In this episode of Stratospheric Leaders, the microphone is handed to Caroline Vasquez, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at DRW, as she sits down with the show’s usual host, Georgie Dickins, for a deeply personal and expansive conversation.

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at Georgie’s journey from a 20-year career in global financial institutions, including ICAP, Reuters and JPMorgan Chase, to building a purpose-led advisory career focused on leadership excellence, sustainable performance, and self-trust.

What unfolds is not a linear career story, but an honest exploration of intuition, burnout, identity, and what it truly takes to operate at the top without losing yourself along the way.

Together, Caroline and Georgie unpack the moments that forced reflection, the role of health as both a warning and a catalyst, and why the most powerful leadership shifts often begin with slowing down.This is a conversation about listening to your body, your curiosity, your fear, and your evolving definition of success and about building the internal and external structures that allow leaders to thrive over the long term.

Key Takeaways

• Your intuition is a career compass—if you listen early, it whispers before it screams.
• Burnout is often preceded by subtle signals; ignoring them comes at a cost.
• Career transitions don’t require reckless leaps—calculated exploration creates optionality.
• Journaling works best when it’s unfiltered, imperfect, and judgment-free.
• Passion for the work matters, but execution is what turns vision into reality.
• Exceptional leaders build strong “kitchen cabinets” and internal boards of directors.
• Delegation and trust create capacity; micromanagement drains it.
• Chronic stress is far more dangerous than short, acute periods of intensity.
• Leaders often overestimate their energy reserves—self-management is non-negotiable.
• Plateaus can be chosen or forced; adaptability determines continued growth.
• Communication is never one-and-done—clarity requires repetition.
• Success without self-trust eventually becomes fragile.
• Slowing down strategically is often the fastest way forward.

This episode is a powerful reminder that stratospheric leadership is about self-awareness, alignment, and the courage to evolve when the path no longer fits.