In this inspiring episode, Michael welcomes leadership expert, author, and advocate Hacia Atherton to discuss her remarkable journey of reinvention, resilience, and impact. Hacia shares how a profound sense of peace during a 2023 visit led her to relocate from Australia to Florida. Her decision was shaped by speaking engagements, meeting her publisher, falling in love, and listening deeply to her own intuition as she entered a new chapter of life. Through her work with Empowered Women in Trades, she encourages others to embrace transitions with courage and authenticity.

Hacia opens up about the devastating equestrian accident that left her with multiple fractures and nerve damage, and the powerful healing journey that followed. Drawing from positive psychology, she transformed her experience into a mission to help others thrive in their careers and lives. Michael relates through his own health scare, a heart attack at age 40, and they discuss how gratitude, mindset, and resilience can reshape recovery and fuel a renewed purpose.

The conversation dives into Hacia’s deep connection to the trades, shaped by her upbringing in a family plumbing business. After a welding accident first introduced her to the field, she realized the potential for women to thrive in these roles. Hacia identifies the barriers many women face entering trades careers and explains her work in bridging the gap between employers and female candidates. Her insights highlight the importance of industry awareness, supportive workplace cultures, and empowering women to step confidently into male-dominated fields.

Michael and Hacia explore the themes in her new book, "The Billion Dollar Blind Spot," which examines workplace culture and how it impacts retention, engagement, and overall performance. They discuss what it means to lead with empathy, positivity, and psychological safety, especially within industries where women have historically been underrepresented. Hacia reflects on her personal leadership journey and the importance of cultivating environments where everyone feels valued. The episode also touches on her excitement about experiencing her first Thanksgiving in the United States.

Website: https://www.haciaatherton.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haciaatherton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hacia.atherton/
YouTube Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFNDhI9g0AY
Media features:
• RMIT
• She’s The Boss
• The Sydney Morning Herald
• The Canberra Times
• Steel Blue
• Cover Entrepreneur
• Women’s Agenda
• Daily Mail