297: Be Curious. Ask “What If?” When Luck Shows Up, Be Prepared To Do The Work with Heather Hansen O’Neill

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Heather Hansen O'Neill, a keynote speaker, coach, leadership expert, author, and former professional dancer whose career journey has been defined by reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. Heather shares how dance became her safe place from a young age, leading her to a professional performing career before a devastating injury abruptly changed her path forever. Heather reflects on the difficult transition that followed losing the career she loved, the years she spent searching for direction, and the powerful “what if?” question that ultimately helped her rediscover joy and purpose. She discusses how her experiences shaped her work helping leaders and organizations create more human-centered cultures, build meaningful connections, and rethink the way they approach sales, leadership, and career fulfillment. Tammy and Heather also explore the importance of listening to your inner voice amid life’s noise, embracing reinvention at every stage of life, and staying resilient through rejection and uncertainty. Heather shares lessons from the dance world that continue to guide her today, including why sometimes not getting the role you wanted may lead you to the one that truly fits. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: How Heather’s professional dance career shaped her identity and leadership style What happened after a career-ending injury changed the direction of her life Why curiosity and asking “what if?” can open new possibilities How human connection transforms leadership, sales, and workplace culture The importance of listening to your inner voice amid external noise Why many professionals feel disconnected from their work—and how to reconnect How Heather transitioned from sales into coaching, speaking, and authorship Lessons about resilience, rejection, and persistence from the dance world Why reinvention often begins with letting go of old expectations How setbacks can ultimately lead to more meaningful opportunities  Learn more about Heather: Visit: heatherhansenoneill.com Follow Heather on LinkedIn Listen: From Fear to Fire Podcast Read: Teams on Fire! Transforming your group into a more productive, profitable and motivated team Read: Find Your Fire at Forty: Creating a Joyful Life During the Age of Discontent Read: Where's the Office?: Moving Today's Leaders from What IS to What CAN BE Read: Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales Watch: Become Conscious -You Must & Can Change the World   Watch: Let go and let fly! Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb