Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanie Hobbs.
Hi Lanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2016, I stumbled upon podcasting almost by accident and was immediately captivated. It was an unexpected detour from my established path in corporate America, where I had been conditioned to believe that success meant climbing the corporate ladder and maximizing income. For years, my identity was closely tied to my professional achievements, driven by the notion that hard work and financial success defined one’s worth.
At the time, I was at a crossroads in my life, grappling with the pressures of balancing a demanding career and the roles of a wife and professional. Podcasting emerged as a much-needed creative outlet, offering a way to express myself in ways I had never imagined. It was a revelation; I had no idea I possessed such creativity. Each episode I produced was not just a project but a journey into new realms of storytelling, voice modulation, and content creation.
As I immersed myself in podcasting, new opportunities began to unfold. I ventured into voice acting, where I found a different yet equally fulfilling form of expression. User-generated content (UGC) and general content creation followed, each medium providing a unique platform for me to explore and share my creativity. I realized that engaging in these activities was essential for my well-being; it was a way to reconnect with a part of myself that I had neglected in pursuing conventional success.
This journey transformed my understanding of what it means to be successful. I learned that success is not solely about financial achievements or professional titles. It’s also about finding fulfillment in what you do, nurturing your passions, and creating a balanced life where you can thrive in multiple roles. Podcasting and other creative endeavors became not just hobbies but integral parts of my identity. They allowed me to step outside corporate expectations and embrace a more holistic view of personal and professional success.
Today, I continue to explore and expand my creative pursuits, balancing them with my other roles in life. Podcasting, voice acting, and content creation have enriched my life and opened doors to new opportunities and connections. Looking forward, I am excited to keep pushing my creativity’s boundaries and inspire others to discover their own paths to fulfillment. My journey has taught me that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and that true success lies in aligning your work with your passions and values.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. The journey has been filled with challenges, and one of the most significant hurdles I faced was imposter syndrome. I constantly questioned my worth and capabilities, asking myself, “Why you? What makes you special?” It was a persistent inner voice that tried to undermine my confidence and ambitions.
At the beginning of my journey, self-doubt was a constant companion. Starting out as a content creator, a festival organizer, and someone aiming to build a community in diverse spaces, I often felt overwhelmed by the weight of my aspirations. The question “Why you?” echoed in my mind frequently, casting a shadow over my goals and making me wonder if I was truly capable of achieving them.
However, in moments of introspection, I began to challenge this negative narrative with a simple yet powerful question: “Why NOT me?” I realized that there was no inherent reason why I couldn’t become a successful content creator, festival organizer, or community builder. If others could do it, why couldn’t I? This shift in mindset was pivotal. It allowed me to see possibilities rather than limitations and encouraged me to pursue my dreams with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Over time, I consciously adopted a manifestation mindset, focusing on positive thinking and visualizing success. This mindset shift wasn’t easy and didn’t happen overnight. It required a lot of self-reflection, patience, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty. But as cheesy as it sounds, believing in the power of manifestation significantly improved my overall mood and confidence. I started to set clearer intentions for what I wanted to achieve and took actionable steps towards those goals, even when the path seemed daunting.
I still struggle with imposter syndrome; it’s an ongoing battle. There are days when self-doubt resurfaces, and I find myself questioning my abilities. But now, I have a different perspective. I’ve learned to acknowledge these feelings without letting them dictate my actions. Each time I encounter a challenge or setback, I remind myself of the progress I’ve made and the community I’ve built. This helps reinforce my belief in my potential and keeps me motivated to continue pushing forward.
The journey has taught me the value of persistence and self-belief. I’ve come to understand that facing challenges is an essential part of growth, and that success is not about having a smooth path, but about overcoming the obstacles that arise along the way. My struggles with imposter syndrome have, in many ways, made me stronger and more empathetic, allowing me to connect more deeply with others who face similar challenges.
As I move forward, I continue to embrace the ups and downs of my journey. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I’m confident in my ability to face them with resilience and a positive mindset. The road may be difficult, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to see where my journey will take me next. Each step I take, even when filled with self-doubt, brings me closer to realizing my potential and making a meaningful impact in the spaces I’m passionate about.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
By day, I work a 9-5 in Human Resources, where I focus on creating positive and supportive interactions with employees. I strive to counter the negative stereotypes often associated with HR by treating each employee with genuine care and respect. I firmly believe that employees are the heart of any organization, and my goal is to ensure they feel valued and heard.
Outside of my HR role, I am deeply passionate about podcasting, voice acting, and content creation. I produce and host podcasts that cover diverse topics, aiming to inspire, educate, and connect with my audience. My voice-acting projects allow me to bring characters to life, and my digital content creation focuses on building inclusive communities. The authenticity and empathy I bring from my HR experience enrich my creative work, making my content engaging and impactful.
What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and my ability to integrate my professional and creative skills seamlessly. Whether in HR or content creation, I prioritize positive engagement and genuine connection. I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in both my professional life and creative pursuits, continuously striving to foster environments where people feel supported and inspired.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me the happiest is my little family. My three-year-old daughter, with her incredible independence and beauty, is a constant source of joy. Watching her grow and guiding her to become a kind, inclusive, and accepting individual is my greatest privilege and will be my proudest accomplishment. My husband, who is my rock and best friend, along with our three dogs and handsome cat, completes our home.
Creating my own family has been a lifelong dream, especially given the chaotic and traumatic environment I grew up in. Every day, I am profoundly grateful for the stability and love we share. Being a mom and a wife is not just a role for me; it is the fulfillment of a cherished aspiration and brings me immense happiness.
The love and support within our family provide me with a sense of purpose and contentment that surpasses all else. My family is my haven, my source of strength, and the embodiment of the happiness I sought for so long.
Contact Info:
- Other: linktr.ee/LanieHobbs
Image Credits
Byron, Murder She Told Podcast
