Grace Through the Fire
Ready to step into your power and lead with unstoppable presence?
This is your call to rise.
On Grace Through the Fire, Marissa Lewis — confidence coach, business mentor, speaker, and author — challenges women to break free from limitations and lead with unstoppable presence.
This is where future leaders, influencers, and creators come to own their voice, claim their space, and build a brand and life that demand respect. Through real talk, transformative strategies, and interviews with powerful women blazing their own trails, you’ll find the fire to fuel your next level.
It’s time to stop playing small. It’s time to thrive.
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Grace Through the Fire
Episode 64: CEO Chair Series with Janelle Riki-Waaka
In this episode of Grace Through the Fire: The CEO Series, I had the absolute honour of sitting down with Janelle Riki-Waaka—a powerhouse wāhine Māori, cultural capability expert, and unapologetic leader whose presence alone is transformational. Our kōrero was nothing short of soul food. We dove into what it truly means to lead from a place of deep cultural identity, heart-aligned conviction, and radical confidence, especially as wāhine navigating spaces that weren't built for us.
Janelle opened up about how she manages her energy as an “energy magnet,” how she grounds herself after high-pressure situations, and why she refuses to “water rocks” when faced with resistance or criticism. Her wisdom around legacy, especially working for her unborn mokopuna (grandchildren), hit me hard—in the best way. She reminded me, and now you, that leadership isn’t about palatability—it’s about truth, aroha, and courage.
We also unpacked practical insights for entrepreneurs—from embracing fear as fuel, to staying in your strengths, to the power of surrounding yourself with community that lifts and recharges you (like pounamu, as Janelle beautifully explains). If you’re a woman—especially an indigenous woman—ready to lead unapologetically and leave a legacy rooted in people, planet, and purpose… this conversation is for you.
With so many unforgettable one-liners (yes, including “I do conversion therapy for racists” and “This is not your shit—do not pick it up”), this episode is bold, beautiful, and deeply needed.
Arohanui
Marissa
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Nga mihi,
Riss