Confidence Classic: Turn Your Passion Into Purpose with Jess Ekstrom

Ever felt like failure is the end? What if it’s really just research for your next big move? In this episode, I chat with Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope, who turned her passion into a purpose-driven business helping kids with cancer. Jess shares overcoming a very public family scandal, building a meaningful brand from scratch, and how she learned to handle shame and vulnerability in the spotlight. We talk about how reframing failure helps to push through burnout, stress, and fear. Get ready to set boundaries and lean into optimism!

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• Why I stopped seeing failure as a setback.

• What it’s really like balancing stress, health scares, and big life shifts.

• How to find meaning after life's toughest moments.

• How optimism is a strategy, not just a mood.

• How taking small risks helps break through fear.

• Advice for setting professional boundaries and standing in your power.

Resources + Links

Learn more about Headbands of Hope at headbandsofhope.com

Learn more about Jess’s Mic Drop Workshop at micdropworkshop.com

Get your copy of Jess’s book Chasing the Bright Side HERE

• Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan

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• Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN.

• Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE.

• Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com.

• Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553! 

• Visit heathermonahan.com

• Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/ 

• Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com 

• If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator

Follow

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• Jess on Instagram & LinkedIn