Confidence coach Nancy Haines is inviting women to take part in her new podcast, which centres on the meaning of independence in modern life.
The Diary of an Independent Woman has recently been released, and she is looking for contributors who are willing to speak openly about their experiences.
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.”
Nancy moved from Los Angeles to the UK four years ago, following a period living in Dubai after her husband accepted a new role.
“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 personal story has shaped her perspective on independence within marriage and partnership.
“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?”
She also reflects on how changes in employment and location affected her confidence and sense of value.
“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.”
Through her coaching and the podcast, she aims to encourage discussions about identity, confidence and self-worth beyond financial measures.
The Diary of an Independent Woman can be found on Apple Podcasts, Player FM and PodBean. Those interested in taking part can email [email protected].