She built her dream career, but then walked away. Dusty Holcomb sits down with Maricella Herrera—former COO and CEO of Elevate Network and host of the podcast Oh Shit, I Just Quit My Job—for an honest, deeply human conversation about identity, integrity, and the courage required to walk away from a life that no longer fits. From her early career in finance in Mexico to business school at Columbia and more than a decade helping build the world’s largest professional community for women, Maricella reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the leadership philosophy rooted in transparency and modeling behavior, and the quiet burnout that followed years of purpose-driven work. She unpacks the tension between loyalty and self-leadership, the moment of clarity that led her to step away without a plan, and why alignment—not prestige or performance—became her north star. Together, she and Dusty explore redefining success on your own terms, the power of community and reflection, and why giving yourself space to listen is often the bravest leadership move you can make. Maricella shares how quitting became a catalyst for reinvention—through teaching, storytelling, and building a portfolio career grounded in mission, curiosity, and working with smart people who lead with care—reminding listeners that you are not what you do, but why you do it.
Key Timestamps:
(
00:00) – Marella Herrera's Bold Career Moves
(
08:15) – The Power of Mentorship
(
15:46) – Journey to Elevate Network
(
24:25) – The Decision to Leave Elevate
(
34:28) – The Breaking Point: Realizing the Need for Change
(
37:04) – Advice for Those Wrestling with Identity and Alignment
(
43:53) – Teaching and Defining Non-Negotiables
(
52:18) – Rapid Fire Questions: Books, Advice, and Daily Practices
(
58:57) – Defining Success and Supporting Causes
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Self-Leadership, Leadership Coaching, Leadership Clarity, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Mentions:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
More of Leadership Unlocked:
What is Leadership Unlocked: How Wise Leaders Win in an Era of AI?
AI isn't making leadership less important. It's making great leadership more valuable and exposing the flaws of leaders who aren't ready.
Leadership Unlocked explores what it takes to lead well in the age of AI. Hosted by Leadership Consultant, Author, Keynote Speaker and Leadership Strategist Dusty Holcomb, the podcast explores the intersection of AI and leadership, helping CEOs, founders, and senior leaders understand how artificial intelligence is changing the way they lead, make decisions, build teams, and get work done.
AI can amplify a great leader or magnify the weaknesses of a bad one. Each episode explores AI adoption and the leadership skills that AI can't replace: judgment, wisdom, discernment, accountability, and the ability to lead people through change.
Dusty explores AI leadership, AI adoption, AI for leaders, executive leadership, leadership development, AI strategy, AI decision-making, leading AI teams, and the future of leadership.
Whether you're trying to stay relevant in the age of AI, figuring out how to use AI to become a better leader, or navigating what AI means for your team and organization, Leadership Unlocked will help you lead with greater clarity and confidence.
“Although the work is increasingly done by machines, the wisdom is still human.”