Ep. 26 | From Bankruptcy to Empowerment: Wendy Petties' Path to Financial and Personal Fulfillment

Written By Sarah Bettman
 
 

In the latest episode of Live Stoked Lead Stoked, I sit down with Wendy Petties to delve into a deeply personal and transformative journey. Wendy's story, marked by health issues, bankruptcy, and a radical career shift, is a powerful testament to resilience and the endless pursuit of authenticity. This episode explores how Wendy rebuilt her life by focusing on pleasure, setting boundaries, and redefining her relationship with money.

From Bankruptcy to Financial Coach: Wendy's Journey

Wendy did not shy away from discussing some of the most challenging periods of her life. After leaving her job at an airline, she encountered severe health issues and eventually filed for bankruptcy. Rather than viewing this as a personal failure, Wendy chose to speak openly about it, observing how people reacted and using it as an opportunity to reflect on her value system.

To rebuild her life, Wendy started making small, pleasurable changes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing her relationship with herself and others. By setting boundaries and learning to say no, she saw a gradual improvement in her credit score. Her journey led her to start teaching others how to improve their relationship with money, challenging traditional beliefs about hustling and offering support to those open to change.

Living Authentically: The Importance of Boundaries

A significant theme in Wendy's story is the importance of being authentic and maintaining healthy boundaries. When Wendy was stuck in a stressful job, her sister saw her struggle and applied for a new job on her behalf. Wendy got an interview offer on the day of her spinal surgery, a moment that catalyzed her leaving her previous job for a more fulfilling career, even if it came with a pay cut. The result was an improvement in her health and overall well-being.

Wendy's story isn't about letting go of money but about compromising herself for the sake of financial gain and job security. She had endured harassment and physical and mental turmoil until she finally sought help. Her experiences highlight the necessity of taking control of one's narrative and setting boundaries to protect one's integrity and well-being.

The Impact of Personal Relationships

Wendy emphasizes the value of personal relationships in her business, contrasting this with conventional marketing techniques like having a website or using social media. Both of us agree that the personal connection and energy invested in relationships are far more significant. We both intentionally limit the number of clients we take on to maintain the quality and personal investment in each relationship.

Challenging Traditional Beliefs About Money and Pleasure

One of the most compelling aspects of Wendy's narrative is her challenge to traditional beliefs about money and pleasure. While most people view hustling and financial achievement as the ultimate goals, Wendy advocates for an approach that prioritizes joy and authenticity. She shares a humbling experience in a Brooklyn conference room, where she learned not to make assumptions about others' experiences, noting that many women engaged in transactional relationships out of necessity.

Wendy's realization that she mirrored similar transactional behavior in her corporate job is eye-opening. It reinforces the importance of challenging societal norms and seeking fulfillment and joy rather than merely complying with external pressures.

Valuing Authenticity in Work and Relationships

I relate Wendy's experiences to my own, emphasizing the importance of feeling valued and seen in both work and personal relationships. For me, staying authentic and nurturing positive connections is paramount, whether in the realm of business or personal relationships like online dating and monogamous commitments.

We explore the taboo nature of pleasure and the connection between one's authentic self and work persona. They agree on the importance of being true to oneself and finding activities and relationships that bring genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Wendy's journey underscores the significance of embracing change, setting boundaries, and prioritizing personal well-being. It's a call to action for you to examine their own lives, make intentional choices, and seek fulfillment and authenticity. Wendy’s story is a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of modern life, encouraging us all to live stoked and lead stoked.

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More About Live Stoked | Lead Stoked

Have you ever wondered if there is something more? Are you ready for something to change, but aren’t sure how to get started…or even what to change? Do you dream of living life on your own terms, full of purpose and the ability to choose what’s best for you? Are you ready to live stoked?

You’ve come to the right place! In this podcast, we will explore what it means to live stoked. To live a life on your terms, one where we’ve tossed away the pressures of roles, expectations, and identities that have been put on you and that you did not choose, is a bold choice. Frankly, it’s a series of small choices in micro-moments that lead to a bold life.

I am Sarah Bettman, coach, consultant, and speaker, but more importantly, I’m a person who found myself waking up in the wrong life and needed to find a way to me. 

I am on a mission to unravel the things we tell ourselves, the roles and/or identities we’ve taken on, and the expectations that drive our decision making, so that we can begin to live our most authentic and stoked lives. My guests and I will share our stories, solutions, and multitude of ideas…since one size definitely doesn’t not fit all. 

My hope is that you will find something meaningful for you, in the moment, that will move you forward on your path.

Sarah Bettman
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Ep. 27 | From Head to Heart: Coaching and Personal Growth Insights with Lisa Dare
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Ep. 25 | Cultivating Emotional Intelligence for Personal and Professional Success with Nicole Smith