Anxiously Ambitious

Crystal Shadwell: You're Allowed To Want More (Motherhood, Ambition & Saying Yes Before You're Ready)

Janette Downie Episode 60

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What happens when you walk into a room before you feel ready, not with confidence, but with curiosity?

In this episode of Anxiously Ambitious, I’m joined by Crystal Shadwell. Award-winning educator, speaker, podcaster, and co-founder of Something Beyond Mom for an honest conversation about identity, burnout, and the quiet bravery of saying yes before you feel fully prepared.

We talk about what it means to hold multiple roles, how motherhood changes the way we show up in every space, and why asking for help (and saying no) can be the most ambitious thing you do.

If you've ever felt the tension between wanting more and trying to do it all… this one will land deep.

In this episode, we explore:
– The identity shifts no one prepares us for
– Why stepping into rooms before you're ready is often exactly what you need
– How Crystal reframed ambition without guilt
– What she’s learned about confidence through discomfort
– Motherhood, work, and the myth of “balance”
– Why you're allowed to want more — and have fun while doing it

Guest Bio:
Crystal Shadwell is an educator, speaker, and podcast host dedicated to empowering women to reconnect with themselves beyond the demands of motherhood. As the co-founder of Something Beyond Mom, Manager of Student Support & Engagement at Laurier, and co-host of The Team Crew Podcast, Crystal creates spaces where self-reflection and ambition can coexist — without the mom guilt.

Connect with Crystal Shadwell:
Website: www.crystalshadwell.com
Instagram: @crystalshadwell
Podcast: @teamcrewpodcast
Something Beyond Mom: @somethingbeyondmom 

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