Wilma Ramony de Souza’s career at JPMorgan once seemed like a dream, an extraordinary rise from a small beach town in Brazil to the halls of one of the world’s most powerful banks.

But behind the accolades, the long hours, and the constant pursuit of success lay a deep, growing sense of exhaustion.

In an interaction with Business Insider, she explains how after more than a decade of pushing herself to the brink, Wilma found herself standing at a crossroads: continue down the high-powered, high-stress path she had known for so long, or take a leap into the unknown and rediscover who she was outside of her job title.

It felt like a dream come true. Yet, despite securing this coveted position, Wilma couldn’t shake the feeling that she had somehow slipped in, after all, she had once failed to land an internship with the company.

But the door was now open, and she was determined to make the most of it.

Over the next few years, Wilma found herself working alongside a strong, dynamic woman who would become her mentor and manager.

The two were often dubbed “the cowgirls” two outsiders in a male-dominated banking world, trying to carve out a new space for themselves in Latin American finance.

Their work ethic and unconventional approach to business brought them success, but not without challenges. Early on, Wilma had to contend with being questioned by male colleagues who saw her as an unlikely contender in the field.

But she was not intimidated. She learnt to adapt, navigating the cultural dynamics between American business practices and Brazilian norms. With the support of her boss, Wilma soon thrived, securing major clients and making a name for herself in the industry.

The road to burnout

By the time Wilma moved to New York in 2019, she had achieved the position of Vice President at JPMorgan. The financial hub of the world seemed like the logical next step, but the transition was more overwhelming than she had anticipated.

She quickly found herself caught in the grind of constant travel and long hours, sacrificing her personal life for her professional ambitions.

What had once been thrilling, business trips, networking with high-profile clients, and the rush of closing big deals, began to feel like a never-ending cycle.

While she was excelling at her job, her relationships were suffering. She missed important family events and struggled to maintain a work-life balance. And despite the impressive paycheck, her health and well-being were slipping through the cracks.

In 2022, after a particularly intense deal, Wilma suffered a panic attack in the office.

That moment marked the beginning of a shift. The stress that had always been a part of the job was now overwhelming. Her physical and mental health were deteriorating, and her personal life was unraveling.

Struggle for balance

In 2023, Wilma moved to London, hoping for a fresh start. But the transition was more challenging than she expected. The cold, closed-off nature of British society made it difficult to make connections, and the work culture at JPMorgan in London was even more demanding.

She found herself feeling increasingly disconnected, both from her colleagues and from the work that had once fueled her ambition.

As she spiraled deeper into burnout, Wilma’s passion for her job began to fade. Work, once a source of pride, became something she dreaded. The feeling of constantly needing to prove herself became exhausting.

She spent months in therapy trying to understand the source of her unhappiness, and eventually, it became clear: she needed a change.

In November 2024, after 14 years at JPMorgan, Wilma made the difficult decision to resign. The thought of leaving behind the company she had dedicated so much of her life to wasn’t easy, but she knew it was the only way to regain control of her well-being.

Rediscovering life

For the first time in over a decade, Wilma found herself without a clear career path. She spent the next six months traveling, trying to reconnect with herself. Gone was the title of “JPMorgan executive” that had defined so much of her identity.

In that time, Wilma discovered what she truly wanted from life, not just in her career, but in her personal fulfillment. She embraced the freedom of being able to choose her own path.

Today, she lives in Miami, where she serves as a CEO and consultant, helping founders and small businesses navigate the challenges of growth. While she still refers some of her clients to JPMorgan, she’s no longer defined by her past role.