In this episode of Courage Is Built Here, Justine opens Pathway Two, Embody Again, with a conversation about how caring for yourself is not optional if you want to live and lead with courage. She is joined by leadership consultant and coach Gretchen Pettet, who shares how grief became the unexpected catalyst for finally slowing down and showing up for herself.
Gretchen reflects on the loss of her mom and how years of being driven, busy, and skeptical of self-care caught up with her. As she began carving out time for practices like meditation, journaling, reading, and better sleep, she noticed profound changes. Her energy improved, her relationships deepened, and she became more present at home and at work. What surprised her most was that slowing down created space for more peace, clarity, and connection, not less.
Together, Justine and Gretchen talk about breaking free from autopilot, modeling self-care as leaders and parents, and embracing authenticity without apology. They explore why making self-care easier matters, how tools like meditation apps and journaling support consistency, and why intentional living is at the heart of courage. This episode is an invitation to care well for yourself so you can truly show up for others.
Key Takeaways
- Pathway Two, Embody Again, is about caring well for yourself so you can show up fully for others.
- Gretchen’s catalyst for change was the sudden loss of her mom, which forced her to slow down and re-evaluate how she was living.
- Self-care is not selfish; taking care of yourself is often how you best take care of the people you love and lead.
- Slowing down created unexpected benefits, including better sleep, more energy, greater presence, and improved relationships.
- Modeling self-care as a leader gives others permission to do the same.
- Living on autopilot disconnects you from yourself and others; intentional living brings clarity and peace.
- Authenticity and embracing your “weirdness” are natural byproducts of caring well for yourself.
- Self-care practices do not have to be perfect to be effective; making them easier increases consistency.
- Reading, meditation, and journaling were practices that helped Gretchen stay grounded across different seasons.
- Intentional breathing and meditation support nervous system regulation and emotional well-being.
- Caring for yourself first allows you to show up with more patience, presence, and compassion in every area of life.
About the guest
Gretchen Pettet is a passionate and engaging leadership consultant and coach skilled in all aspects of talent and organizational development. A high-energy optimist, she believes anything is possible with a great team and actively works to grow and develop others through relationships built on mutual respect and trust.
Connect with Gretchen
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gapettet/
