Confidence coach Nancy Haines is inviting women to take part in her new podcast, which examines how independence shapes personal identity and life choices.
The series, The Diary of an Independent Woman, has recently launched and she is now encouraging potential contributors to share their experiences of both difficulty and achievement.
Nancy said: “It always came up in conversation I was having with groups of women, about Independence, how it impacted them and how it served them, how it was hindering them, and I thought ‘There are all these women from different backgrounds that are carrying that same badge – why are we not talking about this?
“So, I decided this is going to be a podcast as a witness, taking people into these stories. We get so much thrown at us that sometimes we just want to have a conversation with somebody.”
Originally from Los Angeles, Nancy relocated to the UK four years ago after living in Dubai with her husband, Matthew, following his career move.
“I met my husband in Los Angeles – a month later he said: “I am moving to Dubai; I got my dream job’. A year into the relationship I left my HR consultancy business behind, sold everything and took a leap of faith,” she said.
“After five years there, I moved to the UK.”
Her own journey has prompted reflection on how independence can exist within a committed relationship.
“Absolutely,” she said. “It is misinformation that now you are married, you lose your independence. Absolutely not – when you are with the right person, each identity gets to grow, and you nurture each other.
“But it is that independence that you get to define. What does that look like for you?”
Adjusting to a new environment also challenged her view of self-worth, particularly when her financial position changed.
“I was earning way more than my husband when I first met him – I had never relied on a man.
“I found myself having to rely on him in a country I did not know and where he was already established. I have worked since I was 12, that’s how independent I am, that I started working at 12 so my parents didn’t have to worry about me,” she said.
“And that, for the ego, was the biggest blocker. It knocked my confidence because in that moment I realised my value is tied to how much I earn – but it shouldn’t be.”
These experiences now inform her coaching work, which centres on helping individuals separate confidence from external measures and expectations.
The Diary of an Independent Woman is available on Apple Podcasts, Player FM and PodBean.
Women interested in appearing on the podcast can email [email protected].