What happens when the very qualities that built your success almost break you?

In this episode of the Power Of Women Podcast, Di Gillett sits down with Tess Brouwer, former Virgin Australia executive, now Chief Energy Officer and Co-Founder of Awake Academy to explore what it truly takes to reset, rebuild, and rise stronger after life changes in an instant.

At 32, Tess was a high-performing corporate leader living in Switzerland when a skiing accident left her with a spinal cord injury, Guillain-Barré diagnosis, multiple surgeries and months in rehabilitation. Her identity had been built on performance, drive and achievement. Suddenly, none of that worked.

This is a raw and honest conversation about identity grief, burnout, nervous system overload, emotional resilience and rebuilding self-worth from the ground up.

If you have ever ignored the warning signs…

If you have ever tied your worth to your work…

If you have ever asked, “If I can’t perform, who am I?”

This episode is for you.

You’ll hear:

• The life-changing accident that forced Tess to confront her identity
• Why high performers ignore red flags - until they can’t
• The difference between grit and true resilience
• How mental fitness differs from “pushing through”
• Why burnout is often a wake-up call, not a weakness
• Practical daily resets to regulate your nervous system
• The simple question every ambitious woman must ask herself: Am I enjoying my life?

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Who is Tess Brouwer?

Tess Brouwer is one of Australia’s leading mental and emotional fitness trainers, a Positive Psychology Practitioner, best-selling author, and Co-Founder of Awake Academy alongside seven-time World Champion Layne Beachley AO. Formerly Head of Brand Partnerships at Virgin Australia, Tess rebuilt her life after a life-altering spinal and brain injury. Today she helps leaders and organisations develop emotional endurance, resilience, and sustainable high performance.

Find Tess at:

Website http://awakeacademy.com.au/

Seven Day Self-Care Program https://awakeacademy.com/self-care

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-brouwer-7128aa54/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tesscbrouwer/?hl=en

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

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Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

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