How to embrace setbacks, practice perspective, and lead a bold life?
In a world that often celebrates hustle, perfection, and forward momentum, we rarely talk about life’s curveballs — the ones that stop us in our tracks. But for me, adversity wasn’t the end of my story — it was the beginning of reinvention.
In this powerful episode of the Leaderish Podcast, hosts Regina Taute and Doris Dunn sit down with me to explore what it means to lose everything and come back stronger — with purpose, clarity, and adventure.
The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
My story doesn’t start with success. It starts with a breakdown:
- A traumatic accident
- The sudden collapse of her marriage
- The unraveling of her career identity
In a short span of time, my life imploded. But instead of staying stuck, Heidi chose to rebuild.
“Sometimes it takes being knocked down to gain perspective and look up.” — Heidi Siefkas
My recovery wasn’t just physical — it was emotional, mental, and spiritual. Through this journey, I discovered new tools for resilience that I now share with audiences worldwide.
“Look Up”: A Daily Practice of Mindset and Presence
One of my most powerful takeaways from this journey is a simple mantra: “Look Up.”
It’s not just about finding the silver lining. It’s a daily reminder to:
- Pause and gain perspective
- Acknowledge the present moment
- Reset your mindset before reacting
“No matter what’s going on in your day — whether it’s chaotic, overwhelming, or full of fear — looking up reminds you that life is bigger than this moment.” – Heidi Siefkas
This mindfulness-based practice became the foundation of my recovery and the centerpiece of my talks and books, including my first book When All Balls Drop and my most recent Look Up—Global Stories of Resilience.
Reinvention Isn’t Linear — It’s Layered
I’d like to emphasize that reinvention is not a straight line. You don’t just bounce back — you grow through it. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and non-linear.
From solo travel to becoming a published author, I leaned into discomfort to rebuild a life on my terms. And for me, that meant:
- Letting go of outdated definitions of success
- Trusting curiosity over fear
- Saying “yes” to new chapters without a detailed map
“Adventure isn’t about jumping out of planes, although I’ve done it a couple times; it’s about pushing your comfort zone every single day.” — Heidi Siefkas
On Leadership: Vulnerability and Storytelling
My experiences have shaped my views on resilience in leadership — and it’s not about titles or corner offices. It’s about vulnerability, perspective, and the courage to share your story.
In the corporate world, we often hide behind roles and results. But I believe real leadership comes from:
- Owning your personal story
- Being honest about the hard stuff
- Empowering others by going first
- Fostering a culture that embraces the new normal
What Will You Choose?
My story is a reminder that life rarely goes according to plan. But when it all falls apart, there’s an opportunity to choose differently — to choose courage over fear, curiosity over comfort, and presence over panic.
Because sometimes, the best thing that can happen… is the thing you never saw coming.
Here’s to looking up always!
