From the Ashes, a New Life Emerged with Carly Ottaway

Episode Summary

Some moments don’t just change your life… they change who you are.

In this episode of The Designed Life, Ameera Virani sits down with Carly Ottaway -storyteller, author, creative leader, and founder of Web of Words; for a conversation about identity, rebuilding, and the kind of surrender that doesn’t ask you to give up… it asks you to come home.

Carly shares how her lifelong love of storytelling led her from journalism into entrepreneurship, and how a pivotal career ultimatum became the spark that pushed her to bet on herself. She also opens up about the moment everything burned down- literally - when the family home she had poured her savings and dreams into caught fire during renovations. What followed was a profound journey of uncertainty, healing, rebuilding, and a deep reorientation toward what safety and success truly mean.

We also explore the creation of Carly’s memoir, Coming Home, and what it takes to tell the truth on the page, especially as your story is still unfolding. This episode is an invitation to loosen your grip, trust your inner knowing, and remember: the peace you’re chasing externally is something you can begin building from within.

Episode Highlights

• Carly’s early love of storytelling and how childhood wonder shaped her life’s work
• The career moment that changed everything: being told to “choose” and deciding to choose herself
• Entrepreneurship as a path of self-trust: taking the leap before you feel ready
• What intuition feels like in real life (and how to strengthen that inner muscle over time)
• The fire that forced a full reset: losing the house, navigating insurance uncertainty, and rebuilding from the ground up
• Surrender as deep trust (not giving up) and how it transforms perfectionism and control
• “Favorite self” vs. “future self”: a powerful reframe for living more anchored and embodied now
• The truth about writing: letting it be messy, getting the words down, and trusting the editing process
• Writing and creativity in the age of AI: using tools without outsourcing your voice
• Presence as leadership: building a life and business that supports what matters most in this season

About Carly Ottaway

Carly Ottaway is a storyteller, author, and the founder of Web of Words, a brand storytelling agency that helps entrepreneurs and creative leaders share their message with more clarity, confidence, and truth. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Carly has spent over a decade supporting others in finding their voice—while also being called to reclaim her own.

Her memoir, Coming Home, was born from a life-altering turning point when the family home she had dreamed of rebuilding was lost in a fire, an experience that reshaped her relationship to identity, safety, surrender, and what it means to rebuild from the inside out.

Connect with Carly

Instagram:
@itscarlyottaway 

Book + Website:
https://carlyottaway.com

Book Landing Page:
https://cominghomebook.com

Connect With Ameera Virani

Website: www.ameeravirani.com
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Disclaimer

The Designed Life with Ameera Virani and all associated content is intended for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The insights shared on this podcast, as well as any linked resources or materials, are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This podcast is not intended to replace the guidance of a licensed therapist, medical professional, financial advisor, or other qualified professionals. Always seek the advice of your personal support team.