Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lesley-Anne Stone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lesley-Anne, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I learned from the best – my Mom and Dad – to fight for what you believe in. I take it as a compliment that people have nicknamed me a bulldozer. I face challenges head-on and push through until the job gets done. Every challenge, trauma, or loss I’ve faced has pushed me forward, teaching me to learn and grow from it. That’s where I learned to plow through. I like to think I’m always moving forward, not just moving on. Life is a journey, and we’re all meant to keep learning, evolving, and moving forward along the way.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the host of “Resilience & Hope: A Food Allergy Podcast,” in partnership with the Food Allergy Institute in Long Beach, California. My son, Sam, faced multiple, life-threatening food allergies. Through the Tolerance Induction Program at the Food Allergy Institute, he’s now been in remission for seven years and can eat whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Season 1 of the podcast shared our journey with the incredible people who helped and supported us along the way. Season 2, launching in 2026, answers the many questions our listeners sent in during Season 1. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’m a people-person, a super connector, and a public speaker. I thrive on hearing people’s stories and learning from them. I believe we are the sum of all the connections we make, and every person we meet shapes who we are and how we grow. Whatever your goal is, I believe you need laser-sharp focus and full commitment to your path. Talk to everyone you can within the industry that interests you, and learn from their experiences. Take on as many roles, projects, and side hustles as possible to stretch your abilities, because nothing beats hands-on experience. Do everything that’s asked of you, no matter how small or unglamorous. As my first supervisor told me during my first internship – said with genuine appreciation for how hard I worked – “You shovel shit with a smile.” That mindset, showing up with humility, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, will take you further than talent alone ever could.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
One lesson from my mother stands out immediately. In high school, I had big dreams of performing in musical theatre and when I wasn’t cast in the school musical my freshman year, I was devastated. My mother didn’t miss a beat. She told me to volunteer backstage, learn everything I could from the experience, and keep building my skills outside of school. I followed her advice. I kept studying voice and acting, kept practicing, and came back stronger. The next year, I landed a role in the school musical and even booked my first professional gig in New York City. That experience taught me the power of perseverance and that hard work truly does pay off, but it also taught me that sometimes, despite your desire and effort, things won’t go your way. I learned that you grow from setbacks, that failure can be one of your greatest teachers, that nothing in life is guaranteed. You win some, you lose some, but nothing matters more than the people you love and support, and who love and support you right back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/resilienceandhopepodcast
- Instagram: @resilienceandhopepodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@resilienceandhopepodcast
Image Credits
Joshua D.W. Smith
