In this episode, we hear from Emma Jensen – Vice President of Small Business at OPTUS.
Emma’s story begins with a shock moment—a completely unexpected separation from her husband that left her feeling like she had failed for the first time in her life. As a natural problem solver, Emma was used to finding solutions and controlling outcomes. However, this event was different; it was beyond her control and left her grappling with a deep sense of failure.
One of the most difficult moments Emma shares is a counselling session where her husband confirmed the end of their marriage. Rushing to the appointment, she accidentally dropped her phone down a drain.
In the midst of this chaos, a stranger helped her retrieve it, and Emma realises, “There is always help there, whether it’s from a stranger, whether it’s from your partner.” This small act of kindness became a symbol of hope and resilience for Emma as she rebuilt her identity, confidence and life moving forward.
While devastating and difficult, Emma’s journey has many silver linings, including how it helped her redefine her approach to leadership. As someone who once adhered to a rigid, masculine style of leadership, she now embraces her femininity and the unique strengths it brings. “It’s okay to be you. It’s amazing to be you,” she shares, encouraging women to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.
Today, Emma has built a beautiful, blended family and maintains a strong relationship with her ex-husband. She credits this to intentional effort and the willingness to leave her ego aside for the collective good.
Emma’s story is devastating and vulnerable, but also a testament to resilience, community, and the power of uncomfortable growth.
So whether you’re navigating your own curveballs or seeking inspiration for personal growth, Emma’s journey offers valuable insights around dealing with really difficult challenges and ultimately growing through them.
Learn more about Uncomfortable Growth here.
The world doesn’t need more stories of success; it needs real conversations about resilience, vulnerability, and the human spirit’s incredible capacity to turn trials into triumphs.
That’s why the Uncomfortable Growth Uncut podcast was born. It’s a reminder that struggle and success are intrinsically linked, that growth is rarely easy, and that the moments we feel most uncomfortable are often where our greatest breakthroughs lie.