Lead with Grit with Whitney Faires
In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews Whitney Faires, an internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert. Whitney shares her journey from a traumatic childhood incident to overcoming sports injuries, and discusses how these adversities shaped her mindset and career. The conversation covers key topics such as executive presence, ruthless prioritization, and the importance of betting on oneself. Whitney offers insights on how to balance professional aspirations with personal fulfillment, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and self-belief.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Website: https://www.whitneyfaires.com/
Set Up for Success at Work Mentorship Guide and Bonuses
Listener Feedback Form – Share how you see people shaping the future – and/or ask a question for Andrea and guests to address on the show.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:31 A Life-Changing Incident in New York
05:26 Impact of the Incident on Family and Career
08:50 Overcoming Adversity in Sports
13:54 Defining Identity Beyond Career
19:06 Leadership in Uncertain Times
26:20 Understanding Stress and Anxiety Tendencies
27:20 Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety
28:21 Finding Positivity in Adversity
32:22 The Importance of Executive Presence
38:03 Ruthless Prioritization for Success
45:57 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth
48:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Summary
What happens when a life-altering moment collides with ambition, identity, and a calling to lead? For Whitney Ferris—internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert—it became the foundation of her mission to help others face uncertainty with grit, presence, and heart.
In this compelling episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, Whitney shares her transformative journey from surviving a childhood trauma in New York City to leading teams in corporate America and launching her own company. She invites us to consider how adversity, mindset, and personal identity all shape the way we lead.
Don’t miss this episode—tune in for a vulnerable, insightful conversation that will challenge and inspire you.
Adversity Isn’t the End—It’s the Catalyst
“I realized life is so short. In a moment, everything can change.”
At just six years old, Whitney experienced a terrifying armed robbery in New York City that ended in tragedy. That day changed how she viewed time, opportunity, and courage. It planted a seed that would eventually bloom into a leadership philosophy rooted in urgency and presence.
Instead of letting the trauma define her, Whitney chose to see it as a defining moment: “The mindset you take to adversity is critical. It can shape you or weigh you down.”
Her story reminds us that setbacks can become powerful teachers—if we’re willing to face them head-on.
Own Your Identity—Or Someone Else Will
“In that point in my life, sports was my identity… We do this in the workplace, too.”
Whitney’s path to playing Division I volleyball at the University of Virginia was riddled with challenge—including two ACL tears that nearly derailed her dreams. But she didn’t let injury define her. Instead, she learned to separate her identity from achievement.
She challenges professionals to do the same: “When people get so wrapped up in their work being their identity, that’s when we head down paths where we wake up unhappy, asking, ‘How did I get here?’”
True leadership, she says, begins when we anchor our worth in something deeper than job titles or wins. It’s about making intentional choices that align with who we are—on and off the clock.
Executive Presence is Rooted in Authenticity
“You will fail at executive presence if you pretend to be someone you’re not.”
Whitney’s coaching clients often hear they need to “improve executive presence”—but what does that really mean?
She breaks it down simply: executive presence is how people feel about you when you enter a room. And it’s not about being loud, polished, or perfect—it’s about being clear, confident, and real.
It starts with identifying the root behavior that might be holding you back—whether it’s perfectionism, self-doubt, or over-preparing—and cultivating presence by staying grounded in your values.
“Authenticity is your competitive advantage,” Whitney says. “You can be anyone you want and still have executive presence—if you own it.”
Whitney Ferris’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, identity, and intentional leadership. Whether you’re navigating uncertainty or striving for that next-level role, remember this:
“Nobody needs to believe in you except you.”