Career Change From TV Actress to Retreat Leader with Zina Wilde

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Zina Wilde about navigating radical career change, rediscovering purpose after success, and the healing power of travel and community. Zina is currently based in Los Angeles. Listeners will learn about Zina’s journey from TV actress (best known for her recurring role on "Billions") to wellness retreat founder, her immigration challenges, and the transformative magic she found in connecting to nature and somatic work.Zina Wilde is an actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur. As an actor she worked on the SHOWTIME series Billions for 7 seasons. Films like 80 for Brady with Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin and Sally Field, The Climb which received the audience award from Cannes and Chuck with Liev Schriver and Naomi Watts among others. As an entrepreneur she created a travel/ retreat company that started in Greece where she is from and has expanded in multiple locations like Italy, France, the US and Mexico in a very short amount of time. Her retreat business was recently featured on Vogue Greece and the Chicago Tribune. Zina's trips are all about personal growth while having fun and remembering that following your bliss is the most profound journey there is.Main Topics Covered:The reality of “dream jobs”: Why working as an actress on a hit TV show isn’t always the final destinationImmigration hurdles and the unique challenges of building a creative career as a non-citizenHow the COVID-19 pandemic and personal adversity inspired Zina’s transition from acting to founding international wellness retreatsThe importance of community, real-world connection, and “adult summer camp” in a digitally isolated eraThe role of somatic work, dance, and nature in healing depression and rekindling creativityChallenging expectations from family and friends when making unconventional life and career choicesHyper-independence: Its value in artistic careers—and how it can be both fuel and a growth edgePractical details: What to expect on Zina’s retreats, the themes, locations, and how to connect for a special offerQuote from the Episode:"I think that that was the biggest lesson for me to understand that there is no real safety anywhere, in any job, wherever they tell you that there is. Everything always changes... The point is to be present and do the best job that I can every day that I show up." — Zina WildeTimestamps:00:01 Show intro; Amy introduces the episode’s topic and guest01:47 Zina shares her multiple “homes”: New York, LA, Greece, and finding home within herself03:29 Zina’s dream: Choosing TV/film acting, theatre roots, and skill crossovers07:39 Reflections on landing the "Billions" role, immigration struggles, and hustling for a creative career15:00 The myth of job security in the entertainment industry—staying present amidst uncertainty19:27 How the pandemic and a “dark space” spurred Zina’s journey back to Greece and a new sense of purpose24:34 Founding a retreat company: Adult summer camp, community, and real shared experience31:00 Facing skepticism, fuel from being doubted, and lessons on hyper-independence33:34 Integrating somatic work, movement, and the healing force of nature34:47 Retreat logistics, themes, locations, and community experiences39:33 Fun wrap-up: Zina’s favorite food to avoid, most beautiful travel spot, and recommended books41:04 Amy wraps up the episode and offers ways to stay connectedABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience,