~Victoria Lenormand, Former Police Detective, Founder of Gemini Directions and Author of The Magic of Not Fitting In

Have you ever felt like you just didn't fit in? Occasionally, and especially during the teenage years, everyone feels like they don't belong.

But how would you manage feeling like that every day? And if you were a parent watching your child struggling with such feelings, how would you help them (and you) through it?

Victoria Lenormand is a former police detective from the U.K. who has used her acute skill set to help her autistic son navigate a world where he doesn't always "fit" within the systems society has in place. Victoria's journey from investigation to advocacy revealed the cracks in systems designed to serve but not always to see the individuals they are meant to help. Once her son was diagnosed with autism, Victoria found herself confronting institutions that valued rules and systems over people. That moment became a call to tap into resilience with courage as she began to ask questions and challenge the status quo with compassion and clarity.

Recognizing an ever evolving diverse population within her community, Victoria pushed for growth and change through flexiblity, observation and adaptation. Further, she openly advocated modeling mistakes for children and embracing imperfection, thus empowering parents, educators, and leaders to take small, intentional steps toward changing systems to better serve communities.

Victoria reminds us that "we're better when we're together," offering everyone the chance to shine their own brilliant light through differences to build vibrant communities. Her book, The Magic of Not Fitting In, invites us to celebrate diversity as a source of strength. By shifting focus from fixing those who are different to understanding, adapting and learning, she shows how true brilliance is revealed not in conformity, but in compassion, curiosity, connection and the willingness to institute change.

Learn more about Victoria here and tune in for more of her wisdom on this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

• “I realized I was battling in a system that valued the system over the child — and that was a big wake-up call.”

• “Our children don’t fit the narrative, so we have to create another narrative.”

• “When the community shows itself to be diverse, the system can’t respond if it remains the way it is.”

• “If a child is in trauma in that environment, it’s not for us to critique their resilience — it’s for us to meet the need.”

• “Resilience...is the ability to flex, to step back, and to ask better questions.”

• “We don’t develop resilience from the comfort place — we develop it through the rough stuff.”

• “Let me model mistakes for you. Learn to laugh at yourself. You don’t have to measure everything as a pass or fail.”

• “Maybe if we focus first on helping children discover who they are — and make that okay — we’ll start to see real growth.”

• “We’re better when we’re together. Diversity should be echoed in our systems, not othered by them.”

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Jessi Sheridan, Founder of Habituelle

When you think of habits, what comes to mind?

Often, when we think of a habit, it's in a critical way--as in a bad habit we want to break.

But Habituelle founder Jessi Sheridan believes that making something a habit is a positive way to create powerful, lasting change.

In this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, Jessi Sheridan shares how her approach to leadership grew from the belief that leadership is a habit--one that can be cultivated with small, intentional practices that reflect who women truly are—rather than conforming to systems designed by someone else. To begin her practice, Jessi asks the question, “What is the impact I want to have?” which serves as a daily reset for leaders seeking purpose and alignment in both their personal and professional lives.

Jessi's approach also aligns with the Brilliantly Resilient practice of taking imperfect action while not being married to outcomes. She didn’t start with a fully formed plan; instead, she moved forward with curiosity, reflection, and imperfect action. Much like resilience itself, Jessi's path evolved step by step, grounded in consistent habits and guided by values. Her reminder that women are often “climbing a ladder built by and for someone else” challenges us to redefine success and build our own structure for growth.

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know the power of imperfect action, especially when it aligns with our values. By staying grounded in values, we are able to, in Jessi's words, "take up more space” releasing perfectionism and embracing the art of being present. In this way, we design our own habits of leadership, providing a personal path for growth.

Learn more about Jessi and Habituelle here, and listen to this week's Brilliantly Resilient podcast for more of Jessi's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Billiance:

1. “Leadership is a habit—something we practice daily through small, intentional choices.”

2. “I always ask myself, ‘What is the impact I want to have?’ That question keeps me grounded and focused.”

3. “So many women find themselves climbing a ladder that was built by and for someone else.”

4. “We need to take up more space—not just physically, but in our voices, our ideas, and the way we lead.”

5. “Habituelle is rooted in the belief that leadership isn’t a title—it’s how we show up, again and again.”

6. “I didn’t come to this work with a fully formed plan. It evolved slowly, with each imperfect step.”

7. “Perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is. Leadership and growth happen through repetition and reflection.”

8. “Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning, adjusting, and trying again with intention.”

9. “When we lead from authenticity instead of expectation, we make space for brilliance to emerge naturally.”

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

Rita Ramakrishnan ~ Founder and CEO of Iksana Consulting

What if the very things you’ve seen as challenges are actually your greatest strengths?

Rita Ramakrishnan was diagnosed as neurodivergent and autistic as a young adult, but she always knew she was different. Getting her diagnosis proved to be the proverbial light bulb, explaining much of what made Rita wonder about how she functioned in the world.

But labels like neurodivergence and autism can be scary--at least at first. The idea of a brain that operates differently can be difficult to understand by those who are neurodivergent as well as others, who may see different as a liability, especially in the workplace.

As founder of Iksana Consulting, Rita works with neurodivergent leaders as well as corporations and shares her powerful perspective that neurodivergence is not a flaw but a different operating system—one that often brings extraordinary gifts like creativity, rapid problem-solving, and unique pattern recognition. She reminds us that resilience isn’t about bouncing back, but about “bouncing forward” by experimenting, adapting, and embracing flexibility--a message relevant to us all. (In Sanskrit, "Iksana" means thoughtful observation, including a mindful and attentive presence to truly see and understand the needs and potential of a person or situation.)

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know that Brilliance and Resilience come in all shapes and sizes--and there's room for everyone. Rita reminds us that brilliance doesn’t come from sameness—it comes from authenticity, diversity, and the courage to rise in your own way.

As we recognize differences and treat them with openness and respect, we become open to sharing the knowledge and wisdom of others, expanding our tribes, and our power to solve problems and build a better world, opening the door to grace and possibility rather than shame.

Find out more about Rita's important work at Iksana Consulting here, and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Rita's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

• “For a lot of neurodivergent folks, you spend a lot of your life feeling like a square peg in a round hole… and getting a diagnosis or some understanding is really helpful to put that into context.”
• “I like to think of most neurodivergence as an operating system that processes inputs differently, and therefore the outputs look different too.”
• "I want us to stop labeling these things as different. Let's have a holistic view about how you process information."
• “Resilience for a neurodivergent person isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward.”
• “To me, the resilient aspect of neurodivergence is acknowledging that you’re not broken. We are brilliant in our own respect. I love my brain.”
• “My clients have gifts that are going to be transformative for their organizations… this isn’t something to be tolerated, it’s something to be harnessed.”
• “Neurodivergent brains often see patterns much faster, process information more quickly, and generate creative alternative solutions.”
• “Half the time, all people want is to be understood… simply saying, ‘Tell me more,’ creates room for brilliance to emerge.”
• “The best definition of happiness I’ve seen is the intersection of peacefulness and productivity. Imagine if workplaces valued both equally.”

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

P.S. I just LOVED this episode! Thank you, Rita!!!

Ursula Taylor ~ Founder, Conflict Reimagined

The legal profession is basically founded on conflict. One side tries to prove the other wrong in order to "win."

A former commercial litigator with 17 years of experience, Ursula Taylor has seen her share of conflict, and she's committed to changing the idea of conflict as a battle to be won into an opportunity to clarify values, adjust perspective and focus on solutions instead of blame. By working with corporations and individuals through Conflict Reimagined, Ursula helps resolve conflicts with holistic strategies not found within traditional dispute resolution.

In this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, Ursula Taylor invites us to reframe the way we view conflict, redefining it as an opportunity uncover what truly matters. Conflict, when met with resilience, then becomes a tool for clarity rather than battle and chaos.

When we focus less on blame and more on solutions, we can lean into our strengths, involving our supportive tribe, and taking even small, imperfect steps toward understanding other points of view. We can turn disagreements into pathways for growth where conflict becomes less about winning and losing, and more about building momentum, connection, and deeper resilience.

Echoing the Brilliliantly Resilient method, Ursula urges us to release outcomes and expectations while we lead with heart, allowing space for unexpected solutions and stronger relationships. She notes that conflict doesn’t just shape outcomes—it shapes us. By embracing that truth, we don’t just survive difficult conversations, we rise stronger and shine brighter.

Learn more about Ursula at Conflict Resolution For more of Ursula's wisdom, tune into this week's episode of the Billiantly Resilient podcast and be sure listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

1. “Conflict doesn’t have to be destructive; it can be the spark that helps us see what really matters.”

2. “When we reset our perspective, we begin to see conflict not as chaos, but as a chance to clarify values.”

3. “Every disagreement is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reset before we respond.”

4. “Rising through conflict means focusing on solutions, not blame—and leaning into the strengths we bring to the table.”

5. “We build resilience in conflict when we take imperfect steps toward understanding instead of waiting for the perfect answer.”

6. “When you involve your tribe in resolution, you find support, perspective, and the courage to keep going.”

7. “The brilliance in conflict is revealed when we allow it to shape us—teaching flexibility, empathy, and new ways forward.”

8. “Letting go of rigid outcomes in conflict opens space for unexpected, brilliant solutions to emerge.”

9. “Conflict handled with heart and purpose doesn’t just solve problems—it strengthens relationships and resilience.”

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Sara Connell, Best-selling Author and Founder of Thought Leader Academy

Have you ever thought about writing a book but believe you have nothing to say?

For those of us living "ordinary" lives, it's easy to feel our stories have little meaning beyond our own lives. Yet Sara Connell holds the opposite to be true.

As founder of the Thought Leader Academy and a 5x Bestselling author, Sara knows that even everyday stories can have profound impact. In fact, the experiences that test us but which we often overlook as meaningless to others can be the very ones that inspire people to uncover their own resilience and reclaim their power.

Sharing our stories enables us to give voice to our own truth, find meaning, and heal as we rise from challenges. Each time we share our journey--the messy parts--the vulnerable parts, we strengthen our own resilience and provide a roadmap for someone else to rise.

Ultimately, Sara notes that Brilliance is not about a perfect story, but about sharing authenticity. Our stories, no matter their scope, hold the potential to heal, connect, and inspire, becoming catalysts for resilience, transformation, and brilliance that ripple outward into the world.

Learn more about Sara and the Thought Leader Academy where she helps coaches, experts and entrepreneurs scale impact + create 6-7 figures by becoming bestselling authors and in demand/TEDx speakers. Tune in for more of her wisdom on this week's Brilliantly Resilient podcast and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance and check out Sara's FREE GIFTS BELOW:

• “Stories are the bridges that connect us—we heal ourselves and others every time we tell them.”
• “You don’t need a blockbuster story to make an impact. Your everyday story can be the light someone else needs.”
• “When we give voice to our story, we reclaim our power.”
• “Your story isn’t what happened to you—it’s the meaning you choose to create from it.”
• “Stories are proof that we survived, and they become roadmaps for others to rise too.”
• “The very thing you’re afraid to say is often what will inspire someone else to keep going.”
• “Sharing your story doesn’t just free you—it gives others permission to share theirs.”
• "Every time you tell your story, you expand the possibility of what’s available—for yourself and for others.”
• “Brilliance isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up in your truth, story and all.”
  
  

Check out these FREE GIFTS from Sara!

7 Steps to Write a Revenue Generating Bestselling Book
(in as little as 2 months even if you’ve never written before)
PLUS: Sara’s bonus templates and worksheets that have generated hundreds of bestsellers: https://www.saraconnell.com/7-steps-to-write-a-revenue-generating-bestselling-book

6-Step Pitch Power Training:
In this training, Sara shows you her 6-Step Pitch- which has resulted in thousands of podcasts, conferences, virtual events, and media appearances: https://saraconnellcoaching.lpages.co/pitch-process/

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

When you began your work life, do you remember thinking about retirement?

For many decades, retirement was the 65-year-old's goal: the end of the "job" and the entry into leisure and relaxation until...um...the end???

Too often, though, the relaxation didn't materialize--at least not in the way it was intended, especially for those who not only enjoyed working, but whose work life seemed to define them. Too many retirements seemed less than satisfying, maybe downright boring.

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons challenges the traditional narrative of retirement. Using a Brilliantly Resilient mindset and adjusting perspective, Elizabeth advises viewing retirement as a "graduation" instead of a final chapter. She reframes retirement as a vibrant reset—a time to step into freedom, creativity, and self-defined purpose. With warmth and humor, she reminds us that “nobody really wants 365 Saturdays,” because lasting fulfillment comes from living with intention, not just endless leisure.

By encouraging curosity, Elizabeth offers those in retirement the opportunity to explore passions they may have set aside during their working years, and see retirement as a season for growth rather than retreat. Whether that growth comes from volunteering, traveling, starting a new venture, or learning a skill just for fun, she proves that energy and excitement aren’t bound by age or career stage.

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know that our Brilliance is always available to us. As Elizabeth notes, it doesn't "retire when we do." Our knowledge, experiences and passions can be transferred into this life phase, creating excitement and repurposing our lives with possibilty, resilience and joy.

Get your copy of Encore, a High Achievers Guide to Thriving in Retirement. here, and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Elizabeth's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance (note the relationship of the quotes to the Brilliantly Resilient method):

1. Retirement isn’t the end of your story—it’s the start of a whole new chapter you get to write.”
   Reset: See it as a fresh beginning, not a closing door.

2. “If you wait for life to slow down before you start living, you’ll wait forever.”
   Rise: Take action toward the life you want now.

3. “The goal isn’t to stop working—it’s to start living with more freedom and joy.”
   Reveal: Redefine what work and purpose mean to you.

4. “Your identity isn’t your job title. Who you are goes far deeper.”
   Reset: Separate self-worth from professional labels.

5. “You can bring your brilliance into retirement—it doesn’t retire with you.”
   Rise: Use your skills and wisdom in new, meaningful ways.

6. “The happiest people in retirement are the ones who stay curious.”
   Reveal: Curiosity keeps you engaged, joyful, and resilient.

7. “It’s not about filling your time, it’s about fulfilling your soul.”
   Reset: Align your days with your core values.

8. “Retirement is your opportunity to finally create without constraint.”
   Rise: Give yourself permission to explore bold new ideas.

9. “Every transition is an invitation to grow—even the ones we think should be all rest and relaxation.”
   Reveal: Brilliance evolves through every life stage.

10. “Nobody really wants 365 Saturdays in a row.”
    Reset: True happiness blends leisure with purpose.

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran