Pushing Boundaries with Amputee Author Laurie White

My guest on Episode 95 of the Power Your Platform Podcast today survived a severe gunshot wound while on active duty as a police officer, and who now shares her story of hope and resilience with audiences everywhere.

Laurie White is a retired RCMP Officer who was shot in the leg with a sawed-off shotgun in 1998 while stationed at her first posting in Kitimat, BC.

At the time, Laurie was attempting to execute a search warrant at the residence of a sex offender.

The damage from being shot was so severe, that Laurie’s leg had to be amputated 5 inches below the knee.

After only 10 months of rehabilitation, Laurie successfully returned to full, unrestricted general policing duties with a prosthetic leg.

In the year 2000, Laurie received the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal as well as the Medal of Velour from the International Association of Women in Policing.

Today, Laurie is a keynote speaker for a wide range of audiences, and recently published her memoir called, “10-33, An Officer Down Steps Back Up.”

In today’s episode, Laurie and I talk about how she transformed her trauma, loss, and grief into a story of hope, resilience, and post-traumatic growth.

Here are my Top 10 takeaways from today’s interview:

1. Time and distance can often give us a new perspective on our past experiences and help us find meaning in the journey.

2. When one person shares their story, it causes a ripple effect and often inspires others to do the same.

3. Vulnerability builds authentic connection with others and reminds us that we’re not alone.

4. Sharing our story on the stage is different from sharing our story on the page, but both can be powerful opportunities to create impact.

5. Play to your strengths by leveraging the skills that are transferable from one area of your life to another.

6. Slowly push your boundaries, allowing yourself to gain a foothold before scaling that next mountain.

7. Constantly shift your goals as you grow.

8. Practice and repetition are the only way forward when it comes to sharing yoru story.

9. Figure out your goals, your budget and your target audience when sharing your story onstage or in print.

10. Today’s power move is to gather your thoughts and determine your takeaways when looking to uncover the story in your experience.

To listen in to the full episode, click here.