Our upbringing, and the patterns and behaviours we carry, shape how we show up in our relationships and work. These patterns often stem from past trauma or difficult family dynamics we don’t fully recognise. Left unaddressed, they can lead to harmful behaviours, strained relationships, and limitations on our personal and professional growth.

Christina Kisley understands deeply how our past affects us and how vital committing to personal growth can be. This means being willing to dig into our own experiences, even if it feels uncomfortable or scary. Facing ourselves is one of the hardest things we can do, but it’s also the most rewarding.

This conversation will help you

• Learn practical approaches to healing past trauma and addressing its impact on relationships and leadership
• Understand the importance of cultivating healthy relationships in personal and professional settings for long-term growth
• Discover strategies for navigating fear and embracing personal responsibility as a leader and parent

Highlights

• [00:03:47] The Drama Driangle
• [00:08:20] Leadership through a family lens
• [00:12:43] The unexpected gifts of motherhood
• [00:15:56] What it means to say "yes" to being a leader
• [00:19:30] Christina's biggest fears
• [00:22:37] How do you learn?
• [00:23:54] You can't think your way through
• [00:27:01] Relationship University
• [00:31:38] What Fearless Forward means for Christina
• [00:32:25] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Karpman drama triangle
• Connect with Christina via LinkedIn
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

Fear can take over our emotions, cloud our judgment, and leave us feeling powerless. It’s easy to feel trapped when we’re unsure how to move forwards.

John Peters dealt with extraordinary fear during his captivity. But he focused on controlling his mind and his responses, even when everything else was beyond his control. He refused to let fear define him and made a promise to himself that he would not let fear take away his power or identity.

In this conversation with Sally-Anne, John shares a number of details from his time in captivity you may find upsetting. However, this episode will help you

• Maintain resilience and self-control in the face of extreme adversity
• Navigate fear and uncertainty in high-pressure situations
• Learn how personal growth can emerge from traumatic experiences

Highlights

• [00:01:50] Meeting John
• [00:06:30] John's mantra
• [00:10:35] Post-traumatic growth
• [00:13:57] Managing fear and other emotions
• [00:19:45] Stronger as a collective
• [00:21:08] A new normal
• [00:23:06] What is confidence?
• [00:29:59] Coping with intense public attention
• [00:36:18] "A litany of failures"
• [00:42:52] Acceptance
• [00:46:44] Beyond the walls
• [00:48:56] Calm, committed
• [00:53:38] What Fearless Forward means for John
• [01:00:03] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Connect with John via LinkedIn
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

Emma Draper faced a huge challenge when her life suddenly changed. Her marriage ended, she became a single parent to three boys, and her business was struggling. On top of that, the pressures of keeping her home and supporting her family felt overwhelming. She also battled long Covid, which left her physically drained for years.

Emma found a way forward by taking control of her situation. She refused to stay stuck in fear and started making changes. She restructured her business, reconnected with her team, and focused on her health. She looked at every area of her life and worked to improve it step by step.

Emma had worked for years without a clear sense of her “why”. Being so occupied with work and life without that clear purpose can lead to burnout and a loss of confidence. We risk feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the people who rely on us. Without action, these pressures can snowball.

This episode will help you

• Reflect on personal fears and use them as motivation to take actionable steps toward change
• Develop a strategy for balancing personal and professional responsibilities while maintaining self-care
• Create a detailed plan with incremental steps to achieve significant long-term improvements at home and in your work

Highlights

• [00:05:59] A late-night epiphany
• [00:11:53] The hard work begins
• [00:13:02] A mission of change
• [00:15:27] Using Velvet as a force for good
• [00:21:55] What's next for Velvet
• [00:25:43] The key to a successful life
• [00:28:15] And then Long COVID hit
• [00:35:16] Incremental steps
• [00:37:19] What Fearless Forward means to Emma
• [00:38:37] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Connect with Emma via LinkedIn
• Velvet
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn