What happens when a life-altering medical event completely shifts your trajectory?

In this powerful, grace-filled episode of the Authentic Voice podcast, Dr. Leslie Davis sits down with guest Laura Gates to discuss her personal journey through a traumatic diagnosis—torn carotid arteries and imminent stroke—and how surrendering to God transformed her perspective on life, work, and identity.

Laura shares her testimony of moving from an introverted, "under-the-radar" life into showing up fully in her calling as a coach helping women find purpose after life-changing medical events. Together, they unpack what it looks like to navigate debilitating migraines, low capacity, and spoon theory as a Christian entrepreneur and leader.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• A Journey of Surrender: How facing a near-death medical crisis became the catalyst for deep trust and finding purpose in God's plan.
• Energy Management & Spoon Theory: Practical insights for managing low-capacity days, protecting your space, and overcoming perfectionism as a high achiever or Type-A personality.
• Navigating Business with Physical Challenges: Learning self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and asking God for daily grace over your output.
• Life-Giving Rest & Connection: Finding grounding through creation, simple daily routines, journaling, and listening for God's still, small voice.

If you are navigating chronic illness, medical recovery, or simply learning how to give yourself grace while stepping into your calling, Laura's story will inspire you to stop striving and start resting in God's intentional design for your life.

Connecting with You and Next Steps:

• Podcast: [Insert Apple Podcasts/Spotify Links]
• Community Platform: Authentic Voice Leadership Community at AuthenticVoiceLeadership.com
• Instagram: @lesliebaylis

Next Steps:

• Step 1: Join a supportive community of intentional leaders at AuthenticVoiceLeadership.com.
• Step 2: Head over to the resources tab inside the community to download your free copy of The Capacity Audit Workbook grid.
• Step 3: Claim Laura's guide, Find Your Purpose After a Life-Altering Event, inside the Authentic Voice Leadership Community at gift.livingsentcoaching.com/leslie — a simple 3-step guide to help you reassess your path, uncover your divine gifts, and start taking small steps forward after life shifts.
• Step 4: Choose an accountability partner this week to help you monitor your spinning plates and prevent the next energy crash!

Connect & Resources:

• Guest: Laura Gates | Post-Medical Purpose & Life Coach
• Host: Dr. Leslie Davis

  Authentic Voice, Christian Leadership, Energy Management, Spoon Theory, Finding Purpose After Medical Trauma, Overcoming Perfectionism, Faith and Chronic Illness, Women's Empowerment, Self-Compassion.