Feb 19 2025 28 mins
Author, Surviving Life’s Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath
This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with Christine Fruehwirth, author of Surviving Life’s Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath, for a powerful coaching episode. Christine dives into the key differences between life coaching and career coaching, the challenges of being stuck in “survival mode,” and how therapy can be a crucial tool for breaking free.
She shares the deeply personal journey that inspired her book—woven with her own experiences and driven by her son—as well as the surprising truth behind why only 20% of people are truly thriving. Christine explores the hidden patterns that hold us back, the four essential stages of personal growth (from surviving to thriving), and the role of mindset, humor, and strong support systems in achieving lasting success.
In this compelling conversation, Christine also tackles the importance of developing knowledge and skills, setting realistic goals, and embracing life’s inevitable setbacks as part of the journey. She explains why taking risks is essential, how our education system is shaped differently for girls, and the science behind novelty’s power to rewire the brain. Plus, she offers actionable tips on stepping outside your comfort zone, building new neural pathways, and becoming a mentor who inspires others.
Get ready for an insightful, inspiring, and thought-provoking episode that just might change the way you approach your own journey!
Christine Fruehwirth has had more than 20 years of career counseling and life coaching experience through her successful business, FlexCareers Consulting. Her focus and passion has consistently been helping stay-at-home parents return to the workplace and working parents who are looking for more balance in their lives. From 2009 to 2019, Christine also worked as a Career Consultant and Instructor of a Career Management Strategy course at George Washington University, and most recently at Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
During her years working in higher education, Christine developed an expertise in helping undergraduates of all majors recruit for and successfully obtain internships and full time positions in the Financial Services industry. She spent a decade in that industry focused on consumer and later investment banking, working for major financial institutions including Bank of America, Capital One and Wells Fargo. Christine’s last few years in the industry were spent at Lending Tree on the senior leadership team.
Christine Fruehwirth Instagram
Watch the full Podcast Video