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Let me tell you something—there are women who walk into a room and command it, not with a shout but with the quiet authority of someone who’s been through hell, built the ladder, and climbed out. Marie Newman is one of those women.

When I sat down with Marie—former Congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, badass mom, and the author of A Life Made From Scratch—I knew this conversation wasn’t going to be fluffy. It was going to be real. And I don’t do surface-level, especially not with women who know what it means to carry the weight of a career, a family, and the occasional internal existential spiral.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling ALL the things—career, kids, marriage, dreams, the broken dishwasher—you’re not alone. And this one’s for you.

When you don’t see the solution you desperately need… make it from scratch.

Marie’s motto is one part genius, one part survival guide. Too many of us wait for the “right time” or the “perfect opportunity” or for someone to hand us permission. Newsflash: No one’s handing out golden tickets to balance or fulfillment. Most of the time, we have to build the damn thing ourselves—with whatever ingredients we’ve got lying around.

Marie did this when her son was being bullied and the school had no system in place. Instead of spiraling or switching zip codes, she created a full-on anti-bullying program. From scratch. That one moment sparked a national movement, a bestselling book, and a nonprofit.

Lesson? That little whisper in the back of your mind—the one that keeps tugging at you? It’s not background noise. It’s the blueprint.

Just because they’re feeling left out doesn’t mean they’re jealous.

Let’s talk about relationships—the good, the complicated, and the what the hell is happening ones.

Marie opened up about the very real strain success can put on a marriage. As a Congresswoman, she was everywhere—CNN, MSNBC, headlines, stages. And while her husband supported her fully, he still felt… invisible.

Here’s the kicker. He wasn’t jealous. He just missed her. Missed being seen. Missed being part of her world. And that’s a nuance a lot of us miss when we’re sprinting toward the next goal.

“Feeling left out is not the same as jealousy. It just means they’re not getting enough of you.” – Marie Newman

Marie didn’t fix it with flowers or a date night. She fixed it with vulnerability. A trip to Asheville. A year’s worth of hard conversations. And owning the hard truth: she had tuned out the very person she loved most.

You can do crappy one day and still be great the next.

If you’re anything like me (or basically every woman I’ve ever worked with), you’ve had those what is my life moments. The ones where burnout has you googling “how to move to Portugal” or fantasizing about becoming a barista just for the simplicity of it.

Marie gets it. She’s lived it. And she’s still standing. Not perfectly. Not without screw-ups. But she reminds us that bad days don’t disqualify you from greatness.

“Hand to God, you can always do better another day. Just hold on to that.” – Marie Newman

And for those of you navigating family mental health challenges on top of everything else? Marie sees you. She’s been there—with a husband and children managing depression and trauma. Her advice?

Take breaks. Real ones. The world won’t crumble if you go get sushi with your best friend.

Three Tools Marie Swears By

So what are the real-deal tools that helped Marie build her career, stay married, and keep fighting for equity?

1. Mentorship
   Have one. Be one. Learn from people 10 steps ahead. Help those 10 steps behind. Boom. Full circle.
2. Do what you can, within boundaries.
   You don’t need to save the world by Friday. Do what you can with what you have—just don’t forget your boundaries.
3. Know your why.
   Marie’s “why” is equity. Yours might be creativity, freedom, healing, or tacos. Doesn’t matter. Just know it. Let it steer your ship.

“Most people can handle anything. They just don’t know it yet.” – Marie Newman

So if you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or like your life is missing something and you can’t even name it—take a breath. Tune into that whisper. That idea. That dream. The one that keeps getting louder.

Because maybe it’s not that you’re lost. Maybe it’s just time to build something new.

From scratch.

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Marie Newman

Marie Newman is a former congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, marketing executive, author of When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions, antibullying activist, former Moms Demand Action spokesperson and national LGBTQ+ advocate. In addition to those roles, she is a mom of two adult children, consultant and podcaster. Marie is known for building movements and solving the toughest problems. Her next book, a memoir, will be released in March of 2025, A Life Made From Scratch. Her motto has always been, when you do not see the solution you desperately need, make it from scratch!

Digital Coordinates:

https://www.marienewmanstudio.com

https://www.facebook.com/MarieNewmanIL06

https://www.instagram.com/repmarienewman

https://bsky.app/profile/marienewman.bsky.social

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-newman-b31807

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

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