Ep 242 How a Deferred Dream Led to a Fulfilled Career Artwork

Life Fulfilled Podcast — Because Work Shouldn’t Drain Your Life

Hosted by Bernie Borges | Founder, Fulfilled@Work Academy

Most people don’t realize it, but career struggles often bleed into every part of life: your health, relationships, energy, and sense of purpose. If you feel stuck at work, burned out, or quietly wondering, “Is this it?” you’re in the right place.

On the Life Fulfilled Podcast, Bernie Borges helps you decode where fulfillment is missing and how to get it back. While two-thirds of our episodes dive into career and workplace topics like engagement, quiet quitting, leadership, and burnout, we never lose sight of the full picture. We also explore how emerging forces like AI are reshaping the workplace and what it means for your role, your growth, and your sense of purpose.

Because fulfillment doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens across five interconnected life pillars: health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy.

Through solo insights and expert guest conversations, Bernie brings practical tools to help you reclaim purpose and clarity, especially at work. As the creator of the Fulfillment Centric Leadership™ Framework, he equips professionals and business leaders to create meaningful, energizing careers without sacrificing the rest of their lives.

Whether you’re leading a team or leading your own comeback, subscribe now to learn how to build a life fulfilled, starting where you spend most of your time: at work.

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Life Fulfilled Podcast — Because Work Shouldn’t Drain Your Life

Ep 242 How a Deferred Dream Led to a Fulfilled Career

July 07, 2025 • Season 4 • Episode 242

On this episode Bernie welcomes Joanie Musser—an accomplished instructional designer, educator, and the host of the “Mindset to Learn” podcast—for a vulnerable conversation.

🗝️ 3 key discussion points discussed:

1️⃣ Childhood Dreams & Unforeseen Change
Joanie takes us back to her middle school years and athletic dreams, particularly her passion for speed skating and her hopes to compete in the Olympics. Her story takes a turn when her mother suffers a cerebral hemorrhage, dramatically changing Joanie’s family dynamics. Joanie was faced with adult responsibilities at a young age, navigating emotional challenges, and ultimately having to give up her skating aspirations.

2️⃣ The Power of Connection & Letting Go
A poignant moment comes when Joanie discovers her former skating partner, Jennifer Rodriguez, featured as an Olympic athlete in a school library book. While Joanie cheered Jennifer on from afar, reading about her journey brought up complex emotions—gratitude, longing, and what-ifs.

3️⃣ Perspective, Growth, and Fulfillment
Joanie reflects on the lessons learned from carrying heavy family responsibilities as the eldest child. She speaks honestly about maturing quickly, making tough but necessary choices, and how these experiences gave her a deeper perspective on life.

Main Takeaway:
Life’s detours—sometimes outside our control—can lead us to unexpected forms of fulfillment and personal growth. Joanie’s story is a testament to resilience, the importance of perspective, and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection.

Connect with Joanie Musser
Website
Mindset to Learn Podcast
Email: joanie@mindsettolearn.com
LinkedIn

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

Music attribution:
Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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