What helps you keep moving forward when life or work feels harder than you expected?

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I'm joined by Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Epilepsy Society, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the moments that shape who we become. Wendy shares how a difficult chapter in her career forced her to rethink what leadership looked like and why trying to become someone else would never be the answer.

We talk about the influence of competitive gymnastics, where falling was expected, but getting back up was part of the process. That mindset has stayed with Wendy throughout her career, helping her approach setbacks with perspective rather than panic. She explains why mistakes are part of leadership and why the way we respond to them often matters more than the mistake itself.

Our conversation also explores the value of curiosity, executive coaching, and habit-building to help leaders stay energized during demanding periods. Wendy shares why pausing can lead to better decisions, how she avoids becoming a barrier to her team, and the questions she asks herself before offering feedback or stepping into situations others are fully capable of handling.

One of the most memorable parts of our discussion centers on finding the right environment to lead. Wendy reflects on working in a culture that didn't bring out her best and how that experience ultimately gave her the confidence to embrace her own leadership style. We also discuss the importance of maintaining strong professional relationships and how your network often becomes most valuable during life's unexpected transitions.

As we wrap up, Wendy offers practical advice for anyone facing uncertainty. She reminds us that every career has difficult seasons, but those seasons do pass. Sometimes the greatest progress comes after asking ourselves the hardest questions and having the courage to make a change when it's needed.

What does getting to the other side of hard look like for you, and what lessons have those experiences taught you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

What does it take to stay steady when life, leadership, and uncertainty seem determined to pull you in every direction? In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I sit down with Phillip W. Heath, President and CEO of Samaritan Health Care and Hospice, to explore a career built on service, compassion, and resilience. Having dedicated more than three decades to caring for vulnerable populations, Phillip shares why leadership begins with understanding others' needs and how staying connected to the people you serve can provide clarity, purpose, and perspective.

Our conversation moves beyond traditional leadership advice and into the realities of making difficult decisions, navigating ambiguity, and remaining committed to a mission as external pressures mount. Phillip reflects on moments when he questioned his path, the lessons he learned from saying yes to opportunities others might avoid, and why chasing every new idea can distract leaders from what matters most. We also discuss the balance between mission and sustainability, and why meaningful leadership requires both heart and discipline.

One theme that stayed with me throughout this conversation is Phillip's belief in the power of mentorship. He explains why no leader succeeds alone, how mentors have shaped his journey, and why borrowing steadiness from others can help us navigate uncertainty with greater confidence. Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or simply searching for a stronger sense of direction, this episode offers practical wisdom on building resilience through relationships, staying true to your values, and continuing to grow through every stage of leadership.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Who has been the mentor who helped shape your journey, and what lessons from them still guide you today?

What happens when the life you planned disappears in an instant? And where do you find the strength to keep moving when everything familiar has been taken away?

In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I welcome John Register, whose life story offers a remarkable perspective on resilience, leadership, and the power of adapting to circumstances beyond our control. As a world-class athlete, Army officer, and Olympic hopeful, John appeared to be on a clear path forward. Then a training accident changed everything, ultimately leading to the amputation of his leg and forcing him to confront questions about identity, purpose, and what comes next.

What followed was not a story of instant recovery or easy answers. Instead, John shares how he rebuilt his life one decision at a time, supported by family, community, and a willingness to rethink what success looked like. His journey eventually led him to the Paralympic Games, where he earned a silver medal, but the lessons he shares go far beyond athletics. They speak to anyone facing uncertainty, disruption, loss, or change.

During our conversation, we explore why becoming unshakable is an ongoing process rather than a destination. John explains why he believes adversity cannot always be overcome, but it can be adapted to. We discuss the importance of self-leadership, the role vision plays during difficult seasons, and why waiting for certainty often keeps people stuck. He also shares how some of the most meaningful growth happens when we stop trying to control every outcome and focus instead on how we respond to what is in front of us.

We also talk about the pressures leaders face today. From rapid technological change to economic uncertainty and the rise of AI, John offers a thoughtful perspective on staying connected to people when the world seems increasingly focused on systems and automation. His belief that human relationships matter even more in times of disruption is a message that feels especially relevant right now.

One of my favorite parts of the discussion is John's framework of reckoning, revision, and renewal. He explains how people move through loss, create new possibilities, and eventually find a renewed sense of purpose. It's a powerful reminder that growth often begins when we stop wishing things would return to the way they were and start creating a path toward what could be.

We finish by talking about something many leaders overlook: recovery. John shares why renewal is essential for performance, why rest should be planned rather than postponed, and how creating space to think may be one of the most valuable leadership practices available to us today.

What part of John's story resonated most with you? And where might you need to let go of what was in order to move toward what could be? I'd love to hear your thoughts.