Permission to Flow
Welcome to Permission to Flow. This podcast is dedicated to lighting the way toward greater creativity, purpose, and inner peace. I’m your host Jessica Hwang. I’m a 2nd generation Taiwanese American. I spent 10 years chasing the so called American Dream while working in corporate finance before making the pivot into my own path as a career transition coach, podcaster, and Dharma yoga instructor. Through a combination of courage and curiosity, I built a career and life that is aligned with my unique talents and authentic self. Now I’m on a mission to help 1st and 2nd gen women build the creative career of their dreams whether you want to be an artist, writer, yoga instructor, entrepreneur, or any other creative venture. Each episode will guide you to break free from survival mode and into thriving mode and create more flow in your life. It’s time to stop living by the shoulds and have tos and build the career and life that flows with your authentic self. it’s time to give yourself permission to flow. If you’re ready to awaken to the creative powerhouse inside of you, then this show is for you! The world needs what you will create! Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Episodes
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
057 - Riding the Waves: Surfing and the Art of Continuous Learning
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
In today’s episode of Permission to Flow, Jessica Hwang dives into the transformative journey of learning to surf in Wilmington, North Carolina, and how this experience mirrors the challenges and joys of transitioning from a corporate job to a creative career. Jessica shares her personal story of stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing the process of learning something entirely new. Through her reflections, she highlights the importance of making little tweaks, truly enjoying each step of the learning journey, and getting back up after setbacks. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the joys and frustrations of being a beginner and continuously growing.
Jessica also offers valuable insights for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of finding activities that align naturally with one’s interests. By drawing parallels between her love for baking and her discovery of an affinity for pottery, she encourages listeners to experiment within their interests to find fulfilling creative outlets. The episode is filled with encouraging messages about perseverance, embracing imperfections, and the value of starting somewhere, no matter where that might be. Whether you’re navigating a career change or just looking to pick up a new hobby, Jessica’s experiences and advice will inspire you to embrace the process and stay open to all the learning opportunities along the way.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
00:00 Step out of comfort zone, embrace new experiences.
06:07 Little tweaks
14:05 Embrace the Process
22:17 Get back up again
Quotes from the episode:
"To me, success is actually having the freedom to experiment. Experimentation is freedom and succeeding in and of itself."
"What I have found really actually helps me move forward is focusing in on one change at a time."
Links from the Episode:
Episode 26 - Embracing the Beginner's Mind: How to Approach Learning with Curiosity and Openness
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Travis Carr (@traviscarrphoto)
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
056 - The Ultimate Guide to Make a Career Change with the IDEA Framework
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of Permission to Flow! In today's episode, we explore my IDEA framework, a powerful four-step process designed to help you navigate your career change journey with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current job or simply yearning for something more aligned with your true self, this framework is here to guide you.
We’ll discuss the importance of embracing curiosity, the thrill of experimenting with new paths, and the ultimate goal of activating a career that not only matches your unique talents and passions but also brings you joy and fulfillment.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
- [00:00] The Ultimate Guide to Make a Career Change with the IDEA Framework
- [03:07] Stage 1: Identify Your Enthusiasm
- [07:16] Stage 2: Discovery and Self-Assessment
- [11:39] Stage 3: Experiment with New Paths
- [18:58] Stage 4: Activate Your New Career
Quotes from the episode:
“We’re not just creating a new career—we’re crafting a lifestyle that works for who we truly are.”
“Embrace the beginner’s mind; it’s not about perfection, it’s about enjoying the process and the progress.”
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
055 - 3 Strategies to Overcome Workday Exhaustion and Reclaim Your Energy
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of Permission to Flow. I’m your host, Jessica Hwang, and today we’re diving deep into a topic that I know so many of you can relate to—feeling completely drained by the end of your workday. If you’ve ever found yourself collapsing onto the couch, too exhausted to even think about pursuing your passions or working on that side hustle, this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, we’ll explore three major themes to help you reclaim your energy and start redirecting it towards what truly matters to you. First, we’ll talk about releasing yourself from the draining stories you tell yourself about your workday. Next, we’ll discuss the importance of not taking on more responsibilities and chasing promotions you don’t actually want. Finally, we’ll look at how to make your current job work for you by using it as a stepping stone towards your true career goals.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
[01:31] Identifying with Exhaustion and Draining Jobs
[02:25] Reclaiming Your Energy: Three Key Strategies
[03:15] Changing the Story Around Your Job
[12:57] Stop Taking on More and Chasing Promotions
[18:55] Making Your Job Serve Your Future Goals
Quotes from the episode:
How can you change the story that you’re creating around the things that are going on around you? Because they’re not going to stop happening but you get to choose and empower yourself in your reaction to them.
We don’t need to get caught up in the rat race. It’s okay to just be and let your job be a job and let your job support where you want to go but not get caught up in it.
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
054 - How to Determine If It’s Time for a Career Change
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
In this episode, we’re tackling a big question: How do you know when it’s time to change career paths? If you’ve been feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current job, this episode is for you. I’ll be sharing insights from my own career transition journey, along with wisdom I’ve gathered from working with my clients to help you navigate this crucial decision.
Evaluating your career direction is essential. Are you inspired by your future prospects, or do you feel indifferent about climbing the ladder in your current field? Reflect on whether your current role allows you to fully utilize your unique abilities and passions. Are you merely going through the motions, or are you truly thriving? By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of whether a career change might be right for you and what steps you can take to explore new possibilities.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
- [00:00] Unmasking Your True Self: Overcoming the Corporate Grind
- [01:33] Is It Time for a Career Change?
- [02:47] Do You Like Your Current Path?
- [07:47] Are You Using Your True Talents?
- [15:06] Have You Tried Every Option?
- [23:42] Embrace the Possibility of Change
Quotes from the episode:
“What if life is meant to be more than just being a masked version of yourself all day long?”
“Do you feel like you’re really sitting on all these skills and these talents? Do you feel like your best self is being put forward in the work that you’re doing?”
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Welcome to Permission to Flow
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Welcome to Permission to Flow! (formerly A Way of Thinking podcast) Here's a quick peek into what the show is about. This show is made for all the dreamers, creators, and innovators. The world needs what you will create!
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
053 - Welcome to Permission to Flow: The New Era of the Podcast
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
You may have noticed things look a little different around here. Welcome to the very first episode of Permission to Flow! I’m excited to share the story behind this rebrand and why it felt like the perfect direction for where we’re heading. This episode is all about embracing change, giving ourselves permission to evolve, and finding that beautiful flow in our lives and careers.
I was deeply attached to the name "A Way of Thinking", but during a brainstorming session with friends, “Permission to Flow” came to life, perfectly capturing the essence of creativity, movement, and flexibility. Change can be challenging, especially when it involves something we hold dear, but it’s about letting go of rigid expectations and allowing ourselves to grow and transform.
The concept of flow is central to everything I do—from yoga to coaching to podcasting. Flow state, creative flow, and yoga flow all represent the seamless, effortless movement we aspire to in our lives and careers. This episode explores how we can invite more of this flow into our daily routines and the importance of giving ourselves permission to be who we are. Often, we hold ourselves back due to societal expectations and self-imposed limitations, but pursuing our passions without guilt or hesitation is crucial. Let’s explore how we can flow with life’s changes together.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
- [00:00] Permission to Flow: Embracing Change and Finding Your Flow
- [03:04] Behind the Scenes: The Story of the Name Change
- [11:41] The Meaning Behind 'Permission to Flow'
- [17:15] Lessons Learned: Embracing Non-Attachment
- [18:49] Looking Forward: The New Era of the Podcast
Quotes from the episode:
“The word ‘flow’ is such a beautiful, intricate word…it represents that expressive, effortless movement we all strive for.”
“In many ways, you’re watching my evolution through this podcast. It’s about stepping into the next version of myself and embracing that journey.”
Connect with Jessica:
Join the email list
Book a free sales call
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Special Announcement:
I'm currently running a giveaway! If you sign up for my upcoming newsletter between now and the end of July, you'll be entered to win a free coaching session with me. In this newsletter, you'll receive insights and updates and ensure you never miss an episode of A Way of Thinking Podcast. You can sign up for my newsletter here.
In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Sugey Piedra, the co-founder of Prominence Business and Wealth Management. Sugey shares her inspiring journey from working a conventional job to making the bold decision in her 40s to start her own company. Despite numerous personal and professional challenges, she has successfully grown her firm into a seven-figure enterprise.
We explore how Sugey overcame cultural taboos surrounding money, her methods for budgeting, planning, and setting financial goals, and the steps she took before launching her business. Sugey also offers valuable insights on transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneurial mindset, understanding your financials, and building financial freedom.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
- [00:00] Breaking Money Taboos with Sugey Piedra
- [03:00] Breaking Cultural Taboos Around Money
- [17:15] The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
- [40:27] Transitioning from W-2 to Entrepreneurship
- [44:01] Building a Network of Power Partners
- [46:37] Overcoming Family and Cultural Barriers
- [01:05:53] Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections
Quotes from the episode:
“Financial freedom to me was more of being able to block off the time on my calendar that I need because I need to go to my daughter’s school event. Because I need to go and take my son to the doctor’s.”
“Money is not hard to get. Money is actually easier than you think it is. It’s us and our limiting beliefs that make it hard, that we are hard on ourselves more than we have to be.”
Connect with Sugey:
- Website
- Instagram
- LinkedIn
Announcements:
Book a Free Sales Call
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Special Announcement:
I'm currently running a giveaway! If you sign up for my upcoming newsletter between now and the end of July, you'll be entered to win a free coaching session with me. In this newsletter, you'll receive insights and updates and ensure you never miss an episode of A Way of Thinking Podcast. You can sign up for my newsletter here.
I am thrilled to have the extraordinary Benjamin Von Wong join us for today’s episode. Benjamin is a Canadian artist, activist, and photographer renowned for his environmental art installations and hyper-realist art style. His journey from being a mining engineer to becoming a viral artist is nothing short of inspiring and in this episode, we discuss the how and why behind his transition. Benjamin also shares profound insights on navigating societal pressures and family dynamics while chasing what truly brings you purpose.
Additionally, we discuss his unique approach to creating impactful social projects and the essential role of community in his creative process. This conversation is a powerful testament to the boundless potential of creativity and the transformative impact it can have on our lives and the world around us.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
- [00:00:00] - The Quest for Enoughness: Balancing Creativity and Purpose
- [00:01:27] - Balancing Creativity and Impact
- [00:01:49] - Leveraging Relationships and Time Management
- [00:01:56] - Navigating Societal Pressures and Family Dynamics
- [00:21:18] - The Importance of Enoughness in Life
- [00:55:17] - Final Questions and Reflections
Quotes from the episode:
- "For most of your problems in your life, you're one conversation away from figuring it out."
- "Purpose changes. What you love changes, what the world needs changes, what you care about changes. To lock yourself into a purpose doesn’t fit my personality."
Connect with Benjamin:
- Benjamin’s Website
- Benjamin’s Instagram
- Humble Badasses in NYC
Announcements:
Book a Free Sales Call
Donate to A Way of Thinking Podcast
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching
Facebook: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching
Credits:
Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)
Production and audio engineering by Ease of Mind Productions

A Way of Thinking
This podcast is a place of exploration - to learn and grow from each other on the journey to becoming our best selves.
I believe that everyone deserves greater happiness and that starts with the way that we think. So many of us fill our minds with negative thinking and have a toxic relationship with ourselves. I created this podcast as a place to share our different ways of thinking. Perhaps hearing other's experiences will allow you to feel a little less alone and to find new tools and tricks to help you think and do better. We are all on a journey and I hope that this podcast can maybe give you a little nudge in the direction of your best self. I believe in you and I am so excited for the day that you believe in you too.