Have you ever found your career journey deviating from the well-laid plans you crafted at some point during your life? Perhaps you envisioned a clear-cut trajectory nonly to discover that life's twists and turns had different opportunities in store. Alternatively, you might be one of those individuals who, years into their professional adult life, still grapple with uncertainties about what you want to be.

As your dedicated Career Transformation Coach, let me affirm—regardless of whether you adhered to your initial plan, encountered unexpected diversions, or are currently charting an unclear course, it's perfectly okay. With the right support, you can learn to be more confident while steering your career path.

Last week I introduced the first interview in a series of those who have weathered career twists and turns and are living their best life now. These stories not only celebrate embracing change but also highlight how these individuals leveraged lessons learned and pivots made to enrich and refine their career journeys. Make sure you check out that first interview with Heather Simpson here. 

Today I am very excited to introduce you to Madeline Hornung, the Founder & CEO of MadSavvy Creative Co. Madeline and her team partner with ambitious and innovative female entrepreneurs to make their visions for growth and scaling a reality. Her number one job is being a mom to her tiny co-worker (as his IG fans know him) who keeps her on her toes. She fueled by Starbucks and Mexican food or an old-fashioned depending on the time of day.

Let's hear Madeline's story!

Jessica: Madeline, take us back to your late teens when you were contemplating your adult life and career. What were your aspirations?

Madeline: In my late teens, I was deeply involved in musical theater and dreamt of a Broadway career. By 19, I had moved to New Jersey and was working as a live-in nanny to be close to New York City. My focus was on auditions and shows, expecting my life to unfold in the world of performing arts.

J: Did anyone influence your career decisions during this time?

M: Initially, my family nudged me towards college, but I resisted. I'm a hands-on learner and a free spirit, so traditional education didn't suit me. Eventually, they saw my talent and let me follow my unconventional path. Being a rebel has always defined my choices.

J: Being a rebel has come up often in this blog series! Going against the norm, especially the expectation of going to college, can be challenging. How did you deal with that societal pressure?

M: Honestly, it never bothered me. School wasn't my forte, and I cared more about pursuing what I loved. The assumptions about college were prevalent, but I stood firm in my decision. I'm an Aquarius—I embrace being different. Eventually, those around me realized supporting my uniqueness was easier than fighting it.

J: So, as far as I know you're not performing on Broadway now. What prompted the shift away from theater?

M: The theater world's competitiveness and focus on connections and appearances didn't align with my values. Witnessing talented friends miss out on roles due to trivial reasons made me question if I wanted to subject myself to that. I craved storytelling, but I realized there were alternative ways to share narratives without the harsh competition. So, I decided to move back and transitioned into retail.

J: A decade in retail is a significant chunk of your journey. How did you navigate the desire for creativity during that time?

M: Retail was a different creative outlet. I dived into merchandising, designing displays, and styling mannequins. It wasn't the stage, but I found satisfaction in bringing creativity to a different domain. I also became the "karaoke queen" to feed my love for music and performance.

J: Retail seems to have been a significant part of your career journey. What caused you to leave that field?

M: Retail underwent a transformation, prioritizing numbers over the employee experience. It became a stressful environment that clashed with my leadership style. The realization hit me, especially as a new mom; I couldn't align my life with the direction retail was heading. So, I left and started exploring part-time opportunities.

J: How did you discover your path to entrepreneurship?

M: I took on an administrative assistant role to buy time to figure out my next steps. Working with a client, Kelsey Kurtis, opened my eyes to the possibilities of entrepreneurship. The support and guidance from the community, including business coaches like Heather Simpson, inspired me to start a virtual assistant business. Over time, it evolved into an agency with a focus on creative projects like digital marketing and graphic design.

J: Reflecting on your winding career path thus far, what crucial lessons have you carried into your entrepreneurial journey?

M: The importance of community over competition stands out. Leaning on others, asking questions, and realizing you don't have to navigate challenges alone are essential. I've learned that open and honest conversations create a supportive community that can guide you through difficult times.

J: For those facing a similar career crossroads, what advice would you offer to build their own supportive community?

M: Show up, be open, and talk to people. Attend networking events, share where you are, and be genuine. Trust that others have been in your shoes and are willing to help. Community is crucial, and sometimes just showing up is the first step to building those meaningful connections.

J: If you could go back and advise your 18 or 19-year-old self, what would you say?

M: I would tell her that everything will be okay. Embrace the journey, even the challenging parts, as they contribute to your growth. Trust the process, and know that every experience, positive or negative, is shaping the path that leads to where you are meant to be.

J: As we wrap up, is there anything about your business you'd like to highlight or share with our audience?

M: Our focus has shifted to creative projects like digital marketing and graphic design. We're planning workshops for business owners next year to provide tools and support for their online presence. The journey continues, and I'm excited for what's ahead for our business.

Learn more about what Madeline is up to on Instagram and her website!

As a Career Transformation Coach, I help you search for and make sense of those clues and opportunities so you can make a decision about your next steps and have a supportive partner walking through your implementation of your plan. Learn more on my website or click the button below to fill out a Coaching Inquiry Form and find out more details about working with me.