What It Really Takes to Build a Career That Lasts (And Still Feels Like You)
Wed Feb 04 2026
There comes a point in your career when working harder stops being the answer, and working wiser becomes essential.
In this conversation, Gretchen Gagel shares the kind of perspective that only comes from decades of lived experience: leading teams, navigating seasons of isolation, learning when to adapt and when to stay rooted, and discovering that the most sustainable careers are built from the inside out.
This episode isnât about breaking barriers or proving yourself. Itâs about learning how to lead without losing your values, how to grow without burning out, and how mentorship, both given and received, quietly shapes the women who last.
If youâre navigating a season of growth, questioning what longevity really looks like, or craving guidance from someone who has already walked the road ahead, this conversation offers calm clarity and grounded reassurance.
Want to be a guest? If you have a mentor moment that could inspire someone else DM us GUEST on Instagram, or Apply to be a guest here: https://www.workingwomenmentor.com/apply
Connect with our community on: https://www.instagram.com/workingwomenmentor/
đ⨠Download our FREE Mentorship Resources: WorkingWomenMentor.com
Connect with Rani Alfers on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralfers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rani.alfersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranialfers/
đWant to Launch your OWN Podcast? Here are my FREE Resources to Get Started and SAVE time and money with AI
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There comes a point in your career when working harder stops being the answer, and working wiser becomes essential. In this conversation, Gretchen Gagel shares the kind of perspective that only comes from decades of lived experience: leading teams, navigating seasons of isolation, learning when to adapt and when to stay rooted, and discovering that the most sustainable careers are built from the inside out. This episode isnât about breaking barriers or proving yourself. Itâs about learning how to lead without losing your values, how to grow without burning out, and how mentorship, both given and received, quietly shapes the women who last. If youâre navigating a season of growth, questioning what longevity really looks like, or craving guidance from someone who has already walked the road ahead, this conversation offers calm clarity and grounded reassurance. Want to be a guest? If you have a mentor moment that could inspire someone else DM us GUEST on Instagram, or Apply to be a guest here: https://www.workingwomenmentor.com/apply Connect with our community on: https://www.instagram.com/workingwomenmentor/ đ⨠Download our FREE Mentorship Resources: WorkingWomenMentor.com Connect with Rani Alfers on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralfers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rani.alfersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranialfers/ đWant to Launch your OWN Podcast? Here are my FREE Resources to Get Started and SAVE time and money with AI