S4:EP 54 Rebel to Trailblazer: The Mandy Hickson Story

When Mandy Hickson walked into my podcast studio, I knew this conversation would be different. There’s something about sitting across from a woman who has spent her life shattering expectations that makes you sit up and pay attention.

Mandy isn’t just another success story—she’s a masterclass in resilience, proving that when you refuse to take no for an answer, you don’t just move forward; you kick the damn door down.

The Power of Refusing to Play Small

"You don’t need to be liked to be respected," Mandy told me early in our conversation. That statement hit home. As women, we’re conditioned to be agreeable, to soften our edges so we’re more palatable. But Mandy? She’s built a career on taking up space and demanding to be heard.

She shared her journey from facing skepticism in male-dominated rooms to proving—again and again—that competence speaks louder than bias. And if there’s one thing she’s learned, it’s this: The best way to silence doubters is to succeed anyway.

Trusting Your Instincts, Even When It’s Uncomfortable

Mandy’s story isn’t just about career wins. It’s about knowing when to trust your gut, even when every external voice is saying, "That’s not how it’s done." From career pivots to personal battles, she’s mastered the art of tuning out the noise and listening to the one voice that matters—her own.

I could relate. Leaving construction to carve my own path wasn’t the "smart, safe" choice. But like Mandy, I knew deep down it was the right one. And sometimes, that’s all you need.

The Humor That Keeps Us Going

One of my favorite moments from our chat? Mandy’s take on resilience: "If you can’t laugh at the chaos, you’re not going to make it."

She’s faced challenges that would break most people. But instead of crumbling, she’s turned every setback into fuel. Whether it was fighting for her place in the industry or navigating personal struggles, Mandy’s ability to find humor in the madness is what makes her story so powerful.

The Best Advice You’ll Hear Today

There were so many mic-drop moments in this episode, but here are three that stuck with me:

• "No one’s coming to save you." If you’re waiting for permission to go after what you want, stop. The only permission you need is your own.

• "Work harder than anyone expects, and then double it." Success isn’t about luck. It’s about effort, consistency, and showing up when no one else does.

• "The glass ceiling isn’t just for breaking—it’s for making sure no one tapes it back together." Enough said.

The Ripple Effect of Breaking Barriers

Mandy’s journey isn’t just about her. Every step she’s taken has made it easier for the next woman to step forward. Whether she meant to or not, she’s left a trail behind her—one that tells other women, "Come on, you belong here too."

And that’s the thing about daring to win: it’s never just about you. It’s about proving that the barriers people swear can’t be broken were never real to begin with.

A Call to Own Your Power

If there’s one thing you take away from this episode, let it be this: You don’t have to wait for an invitation to step into your power. Mandy never did. She saw what she wanted, and she went after it—no apologies, no hesitation.

Maybe that’s the biggest dare of all.

Want to hear more of Mandy’s incredible journey? Listen to the full episode on the She Who Dares Wins podcast, where we get real about trusting your instincts, finding humor in tough moments, and refusing to play small.

🎧 Listen to Episode 54 now: 

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