How the “Turnaround Queen” Transforms Businesses
Why Strong Leadership—not Strategy Alone—Is the Key to Sustainable Business Growth
Insights from Victoria Pelletier on the Profits Unleashed Podcast
What if the real reason your business feels stuck isn’t a lack of strategy, marketing, or innovation—but the leadership choices being delayed behind the scenes?
That’s the question at the heart of a compelling episode of the Profits Unleashed Podcast, where host Karen Roberts speaks with Victoria Pelletier, known globally as The Turnaround Queen and The CEO Whisperer. With more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale business transformations, Victoria offers a refreshingly honest look at what actually drives organisational change—and what quietly derails it.
This episode is essential listening for business owners, CEOs, founders, consultants, and coaches navigating growth, disruption, or the pressure to evolve in a rapidly changing market.
Transformation Doesn’t Start With Tactics—it Starts With Leadership
One of the most important takeaways from this conversation is that business transformation is a leadership challenge before it is a strategic one.
Many organisations pour time and money into strategy documents, restructuring plans, and performance metrics, yet still fail to execute meaningful change. According to Victoria, this happens because leaders underestimate the role their own behaviours play in shaping results.
Culture, she explains, is not something you “roll out.” It is the outcome of how leaders communicate, make decisions, and hold people accountable every day.
Without trust, transparency, and consistent leadership behaviour, even the best strategies collapse under resistance, confusion, or disengagement.
Why Avoiding Hard Decisions Keeps Businesses Stuck
A recurring pattern Victoria sees in struggling organisations is hesitation around people decisions.
Leaders often hold onto individuals in roles that no longer align with the company’s current needs—out of loyalty, comfort, or fear of conflict. While well-intentioned, this avoidance can quietly stall growth and damage performance.
Different stages of business require different skills, mindsets, and leadership capabilities. What worked during early growth may not work during scale, turnaround, or transformation.
True accountability, Victoria explains, isn’t punitive—it’s respectful. It creates clarity, alignment, and momentum.
This willingness to challenge leaders with uncomfortable truths is why she’s earned the reputation of being the “CEO Whisperer.”
Trust Is the Gateway to Truth
Another powerful theme from the episode is the idea that truth only lands when trust exists first.
Victoria doesn’t rely on credentials alone to influence leaders. Instead, she focuses on understanding what success looks like inside the organisation, how leaders are incentivised, and what pressures they face.
That depth of understanding builds trust—making it possible to deliver honest feedback that is heard, not resisted.
For consultants, coaches, and advisors, this is a crucial lesson: real impact comes from relationships, not just expertise.
The Role of AI in Modern Business Transformation
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how businesses operate—but this episode offers a grounded, strategic perspective rather than hype.
Victoria stresses that leaders must be clear on why they are adopting AI. Whether the goal is improving customer experience, reducing costs, increasing productivity, or driving innovation, clarity determines success.
AI doesn’t eliminate the need for humans—it amplifies the importance of human-centric skills, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, and storytelling.
As automation increases, roles will evolve—but leadership, judgment, and connection remain irreplaceable.
Why Authentic Leadership and Visibility Matter More Than Ever
In a world increasingly influenced by AI, authenticity becomes a competitive advantage.
Victoria shares how consistent brand-building and authentic storytelling led to one of her biggest milestones: being invited to open a TEDx event on resilience, a talk that has now surpassed 1.5 million views.
That opportunity didn’t come from shortcuts—it came from showing up consistently, speaking with clarity, and building trust over time.
As Karen highlights, platforms like podcasting are uniquely powerful because they allow leaders to connect through real conversations—something no algorithm can replicate.
Final Reflection: Growth Requires Courage
This episode of the Profits Unleashed Podcast is a reminder that sustainable growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about leading better.
Victoria Pelletier challenges leaders to confront reality, make courageous decisions, and align people, purpose, and technology with intention. For anyone guiding a business through change, this conversation offers clarity, confidence, and a renewed perspective on what transformation truly requires.
Learn More About Victoria Pelletier
🌐 Website: https://victoria-pelletier.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriapelletier/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PelletierV29
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_pelletier_unstoppable/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Pelletier.Unstoppable/
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VictoriaPelletierUnstoppable
🎤 Speaker Reel: https://youtu.be/na8LwVeWsmE
🎥 TEDx Miami Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFpknOCFMOg
📚 Books:
Influence Unleashed – https://a.co/d/6Ru2NKY
The Power of Whole Human Leadership – https://a.co/d/eHOCFM6
Want to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting?
If you’re a coach or consultant looking to turn podcast guesting into a scalable growth strategy, Karen Roberts is offering free access to her Podcast Profits Funnel mini-course—normally reserved for paid clients.
👉 Visit podcastprofitsunleashed.com/free to learn how to automate your sales process and convert podcast visibility into predictable business growth.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Profits Unleashed Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
