From Engineering to Empowering: Jess Kaskov’s Story

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, “From Engineering to Empowering”, Yifat Rogers and I sit down with Jess Kaskov, who shares her remarkable journey from a 15-year engineering career at General Mills to becoming an author, coach, and speaker. Jess opens up about the pivotal career moment that pushed her to reflect on what truly mattered, discovering that her real impact wasn’t in equipment or processes, but in people.

She talks about taking a “dimmer switch” approach to career change, moving step by step through part-time work, a sabbatical, and coaching certification before fully stepping into entrepreneurship. Jess also reveals how health challenges forced her to rethink what success really means, shifting from external praise and job titles to fulfillment, joy, and impact.

We also dive into her bestselling book Soul Salary, where she introduces the idea of giving yourself “raises” and “promotions” in joy and fulfillment, and she shares the exciting details of her upcoming women’s retreat in Sedona. If you’ve ever felt the weight of burnout, questioned society’s default definition of success, or wondered how to take brave but manageable steps toward a more fulfilling life, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Links to Episode

Learn more about the Retreat: www.jesskaskov.com/retreat

Check out Soul Salary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9SF6JVK/

Free quiz – Discover your Soul Salary: www.jesskaskov.com/soulsalary

Finding the Power of Work-Life Balance and Fulfillment

Finding the power of work-life balance and fulfillment is challenging in a world that celebrates hustle and productivity. It’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Many professionals chase success only to find themselves burned out, disconnected, and wondering if the trade-offs were worth it. But sustainable success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. It’s about aligning your work with your values and creating space for fulfillment in every area of life.

The New Definition of Success 🌿

Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. It means having the energy, clarity, and emotional bandwidth to thrive both professionally and personally. It’s not about splitting time evenly between work and home, but about integrating your priorities in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

When your career aligns with your core values, work becomes more than a paycheck—it becomes a source of meaning. You feel energized rather than depleted. You’re able to show up fully for your team, your family, and yourself. That’s the kind of success that lasts.

What Fulfillment Looks Like 🌟

Professionals who achieve true balance and fulfillment share a few key traits:

  • Stress Management: They know how to regulate their energy and emotions, even in high-pressure environments.
  • Healthy Boundaries: They protect their time and attention, saying “no” when necessary and “yes” with intention.
  • Value Alignment: Their work reflects what they care about most—whether it’s innovation, impact, creativity, or connection.
  • Sustainable Habits: They build routines that support both performance and well-being, from morning rituals to digital detoxes.

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about intentionality. And that’s where coaching becomes a game-changer.

How Coaching Creates Balance and Fulfillment 🎯

Coaching helps you step back from the noise and reconnect with what matters. It’s a space to reflect, recalibrate, and redesign your life with purpose. A great coach doesn’t just help you manage your calendar—they help you manage your energy, your mindset, and your values.

Through coaching, you gain:

  • Clarity: Identify what fulfillment looks like for you, and what’s getting in the way.
  • Boundaries: Learn to protect your time and say no without guilt.
  • Habits: Build routines that support your goals and well-being.
  • Perspective: Reframe challenges and rediscover joy in your work and life.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking more meaning in your career, or simply craving more time for what you love, coaching offers the tools and support to make it happen.

Your Life, Your Design

Work-life balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership skill. When you prioritize fulfillment, you become a more effective, empathetic, and resilient leader. You inspire others not just by what you achieve, but by how you live.

If you’re ready to stop surviving and start thriving, coaching can help you design a life that works—for you. Because success without fulfillment isn’t success at all, reach out if you’d like to learn more about finding your balance and fulfillment.

Coaches Help You Achieve Work-Life Balance & Manage Stress

Coaches help you achieve work-life balance and manage stress, essential aspects of life that directly impact physical health, mental well-being, and overall productivity. This may be a rhetorical question, but do you experience stress?  Would you like a bit more balance in your life?  Do you feel like your professional demands are increasing and personal responsibilities often feel like competing priorities?  If so, mastering the art of work-life balance and stress management is a crucial life skill. Achieving equilibrium requires intentional techniques and sometimes external support, such as guidance from coaches, to transform stress into a manageable part of life rather than an overwhelming force. There are numerous ways to achieve work-life balance and managing stress, but here are a few of my favorites:

Setting & Adhering to Boundaries

Balancing work and personal life begins with setting and adhering to clear boundaries. Defining work hours and disconnecting from work-related communication during personal time can help individuals maintain a sense of separation between the two realms. For example, turning off work emails and notifications outside of designated work hours can allow for uninterrupted family time or self-care.

Prioritization

Prioritization is another critical skill. Not everything on the to-do list has equal importance, and learning how to identify and focus on high-impact tasks can make it easier to navigate busy schedules. Tools like planners, apps, or even simple to-do lists can be invaluable for organizing commitments and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Delegation

Delegation is often overlooked but is a powerful strategy. Delegating tasks to colleagues at work or sharing household responsibilities at home can reduce the mental and physical burden. For many, the ability to ask for help can be transformational in creating a sustainable balance.

Self-Awareness

Another essential technique is practicing mindfulness and self-awareness. Regular check-ins with oneself to assess stress levels and recognize the need for breaks can prevent burnout. Activities such as meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths during a hectic day can make a noticeable difference.

Self-Care

Physical activities like exercise are also vital for managing stress. Whether it’s yoga, running, or even a brisk walk, staying active helps clear the mind and improve mood. Similarly, dedicating time for hobbies or personal interests fosters joy and refreshes energy levels.

Positive Self-Talk

Coaches can introduce cognitive-behavioral techniques to shift negative thought patterns into constructive ones. They may also recommend practices such as visualization or guided relaxation to diminish stress and enhance clarity.

Build Positive Habits

Coaches provide accountability and encouragement. When the demands of life feel insurmountable, having a coach as a partner can make the pursuit of balance seem achievable. Their support extends beyond techniques; they inspire individuals to believe in their ability to thrive rather than merely survive.

Living a Fulfilling and Productive Life

Work-life balance and stress management are indispensable to leading a fulfilling and productive life. Incorporating strategies like boundary-setting, prioritization, delegation, and mindfulness can bring stability, while engaging with professional coaches can provide the guidance and motivation needed to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Harmony in life is not just possible; it’s within reach with intentional effort and expert support. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help you achieve work-life balance and manage stress.