We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patti Tutalo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Patti, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I like to say that my purpose found me. I stayed open throughout my journey, ready to receive clues about what my purpose might be. I believe my calling is to advocate for women, whether in male-dominated industries or for young women navigating high school. Women have often been told to mute their voices, tone down their power, and “be a lady.” But I was born a rebel. That rebellious energy, combined with being an empath, makes me a unique being.
I think people feel this unique energy and want to tell me their problems. They would confide in me about being sexually harassed or assaulted, their health issues, and the challenges they face in their careers and at home. As they shared their struggles, I thought of ways to help, whether by simply listening or advocating for policy changes. I felt their pain and trauma, but I could also connect with leaders who could make a difference. By tuning into both, I was able to bring about change. These women helped shape my purpose.
There are days when I feel exhausted from the resistance to creating a more inclusive culture. But then, someone enters my life and reignites that fire within me, reminding me to live my purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m just a regular girl from western PA. Growing up, I lacked confidence, was a strong empath, an average student, and dreamed of seeing the world. I love people and am fascinated by culture. After leaving home for school at 18, growth happened, and I gained confidence and developed a passion for leadership.
With the twists and turns of life, I landed here, walking the tightrope of being a female leader in a male-dominated world. I worked hard to project confidence without seeming too aggressive, constantly questioned if my appearance or actions would be judged unfairly, and wondered when I should stand up for myself. It’s exhausting! But through it all, I just wanted to be me. And now I am. This is me, vulnerable and full of life.
After a 20-year career in the Coast Guard, I founded Patti Tutalo Consulting, LLC. Our core values – Impact, Authenticity, Spiritual Connection, Trust, and Love – drive our mission: to transform cultures, redesign systems to be safe for everyone to thrive, empower authenticity in every aspect of life, and create a community of women who support each other without judgment. We achieve this through comprehensive services: consulting, training, coaching, workshops, and retreats, all aimed at making organizations more inclusive of women. Our focus is on male-dominated industries such as the military and maritime industry.
https://www.pattitutalo.com/
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Authenticity, love, and truth are the three most important qualities and skills that have guided me on my journey.
Authenticity – We are all placed on this earth with unique skills and personalities. For years, I was asked to be someone I was not. While in the Coast Guard, I was told what to wear, how to act, and who to be. I noticed a significant shift in those around me when I fully embraced myself. I started to attract people who supported and advocated for me, as well as influential figures. Life became happier and less strenuous, and the work felt easier. This was the validation I needed that being my authentic self is my superpower.
Love – When I started each day with an intention of love, everything started to shift. Choosing love, a high-vibrational frequency, can bring about a lot of positivity. Many people are dealing with trauma and simply need love, from the person serving coffee to a colleague lashing out at a coworker. People need love. Love has the power to transform, and even if it initially meets resistance, offering love instead of matching their reaction can break down walls.
Truth – Truth prevails, whether in organizations, relationships, or with yourself. I find that when we have the courage to acknowledge problems honestly, solutions surface, helping us move forward. In other words, the truth sets us free. Speaking truth to power takes great courage but is absolutely critical to cultural transformation.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I had a traumatic bicycle accident nearly 30 years ago that almost took my life. I fell headfirst from a bridge without railings onto a concrete support along the C&O Canal Trail in Maryland. Fortunately, my helmet protected my head, but my internal organs bore the impact. I had exploratory surgery, where they removed my spleen and repaired my pancreas, and I had significant blood loss. The surgeon and his team were remarkable in saving my life.
After the surgery, the doctor recommended a 7-10 day hospital stay. I insisted I couldn’t stay that long because my high school graduation was in three days. Who was I to argue with a very experienced surgeon with all the data and experience from many years of treating patients? Luckily, he was open to this new information and allowed me to leave in five days. He also chose not to give me a blood transfusion even after losing 30-40% of my blood. The data would tell him to absolutely give me blood, but he noticed I was a fit 18-year-old who could quickly get my blood count back up.
This experience shaped my perspective on capability and the power of mindset. I was determined to get out of that hospital. My doctor was willing to consider my unique situation, allowing an early discharge and avoiding a blood transfusion, showing the importance of flexibility and openness to new information. We limit our potential if we remain stuck in our perceptions of ourselves or others. Had I just believed everything the doctors said and not provided my input, I wouldn’t have been able to heal as quickly as I did.
Just two months after my accident, I started my military training. Physically, I was in the worst shape of my life, but I was able to complete my training and go on to have a successful career by believing in myself and my body. When the odds were not in my favor, when my body was not in the best shape, I overcame with my mindset and with the help of my angels and guides. Mindset is everything. It was the first time I truly understood how powerful the connection between the mind, body, and spirit is.
You have a narrative in your head right now—maybe one of self-doubt, fear, or feelings of unworthiness. You can choose to seek information confirming these beliefs or look for evidence contradicting them. To boost your confidence, focus on the times you totally rocked it rather than your failures. Save thank-you cards from clients or friends, write down daily accomplishments, and think bigger. Encourage others by acknowledging their strengths and achievements, too. Never forget that you were placed on this earth for a reason and have all the tools and skills to do the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pattitutalo.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-tutalo
Image Credits
Sam Fatima
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
