Hi, I’m Coach James Short, host of the Leading and Growing Your Real Estate Business podcast. Each week, I sit down with inspiring leaders, changemakers, and everyday heroes who’ve turned challenges into catalysts for growth. In this deeply moving episode, I speak with Connie Palaniti — an Australian woman whose extraordinary life journey spans immigration, success, addiction, incarceration, and redemption. From building a thriving events business and organizing celebrity galas to losing everything through a gambling addiction that led to a $6 million theft and prison time, Connie’s story is raw, real, and ultimately redemptive. After serving her sentence, Connie rebuilt her life from the ground up. She returned to university, became a bestselling author of From the Shadows Into the Light, and now dedicates her life to advocacy and education—breaking stigmas around addiction, incarceration, and second chances. This conversation is a masterclass in courage, vulnerability, and transformation. ✨ Key Takeaways: ✅ Addiction can affect anyone — it’s the hidden battle beneath success. ✅ True rehabilitation begins with empathy, education, and empowerment. ✅ Families are often the silent victims of addiction and incarceration. ✅ Reintegration requires systemic support — not judgment or rejection. ✅ Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing and societal change. ✅ Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Connie’s message is one of hope: no matter how dark life gets, it’s never too late to step back into the light. 🌟 👉 Listen now, subscribe for more weekly episodes, share this story to inspire others, and leave a review to support the show.