S2E9: From Addiction to Leadership with Liz Harney

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Liz Harney as she shares her powerful journey of overcoming addiction, stepping into leadership, and using her voice to influence change in healthcare and stigma reduction. Discover how resilience, authenticity, and a "no matter what" attitude can transform personal adversity into impactful action. Follow Lix Harney on Instagram  Paramedic Pathways :https://www.paramedicpathways.org/   To connect with Carla & the shop visit: https://beacons.ai/rootedinrunes Looking for another spiritual podcast? Visit Eye Opener Society Key Topics: Liz’s personal recovery story and overcoming homelessness ⁓ The importance of compassion and authenticity in healthcare ⁓ How she found her voice through public speaking and advocating for stigma reduction ⁓ Building her nonprofit, Paramedic Pathways, to address paramedic shortages and stigma in training ⁓ Lessons learned about self-care, boundaries, and mental health as a speaker and leader ⁓ Strategies for navigating career transitions and embracing discomfort as growth ⁓ The power of showing up with passion, regardless of the size of the audience ⁓ The significance of community, support, and truth in healing and professional development Timestamps: (0:00) - Intro and candid podcast talk about editing and boundaries (1:15) - Encouragement to share authentically and ask questions freely (2:24) - Adjusting expectations with podcast hosting logistics (3:02) - Liz’s heartfelt intro: connecting through shared struggles and resilience (4:26) - Reflection on growth, community, and gratitude for connections (6:44) - The metaphor of the tower — facing adversity and rebuilding (7:42) - The journey from addiction to leadership in EMS ⁓ (8:52) - Addressing stigma in paramedicine ⁓ (10:21) - The importance of compassion and owning her past (13:20) - Navigating discomfort and stepping into growth ⁓ (15:05) - Bold career change: quitting without a plan ⁓ (18:20) - Leadership lessons and standing up for self ⁓ (20:14) - Remote work, authenticity, and balancing introversion/extroversion ⁓ (22:02) - Liz’s passion for public speaking and impact ⁓ (23:33) - The power of storytelling and vulnerability in advocacy ⁓ (26:52) - Moving the unmovable: delivering impactful speeches to Jaded audiences (28:55) - Recognition and growth as a speaker ⁓ (29:48) - Teaching empathy and compassion in EMS training ⁓ (30:40) - Addressing job burnout and self-care ⁓ (34:26) - Acknowledging limitations and the importance of self-awareness (37:16) - Maintaining wellness amidst busy schedules ⁓ (39:47) - Liz’s nonprofit: Paramedic Pathways ⁓ (41:23) - Addressing paramedic shortages and stigma reduction initiatives (42:43) - The impact of scholarships and community partnership (44:20) - Acceptance and non-judgment in recovery and everyday life (46:44) - Embracing life cycles and lessons in patience (49:20) - Connecting with Liz: social media and nonprofit info Resources & Links: Paramedic Pathways Liz Harney on Facebook Liz Beth Jade on Instagram Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Connect with Liz: Facebook - Liz Harney Instagram - Liz Beth Jade Final notes:  Liz exemplifies turning adversity into advocacy. Her journey underscores the importance of authenticity, community, and persistence in making meaningful change—both personally and professionally. Whether speaking publicly or building a nonprofit, her commitment to impact and integrity shines through.