From Trauma-Fueled Ambition to Authentic Impact

Growing Tall Poppies Podcast: Season 02, Episode 25 (#65)

In this week’s episode of Growing Tall Poppies, Dr Nat Green is joined by mentor and long-time friend Melanie Benson for a deeply honest and affirming conversation. Melanie is well known for helping visionary leaders turn their brilliance into profitable visibility — but today, she shares the parts of her story that came before the success.

Together, they explore what happens when trauma goes unacknowledged, how it shows up in our ambition, our health, and our hunger to prove ourselves — and the surprising path to healing that unfolds when we finally slow down and listen to our bodies.

With decades of experience and a top-ranked podcast of her own, Melanie shares candidly about childhood trauma, autoimmune illness, burnout, and the breakdowns that ultimately became breakthroughs. She opens up about the grief of identity loss, the messiness of transformation, and the incredible power of leading from a place of authenticity and wholeness.

This conversation is an invitation for any high-performing woman who’s done performing success — and ready to reclaim a new kind of impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How trauma can quietly drive overachievement, burnout, and chronic illness

• The turning point when Melanie’s body said “no more” to the hustle

• Why childhood survival strategies often become leadership patterns

• The courage it takes to release who we thought we had to be

• How the “messy middle” of reinvention leads to deeper purpose

• The unexpected healing power of becoming a bonus mum

• Tools to navigate visibility, intuition, and rebuilding from truth

• A gentle reminder that you’re not behind — you’re on the edge of becoming

Episode Highlights & Takeaways

• “I didn’t let the trauma define me. I let it become fuel.”

• Trauma isn’t just the past — it’s what gets stored in the body and how it quietly drives our actions today.

• Healing isn’t about having it all together — it’s about learning to honour your nervous system and show up from your truth.

• Sustainable leadership begins with self-trust, not self-sacrifice.

Learn More & Connect with Melanie Benson

Want to dive deeper into Melanie's work? Here’s how to connect with her:

• Website: melaniebenson.com

• Facebook: @coachmelaniebenson

• Instagram: @coachmelaniebenson

• Amplify Your Success Podcast: melaniebenson.com/podcast

• Free Resource: melaniebenson.com/tallpoppies

Next Episode

👉 S02E26: Coming Soon!