Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard’s journey has been one of transformation—moving from a childhood where she felt unheard to becoming a leader, speaker, and advocate for authenticity. As the co-founder of the Women Authentic Leadership Training Institute (WALT), she now helps others break through limiting beliefs, take ownership of their lives, and step into their full potential.
Her story is a testament to the power of self-awareness, resilience, and the courage to rewrite one’s narrative.
A Childhood of Silence and Self-Reliance
Elizabeth was the youngest of nine siblings, growing up in a small farming community in Taranaki, New Zealand. Life in a large family meant that individual voices often got lost in the noise. She learned early on to stay quiet, to avoid disrupting the grown-ups who were handling what seemed like "more important things."
At the age of three, her family moved to the city of New Plymouth, seeking better educational and work opportunities. But even with new surroundings, the story she carried with her remained the same: her voice didn’t matter. She buried her ideas and dreams, believing they weren’t meant to be spoken aloud.
This belief followed her into adulthood, shaping her interactions and decisions. It wasn’t until years later that she realized this was a story she had chosen to hold onto—and she had the power to change it.
Discovering Music and the Power of Expression
While she may have stayed quiet in conversation, Elizabeth found her voice through music. Her family was highly musical, and gatherings often turned into spontaneous harmonies with multiple instruments in play. She specialized in the clarinet, played piano in bands and church settings, and dabbled with the guitar, flute, and saxophone.
Music became an outlet, a way to express emotions she hadn’t yet learned to put into words. However, as adulthood took over, she drifted away from playing regularly. Still, her deep love for music remained—a reminder of how creative expression could break through even the deepest self-imposed barriers.
From Occupational Therapy to Public Health Leadership
Elizabeth’s career began in occupational therapy, where she specialized in neuro-rehabilitation, working with individuals recovering from strokes and brain injuries. She spent over two decades helping people regain function and independence, but over time, her focus shifted.
She wanted to prevent health crises rather than treat them after the fact. This led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Health, where she studied why some people thrive after a health setback while others remain stuck. Her research revealed a crucial truth: mindset plays a massive role in recovery and resilience.
This realization ignited her passion for leadership development—helping people break through limiting beliefs, take control of their mindset, and create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.
Facing Adversity: Bullying, Burnout, and Breaking Free
Elizabeth’s path wasn’t without its challenges. She endured bullying in the workplace, where a toxic manager made her question her abilities and worth. Over time, the stress chipped away at her confidence, leaving her exhausted and uncertain.
This experience came just years after a painful divorce, which had already shaken her sense of stability. She was also dealing with the emotional aftermath of childhood sexual abuse, a trauma that had left her feeling powerless for much of her life.
At one point, the weight of it all led her to complete burnout—for three months, she could barely get out of bed, needing assistance with even basic daily activities. It was a moment of complete physical and emotional depletion.
But rock bottom became her turning point.
Instead of staying in the cycle of suffering, she chose to rewrite her story. She stepped into her power, leaving toxic environments, setting boundaries, and redefining how she wanted to show up in the world.
Building the Women Authentic Leadership Training Institute (WALT)
Determined to help others find their voice and lead with confidence, Elizabeth co-founded the Women Authentic Leadership Training Institute (WALT).
Her goal? To help individuals—especially women—step into their authentic selves, let go of limiting beliefs, and lead with impact.
Through coaching, training programs, and speaking engagements, she teaches people to:
✔ Recognize and challenge their inner narratives
✔ Develop mental resilience and grit
✔ Take ownership of their choices and actions
✔ Lead with authenticity and confidence
She believes that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about how you show up every day, in every aspect of life.
The Power of Grit, Mental Toughness, and Choice
Elizabeth doesn’t just teach resilience—she lives it. She’s pushed herself out of her comfort zone, taking on physical challenges like cycling 70km in the rain for charity, walking a half marathon, and enduring eight months of ice bath training—despite hating the cold.
Her message is simple:
🔥 Mental toughness isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.
🔥 Your past doesn’t define you, but your response to it does.
🔥 You always have a choice—to stay stuck or to rise.
🔥 Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
🔥 You don’t need permission to step into your power.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard’s Journey
- Your Story is Yours to Rewrite – The beliefs you carry from childhood don’t have to define your future.
- Resilience is Built, Not Given – Grit and mental toughness are skills anyone can develop.
- You Have More Control Than You Think – Life isn’t about what happens to you, but how you respond.
- Authenticity is Power – Leading with authenticity creates deeper impact and connection.
- You Get to Choose – Every day, you have the power to step into your truth and create a life you love.
Join the Movement: WALT Institute
Dr. Elizabeth Pritchard is on a mission to help others reclaim their confidence, break through limitations, and lead with authenticity.
To learn more about her work, visit WALT Institute and explore leadership training programs, coaching, and free resources.
For daily inspiration, connect with Elizabeth on Instagram (@waltinstitute) and LinkedIn.
