On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, former tech CEO-turned-executive coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Ryanna Hammond—poet, author, and founder of All With Heart—to unpack the exact moment she realized she was building a life she didn’t want. Stuck in California traffic before sunrise and after dark, Ryanna asked a simple question: “Why am I doing this?” That moment of stillness launched a journey of radical self-honesty, micro actions, and unapologetic creative expression. With six poetry collections, a novel, and a new baby on her hip, Ryanna now helps others reconnect with their truth through journaling, workshops, and deeply human storytelling.
Challenge →
After earning a psychology degree, Ryanna landed a “respectable” 9-to-5—but the routine, traffic, and loss of joy slowly crushed her spirit. The sun was setting on her days before she even got to see it.
Adaptation →
She took one micro-action: posting a single poem on Instagram. Then another. Then more. Each small step expanded her comfort zone and chipped away at imposter syndrome. That snowballed into books, a business, and deep internal growth.
Success →
From working on Power Without Permission to leading journaling workshops and dreaming of seeing her books in Target, Ryanna is living proof that creative courage, done consistently, transforms lives. Today, she’s a new mom, a published author, and a mental health advocate using her words to create space for healing.
🔥 60-Second Hot Seat:
Retired belief? “I can’t do it.” Rule she broke? Caring about what others think. Power Without Permission? Stop asking. Start doing. The only permission you need is your own.
📘 Power Without Permission
Ryanna 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
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