In this interview, Heather Rendulic shares her inspiring journey from surviving multiple strokes and brain surgery to building a motivational speaking and writing career. She opens up about overcoming discouragement, the power of persistence, and her mission to help others through her story.
1. Heather, your story is nothing short of incredible. Could you tell us about your experience and what inspired you to start sharing it?
In my early 20s, I went through a rare brain condition that caused me to have five strokes in just 11 months. It was a whirlwind—I went through brain surgery and was left with half of my body paralyzed. I fought hard to relearn how to walk and eventually went back to college, graduated with honors, and started my career in Human Resources.
While I love my work, I felt this pull to use my story to help people. We all go through hardships, and I wanted to share my journey to inspire others to keep fighting through their challenges. That’s when I decided to write my book, Head Strong: Through Life, Love, and Brain Surgery, and started giving motivational talks.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while starting your speaking career?
Getting my name out there and finding speaking opportunities was a huge challenge. There were many days when I felt discouraged because nobody was hiring me. But I kept at it—offering to speak for free and networking at events. Over time, these small steps helped me build a network and gain experience.
3. Your story has clearly moved a lot of people. Is there one moment that stands out to you?
Definitely! I was invited to speak at a prestigious conference with over 400 attendees, going up on stage after some world-renowned speakers. I was so nervous, but I gave it everything I had. To my surprise, I received a standing ovation, and afterward, hundreds of people came up to tell me how much my story meant to them. It was a day I’ll never forget—I’d relive it over and over if I could!
4. What advice would you give to someone trying to break into a new field or pursue a big dream?
Expect to hear “No” a lot—probably 5 million times before you get a “Yes.” But don’t give up! Keep your eyes on the goal, take small steps daily, and you’ll see results with persistence. Remember, the best is yet to come.
5. How do you hope to inspire others through your work?
My mission is to help people worldwide. I went through this experience for a reason, and I want to share what I’ve learned. My “test” has become my “testimony.” I want people to realize that while we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. Life is all about mindset and perspective.
Final Thoughts
Heather’s story is a powerful reminder that even the toughest challenges can be turned into a source of inspiration. With persistence, purpose, and the right mindset, she’s making a difference in the lives of countless people, proving that resilience truly knows no bounds. You can learn more about Heather’s journey on her website, heatherheadstrong.com.