Episode 40: The Power of Showing Up: Creating Culture & Driving Results

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Valerie Heck, a remarkable woman who transformed her life from battling addiction to becoming a culture-building leader in the HVAC industry. Valerie doesn't hold back as she shares her raw, authentic journey—from her darkest moments to discovering her purpose as what she calls the "fun ambassador" at her company.

This conversation reveals the profound impact employers can have on their employees' personal lives. Valerie's story demonstrates how compassionate leadership and genuine support during someone's most challenging times can literally change the trajectory of their life. Her managers didn't just see an employee struggling with addiction—they saw potential and chose to invest in her recovery and growth.

We explore how Valerie has become a "unicorn" employee who brings infectious energy and authentic leadership to her workplace. She shares practical insights on how business owners can identify and leverage their own unicorns, while discussing the delicate balance of leading with heart without compromising business objectives.

The episode dives deep into mentorship, emotional intelligence in the workplace, and how creating psychological safety allows teams to thrive. Valerie's journey from answering phones to becoming a respected leader in sales and operations offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone looking to grow—whether you're an employee seeking advancement or a leader wanting to build a more supportive, high-performing culture.

This is more than a success story—it's a blueprint for how businesses can become catalysts for personal transformation while building stronger, more resilient teams

Guest:
Valerie Heck
Founder & Coach, Soul Shift Strategies