We all have a moment where life throws us challenges. Sometimes, those challenges come in ways we never expect, like a freak accident that puts you in a wheelchair for months, or navigating the business world at 24, feeling like the odd one out. My guest, Victoria Pelletier, knows all about overcoming adversity. She’s someone who has navigated corporate boardrooms, built businesses, and delivered keynote speeches, all while facing more than her fair share of personal and professional obstacles.
During our conversation, Victoria opened up about her incredible journey, revealing some tough lessons and invaluable insights along the way. But what struck me the most was her fierce belief in being “unstoppable.” That, she says, is the mindset that has carried her through life’s trials, big and small.
Let’s dig into two key lessons from our conversation that might just help you level up in your own life.
Building Authenticity as a Leader
Victoria started young—by 24, she was in a C-suite role, and yet, despite her success, she was walking on eggshells. Her early leadership experiences were shaped by a need to prove herself as the youngest person in the room and, often, the only woman. But it came with a cost—she built walls around herself, projecting a persona that was all business, no emotion. This was her armor, and it worked…until it didn’t.
“I got a horrible nickname as the Iron Maiden,” Victoria recalled. “I was making tough decisions, but I never showed emotion. And that was a huge mistake.” The problem wasn’t her capability—it was how she chose to protect herself.
She learned that true leadership doesn’t come from a mask; it comes from authenticity. That’s when everything changed.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness: The biggest mistake Victoria made was hiding behind her professional façade. Being transparent and open allows you to connect with your team on a deeper level.
- People connect with who you are, not just what you do: Victoria found that when she started bringing her whole self to work—her passions, her personal stories—people trusted her more and respected her decisions.
- Embrace failure early and often: Mistakes are inevitable, especially when you’re young in a high-stakes position. But those mistakes, Victoria insists, are what help you grow faster.
Resilience is a Lifestyle
Resilience isn’t something you build when times are good. It’s forged in moments of pain, failure, and hard-earned experience. For Victoria, resilience is more than just bouncing back—it’s about being “unstoppable.” She shared a particularly powerful story about a scooter accident that left her with multiple broken bones, including a shattered knee that took two surgeries to fix.
“I was in a wheelchair for months,” she explained. “But as soon as my arms healed, I was back in the gym. I wasn’t going to let that stop me.” Her road to recovery was slow, but that didn’t stop her from pushing forward.
Resilience isn’t just something Victoria talks about—it’s how she lives her life.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Tough times reveal who you really are: You don’t build resilience when everything’s smooth. It’s when life punches you in the gut, and you still get back up, that you learn how tough you really are.
- Your mindset matters more than the obstacle: Victoria’s experience shows that it’s not the challenges that define you; it’s how you choose to respond to them. She refused to let her accident become an excuse for giving up.
- Start small, but start now: After her accident, Victoria had to start with two-pound weights in physical therapy. It was a humbling experience, but one that taught her the importance of small steps in achieving big goals.
Reflections from the Interview
The conversation with Victoria left me thinking about leadership, resilience, and the importance of authenticity in ways I hadn’t before. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of “putting on a brave face” in business, but Victoria’s journey proves that true strength comes from allowing yourself to be vulnerable and real.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Being “unstoppable” is a mindset: It’s not about never facing setbacks—it’s about refusing to let those setbacks define your future.
- Leaders are made in tough moments: The moments that stretch you are the ones that turn you into the leader you’re meant to be.
- Authenticity builds real trust: People will follow you not just because of your title, but because they trust who you are.
- Boundaries are critical to success: Victoria highlighted the importance of knowing when to say no and creating space for what truly matters—whether that’s your family or your own well-being.
- Personal brand is everything: Victoria believes that the brand you build isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. And that’s what people remember.
Final Thoughts
Victoria Pelletier’s story is a powerful reminder that the best leaders aren’t the ones who hide behind masks or try to be perfect. They’re the ones who show up as their full, authentic selves—flaws, scars, and all. They’re the ones who keep moving forward, no matter what life throws at them, embodying the unstoppable spirit that Victoria talks about.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this conversation, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to be human. Don’t be afraid to show up as you are. It’s what makes you unstoppable.
Check out Victoria’s full episode on Never Been Promoted! Trust me, you’ll walk away inspired: Corporate Job vs. Entrepreneurship: Which Path is Right for You? | Victoria P
CONNECT WITH VICTORIA PELLETIER:
Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/