When a layoff happens, the instinct is to grab the next job as fast as possible. But I’ve seen time and again that rushing only leads to regret.

If instead you pause, talk with your A-Team, and get clear on your strengths and growth areas, you can use that moment as a catalyst for something far bigger than you imagined. Many people even look back and say it was the best thing that ever happened to them.

Listen to the full conversation on the Badass Leaders Podcast for more insights from Crystal Simon and me, Angela Gill Nelms.

Watch the full interview on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Episode Details:

Where Grit Meets Grace: Trauma, Leadership & Reinvention | Live at STRIPES with Dr. Crystal Simon What happens when two women in the medtech industry sit down to discuss trauma, leadership, reinvention, and the harsh reality of career transitions? In this live STRIPES conversation, Dr. Crystal Simon interviews Angela Gill Nelms about the stories behind her grit, the grace that helped her heal, and the mindset required to lead through the hardest seasons. Angela opens up about surviving a kidnapping, rebuilding her life, overcoming imposter syndrome, leading companies, navigating layoffs, personal branding, conflict resolution, and how to build an A-Team that accelerates your growth. Together, they unpack the emotional, professional, and deeply human sides of leadership in medtech, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Whether you’re navigating trauma, experiencing a career shift, building resilience, or stepping into a bigger leadership role—this episode will give you tools, courage, and perspective. This is where grit meets grace.

Watch this if you want to learn: – How trauma shapes leadership—and how to heal while leading – How women can lead without mimicking male leadership styles – The A-Team model: boardroom, locker room, foxhole – How to navigate layoffs with clarity, grace, and strategy – How to speak up in difficult rooms without overthinking – How personal branding drives opportunity and alignment – Why mindset and emotional regulation matter more than perfection – The power of curiosity, “tell me more,” and the 5-second rule – How to de-escalate conflict and build trust across cultures – What “be brave, be badass” looks like in real life If you’re a woman in medtech, a leader in transition, or someone healing from hard things while trying to make big things happen—this episode is for you.

Full Episode Link:

KEY THEMES: – Trauma-informed leadership – Women in medtech – Grit vs grace – Imposter syndrome – Layoffs as catalysts – Conflict resolution & emotional intelligence – Leadership authenticity – Personal branding – Resilience & mindset – The A-Team (boardroom, foxhole, locker room) – Handling hard conversations – Overcoming perfectionism – Cross-cultural leadership – Career reinvention – Boundaries & burnout prevention

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED: How does trauma shape leadership—and how do you heal while leading? What does “where grit meets grace” look like in real life? How should women navigate imposter syndrome in executive roles? How do you build your boardroom, foxhole, and locker room? What’s the right way to handle layoffs, emotionally + strategically? Why do we overthink speaking up—and how do we stop? How do you build a personal brand that attracts opportunity? What’s the difference between regulating and resolving trauma? How do you show up in rooms where you’re the only woman? How do leaders model vulnerability without losing authority? How do you disarm conflict quickly using curiosity?

Watch the full interview on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.