Breaking Free from the Past – Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard on Mindset, Leadership, and Resilience

Life-Changing Challengers

In this episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard, researcher, speaker, and co-founder of the Women Authentic Leadership Training (WALT) Institute. Dr. Pritchard shares her powerful journey from growing up as the youngest of nine siblings in New Zealand to becoming a leader in resilience, mindset, and authentic leadership.

Elizabeth opens up about overcoming childhood challenges, workplace bullying, and past trauma—including surviving sexual abuse at eight years old. Through years of self-discovery and mindset work, she has developed the tools to step into her power, let go of victimhood, and help others do the same. She also discusses grit, mental toughness, and leadership, emphasizing the importance of choosing how we respond to life's challenges.

This conversation is filled with inspirational lessons, practical strategies for personal growth, and ways to develop mental resilience in leadership and everyday life.

Episode Highlights

• [1:00] – Elizabeth’s childhood in Taranaki, New Zealand, growing up in a large family and feeling unheard.
• [20:00] – The deep impact of workplace bullying and how it eroded her confidence.
• [35:00] – Surviving childhood sexual abuse and eventually breaking free from its emotional hold.
• [50:00] – The power of choice in overcoming victimhood and reclaiming control of your life.
• [1:05:00] – Developing mental toughness through challenges like ice baths and endurance sports.
• [1:20:00] – The creation of the WALT Institute and its mission to help leaders develop authenticity and resilience.

Key Takeaways

1. Your Past Does Not Define You – You have the power to rewrite your story and create a better future.
2. Resilience is a Skill You Can Develop – Strength is built by stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing challenges.
3. Mindset Shifts Change Everything – Learning to respond differently to hardships can transform your life.
4. Authenticity is Key to Leadership – True leadership is about being unapologetically yourself while lifting others up.
5. Small Daily Actions Create Big Change – Tiny tweaks in mindset and behavior can lead to massive transformation over time.

Links & Resources

• WALT Institute Website: WaltInstitute.com – Learn about leadership training and coaching programs.
• Follow Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard on Social Media:
  • LinkedIn: Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard
  • Instagram: @WaltInstitute
  • YouTube: WALT Institute

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