On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Julie Stone, Director of Human Experience at Milestone Systems and co-author of Power Without Permission. With over two decades of experience in human-centered business transformation, Julie has built her career on turning empathy into action—mentoring emerging leaders, driving customer experience programs, and leading go-to-market strategies that prioritize people at the core. Her leadership superpower? Radical self-awareness. From feeling invisible in early sales meetings to intentionally rewriting how she shows up in every room, Julie shares the tactical mindset shifts that helped her stop waiting for a seat at the table—and start owning it.

Challenge →
Despite being confident and outgoing, Julie found herself sidelined in critical business settings—standing at the edge of the room (literally and metaphorically), unsure of how to step into her own authority. Internally, she knew she had something to say. But her instincts told her to defer, not disrupt.

Adaptation →
Julie began intentionally preparing for discomfort: visualizing room layouts, setting bold intentions, and asking for feedback she once avoided. She shifted her mindset from “don’t take up space” to “lead with purpose”—and started owning her seat at the table.

Success →
She successfully pivoted from top salesperson to customer experience leader—rebirthing her career with more impact, alignment, and joy. Now, Julie mentors others through self-doubt, leads with clarity, and builds customer-first cultures grounded in human connection.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat:
Julie retired the belief that some things are just “not for her,” prep-games hard conversations by understanding her own discomfort, and once viewed divorce as a “broken rule”—until it became the gateway to reinvention. Her motto? You don’t wait for permission to lead—you do it with power and presence.

📘 Power Without Permission
Julie 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