On this episode of The Leadership Habit Podcast, host Jenn DeWall sits down with Julie Castro Abrams to explore how developmental life stages impact career success. Our needs and priorities shift throughout life, and understanding these transitions can help us make better decisions, set realistic expectations, and align our goals with our values. Whether you’re in your 20s, just starting your career, or navigating midlife career changes, this episode is full of insights to help you embrace where you are and prepare for what’s ahead.

Meet Julie Castro Abrams, CEO of How Women Lead

Julie Castro Abrams is the founder and managing partner of How Women Invest, an early-stage venture firm supporting high-growth, women-founded enterprises. A seasoned CEO, board director, and champion for women entrepreneurs, Julie has dedicated her career to advancing women’s leadership through capital, training, and networks. 

She is also the CEO of How Women Lead, where she has been instrumental in transforming systems to foster equity, notably leading the successful passage of California’s Senate Bill 826, which requires gender diversity on corporate boards. Her exceptional talent for connecting individuals and inspiring meaningful discussions that lead to change has earned her widespread recognition. Many new businesses credit their establishment and success to her guidance, contributing millions to economic growth within communities. She is a prominent figure in the national movement to support and finance start-ups. As a General Partner in two venture funds dedicated solely to investing in women, she aims to address the statistic that women receive just 1.7% of venture capital funding.

Julie has won many awards, including the Jobs Genius Award, Morgan Stanley Innovation Award, Cisco Innovation in Technology, “Women Who Could Be President” League of Women Voters, Stevie Award for Best Non-Profit Executive, Human Rights Award from the Commission on the Status of Women, the Women of Color Action Network, Leadership California and the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame in 2011.

Understanding Your Developmental Life Stage

Julie and Jenn discuss how individuals go through different developmental life stages that influence their career decisions, work environments, and personal goals. Julie explains, “In your twenties, you’re figuring out what you like and don’t like, often by comparison. By your mid-forties, you start asking deeper questions—what do I really want to do for the next phase of my life?”

Julie introduces the concept of Middle Essence, a developmental stage in midlife that many professionals experience but don’t always recognize. She describes it as a time of reevaluation, where people start making intentional choices about work-life balance, leadership roles, and personal fulfillment. “You wake up one day and realize, ‘I don’t have to put up with certain things anymore. I’ve earned the right to make different choices.’”

The Myth of Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest misconceptions Julie debunks is the idea of work-life balance. She shares, “It’s not about balance—it’s about making choices every day about where to put your energy. You can’t do it all, and that’s okay.” This perspective encourages professionals to set boundaries, prioritize their core values, and give themselves grace during different seasons of life.

Julie also highlights how unrealistic expectations can add to stress, particularly for women. She points out that many professional environments were not designed with women in mind, making it essential to set personal definitions of success. She encourages listeners to evaluate their work environments and determine whether they align with their well-being. “Success isn’t about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most to you.”

The Importance of Community and Support

As a leader, Julie emphasizes the need for strong networks of support, especially for women in leadership. “It can be lonely at the top. If you don’t have the right community around you, it’s easy to feel isolated. That’s why How Women Lead exists—to bring women together and create those support systems.”

Jenn echoes this sentiment, reminding listeners that “Success isn’t just about individual achievement—it’s about surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey.” They discuss how women in leadership roles often struggle with feeling alone in their challenges. By building a strong network, leaders can find both encouragement and guidance. Julie encourages women to seek out communities where they can learn from and uplift one another.

Personal and Professional Transitions

Julie and Jenn dive into the idea that relationships, careers, and personal goals evolve over time, and it’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve you. Jenn reflects, “I have friends that I still love, but the sunset has occurred. It’s not a toxic falling out—it’s just a growing in different directions in life, and that’s okay.” Julie agrees, reinforcing that personal growth sometimes requires shedding relationships or roles that don’t align with where you are in life.

Julie also shares a fascinating insight about aging and self-perception. “Estrogen makes you care about what other people think. When you hit 50, estrogen levels drop, and suddenly, you don’t care as much about external validation. It’s freeing.” This shift allows many women to set clearer boundaries and focus on what truly brings them joy. Jenn adds, “I used to say I can’t wait to have the perspective of an 80-year-old—just full of gratitude and presence, caring less about external pressures and investing more in what truly matters.”

How to Navigate Career Transitions

For those facing career transitions, whether by choice or circumstance, Julie offers valuable advice:

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• Regularly check in with your core values to ensure alignment with your career.
  
• Give yourself permission to pivot and make changes without shame.
  
• Recognize that major life shifts, like stepping into a leadership role or leaving a long-term career, often require an adjustment period. “If you’re in your mid-forties and thinking about a career change, know that it might take 18 months to fully transition. Give yourself that space.”
  

She also acknowledges the financial and emotional complexities of career changes. Many professionals hesitate to make transitions due to financial responsibilities or fear of the unknown. Julie reassures listeners that while change can be daunting, it’s necessary for growth. She advises professionals to create a plan that allows for both financial stability and exploration of new opportunities. “Think of career shifts as stepping stones rather than endpoints. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away.”

Another key point Julie shares is the importance of trusting yourself. She urges listeners to silence external doubts and listen to their intuition when making career decisions. “You know what’s best for you better than anyone else. Stop waiting for permission and start making the moves that will lead you to fulfillment.”

How to Connect with Julie Castro Abrams

To learn more about Julie Castro Abrams and her work, visit How Women Lead. If you’re interested in getting involved in leadership programs, board placements, or venture investing, How Women Lead provides resources and opportunities to support women in leadership at every stage of their careers. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn to find out about her latest projects.

Learn More About Crestcom

Crestcom is committed to helping leaders grow and thrive. If you’re ready to develop your leadership skills and build a more effective team, request a complimentary Leadership Skills Workshop at crestcom.com/freeworkshop. In just two hours, you’ll gain actionable tactics to improve decision-making, build trust, and drive accountability in your team.

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