Hello, I am Vanessa and I have a passion for empowering women to embrace fear and step into courage so they can shine at work and in life.  

I understand the journey to authentic leadership can be challenging, particularly for those who identify as highly sensitive people (HSP's) and may grapple with anxiety.  I spent the first half of my career unintentionally holding back my leadership, adapting to fit in, self-silencing and pushing hard to meet others' expectations.  

As a highly sensitive person, I found myself pleasing, saying "yes" when I really wanted to say "no," living by an unwritten rulebook in my head that convinced me success meant constant improvement and pushing myself beyond my limits.  This internal struggle, lead to a feeling of being stuck - working hard but not being fully seen or heard, and ultimately burning out in the process. 

My turning point came when I had to choose between continuing to listen to the never-ending mind chatter, urging me to "be better" and "do more," or trusting myself, advocating for my quirkiness and strengths, and owning my authenticity.