Cheryl Strizelka: When You Stop Apologizing, You Start Leading

On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, Andreas Pettersson sits down with Cheryl Strizelka, a neurodivergent mother, wife, and thought leader in the HR field. Known for her gift of reading the room and making people feel seen, Cheryl shares the raw, honest journey from people-pleasing and self-doubt to calm, confident leadership. After two decades in HR and a personal reckoning with imposter syndrome, Cheryl has become a powerful advocate for working women—helping them challenge limiting beliefs, stop over-apologizing, and reclaim their voice. From cutting her own hair to cutting ties with toxic leadership, Cheryl’s story proves that real power starts with giving yourself permission.

Challenge → Cheryl found herself stuck in a dream job with a CEO she admired—but who undermined her from day one. As a new mom navigating pandemic-era pressure, her confidence unraveled. The deeper she tried to earn approval, the more invisible she became—even to herself.

Adaptation → The turning point came not from a single outburst, but a series of quiet wake-up calls—especially from her husband, who saw how the stress was transforming her at home. A brave career pivot, a better network, and inner work helped Cheryl shift her mindset from “prove your worth” to “own your power.”

Success → Today, Cheryl speaks with clarity and leads without apology. She’s helping other women escape the “insecure overachiever” trap and guiding them to reframe success—not as perfection, but as showing up fully, honestly, and with intention.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat:
Cheryl let go of the myth of perfection (“version one is better than version never”), stopped over-apologizing, and started walking into every room—literal and metaphorical—as if she already belonged. Because she does.

📘 Power Without Permission
Cheryl is a co-author in Power Without Permission. Get your copy at leadersadapt.com/book and join the community of women building unapologetic leadership from the inside out.

Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson