430. “Don’t put everything in one basket.” | Pivoting, Healing & Heart-Led Leadership with Valerie J. Walsh

Valerie J. Walsh is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and transformational leader whose work turns personal tragedy into a mission to help others rise. Through her memoir Shattered to the Core and her follow-up, CoreAgeous, she invites us into the real work of healing—naming trauma, telling the truth, and leading from the heart. We explore her journey from fitness professional to aviation leader and mental health advocate, and how journaling her way through loss and cancer recovery became the foundation for her books.

What resonated most was Valerie’s CORE philosophy of authentic leadership and the practical courage it takes to let go, say no, and pivot. We talk about moving from “work hard, play hard” to sober, intentional living; why language matters (she says “died by suicide” to reduce stigma); and how trauma shows up differently for everyone. Her stories remind us that our self-worth can’t live in any single role, relationship, or result—and that small daily actions change everything.

We left this conversation believing that reinvention isn’t a grand gesture; it’s a repeatable habit. If you’ve been waiting for permission to start over, this is it.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

It’s never too late to pivot. Begin with one small step every day toward who you want to become—and keep going.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more at valeriejwalsh.com
• Read Shattered to the Core by Valerie J. Walsh
• Read CoreAgeous by Valerie J. Walsh
• Follow Valerie J. Walsh on Instagram: @valeriejwalshauthor
• Connect with Valerie J. Walsh on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA