In this episode of the Inspiring Women Leaders podcast, Jacqui Wilkinson shares her remarkable journey as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force and NATO, discussing the importance of self-leadership, authenticity, and vulnerability in effective leadership. She emphasizes the significance of understanding and overcoming shame, building healthy relationships, and the power of gratitude and forgiveness in personal growth. Through her experiences, she aims to inspire others to break the cycle of abuse and create a legacy of empowerment and resilience.

Jacqui, a survivor of nine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including intergenerational abuse, attempted suicide at 17 and was diagnosed with CPTSD two decades later. Determined to break the cycle of trauma for her children, she embarked on a profound journey of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. Through vulnerability and authenticity, she reshaped her identity, earning an MSc with distinction and rising to Wing Commander in the RAF. Her story, shared in her 2024 book Turning the Tables on Trauma, serves as a beacon of hope for abuse survivors, advocating that the past doesn’t define our future.

Jacqui emphasizes that vulnerability is strength and that healing begins with facing hard truths and speaking the unspeakable—especially about intrafamilial abuse. Profits from her book support Axis Counselling, helping other survivors find their voice. As a leader, athlete, coach, speaker, and mental health advocate, Jacqui champions trauma-informed leadership and mental fitness. Her mission is to give a voice to the voiceless, inspire change, and help others rewrite their legacy. Per Ardua Ad Astra – Through adversity to the stars.

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