Episode 178: Taking the Leap with Lana Manikowski

Lana Manikowski's BIO: 

Lana Manikowski is an author, keynote speaker, infertility advocate, and certified life coach who helps women thrive after infertility when motherhood didn’t happen. She’s the founder of The Other’s Day Brunch and host of The “So Now What?” Podcast, both created to support women who are childless not by choice.

After a seven-year fertility journey that ended without a child—and with adoption and donor egg not being the right path—Lana faced the deep grief and isolation so many women silently carry. When her clinic offered no resources to help her navigate life without children, she created the support she needed and now offers it to others.

Through her coaching and bestselling book So Now What?, Lana helps women reconnect with their bodies, build meaningful relationships with partners and friends, and create a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling—even without motherhood.

She holds advanced certification in grief and post-traumatic growth, is a member of ASRM, and volunteers with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Lana is known for her signature message: Your story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.

She lives in downtown Chicago with her husband and their dog, Coco.

In this episode, Virginia and Lana talked about:

1. Why Lana started this business
2. How Lana transitioned from corporate sales to entrepreneur
3. Three Pillars of Thriving as a woman who has gone through infertility 
4. Finding your first clients

Takeaway:

• Plan for your passion 
• Who is your best source for referrals?
• Make your collaborations reciprocal 
• Build multiple referral streams
• Track and reward partner efforts

Connect with Lana on her social media accounts to learn more about her work and insights into networking effectively:

LinkedIn URL: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-manikowski-7982a8 

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/lana.krstichmanikowski/ 

Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/lana.manikowski/ 

Connect with Virginia:

https://www.bbrpodcast.com/