What if the very experiences meant to break you became the foundation of your greatest strength?

In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank L. Douglas speaks with executive leader and TEDx speaker Victoria Pelletier about trauma, leadership, and the courage to show up authentically. This is a conversation about resilience that goes deeper—about becoming antifragile and leading beyond fear.

Watch now and step into the zone of discomfort where real growth begins.

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Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank L. Douglas sits down with corporate executive, author, and TEDx speaker Victoria Pelletier to explore what it truly means to lead from resilience—and beyond it.

Victoria shares her deeply personal journey, from surviving severe childhood trauma to becoming a senior executive by the age of 24. Through candid reflection, she reveals how her early definition of success—status, hierarchy, and control—evolved into a leadership philosophy rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and purpose.

This conversation challenges conventional ideas of strength in leadership and reframes adversity as a catalyst for growth, connection, and belonging. It’s a compelling reminder that antifragility isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about transforming through it.

Key Topics

1. Antifragility vs. resilience in leadership
2. Turning childhood trauma into purpose and drive
3. The hidden cost of command-and-control leadership
4. Vulnerability as a leadership strength
5. Psychological safety, belonging, and trust at work
6. Redefining success and legacy
7. Stepping into discomfort to unlock growth

Timeline Summary

[00:00 – 01:05]

Introduction to the episode and guest Victoria Pelletier

[01:06 – 03:10]

Victoria’s early life, adoption, trauma, and formative experiences

[03:11 – 05:25]

Understanding her “why” and how adversity fueled ambition

[05:26 – 08:25]

Early executive leadership, emotional armor, and the “Iron Maiden” identity

[08:26 – 11:19]

The pivot toward authenticity and sharing her story publicly

[11:20 – 13:01]

Impact of authentic leadership on trust, innovation, and belonging

[13:02 – 14:25]

Closing principles: being the CEO of your life and embracing discomfort

Links & Resources

1. Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC
2. Listen to more episodes at