From Veteran Medic to CEO: Reinventing Yourself After PTSD

Episode 041 of the Badass Leaders Podcast with guest Suzy Wraines

How Trauma, Mindset, and Leadership Intersect: A Powerful Conversation with Suzy Wraines and Angela Gill Nelms

What happens when a military veteran, healthcare professional, and entrepreneur sits down with a leadership expert to unpack the truth about resilience, trauma, and purpose? In this powerful conversation, Angela Gill Nelms and Suzy Wraines dive deep into the real-life journey of healing, self-discovery, and the mindset shifts that define modern leadership. From growing up in Alaska to serving in the military and navigating the emotional toll of transitioning to civilian life, Suzy shares lessons on identity, self-awareness, and the cost of compassion fatigue—especially in veterinary medicine and healthcare entrepreneurship. Together, they explore how trauma impacts leadership, why regulating trauma isn’t the same as resolving it, and how energy alignment influences success and relationships.

Themes: trauma healing, leadership, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, resilience, personal growth, veterans’ transition, healthcare burnout

Mentioned this Episode:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.es/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748  
• Trauma Energetics Coaching — Suzy’s certification and current modality 

Learn more about Suzy at:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzywraines/
• Website: http://www.startingabusinesssimplified.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@startingabusinesssimplified
• Podcast: https://www.startingabusinesssimplified.com/podcast

Free Video Series: https://www.startingabusinesssimplified.com/5-steps-landing

About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.

Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.

About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at hello@TheAGNGroup.com to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.

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Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.

Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.

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