What if the thing holding you back isn’t lack of talent — but lack of permission?

In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with keynote speaker, author, and musician Rachel Druckenmiller for a powerful conversation about courage, burnout, self-trust, and choosing yourself — even when it feels risky.

From studying abroad and finding her voice, to building a career through initiative, to burnout, a life-altering accident, and learning to trust herself again — Rachel shares what it really takes to live an unmuted life.

This is an honest, deeply human episode about agency, resilience, and why your contribution matters more than you think.

What you’ll get from this episode:

Why initiative matters more than titles or permission
How burnout often comes from proving instead of being
What it means to truly “bet on yourself”
Why your perspective matters more than perfection
How to reclaim trust in yourself after life knocks you down

This episode is for anyone who feels called to more but hasn’t fully stepped into it yet.

Get to Know Rachel:

Rachel Druckenmiller is a leadership strategist and keynote speaker who helps people stop holding back and start showing up with clarity, confidence, and courage so they come alive at work.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Rachel works with high-performing professionals who are capable, thoughtful, and committed to doing good work but who often second-guess themselves, downplay their strengths, or hesitate to speak up. Her work helps leaders think more clearly, advocate for themselves more effectively, and lead with greater presence and impact.

Rachel’s approach brings together psychology, leadership insight, and real-world experience, delivered through stories that stick and tools people actually use. She’s known for making complex human dynamics—like self-silencing, burnout, and self-doubt—feel understandable, relatable, and actionable.

A TEDx speaker, Rachel has been recognized by Forbes, Smart Meetings, and Workforce Magazine for her work helping people build confidence and lead from the inside out. She’s worked with a wide range of organizations and in the legal field, she’s spoken at events for the American Bar Association, the Association of Legal Administrators, and Squire Patton Boggs.

Rachel is respected for her ability to challenge assumptions, elevate thinking, and create moments of insight that change how leaders show up long after the session ends.

Connect with Rachel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/racheldruckenmiller Website: https://www.racheldruckenmiller.com/ Rachel's Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0u42nNEz1pAsJsoEcDkTvA

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

Why betting on yourself changes everything