The Fire They Don’t Warn You About

There’s a part of growth no one talks about — the fire before the glow up. That uncomfortable season where everything feels messy, heavy, and unclear. The part where you’re questioning who you are, what you want, and what’s next. But what if nothing is going wrong? What if you’re being refined for the version of you that 2026 requires? In this powerful episode, Julie explores why the defining seasons of leadership often feel like grief, frustration, and transition. She unpacks why alignment rarely feels calm at the beginning, how to navigate the loneliness of growth, and what it truly means to lead yourself first. This isn’t about hustling harder. It’s about anchoring deeper. You’ll walk away with practical reflection prompts and self-leadership cues you can use right now to turn this fire into fuel for your next chapter. Key Themes Growth doesn’t always feel good — sometimes it feels like loss. Feeling “messy” often means you’re becoming more aligned, not less. Balance is outdated — anchored leadership is the new standard. Your next level requires self-trust, capacity, and boundaries. Reflection is the gateway to who you're becoming.   Episode Time Stamps 00:00 - Welcome & why the “fire” before the glow up matters 03:15 - Why feeling uncertain or messy is actually proof of growth 06:40 - The loneliness that comes with outgrowing people & environments 10:20 - The myth of balance — and what true self-alignment looks like 14:00 - Burnout, boundaries & belief: reflections on where you are now 18:30 - Preparing to meet the version of you required for 2026 22:00 - Close & what's coming next on Leading You   Links: Learn more about my upcoming group coaching program here   Connect with Julie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/ Instagram: @juliehydeleads Website: https://juliehyde.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.