Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Athena Brownson: Rebuilding Life and Mindset After an 8-Year Lyme Disease Journey — Part One
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Athena Bronson, Real Estate Agent from Denver, Colorado
Introduction to Athena Bronson
Vince Chan welcomes listeners to the Chief Change Officer podcast, introducing Athena Bronson, a successful real estate agent from Denver, Colorado. Rather than focusing on real estate, this episode delves into Athena's remarkable journey of resilience following her diagnosis with Lyme disease, a condition that drastically altered her life and career.
Early Life and Skiing Career
Athena begins by sharing her roots in Breckenridge, Colorado—a small mountain town renowned for skiing and snowboarding. Her father, a professional skier, played a pivotal role in her early life:
“I believe I was 2 years old. My dad was a professional skier, and I like to say I didn't even have a chance. He had me on skis from the time I could walk.”
— Athena Bronson [04:47]
By age 15, Athena had embarked on a professional skiing career, traveling the world and training with top coaches. She regards skiing as an invaluable "business school" that set the foundation for her future success in real estate.
Transition to Real Estate
After enduring nine knee surgeries, Athena decided to retire from professional skiing and pivot to a new career—real estate—a field she had never considered before:
“I ended up going into the field that I never in a million years thought I would end up in. And that is real estate.”
— Athena Bronson [09:44]
Influenced by a conversation with a successful girlfriend and mentorship from a Denver real estate broker, Athena quickly transitioned into the industry. Within a decade, she built a thriving team at Compass in Denver, attributing her early success to strong mentorship and a relationship-based approach to business.
Diagnosis with Lyme Disease
Three and a half years into her burgeoning real estate career, Athena's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease at the age of 25. The diagnosis followed a series of unexplained health issues exacerbated by neck surgery:
“In my three and a half years into real estate, I was like at the top of my game... I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which... changed everything.”
— Athena Bronson [11:09]
Lyme disease, transmitted through tick bites, remained undetected until her immune system was compromised by surgery. Athena was fortunate to find a knowledgeable doctor, a rarity given the disease's complexity and the scarcity of Lyme-literacy among medical professionals.
Impact on Life and Career
The chronic illness thrust Athena's life into turmoil. She describes living with constant pain and fatigue, relying on monthly plasma transfusions to survive:
“The last seven years of my life have been... I live in constant chronic pain. I get plasma transfusions four days every month just to keep going.”
— Athena Bronson [12:18]
Despite these challenges, Athena maintains her passion for real estate. She runs a successful team and emphasizes the importance of her "why"—helping people through significant life transactions:
“Helping them to really buy and sell a home is the biggest transaction you do in your life. And to be a part of people's lives in that way... that's my why.”
— Athena Bronson [13:10]
Resilience and Coping Strategies
Athena delves into the profound impact Lyme disease has had on her daily life and mental health. She highlights the relentless nature of the disease and the need for constant adaptation:
“There's no right or wrong way of approaching life and its challenges, and that includes disease... but we have to really dig deep and understand that...”
— Athena Bronson [20:07]
Key coping mechanisms Athena employs include:
-
Mental Resilience: Shifting her mindset from viewing the disease as a debilitating force to leveraging it for personal growth.
“How can I pivot our mentality from this disease is taking over, ruining my life to how can I use this to become a better, stronger, grittier version of myself?”
— Athena Bronson [26:30] -
Daily Rituals: Engaging in small, positive actions like listening to favorite music or podcasts and enjoying a good cup of coffee to kickstart her day.
“If I put on some of my favorite music or podcast and just blast it and grab one of my make myself a great cup of coffee, those are things that are just going to get my day started.”
— Athena Bronson [22:50] -
Support Systems: Surrounding herself with supportive individuals—family, friends, mentors, and coaches—who provide emotional anchors and encouragement.
“...the people that you're surrounding yourself with and the coaches that are in your life or your family members... you have to find those anchors that keep you grounded.”
— Athena Bronson [25:00]
Athena emphasizes the importance of being one's own advocate in navigating chronic illness, advocating for continuous exploration of treatments and maintaining hope amidst adversity.
Conclusion and Tease for Part Two
Vince Chan underscores the significance of Athena's story as a testament to human resilience and mental fortitude. He introduces the concept of Adversity Quotient (AQ), highlighting its role alongside IQ and EQ in overcoming life's challenges.
“Experience is a powerful example of this. Physical pain is intense and medications might help here and there... but that's only part of it. It's the mental resilience that really keeps us going.”
— Vince Chan [27:03]
The episode concludes with a teaser for Part Two, where Athena will discuss how she not only survived Lyme disease but also thrived by rebuilding her support system and revitalizing her career.
“Tomorrow in part two, Athena will share how she not only survived but found ways to thrive, actively rebuild her support system, and grow her career once again.”
— Vince Chan [28:52]
Notable Quotes:
- Athena Bronson [04:47]: “I didn't even have a chance. He had me on skis from the time I could walk.”
- Athena Bronson [09:44]: “I never in a million years thought I would end up in real estate.”
- Athena Bronson [12:18]: “I live in constant chronic pain. I get plasma transfusions four days every month just to keep going.”
- Athena Bronson [20:07]: “We have to really dig deep and understand that when you look back in life, nothing. You don't learn your greatest lessons, you don't grow when everything's going to plan.”
- Vince Chan [27:03]: “It's the mental resilience that really keeps us going.”
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience Through Adversity: Athena's journey underscores the importance of mental strength and adaptability in overcoming life-altering challenges.
- The Role of Support Systems: Building and maintaining a network of supportive relationships is crucial for navigating chronic illness.
- Personal Advocacy: Taking charge of one's health and being proactive in seeking treatments can make a significant difference in managing chronic conditions.
- Finding Purpose Amidst Struggle: Identifying and clinging to one's "why" provides motivation and direction even in the darkest times.
Next Episode Preview:
In Part Two of Athena Brownson's story, listeners will explore her strategies for thriving despite chronic illness, including rebuilding her support network and achieving career growth once again. Stay tuned to Chief Change Officer for an inspiring continuation of Athena's transformative journey.
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