How to Win When You Lose the Trophy | Dr. Angela Kerek
For founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders, achievement can easily become part of your identity. But what happens when reaching the next goal no longer delivers the fulfillment you expected—or when the trophy disappears?
In this episode of Starter Girlz, Jennifer Loehding sits down with former professional tennis player, Big Law partner, Active Giving co-founder, author, and executive coach Dr. Angela Kerek to explore how high achievers can redefine what it truly means to win.
After leaving Eastern Europe at 16 with one bag, Angela built a life around ambitious goals—from competing professionally in tennis to advising on billion-euro legal transactions. Yet each achievement brought happiness only briefly before she found herself pursuing the next one. Angela shares how she stepped away from that cycle and began building a version of success that wasn’t dependent on titles, rankings, or external validation.
Their conversation explores identity transitions, the difference between winning outside and winning inside, the hidden cost of constant execution, and why high performers need something within themselves that can hold them steady—even when the trophy is no longer there.
What You’ll Take Away
Why achieving an important goal doesn’t always create lasting fulfillment
How identities built around performance can make transitions more difficult
What “winning inside” means when a title, prize, or trophy disappears
Why high performers need an internal foundation that can hold them steady
How redefining your personal measures of success can create a more sustainable way forward
Why replacing an endless to-do list with a weekly “win list” can change how you recognize progress
About Dr. Angela Kerek
Dr. Angela Kerek is a former professional tennis player and Big Law partner, co-founder of Active Giving, author of Winning Inside, and an executive coach. Drawing from her experience on the tennis court and in the boardroom, she helps executives, leaders, consultants, and other high performers navigate career transitions, strengthen their mindset, and define success on their own terms.
Connect with Dr. Angela Kerek
Website: angelakerek.com
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