What if the secret to soaring higher is actually found in slowing down, especially as a tech entrepreneur? In today’s article and podcast, we explore this concept with a remarkable guest—a seasoned tech entrepreneur, acclaimed author, and advocate for women in technology, Emilia D’Anzica. She has successfully built and sold multiple companies, and today shares not only her expertise but also the mindset shifts that helped her scale and exit two companies while raising a family and growing as a leader.
We start by leveraging goals, breaking them down in pro-active steps. We then move to believing in yourself, slowing down to soar, the rise of women in tech and the importance of the human element.
Leveraging Goals
Learning to leverage tools like ChatGPT can dramatically shift how we approach our goals—both in terms of efficiency and emotional clarity. Whether it’s mapping out a daily schedule or breaking a big ambition into smaller, achievable steps, AI can be a powerful partner in the process. Emilia D’Anzica’s story is a prime example. After being laid off from her executive role in 2020—right after having to downsize her own team—she faced the emotional weight of professional loss and the uncertainty of mid-career reinvention. At a time when AI wasn’t as accessible, she had to reflect deeply on what she truly wanted next, rather than rushing into another job.
That pause, that intentional recalibration, became one of the most pivotal turning points in her career. Today, with tools like AI at our fingertips, that kind of thoughtful pivot can be supported in new and empowering ways—especially for those navigating similar transitions. Here are three pro-active steps to take when facing change:
- One: Break Down the Big Picture into Micro-Goals
When life feels uncertain, setting a massive end-goal can feel overwhelming or unattainable. Instead, identify one or two overarching outcomes you hope to achieve (e.g., career transition, launching a side business, rebuilding confidence) and break them down into small, actionable goals. Micro-goals like updating a resume, reaching out to one new contact a week, or committing 15 minutes a day to learning a new skill help build momentum and create a sense of control. Free download: Side Business Template - Two: Leverage Tools and Technology Strategically
Use AI and digital tools to reduce mental load and accelerate progress. For example, let AI help draft a career roadmap, organize your calendar, research new opportunities, or even reframe your personal narrative for a new job or business pitch. When you're emotionally or mentally drained, these tools can help you stay productive without burning out. - Three: Align Goals with Purpose, Not Just Productivity
During reinvention or recovery, motivation often comes from reconnecting with purpose rather than simply chasing performance. Ask yourself what matters most in this new season of life. Is it flexibility? Meaningful work? Freedom? Use that clarity to filter and prioritize goals. This mindset shift helps you rebuild not just activity, but intentional direction. Free Goal Setting Worksheets
Believing in Yourself
Believing in yourself often starts with the courage to own your value—especially in moments when it would be easier to play small. For D’Anzica, that courage showed up in something as practical as quoting her new pricing without apology or discounting her worth. Instead of justifying or hedging, she simply stated her rate and waited. To her surprise, the response was immediate acceptance—no negotiation, just acknowledgment of her value. That moment became a turning point, affirming that what she brought to the table was not only valid but valued.
Her experience is a reminder that confidence isn’t loud or aggressive—it’s grounded. Even difficult conversations—like saying no—can be handled with calm, grace, and conviction. Her advice to women is simple yet powerful: have the courage to say no without guilt and take steady action toward your goals. Build slowly, reflect weekly, and give thanks for the small steps. Just like seeds in a garden, those tiny efforts compound over time—and what begins as a quiet belief in yourself can grow into exponential progress, both in life and in business.
Slowing Down to Soar
Slowing down isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s often the doorway to rediscovery and greater purpose. For Emilia, that moment came after being laid off, when instead of jumping into the next opportunity, she paused. She asked herself the hard but necessary questions: Am I burnt out? Do I feel insecure? What do I truly want next? That decision to not rush became one of the most pivotal points in her career. It was the space she needed to reconnect with her passion and move forward with intention. In our fast-paced culture, especially for Type A personalities, slowing down can feel counterintuitive. But clarity often comes not from acceleration, but from stillness.
This theme of slowing down to soar is especially relevant at midlife—what some call the “halftime” of life. Around age 40 or 45, many professionals begin reevaluating their direction. The pressure to keep going at full speed can be intense, but real growth sometimes starts with pressing pause. Saying no—to busyness, to clients you’ve outgrown, or to expectations that no longer serve you—is a powerful act of self-leadership. It clears space for better decisions, stronger alignment, and sustainable momentum. Whether you're navigating burnout, career reinvention, or shifting priorities, slowing down might just be the most strategic move you make.
Women in Tech
Navigating economic trends requires a balance between strategic awareness and decisive action. While it’s tempting to wait for the perfect market conditions, even seasoned investors and financial experts struggle to predict economic shifts with certainty. Instead of attempting to time the market, focus on what you’re passionate about and move forward with well-informed decisions. Whether it’s launching a business, expanding a team, or investing in new opportunities, success often comes from persistence, adaptability, and sound financial management rather than trying to predict every fluctuation in interest rates or inflation.
A prime example is the real estate industry, which has faced significant challenges due to high interest rates in recent years. Many businesses struggled as borrowing costs rose, but those who managed their finances wisely and stayed committed to their vision have positioned themselves for long-term success. With interest rates expected to decline in the next 12 to 24 months, new opportunities are emerging for investors. The key takeaway is that economic conditions will always shift, but those who take proactive steps—researching trends, managing risk, and staying committed to their goals—will be best prepared to thrive in any market. The most critical step? Start now, rather than letting fear or uncertainty delay your progress indefinitely.
Human Element
In a world increasingly shaped by automation and AI, the irreplaceable value of the human element stands out more than ever. True gratification often comes from meaningful conversations and personal connections—something technology, no matter how advanced, can't fully replicate. From one-on-one client care in software services to hands-on, white glove experiences in retail like mattress delivery and setup or putting together furniture bought online, the demand for a personal touch remains strong. People are not only willing to pay for these services—they actively seek them out.
While AI can streamline and support many aspects of business, it’s the human relationships, empathy, and nuanced understanding that build lasting trust. In both digital and physical spaces, maintaining the human element is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage.
Additional Resources
Power of After: What’s Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson
Free download: Side Business Template
NCWIT, “Women in Tech: The Facts” (https://www.ncwit.org/resources)
McKinsey & Company, “Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters” (2020) (https://www.mckinsey.com)
Deborah’s Resource page-for Deborah’s current tools
- about emilia d'anzica
Emilia D’Anzica is a management consultant and thought leader in customer lifecycle management. She helps companies protect and grow revenue to while elevating the customer experience. When not working, you can find her in the dirt, where she grows numerous fruits and vegetables year-round, or running, hiking, swimming, or cycling in Sonoma. Also instructs at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education, teaching professionals how to analyze customer lifecycle stages, identify strengths and areas of improvement, and establish success metrics for each stage.
With tools like AI at our fingertips, a thoughtful pivot can be supported in new and empowering ways.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
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