The Restless Leader: Transforming Life Transitions Into Powerful New Beginnings

The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms

The Change Effect - Inspiration and Strategies for Creating Success on Your Own Terms
The Restless Leader: Transforming Life Transitions Into Powerful New Beginnings
Jan 27, 2026 Episode 129
Noelle Van

Ever felt a restlessness stirring beneath the surface, even after you’ve accomplished all you set out to do? This doesn’t mean you’re flawed, but rather an invitation to evolve, redefine success, and use your wisdom in new ways. 

This week on The Change Effect, I’m diving into the all too familiar experience for high-achieving women of being a “restless leader.” Whether you find yourself leading teams in boardrooms, managing households, navigating caregiving roles, or simply holding everyone together, you’re not alone if things feel unsettled, even when life looks successful from the outside.


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In this episode, I discuss:

  • Why feeling restless isn’t a sign of ingratitude or failure, but evidence of growth and a need for change.
  • Four major drivers that push women toward change: value misalignment, the cost of conformity, burnout from being the strong one, and the pull towards greater purpose.
  • The deep-rooted challenges women face when considering change, including identity enmeshment, fear of wasted potential, myths about stability, and the approval trap.
  • Insights into what women discover on the other side of transformation: increased energy, renewed alignment, and the capacity to receive more from life.


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