The Courage to Evolve: Embracing Change in Leadership and Life with TraQuenna "TQ" Smith Branch

What if the hardest part of change isn't what lies ahead of you, but what you have to let go of to get there?

In this episode of Women Thrive, host Abigail Rebecca sits down with TraQuenna "TQ" Smith Branch, founder of LIPSTICK Coach, a personal and professional development company. Drawing on more than 25 years of leadership experience, TQ shares how her own journey through leadership, loss, breast cancer, and becoming an empty nester led her to help women navigate life's biggest transitions with clarity and confidence.

Together, they explore why change shakes even the most accomplished women, the difference between showing up as your "representative" and showing up as your real self, and why you must get grounded before you can move forward. TQ also shares the story behind the LIPSTICK name, the Japanese art of kintsugi, and how faith and values can anchor you through uncertainty.

Whether you're a mid-to-late career professional stepping into a bigger role, a woman transitioning into entrepreneurship, or someone entering a new season of personal life, this conversation will help you lead through change without losing yourself.

Discover how to release what no longer serves you, make room for what's next, and find the courage to evolve.

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✨ WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EPISODE

1. Why change feels so hard, and the common thread every transition shares.

2. How to recognize your "representative" and let your real self show up.

3. The pivot move: why you must get grounded before you can move forward.

4. Why the right direction isn't the absence of challenge, but the presence of peace.

5. How faith, values, and courage can carry you through uncertainty.

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About  TraQuenna “TQ” Smith Branch

TraQuenna "TQ" Smith Branch is the Founder of LIPSTICK Coach, a personal/professional development company. Leveraging her 25+ years of leadership experience, TQ helps women authentically step into their purpose while navigating the intersection of personal, professional, and spiritual growth—with practical tools and intentional reflection that turn purpose into action.

For nearly 15 years, TQ has supported mid-to-late career professionals, emerging entrepreneurs, and women of faith through seasons of transition. A breast cancer survivor and empty nester, she brings both lived experience and deep leadership insight to helping women rediscover who they are and what matters most.

TQ will be speaking at the Women Thrive Summit 2027, where she'll share her ACORN Method for uncovering your strengths and turning growth opportunities into new strengths.

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🔗 Connect with TraQuenna “TQ” Smith Branch

Website: https://www.lipstickcoach.org/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelipstickcoach/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelipstickcoach 

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ABOUT THE WOMEN THRIVE PODCAST

The Women Thrive Podcast features conversations with inspiring women, entrepreneurs, speakers, mentors, and coaches from around the world. Through their stories, experiences, and insights, we explore personal growth, visibility, business, leadership, and the challenges and breakthroughs that shape women's journeys.

Our goal is to create a space where women can learn from one another, share their voices, challenge their limitations, and discover what's possible when they embrace their potential.

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💫 HAVE A POWERFUL STORY OR MESSAGE TO SHARE?

Are you an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, mentor, or expert with a message that could inspire and empower other women?

We'd love to hear your story.

Apply to be a guest on the Women Thrive Podcast:

https://womenthrivemedia.com/podcast