When chatting with our guest this week, you would haze zero idea that she has overcome such adversity in her life. Or maybe you would, maybe her sunny yet determined outlook on life is one that would only come after such obstacles. We are overjoyed to welcome Mindy Henderson of Mindy Henderson Speaks to the show - professional speaker, coach, and writer focused on overcoming adversity.  At 15 months old, she was diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition called spinal muscular atrophy. Her parents were told she would lose all of her abilities to stand or walk, she would lose all of her cognitive functions, and probably wouldn't live to be 3 years old. Between parents that would not take her diagnosis lying down, and a self-described personality of a natural born project manager with a sprinkling of bossiness, Mindy has defied all odds and our world is better for it.Discussion highlights:Hope, Gratitude, IndependenceImplementing a plan in the face of devastationImpact of being the Texas State Poster Child for the Muscular Dystrophy AssociationThe start of catching the public speaking bugFrom Tech Career to Speaker EntrepreneurWorking in high tech for two decadesOvercoming fear of risk to become an entrepreneurWhat pushed her into following her dream of becoming a published authorAdding coach to her repertoireLife's Curve Balls as MessengerSkipping the pity party and jumping into productivityIgnoring your life's plan for your life's purposeBecoming a Public SpeakerHow to identify your topicEngaging with your audience with stories and toolsGetting clear on your values, priorities for audience connectionSpeaking for groups, organizations, nonprofits, UT Austin The Impact of COVID-19Battling through event cancellationsCreating workshops that align with the current state of the worldKey Success PrinciplesThe importance of having multiple arms to your businessGetting comfortable with risk takingBeing intentional with honesty and vulnerabilityNetworking through social media and 1:1 Moving Forward - Goals and VisionsExpanding coaching clientsLand a publishing contractIncrease speaking engagementDo a Ted Talk or Tedx TalkMuscle Creative Wrap-UpIf you could listen to only one music artist for the rest of your life, who would it be? EaglesWhere can people find you online?Mindy Henderson SpeaksInstagramFacebookWomen's Thrive & Shine Network Facebook Group