journey back in time. When you were in your twenties, who did you think you’d be by now? And how does it compare to where you are right now?

Jessica's Reflection:

In my twenties, I envisioned myself as an executive in Toronto, living the corporate dream with a couple of kids. I thought I'd be a VP with a large team, climbing the corporate ladder in a Bay Street tower. But life took a 180-degree turn. While I do have the two kids, the rest of my life is vastly different. I'm now focused on venture capital a couple of days a week and working on Rule Breaker, a reflection of my journey toward integrating caregiving and self-care into a well-rounded life.

??Embracing Change: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Your transition from a traditional corporate path to a more holistic life is inspiring. What limiting beliefs did you have to overcome to make this shift, and how did you manage to drop this conditioning?

Jessica's Insights:

The transition was a process. Initially, I tried to do it all, playing into the superwoman trope, but burnout hit hard. I went through stages of denial, protest, resentment, and finally, acceptance. It was crucial to realize that life exists beyond the career. Dropping societal conditioning involved a lot of self-reflection, recognizing the importance of caregiving and self-care, and valuing these roles just as much as professional achievements.

“Level Up Your Life Every 90 Days!”, James Robert Lay’s review of my book “The Microdose Diet”

???The Next Frontier: Community Building

What's on the horizon for you, Jessica? What do you see as the next frontier in your journey?

Jessica's Vision:

For me, the next frontier is community building. I want to create and connect individuals who share similar values, supporting one another in maintaining a balance between career, caregiving, and self-care. It's about fostering a grassroots evolution of thinking, where we redefine success on our own terms.

**Please note that since our discussion Jessica launched a 4 week interactive, cohort-based course on “Life Without Working-Parent Burnout.”

??Radical Acts of Balance

Why do you think living a life that balances career, caregiving, and self-care is considered radical in today's society?

Jessica's Take:

Everything in our society propels us towards productivity, status, and wealth. To prioritize caregiving and self-care over these is to reject the dominant culture. It's a radical act of rebellion, challenging the system that values profit-making efforts over human well-being.

“Challenge the conventions to reclaim your life and finally get what you believe you deserve.” Chuck Garcia’s review of “The Microdose Diet”

??Managing Stress and Anxiety

With all these demands, how do you manage stress, anxiety, and overall mental wellness?

Jessica's Strategies:

Living in a smaller town like Kelowna helps reduce the hustle and bustle. Journaling every night about what filled my cup and engaging in weekly gratitude journals with my family keeps me grounded. Building a supportive community of like-minded individuals also plays a crucial role in managing stress and staying focused on my truth.

??Waving the Magic Wand: Desired Societal Changes

If you had a magic wand, what changes would you like to see in society to support a more balanced life?

Jessica's Wishes:

I would like to see society place as much value on caregiving and self-care as it does on productivity and profit. This includes increased parental leave payments, subsidized childcare, and a cultural shift towards recognizing the importance of these roles. It's about creating a sustainable and holistic definition of success that values human well-being just as much as professional achievements.

“WOW A MUST BUY!!!”, Anthony Hobbs’ review of “The Microdose Diet”

??Closing Thoughts

Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that success is a deeply personal concept, and it's up to each of us to define it for ourselves. For you, Dear Reader, I hope you found this conversation as enlightening as I did. Until next week, keep exploring, growing, and redefining what success means to you.

After watching the episode, share your views in the comments! Also, listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

?? About The Microdose Diet

I'm Peggy Van de Plassche, a former banker and VC with 20 years in financial services and technology. "The Microdose Diet" combines alternative medicines like microdosing psilocybin for personal and professional growth.

??Order my book, "MORE! The Microdose Diet, the 90 Day Plan for More Success, Passion, and Happiness," available on Amazon and Indigo.

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