In today’s episode, Dana Malstaff sits down with the incredible Tracey Coates, a high achiever, attorney, life coach, and 9/11 survivor. Together, they dive deep into Tracey’s journey, discussing her unique perspective on success, personal growth, and redefining fulfillment beyond the traditional milestones.
Tracey Coates wears many hats—she’s a life and career coach, attorney, podcaster, mother of two, and former flight attendant. As a high achiever, she’s been on a journey to explore all her interests and embrace a life that doesn’t just revolve around one path. This mindset shift allows Tracey to be fulfilled in multiple areas of her life, instead of feeling restricted by one singular identity.
In Dana’s words, “Tracey’s brain is beautiful and vibrant. She’s a high achiever who embodies intelligence, compassion, and resilience, making her an inspiration to all of us trying to balance career and family.”
Before her career as a lawyer, Tracey was a flight attendant for United Airlines. In September 2001, Tracey was scheduled to work a Boston-to-LA flight—the very route tragically involved in the 9/11 attacks. A broken foot kept her off the flight, a twist of fate that deeply impacted her view on life and purpose. As a 9/11 survivor, Tracey’s story reflects how life’s unpredictability can lead to moments of profound gratitude and new beginnings.
Reflecting on that time, Tracey says, “9/11 changed my life and the world. It amplified my inner calling to explore other passions, ultimately leading me to law school and beyond.”
As a high achiever, Tracey’s path didn’t end with becoming an attorney. Driven by a love for learning and a desire to make a difference, she climbed the corporate ladder, only to realize that traditional success wasn’t all she had imagined. Despite reaching career milestones, Tracey felt called to do more.
“Sometimes you reach the top and realize that it’s not the view you wanted,” Tracey shares. This insight led her to pivot once again, adding life and career coaching to her repertoire, where she could help other high achievers find fulfillment and balance.
For many high achievers, especially moms, balancing multiple roles can create pressure to “do it all.” Tracey highlights how society often celebrates milestones and accomplishments, leaving many women feeling obligated to pursue a singular, linear path to success. Yet, as a life and career coach, Tracey encourages her clients to embrace the journey over the finish line.
Tracey explains, “Success isn’t just about one goal. It’s about exploring the different facets of who you are and giving yourself permission to evolve.”
Dana echoes this sentiment, noting that happiness and fulfillment come not from reaching the goal, but from embracing the learning, growth, and challenges along the way. Together, they explore the idea that women don’t need to “arrive” at a final destination to find happiness; instead, they can continuously explore, pivot, and redefine what success means to them.
As a 9/11 survivor and high achiever, Tracey has faced both trauma and success. Her journey is a powerful reminder that purpose can shift over time, and that it’s okay to redefine what drives you.
Tracey encourages women to pursue purpose-driven goals that resonate with their values. “For me, each career change was driven by a calling to serve and explore different parts of myself,” she says. “It’s a journey, not a one-time decision.”
In their conversation, Dana and Tracey dive into the value of embracing failure as an essential part of the high achiever’s journey. Dana points out that failure is the currency of success; it’s through trial and error that we uncover what works. Tracey agrees, adding that high achievers often feel paralyzed by perfectionism, which prevents them from moving forward.
“Putting out B+ work is sometimes all you need to make progress,” Tracey says. “If we wait for everything to be perfect, we miss the chance to add value and learn.”
Tracey shares practical tips for high achievers who are striving to find balance:
For Tracey, high achievers can find fulfillment by leaning into curiosity, purpose, and adaptability. Just as she pivoted from being a flight attendant to an attorney and now a life coach, Tracey encourages women to stay open to new paths and possibilities.
If you’re a high achiever feeling unfulfilled despite reaching your goals, consider exploring other facets of yourself and taking bold steps toward what truly brings you joy.
If Tracey’s journey resonates with you, connect with her on Instagram at @coachingwithtracycoates or visit her website at www.tracycoates.com. For those looking to join a community of high achievers navigating the complexities of work, family, and personal growth, Tracey’s coaching programs offer support, guidance, and real-life strategies.
High achievers like Tracey Coates prove that success is not a single destination but a continuous journey of growth, adaptation, and self-discovery. As a 9/11 survivor, her resilience shines as she redefines fulfillment through multiple career paths, each bringing its own rewards and lessons.
If you’re feeling torn between following your passions and fulfilling a conventional role, remember that it’s okay to pivot, to explore, and to embrace change. Tracey’s story is a reminder that our lives are composed of many adventures, each adding depth, meaning, and purpose to our journey.
