What happens when your biggest identity suddenly shifts, and you have to rebuild from the inside out?

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of The Lynchpin Podcast, Nora sits down with her daughter, Mary Jo Smith, a recent college graduate and former Division I athlete, for a candid mother-daughter conversation about identity, resilience, and what it means to grow through disappointment.

Mary Jo opens up about the challenges of stepping away from competitive sports and shares how she found new ways to define success, self-worth, and fulfillment. Together, Nora and Mary Jo reflect on the realities of pursuing big goals, dealing with failure, and the courage it takes to slow down when everyone expects you to speed up.

Whether you're a young professional trying to find your way or a parent supporting your child through transition, this episode will leave you inspired to lead with grace, grit, and authenticity.

Episode Takeaways:

• Identity beyond the scoreboard: How Mary Jo redefined her self-worth after stepping away from college athletics
• The power of pivoting: Why choosing to step away from a path that no longer serves you can be a sign of growth, not failure
• The role of community and connection: How being a “connector” can become a career superpower
• Mindset matters: The emotional work of self-acceptance and staying grounded when life doesn’t go as planned
• Letting go of timelines: How to embrace your own pace and trust the unfolding

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