What helps you keep moving forward when life or work feels harder than you expected?
In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I’m joined by Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Epilepsy Society, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the moments that shape who we become. Wendy shares how a difficult chapter in her career forced her to rethink what leadership looked like and why trying to become someone else would never be the answer.
We talk about the influence of competitive gymnastics, where falling was expected, but getting back up was part of the process. That mindset has stayed with Wendy throughout her career, helping her approach setbacks with perspective rather than panic. She explains why mistakes are part of leadership and why the way we respond to them often matters more than the mistake itself.
Our conversation also explores the value of curiosity, executive coaching, and habit-building to help leaders stay energized during demanding periods. Wendy shares why pausing can lead to better decisions, how she avoids becoming a barrier to her team, and the questions she asks herself before offering feedback or stepping into situations others are fully capable of handling.
One of the most memorable parts of our discussion centers on finding the right environment to lead. Wendy reflects on working in a culture that didn’t bring out her best and how that experience ultimately gave her the confidence to embrace her own leadership style. We also discuss the importance of maintaining strong professional relationships and how your network often becomes most valuable during life’s unexpected transitions.
As we wrap up, Wendy offers practical advice for anyone facing uncertainty. She reminds us that every career has difficult seasons, but those seasons do pass. Sometimes the greatest progress comes after asking ourselves the hardest questions and having the courage to make a change when it’s needed.
What does getting to the other side of hard look like for you, and what lessons have those experiences taught you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
About Wendy-Jo Toyama
Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA, FASAE, CAE, is CEO of the American Epilepsy Society, where she leads efforts to advance research, clinical care, and health equity for people with epilepsy. A seasoned association executive with more than 25 years of experience, she has held leadership roles with American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (a client of Association Management Center), American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and American Dental Association.
A recognized thought leader, Toyama is a frequent speaker for ASAE and other industry forums. Her work focuses on building intentional organizational culture, leading through disruption, advancing justice and belonging, strengthening CEO–board relationships and career transition.
She is the author of several Associations Now articles, including “To Create Intentional Culture, Ask These 3 Questions,” “Four Fundamentals for a Strong CEO–Board Chair Relationship,” and “Seven Steps to Survive and Thrive in a Career Transition.” She also co- authored the chapter “Cultivating Leaders Among the Membership” in Professional Practices in Association Management (PPAM). Toyama is a frequent podcast guest, sharing insights on leadership, navigating change, and inclusive culture.
An active ASAE leader, she currently chairs the ASAE Research Foundation Research Committee and is the co-founder and immediate past chair of the AANHPI Association Community Group. She is also a past chair of the ASAE Diversity + Inclusion Committee. She has been recognized with the 2025 ASAE Key Award and the 2024 Association Forum Woman of Influence Award.
She is also the recipient of the 2018 Indiana University Leanne Grotke Award, one of the university’s highest honors recognizing exceptional contributions to its women’s athletics programs.
Toyama is a Fellow of ASAE and a Certified Association Executive. She earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BA in Fine Arts from Indiana University.
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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.
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