Hi Reader,

We love the stories where persistence pays off.
The underdog who grinds it out.
The founder who never gives up.

But what happens when that story doesn't match your reality?

In the first full episode of Exit Interview, I sat down with Kanya Balakrishna—co-founder of The Future Project and Future Coach—to talk about the moment persistence stopped working.

She built a $15M nonprofit.
Managed 120+ staff.
Then watched the whole thing fall apart.

What followed wasn't failure. It was the messy, unclear middle where most leadership actually lives.

Kanya calls it "the work twisties"—those moments when the path ahead disappears, and the moves that used to work just don't anymore.

It's something so many leaders face quietly: when their internal compass goes haywire, and their title or success no longer feels like solid ground. But in that uncertainty, there's also a different kind of clarity—the kind that forces reinvention.

In this episode, Kanya shares:

• The hidden costs of scaling fast
• Why "persistence" isn't always a strategy
• How she rebuilt after losing 90% of her team

It's a powerful reminder that grit is not the only tool in your belt. Sometimes strength means letting go of what's no longer working—and leading in a new way.

Whether you're running a company or rethinking your career, this one's for anyone in the middle of a transition.

🎧 Listen to "Exit Interview: The Work Twisties with Kanya Balakrishna"

​Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube​

With you,
Ify

P.S. If this episode resonates, I’d love to know what landed. A quick rating or review helps other leaders find these conversations—and your feedback helps me keep shaping the series in ways that serve you.