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In this episode of Making Maverick Moves, host Gina Osborne sits down with Winnie Da Silva, who shares her transformative journey—from creating an alter ego and using neuroscientific visualization techniques to challenging internal stories and embracing uncertainty. You don’t need permission to lead like a boss. You just need courage, creativity, and the willingness to start—even before you're ready.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction: rewriting the rules and making bold maverick moves

01:43 — Transitioning from social work to corporate consulting at Arthur Andersen

03:55 — Applying social work insights to executive leadership and stakeholder ecosystems

09:42 — Building confidence using an alter ego (“Winnie the Consultant”) and visualization

11:51 — Differentiating imposter syndrome from unfamiliarity in new roles

15:34 — Identifying and reframing limiting stories about yourself, others, and culture

31:34 — Implementing feedback systems (check-ins, peer exchange, 360 reviews) to surface blind spots

41:58 — When strengths become blind spots: why leaders must evolve their style

49:25 — Building leadership through authentic relationships and empowering others

51:00 — How to make a maverick move: planting seeds, flexing courage, and accepting learning through failure

1:03:42 — Insights from immigrant entrepreneurs: adaptation, resilience, and identity

1:06:16 — What distinguishes a great leader from a poor one: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity