Episode 14 of The Zero Proof Life Podcast
"I was so full of shame."
That’s how Toni Will describes the season of her life before everything changed. As the first female general manager of a professional hockey team, she knows what it’s like to feel different—to question her place and wonder if strength could coexist with sensitivity. Her journey is proof that it can.
Transforming Weakness into Strength
For years, Toni believed that her emotions, her honesty, and even her discomfort were weaknesses. But in truth, they became her greatest assets. In the male-dominated world of professional sports, she learned that leadership rooted in empathy is not only powerful, it’s revolutionary.
Reminder: Strength isn’t the absence of emotion; it’s the courage to lead with it.
The Power of Quitting Drinking
When Toni decided to quit drinking, her life began to expand. The silence around alcohol, especially in high-performance cultures, had kept her small. Sobriety gave her clarity, confidence, and permission to be fully herself. It’s a story many women can relate to: shedding shame and stepping into empowerment.
Try This Line: “I’m not broken for needing rest; I’m brave for choosing it.”
The 10x Mindset
Toni lives by the idea that personal growth compounds. The “10x mindset” isn’t about doing more—it’s about thinking bigger, facing fears, and believing you’re capable of transformation beyond your current circumstances.
Try This Simple Tool: When you face self-doubt, ask: “What would my 10x self do right now?”
Three Take-Home Tools
The One-Liner: Turning down a drink is turning up your power.
Gut-Check Journal Prompt: What part of your story have you been keeping small to make others comfortable?
Protect Your Sparkle Rule: Don’t shrink to fit the room. Shine to change it.
Ready to Start Your Own Alcohol-Free Chapter?
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