What happens when the life you planned no longer exists?

In the first episode of Layered Lives, I’m joined by Sarah Polan, a technology leader, mother of two, and an American living in Amsterdam. Her life has taken unexpected turns across countries, careers, and identities.

From starting as an opera singer to navigating life as an undocumented immigrant, Sarah shares what it really means to rebuild, not just your career, but your sense of self.

This is a conversation about being brave, not perfect, and the quiet strength it takes to keep starting again.

Key moments

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Meet Sarah Polan
01:30 From opera singer to unexpected paths
03:30 Being undocumented — and facing deportation
07:30 Transition into tech
12:30 AI, coding, and the future of work
17:30 Women in tech and being taken seriously
21:30 Motherhood, identity, and living abroad
26:00 Financial independence and long-term thinking
29:30 Reflections and advice

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn