Ep. 4 | Creating Space to Talk About Hard Things with Veronique Porter

Written By Sarah Bettman

In episode 4 of Live Stoked, Lead Stoked, I delve into a thought-provoking conversation with guest, Veronique Porter, exploring the depths of navigating discomfort and embracing authenticity in relationships. From the intricacies of building meaningful connections to the complexities of diversity, Veronique and Sarah share valuable insights on living stoked through uncomfortable but vital conversations.

Grounded Authenticity in Relationships

Veronique and Sarah discuss the significance of being authentically grounded in all relationship dynamics, regardless of their nature. Living stoked, as Veronique explains, means showing up as the same authentic self across different situations. This concept brings to light the essence of consistency and honesty in fostering meaningful connections.

Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations

The conversation also delves into the necessity of engaging in uncomfortable conversations for personal growth and meaningful relationships. Veronique and Sarah emphasize the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for deepening authenticity and connection in relationships. They encourage listeners to lean into discomfort and engage with people who hold different beliefs, illustrating the value of diverse perspectives in personal and professional growth.

Challenging the Norms of Diversity and Inclusion

Veronique's expertise in developing heritage and identity-based observances for organizations sparks a discussion on navigating diversity and inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of going beyond tokenistic gestures and performative actions, choosing observances rooted in meaningful depth. Their dialogue sheds light on the complexities of ensuring authenticity in diversity initiatives and the impact of leading with intention in fostering inclusive environments.

Embracing Authenticity in Learning and Growth

Veronique's transition from pediatric neurology to international development and her insightful journey through the pandemic highlight the significance of aligning personal and professional growth with authenticity. Her pivot serves as a testament to the power of embracing discomfort and authenticity in pursuit of a fulfilling path. The conversation resonates with those navigating career transitions, urging them to ground their experiences in authenticity and resilience.

The Power of Feedback and Learning

Both Sarah and Veronique share valuable insights on the significance of accepting feedback and learning from diverse perspectives. They stress the importance of filtering feedback to act on valuable insights, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. Their discussion encourages listeners to approach feedback with an open mind and discernment, ultimately driving personal and professional development.

Cultivating Authenticity and Embracing Discomfort for Growth

The conversation between Sarah and Veronique offers a compelling narrative on the transformative power of authenticity and discomfort in relationships. From navigating diversity and inclusion to embracing authenticity in personal growth, their insights resonate deeply with listeners seeking fulfilling, meaningful connections and growth opportunities.

As individuals and leaders, embracing discomfort and authenticity can lead to profound personal and professional transformation. By engaging in uncomfortable conversations, challenging traditional norms, and cultivating a culture of open feedback and learning, individuals can pave the way for enriched connections, resilient growth, and impactful leadership.

Living stoked, as Veronique beautifully articulates, is not just about exuding positivity, but about choosing one's best life, even amidst challenging circumstances. This episode serves as an inspiring guid, urging others to navigate discomfort and embrace authenticity to lead stoked lives and foster genuine, transformative relationships in every sphere of their lives.

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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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