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🎙️ Episode 12 Summary with Simona Pappalardo

Today I sit down with the inspiring Simona Pappalardo, global executive turned leadership coach, speaker, and author of Authentically Yours. Born in Milan, she’s lived in Scotland, Malaysia, and now the U.S., believing every transition holds a hidden chapter waiting to be written.

Simona shares how a childhood cartoon sparked her love for engineering and how she navigated a male-dominated field, learning to lead with empathy, courage, and imperfect action. She opens up about defining moments, advocating for her Malaysian colleagues, guiding multicultural teams, trusting herself despite doubt, and choosing decisions over perfection.

We also dive into life beyond titles: her shift from engineering to coaching, blending cultural traditions with her husband, and her deeply personal IVF journey, teaching lessons on patience, surrender, and self-worth. Simona reminds us that courage is often quiet, dreaming bigger, and giving yourself permission to shift. Music and authenticity have been anchors through it all.

Fun full circle moment: I met Simona through her amazing editor, Brunella Costagliola, who also worked with past guests Jose Raymundo and Chris Kruger. Her book Authentically Yours launched December 1st, and she once dreamed of it under a Christmas tree, ready to inspire someone to live authentically. Her official launch party is December 9th in New York City, details are in the show notes.

To get in touch with Simona:
📧 simona@coachingwithsimona.com
🌎 https://coachingwithsimona.com/

📖 Purchase "Authentically Yours" on Amazon: Released Dec.1st!
https://a.co/d/3AGB7oc

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