In this gripping episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz and Mary sit down with former FBI agent, author, and mental-toughness expert LaRae Quy—a woman whose unlikely journey from a remote cattle ranch in Wyoming to the halls of Quantico shaped a lifetime of resilience, adaptability, and emotional mastery.

LaRae walks listeners through the surprising through-line between ranch life, undercover work, and studying theology: the ability to understand yourself deeply and manage your emotions under pressure. She reframes mental toughness not as bravado or stoicism, but as emotional awareness paired with intentional action. Through dramatic stories—including a harrowing undercover encounter, a 20-foot dive with an M16 despite her fear of water, and her first solo arrest—LaRae shows how clarity, authenticity, and mindset can change outcomes in even the most dangerous moments.

Listeners learn why self-awareness is the bedrock of courage, how to counter fear with five positive thoughts, and why authenticity is the most powerful tool in both field operations and boardrooms. LaRae’s lessons remind us that mental toughness isn’t loud—it’s strategic, grounded, and available to all of us.

Resources Mentioned

• Secrets of a Strong Mind by LaRae Quy
• Mental Toughness for Women Leaders by LaRae Quy
• The Mental Toughness Center – LaRaeQuy.com

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