What happens when your high-powered career no longer aligns with the life you want to live?

In this episode of Similar but Different podcast, Samantha Sadow Mayfield is joined by her sister-in-law Susan Tedesco—a former banking executive who traded boardroom stress for global travel, silent retreats, and a calling in mindfulness.

Susan shares how childhood trauma shaped her perfectionism, how corporate burnout pushed her to a breaking point, and how mindfulness-based stress reduction helped her reclaim her sense of self. From silent meditation in Portugal to teaching yoga during COVID, Susan’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and choosing to live with intention rather than urgency.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt stuck in survival mode, or wanted permission to stop pushing so hard—this one’s for you.

Hit play to hear how Susan made peace with her past, stopped striving, and let the universe meet her halfway!

Highlights

• (00:00) – Introducing Susan and her unexpected career shift
• (03:35) – Inside a 5-day silent retreat: structure, purpose, and personal growth
• (08:58) – Early signs of mindfulness through childhood coping
• (11:56) – Facing burnout and trauma in a high-stress executive role
• (14:51) – Losing her job during COVID—and the freedom it created
• (17:16) – Embracing trust over control and letting life unfold
• (21:46) – A powerful parable on perspective and acceptance
• (26:12) – How to recognize when you're not present—and what to do next
• (33:28) – Building confidence to confront a toxic boss professionally
• (36:10) – The hidden gift of trauma: heightened emotional intelligence
• (39:30) – What “Similar but Different” means in a new chapter of life

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://sadowstyle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadowstyle/

Connect with Susan:

Website: https://susantedesco712.wixsite.com/space-between
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susantedesco/