An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
You Create Resilient Teams
People mirror your leadership. When you model grace under pressure, your team learns to thrive in challenges.
In group settings, I normalize conversations around setbacks, which helps others breathe easier — and show up stronger.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Tammy Gibson.
Tammy Gibson is a keynote speaker, content creator, and brand ambassador helping women and organizations move beyond survival to rebuild lives of purpose, confidence, and impact. After surviving a life-altering health crisis that resulted in limb loss, nerve damage, and Stage 4 kidney disease, Tammy chose to rise — rebuilding her life and platform around the power of resilience.
As the founder of Tough Like Tammy, she champions women who are still healing but already rising — those who are showing up, striving, and stepping into leadership even in the midst of uncertainty. Today, she partners with brands and speaks nationwide, inspiring audiences to embrace challenges, lead boldly, and turn adversity into opportunity. Through storytelling, strategy, and heart, Tammy shows what’s possible when survival becomes the starting point — not the finish line.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Thank you so much for having me. My journey began in an unexpected way — through adversity. I spent four months in the hospital after an extreme case of A-Typical COVID-19, which led to the amputation of my right leg, severe nerve damage, kidney failure, and dialysis. At the time, I was known as a fashion blogger and businesswoman, but everything about my life changed — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
What could have been the end of my story became the beginning of something deeper. I realized that resilience wasn’t just about surviving — it was about rising. I felt called to share not just what happened to me, but how I rebuilt my confidence, identity, and leadership voice through the process. That led to the birth of Tough Like Tammy — a movement, a message, and a business dedicated to helping women turn their pain into purpose and lead with unapologetic authenticity.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most impactful moments for me was being given the opportunity to help organize a fashion show fundraiser for PossAbilities, a local nonprofit that supports individuals with physical disabilities. Not only was it close to my heart, but it also beautifully aligned with my love for fashion and my passion for helping others shine.
I had the honor of emceeing the event, and what struck me most was watching the models — each with their own disability — walk the runway with confidence and pride. The room was electric. For me, that night was a turning point. It was the first time I fully understood the influence I hold — not just as a speaker or entrepreneur, but as a woman with a voice and a story. I saw how my presence, encouragement, and leadership could help create moments where others feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. That’s when I realized: this is bigger than me. It’s about lifting others into their own spotlight.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Tough Like Tammy stands out because it’s not just about what I’ve overcome — it’s about helping others unlock the power in their challenges. Through storytelling, speaking, and brand partnerships, I help others turn adversity into influence and purpose into action.
This brand is for women who are still healing but already rising. They’re not waiting for things to calm down, improve, or feel perfect before they strive for more. They know action is required of them — even in the mess, even in the unknown. That mindset is what makes Tough Like Tammy resonate so deeply.
By openly sharing my own comeback journey — from limb loss to leadership — I’ve received hundreds of messages from women who tell me I’ve inspired them to keep going in the midst of their own battles. One that really impacted me came from Jaqueline, a woman working on her health and fitness goals. She told me:
“Losing a limb would be all the reason anyone would need to give up, not just on their dreams, but on life. But seeing the grit and tenacity with which Tammy navigates her challenge made me examine every excuse I was holding onto. I asked myself, ‘What’s YOUR excuse?’ None of them held up. If Tammy can fight through therapy and pain to learn to walk again, I can show up for myself too.”
She went on to say that she replaced “I don’t have time or energy” with small, intentional actions — and as a result, she’s lost 15 pounds and is continuing her journey to become the healthiest version of herself. That message reminded me exactly why I do this: because visibility isn’t vanity — it’s victory. When we live out loud, others find the courage to do the same.
What truly sets Tough Like Tammy apart is the connection I build with others. I believe in people until they can believe in themselves. That kind of belief is contagious — and it changes lives.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resilience — After losing my leg, I had to relearn how to move through the world — literally and emotionally. That resilience now shows up in every business decision I make. I don’t shy away from tough conversations or bold moves.
Vision — I could have settled for surviving. But I saw something bigger. I envisioned stages, books, impact. That vision pulled me through the fog of recovery and keeps guiding my business today.
Empathy — I don’t lead from a pedestal. I lead from a place of “I see you.” Whether I’m working with a client or speaking to an audience, people feel that I genuinely care — and that builds trust and transformation.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for over 20 years, but after my life-altering illness and a two-year recovery that included limb loss and significant nerve damage, returning to business required deep reflection. I wasn’t just picking up where I left off — I had changed. My body had changed. My capacity had changed. And so, my business had to evolve too.
One of the hardest decisions I faced was whether to continue offering 1:1 coaching or to fully pivot into speaking, brand partnerships, and digital content. Coaching had been deeply rewarding, but it was also emotionally demanding. And after walking through my own trauma, I had to acknowledge that my physical energy was now limited. My body has to work harder than before, and I tire more easily — so being intentional with how I spend my time isn’t optional, it’s essential.
In that season of reevaluation, I realized my greatest impact — and most sustainable joy — came from reaching larger audiences, creating resources that could scale, and showing up in ways that honored both my mission and my well-being. Choosing to pivot wasn’t easy, but it was the right move for the woman I had become. That decision taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing forward — it’s also about knowing when to pivot with purpose.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
Definitely. During a team meeting not long ago, an independent consultant pulled me aside afterward and said, “You didn’t say much, but when you did, it had power, light, and really good energy.” It was a simple comment, but it stayed with me — because it affirmed that my quiet presence carries influence, even if I’m not the loudest in the room.
I actually joked with her, “I may not always speak up, but I always have something to say.” That one line reflects how I lead — with discernment, not dominance. I believe in observing, listening, and speaking when the moment truly calls for it. My leadership style isn’t about taking over the room — it’s about creating space for others to rise, and then offering insight that moves the conversation forward.
Women are often stereotyped as talking too much or being overly emotional. I challenge that by embodying a leadership style that’s grounded, intentional, and quietly powerful. This approach not only builds trust — it empowers others to step into their own leadership. And to me, that’s the kind of influence that lasts.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience, often seen as a masculine trait, with showing vulnerability, which is equally powerful, but typically feminine? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
For me, resilience often shows up as drive — being goal-oriented, pushing forward, and working hard, even when the odds aren’t in my favor. That’s a strength I lean into naturally. But I’ve also learned that what makes my leadership truly impactful is the willingness to be vulnerable along the way.
I keep it real in my content and conversations — I share my frustrations, my emotional setbacks, and the truth that even strong women struggle. I don’t try to present a polished version of resilience. I say, “This is what I want to accomplish, this is where I’m struggling, and this is where I need your help.” That honesty creates connection.
An experience that really stands out to me was when I was attending a 3-day speaker workshop with 15 other people I had never met. Public speaking is already vulnerable, but this time was layered with complexity — I was navigating the physical reality of my amputation, visible scars, and the need for wheelchair-accessible accommodations. I kept thinking, “Am I too much?” That question haunted me — not just because of logistics, but because I wondered how people would perceive me before I even spoke a word.
What I didn’t expect was how that experience would shift the entire trajectory of my speaking career. At that workshop, I learned something that changed everything: audiences don’t just want to hear your story — they want to know what’s in it for them. That truth hit hard. It pushed me to not only show up with resilience and determination, but to also be vulnerable enough to adapt, refine my message, and show up as I truly am.
That moment reminded me that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s the willingness to be seen, to evolve, and to meet people where they are. And that’s where the real impact begins.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes, especially in situations where traditional male-dominated approaches are the norm? What strategies have you employed to remain authentic to your style?
Only 17% of paid public speakers are women — and I’m on a mission to change that. I want to be on more stages not just to speak, but to represent what’s possible for other women. I believe we lead differently, and that difference is our strength.
When I walk — or roll — into a room, my goal isn’t to impress. It’s to connect. I want to chat with the audience, hear their stories, and create a space where we’re growing together. That approach might not follow the traditional speaker playbook, but it resonates on a heart level.
I’m also committed to helping other women use their stories to create both impact and income — whether through writing, content creation, advocacy, or simply showing up more boldly in their everyday lives. When we share our truth with emotional depth and authenticity, we challenge outdated models of leadership and influence. I don’t water down my truth to be taken seriously. I lead by being real — and that’s what resonates.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?”
Emotional intelligence and active listening are at the core of how I lead and connect with others. One moment that stands out was during a workshop I was leading about The Joyful Path to Resilience. A participant began sharing something deeply personal, and instead of rushing to the next bullet point on the agenda, I paused and gave her the space to fully express herself.
That simple act of presence shifted the entire energy in the room. It created a ripple effect — others felt safer to speak up, to be seen, and to be vulnerable. We moved from surface-level participation to real transformation. That’s the power of listening with intention and leading with heart. People don’t just need information — they need to feel like they matter.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style, and how do you communicate authentically to inspire and empower both your mentors and mentees?
There’s a phrase I once heard that really resonated with me — that mentorship gives us “mirrors and windows.” I didn’t come up with that, but it captures the experience so well. My mentors held up mirrors to help me see myself more clearly and offered windows into what was possible beyond what I could see on my own. They helped me believe bigger, even when I wasn’t sure I had the strength to rebuild.
One of the most meaningful moments of mentorship in my journey came about six months after I returned home from the hospital. A coach I had previously worked with invited me to join her weekly group coaching calls for a month. I was excited. I felt like maybe I was ready to dive back into business. The calls were full of energy and brilliant women, and I loved being part of it.
But somewhere during that month, I realized I wasn’t ready — not physically, not emotionally. I still had so much healing to do. And instead of pushing through, my mentor gave me the safety and support to acknowledge that truth. I’ll never forget the tearful goodbye I gave to that group of women who had held space for me as I made that difficult decision. That moment taught me that mentorship isn’t just about momentum — it’s about discernment. About honoring where you are.
Now, as a mentor to other women, I lead with transparency and truth-telling. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I guide from experience, faith, and strategy. And most of all, I remind women that their story is not a setback — it’s a setup for their next level. Mentorship, at its best, helps us return to ourselves with greater courage and clarity.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1. You Build Deeper Trust
Authenticity invites connection. When people know you’re real, they trust your vision and follow your lead.
Women often come up to me after speaking engagements and share their own stories — not because I asked, but because they feel seen. That kind of trust is built through honesty, not polish.
2. You Give Others Permission to Be Themselves
Authentic leadership breaks cycles of perfectionism. When you lead as you are, you empower others to do the same.
When I first started sharing pictures of my amputated leg online, I acknowledged that I was nervous about it. I received so many messages that validated the decision — and now, I never hide my leg. That vulnerability created connection and freedom, not just for me, but for others.
3. You Attract Aligned Opportunities
When you lead with clarity and truth, you repel the wrong things and attract the right rooms, roles, and relationships.
Turning down one-size-fits-all coaching offers created space for speaking and brand partnerships that aligned with my message and honored my energy.
4. You Create Resilient Teams
People mirror your leadership. When you model grace under pressure, your team learns to thrive in challenges.
In group settings, I normalize conversations around setbacks, which helps others breathe easier — and show up stronger.
5. You Inspire Change Through Presence, Not Just Performance
People may forget your credentials, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. Authentic presence is your superpower.
Whether I’m speaking on stage or posting on social media, I focus on creating connections over performing perfection — and that’s what draws people in.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
Yes, absolutely. Empathy is one of the greatest strengths a leader can have — but if it’s not grounded in boundaries, it can lead to emotional burnout. I’ve had to learn that I can care deeply without taking on someone else’s pain as my own.
As someone who naturally identifies as an empath, I’ve always been highly sensitive to the emotions and energy of others. Many of the women in my community carry incredibly heavy, life-altering stories. And for a while, I felt responsible for holding it all. I thought being supportive meant absorbing it — but that only left me drained and overwhelmed.
Over time, I realized that my role isn’t to carry their burden — it’s to help them shift their focus. To guide them toward the silver lining, to point out the blessing in the storm. Because what we focus on is what we see. And when I help someone focus on strength, hope, or even possibility, I’m able to do the same. That’s how I protect my own energy while still showing up fully for others.
Empathy doesn’t have to mean self-sacrifice. With compassion, clarity, and boundaries, it becomes one of our most powerful tools for connection and transformation.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I’m already building that movement — it’s called Tough Like Tammy — and every day, I’m working to expand its reach and impact.
At its core, this movement is about reminding women that you’re not broken — you’re becoming. Too many women think they have to wait until they’re fully healed, perfectly put together, or “ready” before they can lead, speak up, or shine. I want to shift that narrative.
The Tough Like Tammy manifesto is for women who are still healing, but already rising. It’s for the ones showing up even when life is messy — choosing growth, confidence, and purpose in the midst of their process. Because healing is holy work. It’s not something we rush through or hide. It’s sacred. It transforms us from the inside out — and when we honor our healing as part of our leadership, we become lights for others.
This movement is about helping women lead from their scars, not in spite of them. It’s about stepping into your purpose not when life is perfect, but because of what you’ve overcome. That’s where true power and connection are born — and I’m here for it.
If you’re a woman who’s still healing but knows she’s meant for more — welcome. There’s room for you in this movement.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can find me at www.ToughLikeTammy.com and follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn @ToughLikeTammy. I also offer a free guide called Speak with Purpose: First Steps to Sharing Your Story for women ready to step into visibility with courage.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Tammy Gibson Of Tough Like Tammy On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.