What does it really mean to become unshakable when life starts testing you before you can even put words to what you are feeling?
In this deeply personal episode of the Becoming Unshakable podcast, I sit down with my daughter, Gabriela, for a conversation I have long wanted to record. As her mom, I have watched her journey from the very beginning, through medical uncertainty, learning challenges, therapy rooms, and moments that could have easily shaken her sense of self. As a listener, you get to hear Gabriela tell her story in her own words, with honesty, reflection, and a quiet strength that continues to move me.
Gabriela shares what becoming unshakable means to her, not as a destination, but as a grounded sense of peace, confidence, and presence. We talk openly about growing up with heart conditions, speech therapy, sensory processing differences, IEP support, and the emotional weight of feeling different at school. She reflects on how those early experiences shaped her resilience, empathy, and, eventually, her voice. There is a powerful moment when she talks about winning a speech competition in middle school, a full-circle reminder that growth does not always follow a straight line.
Our conversation also looks forward. Gabriela offers thoughtful insight into Gen Z, what helps her generation feel valued at work, and why compassion, flexibility, and genuine care matter more than stereotypes. We explore self-leadership, boundaries, rest, and the importance of unlearning people-pleasing. She also reflects on her current role as a missionary at UC Berkeley, supporting others as they find community, meaning, and confidence in unfamiliar seasons of life.
This episode is a reminder that unshakability is often built quietly, through perseverance, support, and learning how to care for yourself along the way. I hope Gabriela’s story encourages you, especially if you are navigating change, doubt, or a season that feels heavier than expected. As you listen, I would love to know, what part of her journey resonated most with you, and where are you finding your own strength right now?
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About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP
Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.
Visit heatheryounger.com or https://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger for more details.
