For over two decades, I lived a life defined by structure, discipline, and service. As a military officer in the Norwegian Army, much of my identity was grounded in uniformity, responsibility, and the steady rhythm of deployments. I served proudly, and with purpose. But I always knew that life, for me, wouldn’t end at retirement. There was more I needed to explore. Something within me was stirring.

That inner pull became impossible to ignore in 2018, when I took my first solo trip. It was a simple decision at the time—just me, traveling alone, away from the rigid systems I had lived in for so long. But in truth, that moment cracked open an entirely new chapter. It was a departure not just from the military, but from a way of thinking, of living, and of identifying myself.

Fast forward to today, and I am a solopreneur, a travel blogger, a certified transformational coach, and as of March 2023, a TEDx speaker. But none of this was accidental. These changes weren’t spontaneous. They were intentional. They were built with support. And Leadr.co was at the heart of it.

A Goal That Once Felt Out of Reach

For years, TEDx felt like a faraway dream. I admired the speakers, respected the format, and absorbed the ideas. But I never truly saw myself among them. That kind of platform, I thought, was reserved for the extraordinary. People with flashy resumes, media presence, or global recognition. Certainly not for someone like me.

But then something shifted.

I kept seeing Leadr.co show up in my feed. It wasn’t pushy. It was specific. They were not trying to sell inspiration—they were offering something practical. They existed to help people get on TEDx stages. And that clarity caught my attention.

In the spring of 2022, I scheduled a discovery call. I spent an hour talking with someone from the team, and by the end of the conversation, I knew this was the missing piece. I gave myself the weekend to think it over, but in my heart, I already knew the answer. I was ready to invest in myself and see where it would take me.

A Learning Experience That Went Far Beyond Talking

I expected to learn how to write a talk. What I didn’t expect was how detailed and comprehensive the process would be. Leadr.co taught me that powerful communication is not just about words. It is about rhythm. It is about breath. It is about knowing when to pause and what moments to let linger.

They helped me understand not just how to say something, but how to mean it on stage.

The coaches were sharp, insightful, and compassionate. But it was the community that really surprised me. This wasn’t just a coaching program—it was a network of individuals committed to growth, connection, and meaningful impact. People gave feedback freely and kindly. I saw myself reflected in their journeys. I felt supported every step of the way.

Their encouragement was as valuable as the technical training. They reminded me that my story had weight. That my message mattered. That I was not doing this alone.

A Stage and a Shift

In March 2023, I gave my TEDx talk at Mountain Avenue near Denver. I stood on that red dot and spoke not just from preparation, but from transformation. This was not the Hege who once believed TEDx was out of reach. This was someone new—someone who had done the work, followed the process, and stepped fully into a voice I didn’t even know I had.

That single moment represented more than a speaking milestone. It marked a return to self. A declaration of the woman I was becoming.

Discovering Who I Am Now

Leaving the military is not just a career shift. It is a complete identity reformation. The routines, titles, and systems that once defined me were no longer there. I had to figure out who I was without them.

The process of crafting and delivering my TEDx talk helped crystallize my purpose. I realized that my story had the power to support others through transition, reinvention, and courage. And that realization became the seed for everything I built next.

Since the talk, I have launched my own coaching business. I have built a website. I have been interviewed on podcasts and YouTube shows—even in English, which is not my first language. These are things I would have never imagined myself doing just a few years ago.

I do them now with confidence, not because I never feel fear, but because I understand my message has value.

Gratitude That Runs Deep

It’s hard to describe just how impactful the Leadr.co experience has been. From the structure of the curriculum to the genuine warmth of the team, every part of it mattered. Every detail played a role in helping me rise.

I’m especially thankful to Ian, Tanya, and Bradley. Your insights and presence gave me the clarity and courage I needed. You didn’t just help me write a talk—you helped me rebuild my voice.

TEDx was once something I admired from afar. Now, it’s something I own. I stepped into the light of a stage, but more importantly, I stepped into the light of who I am now.

If you’re reading this and TEDx feels like an impossible dream, I want you to hear this clearly. If it’s calling to you, there’s probably a reason. Listen to that voice. Honor it.

And when you’re ready, Leadr.co will help you bring that dream into the real world.

Because what once feels out of reach can become the very thing that sets you free.

This article is published CareerSavvy