297: Be Curious. Ask “What If?” When Luck Shows Up, Be Prepared To Do The Work with Heather Hansen O’Neill

About this episode

Heather Hansen O'Neill discusses her journey of reinvention and resilience after a career-ending injury, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and leadership.

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Heather Hansen O'Neill, a keynote speaker, coach, leadership expert, author, and former professional dancer whose career journey has been defined by reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. Heather shares how dance became her safe place from a young age, leading her to a professional performing career before a devastating injury abruptly changed her path forever. Heather reflects on the difficult transition that followed losing the career she loved, the years she spent searching for direction, and the powerful “what if?” question that ultimately helped her rediscover joy and purpose. She discusses how her experiences shaped her work helping leaders and organizations create more human-centered cultures, build meaningful connections, and rethink the way they approach sales, leadership, and career fulfillment. Tammy and Heather also explore the importance of listening to your inner voice amid life’s noise, embracing reinvention at every stage of life, and staying resilient through rejection and uncertainty. Heather shares lessons from the dance world that continue to guide her today, including why sometimes…

People in this episode

Host: Tammy Gooler Loeb

Guest: Heather Hansen O'Neill

Topics covered

• career transition
• resilience
• leadership
• curiosity
• human-centered culture

Keywords

• career change
• dance
• leadership development
• personal growth
• what if

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Work from the Inside Out

More episodes of Work From The Inside Out

• 296. The Power of Authenticity, Networking, and Persistence with Deborah Farone · May 13, 2026 · 38 min
• 295: Lead with Intention Through CORE Leadership with Miki Feldman Simon · April 29, 2026 · 40 min
• 294: Career Fulfillment at the Intersection of People, Technology and Information with David Charles · April 15, 2026 · 53 min
• 293: Redefining Potential: From Performance to Purpose with Kate Kayaian · April 2, 2026 · 46 min
• 292: The Emotional Demands of Leadership in Today’s Workplaces with Dina Denham Smith · March 19, 2026 · 42 min
• 291: Your Best Meeting Ever: Designing Collaboration That Actually Works with Rebecca Hinds · March 4, 2026 · 41 min