In this vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation, personal branding expert Cat Coffrin joins Ellen to unpack what happens when ambitious women hit a wall—and realize they’ve lost themselves in the process. From working in global policy and green building to launching her own consulting firm, Cat’s story mirrors what so many mid-career professionals experience: success on paper, but disconnection underneath. Through honest storytelling, humor, and deep personal reflection, Cat shares how she rebuilt her identity—and how others can too.

You’ll hear why personal branding isn’t just for entrepreneurs or influencers—it’s a reclaiming tool for anyone feeling lost in a job that no longer fits. Ellen and Cat explore the pressures of perfectionism, the emotional toll of caregiving and grief, and the radical act of telling the truth in professional spaces. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m proud of what I’ve built… but I don’t recognize myself anymore,” this episode will speak to your soul.