[00:00:00] Robyn: Don't let any circumstances define who you are or who you could become. Because I think you get to decide and I think that there's so much power in just allowing yourself to know you get to decide the life you want to live. It's in your hands and you can change your path at any moment. So none of it defines you. Your past does not define you. You get to create the life that you want to live.
[00:00:24] Aneta: We often hear people wishing us a long, happy, and healthy life, but what if the length isn't what matters most? What if instead, it's the breath depth and purpose of each day that matters most? Welcome to the Live the Width of Your Life podcast. My name is Aneta Ardelian Kuzma and join me weekly as I interview guests who made changes in their own lives to live more fully with intention, gratitude, and joy. Be prepared to be inspired by their stories of how they shifted their mindset, took courageous action, and designed the life that they always wanted to live.
Welcome back to live The Width of Your Life podcast. My guest this week is Robyn Taylor Robyn is a mom and entrepreneur, a community builder, and podcast host of Embrace Your Bravery. She is on a mission to support and inspire women to live a life that they love by embracing their bravery and following their dreams.
Robyn shared a personal story of how she left her job during a very critical pivotal moment in her life with her daughter, who is having some health issues after her birth, she talked about how she was able to use that incident to propel her forward and ask herself the questions of what does she want in her life?
And what would she like her career to look like? She turned that instance into her own life and used it to inspire other women to be able to live their lives authentically, to feel alive and just talk about how it impacts professional relationships and personal. She talks about why she is so committed to creating community, both online and in person.
We just had a great conversation talking about the importance of strong female relationships and why so many of us are seeking defined relationships with others who are going through something very similar. I enjoyed our conversation of super inspired by her and her mission. And I think you're going to enjoy it as well. Take a listen.
Robin, thank you so much for joining me today. I'm so excited for our conversation.
[00:02:36] Robyn: Thank you for having me. I'm excited too.
[00:02:39] Aneta: And you and I were just talking, tell me where you live. Tell me a little bit more about the community that you're a part of.
[00:02:44] Robyn: Yeah. So I'm in Fort Worth, Texas, and the community that I'm building right now is like-minded women who know that they were made for more. They're ambitious. They've got goals. They've got dreams. They're ready to pivot from that autopilot doing the same thing or doing what they thought they should be doing their whole life.
And then realize that they have the power to choose a life they love. It's a group where it's like, come with us. We got your back. We're going to support each other. It's where friendship is valued over competition. It's where we collaborate. It's come as you are, you're welcome. You don't have to put on any certain type of outfit.
You don't have to put on makeup. Like you just come as you, we want to embrace you for who you are. And just believe that there is power when we come together and there is something magical when women support each other.
[00:03:44] Aneta: Well, I have to come visit because that sounds amazing. So tell me how you came to become a community builder and to create this mission that is so important to you.
[00:03:55] Robyn: Yeah. Okay. For that, we have to go back a little bit. Okay. So I'm going to try to like, not get us stuck too far back in the story, but in 2020 COVID hits I find myself, and my husband had been trying for baby number three for about three years at that point. I got COVID and at that moment realized that period, I was not getting better.
I'm still very sick. My whole family gets COVID and gets over it, but, I am still very sick. And that's whenever I found out I was pregnant because they were like, oh, let's see if you have pneumonia. All the things found out I was pregnant and that kind of started what was a huge pivot in my life.
So I became a COVID long hauler and I was sick my entire pregnancy. I had other complications with the pregnancy. At that time I was working a full-time job as an HR manager. I was hospitalized several times, so I was kind of working while I was on bed rest and all these things, and then we had our daughter and she had an unexpected NICU stay.
And so she has Hirschsprung's disease, which is basically where a part of the colon is not functioning. And so she had surgery at eight days old. She had to get her colon cut out. Just a whole thing. And through these moments, it's like we felt like, this is the worst. And we kept thinking if we can just get through this, then everything will be fine.
And I finally came to a point where I was like, nope, we're not operating like that anymore. Like we're not operating to like, okay, if we can get through this, then everything will just fall into place. Like we've got to just do the best we can with what situation we're in and we've got to work through it.
And a lot of growth happened in those hard times, of course, because me and my husband had to come together. I have two older kids, it was like we all had to partner in and lift each other in those moments. But we get through all of that. I returned to work after my 12 weeks off or whatever, that for maternity leave, and then shortly after I was fired.
It was such a shock and I had heard some rumors, like when I was out that they weren't happy that I was out for so long and like all these things, all these like little rumors happening and I'm like, okay. And it wasn't a place for me anymore, anyway.
I had been thinking and dreaming of different ideas for my life. But at that time I didn't have anything planned out. I didn't have a plan. I didn't have a business started yet or anything. I was just fired, let go one day, and had to kind of go inward and think like, what is next for me?
So that's kind of this big moment of me realizing that I have to take control of my life. I had been planning on jumping from the full-time job to my own business, but it really forced me into okay, well now is the time. So you don't get to choose, you just got handed this opportunity to take it as a redirection. So,
[00:06:58] Aneta: Wow. How is your daughter? First of all, because that just seems like such a challenging experience when to be pregnant, to have COVID, to have these long-term symptoms. And then of course to have a child that is in the NICU. So how is your daughter doing now?
[00:07:16] Robyn: She's doing great now. We're dealing with some other health issues with her, but as far as her Hirschsprung's disease goes, she's doing great and she's thriving, and yes, she recovered well, and I think that that was part of the termination honestly was that she had lots of doctor's appointments.
There was a period after she was born and had the surgery and all of that, that she wasn't gaining weight and we had other things coming up with her. So I had to take her to the doctor once a week. And it was one of those deals where the company said, it's fine.
We value family and we get it. And they allowed me to work from home for two days a week, but it seemed like maybe not everyone was aligned. And it's like, actually we don't get it. And we want you to be here all the time and that's kind of a values disconnect.
[00:08:06] Aneta: Yeah.
[00:08:07] Robyn: She's doing well. Thank you.
[00:08:09] Aneta: Good. I'm so glad. And so you took this time off and then you said you started thinking about, what could come next? So did you do that work on your own or what did that process look like when you started envisioning what could happen next?
[00:08:23] Robyn: Yeah. So at first, I was doing it on my own and I felt very alone. That's right around the time that I started the podcast and I didn't know what direction to go. So I started a recruiting business and dove into that and realized that I hated it. It was not for me.
It was more of, just a cold calling and sales. And I was like, this isn't fun. So I ended up shutting that down after like three to six months of doing that. But it was around that time that I started to get connected with other women who were chasing a dream or going after a big vision for themselves.
It was around that time that I started getting connected and I mean, one of the ways that I got connected with women is through the podcast and through meeting other women. Listening to other women's podcasts and getting involved really, started from an online community space where I got involved with other online women's groups.
And then I was just really craving like in person. I'm like, I want to be in person with ambitious people and people who want to do more and elevate their lives and make a big impact.
And so that's when I started hosting in-person events for women. The goal is to grow that network, continue to grow, and inspire women, like being their biggest cheerleader for women going after their dreams. And I tend to believe in people more and sometimes, more than they do at first, I believe in them and I can see the potential before they can and so that's kind of a superpower and I feel like I want to just continue to use that in a way that helps people get to their desired life, to their living their dreams or living the life they love. So that's kind of where this kind of thing all started.
[00:10:18] Aneta: Yeah. It's so interesting what the catalyst is sometimes. So tell me a little bit more about Embrace Your Bravery, which is your podcast. Why did you start it? And what have you learned by interviewing women on your show?
[00:10:31] Robyn: Well, I kind of started it as a place for people to share their stories. I wanted other women to hear examples of brave stories, brave women. I wanted people to be encouraged. And I think that everyone's got a story, everyone's got a unique story. And I just love amplifying their voices.
And I think that it helps others that are maybe in a similar situation that they were in. Like, I can see myself in the story. I can see that, if they can do this, maybe I can do it. Maybe I can go after my dreams. Or maybe I can just go back to the hobby that I loved that I gave up whenever I became a mom or whatever it is like I want to encourage women just to live their best life.
[00:11:19] Aneta: And it's so nice to be able to hear those stories. And find the inspiration because sometimes within our circle, maybe our friends were people that we met at work or neighbors or whatever it is, how you meet people, but not everyone necessarily is going to want to do the same things or is making the same choices or taking the same risks.
So it is so nice that we have podcasts now where you could just listen in on someone else's story. Because sometimes you just need someone else to show you that it can be done.
[00:11:49] Robyn: Yes. And I would say too, you know feeling just really alone with starting a business I think that a lot of people can relate to that where they're just like because their friends don't get it because their community that they have currently they're not doing the same thing. Maybe, they're in a corporate job or more traditional life and they think that it's kind of crazy to go off and start your own thing or to even start a podcast or whatever.
They just don't get it. And I think that a lot of times that can slow you down in your progress. If you allow those voices to hold you back and it's like so having that community and having the people around you that are like, yeah, we get you, we see you, we get you. I've been there.
Let's keep going. You need those people because when it gets tough, you need a community that kind of gets it and they can pull you up.
[00:12:43] Aneta: Absolutely. And because sometimes people just project their fears onto you. And so that never feels good. And I've learned to just kind of say thank you but that's okay. Appreciate you sharing that. How has it changed, going off on your own, starting a business with your podcast, and building this community of women? How has it impacted any of your relationships with friends or even with family?
[00:13:09] Robyn: Yeah. I think that similar to you where it's like, okay, I'm able to kind of, have a boundary. I don't allow everyone's advice to impact me or to absorb it or think much of it sometimes like it's just not for me and it's like you're so right, their fears and maybe even some of the things that they're holding themselves back in ways.
They are going to project that out because they're scared and so just kind of like realizing that and knowing that's on them. It's not for me. Allowing the boundary and then just reconnecting with people that get it and sometimes knowing who to talk to about what, I mean, those that are, not in the same realm or going after similar things. Maybe I don't bring up all my crazy ideas with it.
Maybe I just bring up my crazy ideas with my crazy group of friends who like, are all for it, they're ambitious and they're like, yes, let's think about that. It's just kind of knowing your audience and knowing, who maybe is not for that conversation, if that makes sense.
[00:14:14] Aneta: Yeah, sure. How many episodes have you recorded already on your podcast?
[00:14:19] Robyn: I think I'm like at 45.
[00:14:22] Aneta: That's awesome. When you first started, did you have any fears worries, or doubts about starting the podcast or about its longevity?
[00:14:32] Robyn: Oh. And it was almost like I just started this little thing and I didn't tell anyone about it. I just kind of did it. And then eventually, whenever I kind of built up more confidence, I started sharing about it. And I was shocked actually because even last night I have a friend that I've known for a couple of years now and we were talking and the podcast came up.
And she was like, I had no idea you had a podcast. And I was like, well, that's like a reminder. It's a check-in for myself. Oh, I need to share it more maybe, I'm not afraid anymore to share it. I think that at first, I was, and so I just held it into myself like a little tight and I didn't allow everyone into that I just thought, they're not going to get it.
I thought I was going to be judged. I'm going to be looked at like I'm different. I also started the podcast very messy. I'm just going to learn as I go, I'm not going to have it all perfect. And that was almost to lead by example of I'm starting this thing and I'm showing you the woman out there that is scared to start your thing, I'm showing you that you can just start and you can learn as you go and it doesn't have to be perfect.
And so I think a part of me had that for a while, of like, I'm too scared. I'm too nervous to share it with anyone. But now I'm not scared. It is what it is. And I want to share it with as many people as possible because I want to make a big impact. And I want people to know that it's possible for them.
[00:15:55] Aneta: Absolutely. And I just say I started mine as well. I gave myself a month to figure it out. And I said, you know what? I want it to be professional, but not perfect. It doesn't have to be perfect. It's going to get better. You only know what you know. So did you figure it out on your own? Did you take a class? Like what was your process to start your podcast?
[00:16:15] Robyn: Yeah. So at first I just started it on my own and kind of figured things out. Then I was like, okay, there's a lot to this thing and I want to learn more. I want to be good at it. I want to know what makes a great podcast. And because I want to make a big impact, I want this thing to be good.
And so I did take Cathy Heller's podcasting course. I don't know if you're familiar with her and her work. So I did that course and learned a lot and learned a lot about myself. Also, there were a lot of like-minded women in the course that I was able to connect with and just build more of that community around myself and a lot of podcaster support too. So that was cool.
[00:17:00] Aneta: That's so interesting. Were you by any chance in LA like two years ago at Kathy's event? No. So I have some friends who were in her, one of our podcasting courses as well. I'm not sure if they were like the year before you, but I didn't take her podcast course, but I've definitely taken some other stuff with Cathy and she always has the most amazing women that are part of her community.
So I love how she's built that and just attracted like-minded individuals. So how did you initially start building the community that you have locally? Because sometimes as women, especially if we've spent a lot of time in the corporate world, there's some guarding that we have around ourselves.
And so even though there might be some networking events and things I've never experienced in the corporate space, the type of female community that I've experienced as an entrepreneur. So are most of the people that are part of your community also entrepreneurs or is it a mixture people corporate and entrepreneurship?
[00:18:00] Robyn: Yeah, it's mostly entrepreneurs. And I built at first it was very online and I'm building great relationships with people all over, which is amazing. And then it's that just that craving for that in-person connection. So I started visiting local shops and I would just look up women-owned businesses in the area and go and introduce myself and talk to them and just slowly build relationships and then partner with women to host the events at their space and make it fun for them.
And it's also a great marketing tool for them to open up their space and have people come in. So I think it's just through that collaboration that we've built these relationships and they continue to build and bring people together and meeting someone new every time is a lot of fun.
[00:18:47] Aneta: Wow. I love that. So do you have events monthly or what does the calendar look like?
[00:18:53] Robyn: Yes, I'm going to start having events monthly. The next one is at the end of April and then I plan to do them every month and mix it up a little bit by having them on different days at different times so that people have the opportunity to come on different schedules can make it work.
So yeah, that's the plan. And my kind of ultimate vision, or one of my big visions, is to eventually open up a space, a co-working space for women. Where they can have their own private office, or they can have an open office area. I'm thinking maybe there's a coffee shop, maybe with free coffee.
And it's this beautiful space that people are going to feel supported and they're going to feel like they can come and be creative and have that community around them. And we're going to do workshops and wellness events and different things like that, just to really support the full woman and just allow them to fully embrace themselves and live out their potential.
[00:19:57] Aneta: That sounds so amazing. Let me know when that happens.
[00:20:00] Robyn: I will.
[00:20:01] Aneta: What have been some of your biggest lessons since you've been on this journey of really trying to live your fullest and most authentic self?
[00:20:10] Robyn: Yeah, I think one of the biggest lessons that I've learned is not holding so tightly to the end destination. Not holding like this has to be the way that it happens. And that's been so hard for me to let go of some of that and just allow things to fall into place and allow things to happen for me.
I used to. Just hold so tight that it has to be this one way and want to plan every single step out and have it all mapped out. And whenever I started letting go of that, I felt like the universe just kind of gave me the right people. I get in contact with amazing people who then bring me closer to what I want to achieve without holding so tightly to it.
So it's more about enjoying the journey instead of making sure that I run fast to get there to the finish line because really and truly I don't think there is a finish line. I think it's like it can move, it can pivot. And I think that it's all about how you feel about what you're doing.
Are you feeling like you're making the greatest impact and you're being your most authentic self? You're loving yourself. You're just being who you are you're serving that is more important to me right now than hitting a milestone. I just want to feel good about what I'm doing and know that I'm showing up fully as me.
[00:21:39] Aneta: That's so good. And it's such a hard lesson. It requires us to be self-aware and patient and come back to the present moment over and over again. As you said there are milestones along the way, but that's not the purpose of life. It's not the goal necessarily. And I do think that living authentically to ourselves, what that means is hard because in some ways we wore different masks or maybe for protection, or we just needed to, put on a happy face when we didn't feel that way.
And just the example that you shared about having so much going on with your child and your health and trying to figure out how to work? How do I keep a job? How do I make sure that I'm still doing what I need to do? That takes a lot of effort and a lot of energy. So what have been some of your biggest growth lessons just coming out of that experience and where you are today?
[00:22:33] Robyn: I think that it's understanding where your priorities are. Truly knowing your values and then holding to your values, going back to your values, and making sure that you check-in. If I'm living my values, then I feel good about what I'm doing. And I know that my family is the most important thing for me.
So if I am there and I'm showing up for my family, then there's nothing else that's more important. So I'm good, I just check in with those values. And then that also creates the boundaries for me. creates the boundaries. If it's not aligned with my values, then I might need a boundary there and a kind of guard that protect my energy, and protect what's most important to me.
[00:23:16] Aneta: That's so good. Where can people find you if they're curious to listen to your podcast or maybe learn more about your online presence and also your in-person events? What's the best way that they can do so?
[00:23:29] Robyn: Yeah, Instagram is probably one of the best ways to contact me. So it's Robin, R O B Y N underscore Lynn, L Y N N E, and the podcast is Embrace Your Bravery and it's on Apple podcast and Spotify. And the co-working space is the Co. Lab Community. So Co. Lab Community is the group of women that we're building.
[00:23:54] Aneta: That sounds so amazing. And I love your vision. I'm holding that vision with you. I just think that that sounds like a beautiful community to be able to create a workspace where folks can come together. And so any other words for the community, for folks that maybe also experienced a loss with their job and they're still at the early stages of trying to figure out what to do next? Any words of wisdom for them or advice?
[00:24:19] Robyn: Yeah, I think that doesn't let it define you is what I'd like to say. Don't let any circumstances define who you are or who you could become. Because I think you get to decide and I think that there's so much power in just allowing yourself to know you get to decide the life you want to live. It's in your hands and you can change your path at any moment. So none of it defines you. Your past does not define you. You get to create the life that you want to live.
[00:24:49] Aneta: Perfect. And the final question I ask everyone is, what does it mean to you to live the width of your life?
[00:24:56] Robyn: I think it truly means being yourself. I think it means just showing up fully as you. You're not trying to be anything else. You're not trying to put on a mask. You're not trying to get other people to like you or get anyone else's approval or permission slip for the life you want to live. You are living for you and your family and your values and you're making an impact.
I think that that is so important. And I think that when you are fully showing up as you, it just comes more naturally to make that impact on those that you need to make it on. And you're living on purpose.
[00:25:33] Aneta: Love that. Robyn, thank you so much for your time today. Continued success with your community, with the podcast, and with the co-working space that you are creating. It was just a pleasure speaking with you today.
[00:25:45] Robyn: Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
[00:25:47] Aneta: Thank you for listening to today's episode. If today's conversation inspired you to dream again, break out of your comfort zones, or reflect on what it means to you to live more fully, then please follow this podcast because every week you'll hear more stories from people just like you who took imperfect action towards their goals, created more joy and are living the life that they always dreamt of living.