In this engaging conversation, Heather McG interviews Clothilde Ewing, exploring her nonlinear career journey from producing for Oprah to her current role in nonprofit communications and as an author of children's books. They discuss the importance of being open to change, the impact of significant career endings, and the inspiration behind Clothilde's Stella series. The conversation also touches on motherhood, the vulnerability of sharing personal stories, and the lessons learned through life's transitions.
TAKEAWAYS
- Being open to change has led to more fulfilling opportunities.
- Finding meaning in work is essential for personal fulfillment.
- Just because work is meaningful doesn't mean it is the right path for you specifically.
- Vulnerability in sharing stories can lead to deeper connections.
- Owning one's truth can lighten the emotional burden.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background02:05 Navigating Career Endings and Beginnings04:50 The Importance of Being Open to Change07:27 Reflections on The Oprah Show's End10:09 Finding Meaning in Work12:35 The Journey of Writing the Stella Series19:34 The Impact of Storytelling on Children21:44 Lessons in Parenting and Personal Growth23:07 Navigating Vulnerability in Creative Expression26:17 The Power of Connection Through Storytelling28:47 Creativity as a Journey of Imagination31:41 Embracing Change and Life's Endings33:41 What We Know for Sure About Growth36:46 The Freedom of Owning Your Truth
ABOUT CLOTHILDE EWINGClothilde has spent her career communicating through journalism, entertainment. politics and nonprofits. The throughline with all of these jobs is that she was doing her thing behind the scenes. That all changed when she had kids. She was inspired to start writing after reading a New York Times opinion piece by her now-editor, Denene Millner, titled: “Black Kids Don’t Want to Read About Harriet Tubman All the Time.” Her goal is for people to see more children of color in books that are not defined primarily by race or struggle, but belonging and joy. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.
ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTERThe Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
