Introduction

From Prima Ballerina to Student Midwife

Overcoming the "Too Strong" Label

Embracing Vulnerability and Strength

The Battle with Perfectionism

Transitioning into Midwifery

Navigating Mature-Age Study

Balancing Motherhood and Reinvention

Knowing When to Leave a Career

Letting Go of the First Love

Seeking Professional Support

Starting Fresh in a High-Pressure Role

Lessons from the Delivery Room

The Power of Control and Support

Pride in the Career Journey

Advice for Aspiring Career Changers

For almost two decades, Lana Jones was a principal dancer at the Australian Ballet, celebrated for lead roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty. And still, she was told she was “too strong”. After an illustrious career, Jones stepped away from the spotlight to retrain as a midwife. In this episode, Lana joins Briana Blackett to discuss how being “too strong” has helped her soar – from the stage to the delivery room.
Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. Consider making the switch and explore a career with Victoria Police.
Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development.
Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

For almost two decades, Lana Jones was a principal dancer at the Australian Ballet, celebrated for lead roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty. And still, she was told she was &ldquo;too strong&rdquo;. After an illustrious career, Jones stepped away from the spotlight to retrain as a midwife. In this episode, Lana joins Briana Blackett to discuss how being &ldquo;too strong&rdquo; has helped her soar &ndash; from the stage to the delivery room.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. Consider making the switch and <a href="https://www.police.vic.gov.au/police-officer-careers?utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=fw_au&amp;utm_campaign=rec-jan_2025-mfm">explore a career with Victoria Police</a>.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Become an<a href="http://futurewomen.com/"> FW member</a> to join the movement and fast-track your professional development.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep up with @futurewomen on<a href="https://instagram.com/futurewomen"> Instagram</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FutureWomen"> Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/company/future-women">LinkedIn</a>.</li>
</ul>

Ask any woman and she'll tell you about a time when she was too something. At work, women are suffocated by stereotypes about who we should be and how we should behave.

Join Helen McCabe as she speaks with high-achieving women who bucked trends, disrupted systems and refused to quit. Women who built careers by forging their own paths.
Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. Explore a career with Victoria Police.
Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. 
Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads and X

Ask any woman and she'll tell you about a time when she was too something. At work, women are suffocated by stereotypes about who we should be and how we should behave.
Join Helen McCabe as she speaks with high-achieving women who bucked trends, disrupted systems and refused to quit. Women who built careers by forging their own paths.
<ul>
<li>Too Much is a podcast series proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to join their ranks. <a href="https://www.police.vic.gov.au/police-officer-careers">Explore a career with Victoria Police</a>.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Become an <a href="http://futurewomen.com/">FW member</a> to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. </li>
<li>Keep up with @futurewomen on<a href="https://instagram.com/futurewomen"> Instagram</a>,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FutureWomen"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://au.linkedin.com/company/future-women"> LinkedIn</a>,<a href="https://www.threads.net/@futurewomen"> Threads</a> and<a href="https://twitter.com/futurewomen?lang=en"> X</a></li>
</ul>

Too Much: The Switch by Future Women

Too Much by Future Women

2. Lana Jones was "too strong": from prima ballerina to delivering babies