#209. When the Life You Built No Longer Fits: How to Find What’s Next with Kate Kayaian

What do you want to be doing at 8:00 on a Saturday night? For years, Kate Kayaian’s answer was on stage with her cello. Then one day she wanted dinner parties, vacations, a good book. Anywhere but that stage. This week’s guest is Kate Kayaian, author, career strategist, and founder of the Creatives Leadership Academy. She’d built the career most musicians only dream about. Then the nagging started. When she walked away, everyone told her she was making a mistake. Her secret weapon was curiosity. Random skills she’d collected let her build an online music festival in 2020. Everybody said it would flop. It was a huge hit. Her big point: this isn’t reinvention. It’s evolution. Nothing you’ve done is wasted. Her client who made color-coded spreadsheets at Google but secretly wanted to be an artist? Turns out he’d been an artist all along. But the part that really got to me was what Kate calls the way of not here, an idea she borrows from Martha Beck. When you’re tracking an animal, losing the trail is just as useful as finding it, because now you know where it isn’t. Treat your next move the same way and every wrong turn becomes information. Suddenly experimenting feels a lot less scary. She also walks us through her book, Beyond Potential, and its three phases: Reassess, Redefine, Reignite. Including why so many of us can’t even name our favorite color anymore. What’s the nagging feeling you’ve been ignoring? Bio:Kate Kayaian is an author, speaker, and career strategist for high achievers who want to build lives of impact, purpose, and sustainable success. A former professional cellist, Kate performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and recitalist in venues ranging from Boston’s Jordan Hall to leading European concert halls. She trained at the New England Conservatory of Music and held a fellowship with the New World Symphony Orchestra under Michael Tilson Thomas. Today, Kate’s work centers on helping accomplished professionals—creatives, executives, educators, and entrepreneurs—define success on their own terms and create careers that feel as good as they look. Through her 1:1 coaching and her signature group program, the Creatives Leadership Academy, she guides clients to develop clarity, confidence, and the practical strategies needed to lead at the highest level without sacrificing their well-being. She is the author of Beyond Potential, a practical guide for high performers navigating the next chapter of their professional lives, and the host of Tales from The Lane, a podcast exploring the hidden challenges and unexpected joys of success. As a sought-after speaker, Kate delivers keynotes and workshops on leadership presence, mindset transformation, and redefining what’s possible for high achievers across industries. Connect with Kate: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Free download: Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide Books mentioned:Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers by Kate Kayaian – Bookshop | AmazonEssentialism by Greg McKeown – Bookshop | AmazonThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey – Bookshop | AmazonDeep Work by Cal Newport – Bookshop | AmazonAtomic Habits by James Clear – Bookshop | AmazonThe Way of Integrity by Martha Beck – Bookshop | Amazon Podcasts mentioned: Tales From The Lane | The Tim Ferriss Show | Good Life Project ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with a friend. The more we educate, inspire, and empower each other, the further this conversation goes. Questions or just want to say hi? Find me at PocketsofKnowledge.com or on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening! This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services mentioned. Nothing here is medical advice—I’m not a doctor. Please consult a qualified health professional for any medical concerns.