Meet Heather Penny

We were lucky to catch up with Heather Penny recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

Risk taking does not come natural to me. However, I do not enjoy feeling stuck or unproductive. Taking risks is what I have found that leads me into engaging with my life, my purpose, and my passion to the fullest. Without risking, am I really living?

First, I had to recognize this is how the world works. All of us want a big beautiful thriving life, but not everyone recognizes the cost required to achieve this. Taking the risk is that leap of faith required to go after a big life. But I need CLARITY on what I want.

Second, I had to be honest with myself with what scared me, made me uncomfortable and get the help, guidance and/or reassurance I needed to risk intelligently. This is the second “C” to my 3C Living and Leading Model — CONFIDENCE. We’ve all fallen flat on our face and if I could help it, I wanted to prevent that. That’s why I talk about first getting the clarity you need, then addressing the beliefs under your confidence and LASTLY, you engage the courage to take action. This is like jumping from the airplane with a parachute. However, just leaping without the clarity and confidence, is like jumping without one. And being someone who doesn’t really enjoy risk, but sees the necessity for it, I like my parachute.

And in this honest state, I need to recognize my own beliefs sabotaging me like “I don’t have what it takes” or “I’m all alone is this” or “I’m not enough” — what I call my false beliefs. Once I see what I’m saying to myself this is limiting me, I move it into a True Belief like “I have what it takes” or “I am being led and guided” or “I am the right person for this job in this moment”.

Lastly, I’m ready to move into COURAGE. Take the jump because I’ve gotten CLARITY on what I want, addressed the beliefs around my CONFIDENCE and I’m ready to set the action steps I need to move forward. The risk might be hiring a consultant to help me open my company or simply reaching out to a person ahead of me to share their expertise. Risks have many faces and I have found that the kinder you are to yourself, the more you will be set up for success.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have developed my 3C LIVING & LEADING MODEL because I know what it feels like to take big risks, and I care. I know what it feels like to lack clarity or have just enough to put take one step. But I love meeting people here at these crossroads to support their own clarity, confidence, and courage. Because I believe each person holds it within them, we just need a supportive guide at times to help us see our options and our potential. It is when I see them take these risks and achieve more than they knew possible that makes me excited about what I do. We are all this together learning from one another. Show up, stay curious, stay humble, and let yourself be who you know you are made to be. I truly believe this and I live this way.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Curiosity has been a powerful resource. This has kept me teachable, asking questions, and more focused on learning than looking stupid.

Wisdom is something you can nurture…or starve. And honestly, I’ve done both! ;). But as I age, I hope to grow in wisdom each year by staying humble, listening more and talking less.

Empathy allows me to meet people where they are. I don’t have to understand each person’s journey, but with empathy engaged, I can meet people where they are. I know what it feels like to be scared, vulnerable, alone, powerless, etc. All scary emotions that often come with transition, change, and loss. Empathy keeps me caring and is the antidote to cynicism.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

I love reading. Most importantly, I enjoy learning from the sages that have gone before. Here’s several of my favorites:

The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd
Let your Life Speak by Parker Palmer
Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr
Living Strong by Brene Brown
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Bible — specifically the words and teachings of Jesus in the New Testament

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherpenny.com
• Instagram: heatherpennyphd
• Facebook: heatherpennyphd
• Linkedin: heatherpennyphd
• Youtube: heatherpennyphd