What happens when the systems you’re taught to trust fail — and telling the truth comes at a cost?
In this episode of the Root, Realign, Rise™ Podcast, host Mairin Moore Cane sits down with nationally recognized drug safety advocate Kim Witczak to explore how personal rupture can become a grounding force and how one clear voice can challenge powerful institutions without credentials, permission, or protection.
After the sudden death of her husband Woody from an undisclosed antidepressant side effect, Kim turned grief into public accountability.
With no medical degree or institutional backing, she helped secure the FDA’s black box suicide warning and exposed critical failures in drug safety.
This conversation explores leadership that emerges not from title or position, but from truth, clarity, and responsibility.
In this episode, we discuss:
– How clarity forms when trusted systems fail
– Leading without permission, credentials, or institutional power
– Accountability without losing humanity
– Responsible leadership when the stakes are high
– The power of one consistent, clear voice
Kim’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t belong to institutions. It belongs to those willing to tell the truth and take responsibility.
You don’t have to be whole to lead.
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About the Host
Mairin Moore Cane is a leadership advisor, keynote speaker, and host of the Root, Realign, Rise™ Podcast.
She works with women leaders navigating pressure, visibility, and transition — helping them strengthen decision-making, reclaim internal authority, and lead with integrity during demanding seasons of life and work.
Known for her clear thinking under pressure and quiet authority in the room, Mairin leads conversations that challenge leaders to take responsibility before they feel ready.
Rooted, Not Rushed is available on Amazon.
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For leadership insights, speaking inquiries, and resources:
Website: https://www.mairinmoorecane.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mairinmoorecane
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mairinmoorecane
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mairinmoorecane
Speaking & booking inquiries: [email protected]
Subscribe to the Root, Realign, Rise™ Podcast for weekly conversations on leadership under pressure.
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About the Guest
Kim Witczak is a nationally recognized drug safety advocate and three-term Consumer Representative on the FDA Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee.
Following the sudden death of her husband linked to antidepressant side effects, Kim became a leading voice for transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry. Her advocacy contributed to securing the FDA’s black box suicide warning and advancing policy reform in drug safety.
Today, Kim continues to champion ethical oversight, patient protection, and systemic accountability in mental health and pharmaceutical regulation.
Connect with Kim:
Website: https://kimwitczak.com
Instagram:
@kim_witczak
X:
@woodmatters
Substack:
@acceptablecollateraldamage
