# From Survival Mode to Sustainable Success with Valeriya Hjertenaes

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/light-up-your-life-6573378/from-survival-mode-to-sustainable-success-with-valeriya-hjertenaes
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/light-up-your-life-6573378/from-survival-mode-to-sustainable-success-with-valeriya-hjertenaes.md
Podcast: [Light Up Your Life](https://stenobird.com/podcast/light-up-your-life-6573378)
Published: 2026-03-26T11:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.lightupyourlife.org
Audio file: https://podgo.simplecastaudio.com/93bad481-d5e1-49c0-8c8f-02f851fee940/episodes/ea897782-d015-455f-8669-ac6b378d819e/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=93bad481-d5e1-49c0-8c8f-02f851fee940&awEpisodeId=ea897782-d015-455f-8669-ac6b378d819e&feed=hmb16l_b
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/light-up-your-life-6573378/episodes/from-survival-mode-to-sustainable-success-with-valeriya-hjertenaes
Duration seconds: 2475

## Resource

In this powerful episode of the Light Up Your Life Podcast, we sit down with Valeriya Hjertenaes, a PhD-level expert in neurodiversity and sustainable leadership who is redefining how we think about human performance, resilience, and success.As a neurodivergent leader with lived experience of OCD, Valeriya brings a unique and deeply insightful perspective on turning what many see as “differences” into powerful strategic advantages. With over 15 years of global leadership experience across multiple sectors and countries, she shares how high performers can move beyond survival mode and step into sustainable, aligned success.In this conversation, we explore the hidden patterns behind the high-achiever identity and how success is often driven by pressure, fear, or the need to prove oneself. Valeriya breaks down how to recognize these patterns, heal them, and shift into a more empowered way of living and leading.We also dive into the idea of being told you’re “too much” too emotional, too intense, too driven and how those very traits can become your greatest strengths when understood and channeled correctly. This episode reframes cognitive differences as powerful assets in leadership, decision-making, and innovation.You’ll learn how to identify when you’re operating in survival mode, even if everything looks successful on the outside, and what it truly takes to transition into a more sustainable, fulfilling way of achieving your goals. Valeriya also shares insights on building resilience, maintaining hope in high-pressure environments, and navigating complexity with clarity and confidence.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt different, overwhelmed, or stuck in the cycle of constant pressure and is ready to step into a more aligned, powerful version of themselves.✨ W…

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