The Company Road Podcast E64 Raw Courage and Reinvention: From Stripper to Global Executive
"Imposter syndrome is not conquered by achievements. The more achievements that you have, sometimes it can disconnect you more from your sense of worth. That is why I believe in being so raw and open about my stuff now. Now that I have the privilege to do it." - DeAnna Avis
This week’s theme
DeAnna Avis’ story is not your typical corporate success tale—it’s raw, real, and powerfully inspirational. From the glittering stages of strip clubs to the boardrooms of global corporations, DeAnna's transformation is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
In this episode, DeAnna takes us through her difficult upbringing, battling mental health struggles, addiction, and homelessness, all while navigating the highs and lows of working as a stripper. But that's only the beginning. Today, she's a global executive, therapist, and coach who helps others thrive through adversity. DeAnna candidly discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing authenticity, and the challenges of staying true to yourself in a world that often judges from the outside. Her insights into personal growth, leadership, and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs are inspiring and deeply relevant for intrapreneurs aiming to create their own success stories.
Don’t miss this episode—DeAnna’s story will shake up everything you think you know about success, resilience, and the power of transformation.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- The impact of authenticity
- Imposter Syndrome
- The significance of seeking support
- Concept of schemas—mental patterns that influence behaviour and perceptions
- Managing digital distraction
- Practice of writing "morning pages" for mental clarity
- Navigating triggers and trauma
- Proactive career development
- The power of positive foundations
- Complexity of identity and diversity
Key links
- DeAnna Avis LinkedIn
- Julia Cameron’s "Morning Pages"
- Company Road Podcast E40 – Lael Stone
About our guest
DeAnna Avis is a speaker, consultant and coach on thriving through adversity. A former stripper, she climbed the ranks of corporate, taking on global leadership roles and winning multiple awards for her work in customer experience and culture change.
She since went on to re-train as a therapist and coach, and uses her experience of adversity to uplift other leaders and entrepreneurs. Her mission is to conquer imposter syndrome through helping other ambitious misfits to embrace their unique brilliance.
About our host
Our host, Chris Hudson, is a Teacher, Organisational, Service & Product Designer and Founder of business transformation coaching and consultancy Company Road.
Chris helps organisations become more customer-centric, and sets up systems within businesses to motivate teams to deliver against higher value outcomes.
Chris considers himself incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s most ambitious and successful companies, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Accenture (Fjord) and Dulux, to name a small few.
He continues to teach with University of Melbourne in Innovation, and Academy Xi in CX, Product Management, Design Thinking and Service Design and mentors many business
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