What happens when someone survives unthinkable childhood trauma and transforms that pain into purpose? In this powerful conversation, Denise G. Lee takes us through her extraordinary journey from severe childhood abuse to recovery from sex addiction and alcoholism to becoming a trauma-informed entrepreneur coach.
With remarkable vulnerability, Denise shares how her life's theme evolved from feeling betrayed by others to recognizing how she betrayed herself, and finally to embracing complete responsibility for her healing. She recounts surviving her mother's physical, emotional, and sexual abuse until age 11, attempting suicide at just seven years old, and later developing addictions as coping mechanisms while trying to find connection and meaning.
The turning point came when a therapist confronted Denise with the reality of her sex addiction, leading her to 12-step programs where she finally found people who could see her fully—broken parts and all—while offering practical tools for healing. This experience fundamentally transformed how she understands leadership, personal growth, and coaching.
Today, Denise works with high-achieving entrepreneurs who appear successful on the outside but struggle internally. She helps them recognize how unhealed trauma manifests in their business practices and relationships, guiding them toward authentic leadership through vulnerability. "You can only lead people to the point of your own level of vulnerability," she explains, highlighting how our willingness to acknowledge our imperfections creates psychological safety for those around us.
Whether you're facing your own healing journey or leading others through change, Denise's perspective offers profound wisdom: our failures and struggles aren't a summary of who we are—they're just data points that can refine rather than define us. Ready to transform your relationship with your past while creating a more authentic future? This episode is your roadmap.
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