And then life happened.
How to navigate major health crises –
7 female leaders share their stories.
About the Book
Are you a busy female leader or entrepreneur dealing with a major health diagnosis?
You have no idea what to expect?
You are asking yourself if you may need to quit your job or shut down your business?
What to tell your kids, customers or colleagues?
And how to deal with this screaming fear inside of you while leading your team, business or family?
“And then life happened” is THE book you need to read. By bringing together the stories of seven women from five countries and three continents, this book has been created to help you to navigate your own health crisis, while continuing to advance your career or lead your business and live with purpose.
Included are over 25 practical tools you can start applying today.
Learn how to:
Direct your mind and energy when you most need to
Leverage your emotions and physical responses to make the right decisions for your life and career
Thrive beyond willpower and continue to successfully advance your career or business in the long run
Make peace with a major health diagnosis or chronic illness
Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment
Best support a loved one like your child or partner along their journey without losing your mind
Turn what scares you the most into a catalyst for personal and professional growth
…and so much more.
Testimonials
Rose Dalrymple, Director of Operations at SAFI Media
A Powerful Resource for Women Founders Facing Adversity “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This book beautifully captures that wisdom, sharing stories of women founders who faced life’s toughest challenges and found the strength to rise again.
These inspiring narratives highlight an essential truth: strength isn’t just about going alone. The stories remind us of the courage it takes to ask for help and the power of leaning on others for support. Coupled with practical tools and strategies, this book is a lifeline for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. If you or someone you know feels alone in tough times, this collection is a reminder that survival and success are possible—and that asking for help can be the first step toward thriving. A must-read for anyone seeking resilience and hope!
Cathy Mann, Founder & President The Fundraising Lab
Reading “And Then Life Happened” felt like being invited into a secret clubhouse—a space where unspoken struggles, invisible battles, and quiet resilience of women business owners are the norm. It offered me the kind of solidarity I didn’t know I needed.
As someone who has navigated the complexities of childhood trauma and PTSD, I’ve often felt isolated in my experiences, particularly when it comes to balancing personal healing with the demands of entrepreneurship. And then, last year I received a breast cancer diagnosis. As I read the accounts of these women, I heard echoes of my own struggles: the coping mechanisms we develop, the quiet resilience that keeps us moving forward, and the ways we sometimes lean on our work as a grounding force that offers normalcy amid chaos. “And Then Life Happened” gave me something I didn’t realize I was missing: the stories of others who had faced their own crises, all while navigating the complexities of running a business. No one gets through life unscathed. While there are no easy answers, no grand resolutions, what emerges is the power of resilience and vulnerability and the reminder that you’re not alone.
Julia Salerno, Executive in Hospitality
“And Then Life Happend” is one of the most powerful and inspiring books I’ve read in a long time. Through the vulnerable and raw stories of these seven incredible women, this book offers a profound reminder of what truly matters in life. Each woman’s journey is unique, yet the common threads of resilience, courage, and self-discovery feel deeply relatable and incredibly empowering. What resonated with me most was the concept of “radical acceptance,” a perspective that emphasizes focusing only on what we can actually control. This simple yet profound idea is like a lifeline for anyone navigating tough times. Equally impactful were the personal “toolboxes” each woman shared—practical, thoughtful insights into how they survived and thrived through their challenges. I was particularly moved by how these women redefined success on their own terms, showing that even in the wake of life-altering events, it’s possible to find clarity, purpose, and joy. This book is not just a collection of stories—it’s a guide for anyone needing encouragement, inspiration, or a gentle nudge to remember our own resilience. If you’re facing a difficult time, searching for meaning, or simply need a reminder of the incredible strength we all already carry within ourselves, And Then Life Happend is a must-read. It’s a testament to the power of vulnerability, community, and the human spirit. Highly recommended!
Dr. Jutta Krienke, Managing Director teckpro Software Solutions GmbH
The book reports lovingly and relentlessly openly about strokes of fate and the strength to grow from them. Resilience is encountered not just as a word, but in the deep convictions, personal strength, courage and ability of these extraordinary business women, mothers, wifes, friends to reinvent themselves and their lifes.
“And then life happened” is not only, but particularly suitable for readers who find themselves in a seemingly hopeless situation. Here you will find concrete help and courageous role models!
Julia Kellner-Long, Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer at ClimeNow
A Deeply Moving and Inspiring Work! This book is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and the art of navigating life’s challenges. I was especially struck by how Katja uses her emotions as a compass, finds solutions, and makes bold decisions, even in the hardest of times. The openness and vulnerability of the stories make this book truly special.
They remind us that everyone faces challenges in life and that self-leadership is the key – in both good and tough times. The included toolboxes offer valuable inspiration for finding your own way through crises. This book is not only a tribute to brave women but also a call for all of us to support each other. Thank you, Katja, for this honest and inspiring work – a true gift for anyone seeking hope and guidance.
Anna-Marfa Bloss, Swiss Certified Psychotherapist, Leadership Coach & Coach for Gifted Adults
I couldn’t stop reading! If you want to know what resilience really looks like you need to read this book. And it’s going to be different from what you think it is. “And Then Life Happened” are seven powerful & heartbreaking stories full of hope that couldn’t be more different from each other.
And here lies the magic of Katja’s Book:
To take you behind the scenes during the journeys as these wonderful courageous female leaders face major health challenges. There is no sugar coating, there is no easy way out, there is no “one size fits all solution” – just brutal honesty about how hard, difficult and rewarding it can be to find your own way. And by doing that it gives us readers plenty of hope and inspiration that we are also capable of creating our own toolbox and finding our own way.
About the Author
Katja Pischel divides her time between Southern Bavaria and the Rocky Mountains. A former executive at Microsoft Germany, she started her own business in 2019 and has helped over 300 leaders build and communicate their Personal Brand and Signature Story for more visibility and effectiveness. She is on a mission to accompany >1000 senior female leaders from the corporate world while they start their own businesses and redefine success and happiness on their terms.
As an inspiring bridge-builder for change, with her positive energy, clarity and clear focus on results, Katja challenges and supports leaders who are ready to turn the next page in their careers. She demonstrates how a leader can embody both an authentic and captivating presence, align their actions with their values, and transform life’s curveballs into opportunities for personal as well as professional growth.
When Katja isn’t working, you’ll find her on top of a mountain hiking or skiing, at the beach in Sardinia, reading a book or on her meditation cushion – practicing the art of equanimity.