In this deeply moving episode of the Leadership Toolkit podcast, host Mike welcomes the extraordinary Andrea Wilson Woods, a keynote speaker, writer, patient advocate, and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. Andrea shares her heart-wrenching journey of raising her sister, Adrienne, who lost her battle with liver Cancer at just 15, and how this tragedy propelled her to start a non-profit dedicated to fighting liver cancer. Dive into Andrea’s story of unexpected guardianship, her fight for Adrienne’s life, and how leadership and compassion can emerge from the toughest situations.

🧰 The Workbench: My Key Takeaways
1️⃣ Adversity Can Forge Leaders: Facing hardships can be a catalyst for developing leadership skills—a test by fire that prepares you for future challenges.
2️⃣ Action Over Despair: Leaders find ways to channel personal pain or adversity into productive, positive actions that serve others and fulfill a greater purpose.
3️⃣ Empathy Guides Great Leaders: Utilizing the Platinum Rule, Andrea’s journey illustrates how deeply understanding and aligning with the needs of others can drive meaningful change.
4️⃣ Courage and Conviction Are Key: Leadership often requires standing in the face of adversity or skepticism and pushing forward with a belief in your actions and their impact on others.

Resources Mentioned:

Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association

Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days (Order on Amazon)

I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf (Order on Amazon)

Be inspired by Andrea’s journey and take action. Whether it’s supporting a loved one in need, starting your own initiative to make a difference, or simply offering your help where it’s needed, remember the power of asking questions, being organized, and advocating for what truly matters.

Contact Information:
Andrea Wilson Woods
LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/AndreaWilsonWoods/
Web: ⁠BlueFaery.org⁠

Mike Phillips
Email: ⁠⁠⁠mike@TheLeadshipToolkit.com⁠⁠⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Linkedin.com/in/LeadTheTeam⁠⁠⁠
Twitter: ⁠@LeadTheTeam
YouTube: YouTube.com/@MikePhillips

Credits:

Hosted by Mike Phillips

Produced by The Leadership Toolkit Team

Guest Speaker: Andrea Wilson Woods, Founder of Blue Fairy

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Mike Phillips Host of The Leadership Toolkit

Mike Phillips: Leadership Educator and host of The Leadership Toolkit podcast

Mike Phillips is a seasoned Leadership Consultant and Coach based in Colorado Springs, renowned for his contributions to leadership education, sales training, and motivational speaking. He hosts the definitive podcast for leadership education, The Leadership Toolkit. He hosts a dynamic website dedicated to empowering professionals through innovative educational content. With over 30 years in leadership and coaching, combined with two decades in sales and marketing, Mike brings a wealth of experience to his roles as an educator, podcast host, YouTuber, and coach. He has a proven track record of guiding individuals and teams to achieve exceptional business success.

Mike specializes in a broad range of disciplines including leadership, business management, facilities management, organization, public speaking, and call center operations. His expertise extends to sales training, marketing, and advertising, as well as negotiation and mediation. Through his podcast and various training programs, Mike shares actionable insights and strategies, making him a valuable resource for professionals striving to excel in their careers.