Stephanie Olson: Letting Go to Grow – Leading with Resilience, Prevention, and Purpose

About Stephanie Olson:Stephanie Olson is a speaker, author, and CEO of The Set Me Free Project®. With a BA in Psychology, an MA in Strategic Communication, and an honorary doctorate, Stephanie's expertise spans leadership, trauma, and resilience. A survivor of domestic and sexual violence, she brings lived experience and research to her work, inspiring audiences across the U.S. Her mission focuses on preventing human trafficking and empowering leaders and youth through education and advocacy.In this episode, Kevin and Stephanie Olson discuss:How trauma shaped Stephanie’s calling and approach to leadershipThe difference between fear-based teaching and empowerment-based preventionWhat a healthy organizational culture looks like — and how to repair toxic environmentsLeadership lessons from working with youth, families, and vulnerable communitiesThe power of collaboration, clarity, and staying true to the missionKey Takeaways:Leadership rooted in resilience begins with understanding your own story. Early trauma, recovery, and lived experiences can become the foundation for purposeful leadership, not because someone seeks the work, but because healing often reveals the deeper calling beneath it. Fear-based teaching doesn’t change behavior — connection does. Sensationalized stories and scare tactics fail to educate youth about trafficking; humor, honesty, and practical insight create psychological safety, making learning more memorable and empowering. Healthy culture starts at the top, and one person can shift the entire atmosphere. Culture must be intentional: communicating clearly, removing toxicity quickly, honoring people’s humanity, and creating boundaries that protect trust. A single misaligned team member can damage culture, but one aligned leader can transform it. Leadership requires risk — especially the risk of staying true to mission when others push you to drift. Growth comes from doing fewer things with excellence, resisting territorial mindsets, and refusing to be pulled into distractions that dilute impact."The best way to lead is to really put people around you who have the skill sets you don't absolutely have and empower them to become better than you." – Stephanie OlsonConnect with Stephanie Olson:Website: https://www.stephanieolson.com/ | https://www.setmefreeproject.net/ | https://www.setmefreeproject.net/ready-to-stand-curriculum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieolsonspeaking/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieolsonspeaker/ X: https://x.com/stephanieospeak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-olson-ba959173/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sghsmYxvFlw Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: [e-mail] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63