Sensitivity: The New Leadership Superpower with Figgi Founder, Dr Jeanne Retief #131
What happens when all that you’ve built - career, purpose, status - starts to crumble… not through failure, but simply because your body says ‘No more’?
Dr Jeanne Retief started life on the front lines of international human rights law, but after a diagnosis of panic disorder, she saw the kind of invisible collapse that so many high performers experience.
Rebuilt and reimagined, she’s forged a new identity and launched Figgi Beauty, and the story of how it came to be might just help you reclaim your power, whatever you’re facing…
CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics around sexual abuse, attempted suicide, and alcoholism - listener discretion advised.
Lee and Jeanne discuss:
How high-achieving professionals can turn mental health challenges into business strengths
The transformative power of vulnerability in leadership
Strategies for managing anxiety and building a purpose-driven business
Why sensitivity isn't a weakness, but potentially your greatest asset
How community and authenticity can heal you
Links & references
Dr Jeanne Retief:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeanne-retief/
Figgi Beauty:
https://www.figgibeautyuk.com/
Extrology:
https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology
https://substack.com/@extrology
https://www.youtube.com/@extrology
Lee Cooper:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Episode highlights:
“When panic disorder happens to you, there is no rationality. Your logical mind just completely stops functioning. Everything outside of you stops existing, except this absolute need for survival.” - 16:30 - Dr Jeanne Retief
“I don’t care if my products are or aren’t for you - I don’t care about trends. We’re open about what we do, and our community is about love, sharing that, and being there for each other.” - 25:45 - Dr Jeanne Retief
“People don’t take time to look behind the curtain with high-achieving women. We show up a certain way because of what’s happening, we’re not all made the same way.” - 33:15 - Dr Jeanne Retief
“The protection comes from being honest. You're not protected if you're dishonest, because there's so much more to worry about and so much more to hide.” - 41:20 - Dr Jeanne Retief
“So much time is spent trying to avoid the collision that you think is coming. Sometimes you just need to walk right through it.” - 44:30 - Dr Jeanne Retief
Extrology is sponsored by Progresso Talent Partners who for more than 25 years have successfully delivered interim and permanent leadership talent to transform businesses and to hire the talent you need to enable your business to thrive: https://www.progressotalent.com/