In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Fran Houser for a conversation that feels especially relevant if you’re trying to be successful at work without losing yourself along the way. We talk about ambition, empathy, boundaries, and the exhausting double bind women still face in the workplace—where you’re expected to be both warm and bulletproof. Fran brings such grounded wisdom from her decades in corporate leadership, startup investing, and now her portfolio career, and we found ourselves nodding along the entire time.Together, we explore what it really means to lead with kindness and strength, why empathy is not a weakness but a strategic advantage, and how women can rethink networking, ambition, and career pivots in a way that actually fits real life—especially at midlife. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply validating. You’ll walk away feeling both seen and energized to rethink how you show up at work and beyond. Episode Highlights:[0:00] – Welcome to Insights from the Couch and why this conversation matters at midlife [2:10] – Fran’s upbringing, immigrant parents, and early lessons about work and responsibility [6:45] – The origin of The Myth of the Nice Girl and redefining leadership for women [10:40] – How empathy creates trust, influence, and better outcomes at work [15:30] – The fine line between kindness, people-pleasing, and setting boundaries [19:50] – A real workplace story that shows how “being nice” can backfire—and how to repair it [26:30] – Ambition, likability, and the double bind women still face [31:00] – Why women still hesitate to speak up and how perfectionism gets in the way [34:00] – Networking at midlife: why it matters and how to do it in a way that fits you [39:00] – Portfolio careers, career pivots, and designing work that supports your life [47:30] – Fran’s upcoming book on time, perfectionism, and doing less better Links and Resources:Fran’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franhauser/ Fran’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fran_hauser/  If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you! 👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/ Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book