Episode Title: Unmasking Purpose Through the Delta Leadership Academy

Episode Summary

In this deeply personal and long overdue episode, host Tammy Winstead pulls back the curtain on the transformational journey that reshaped her leadership, restored her voice, and sparked the creation of Unmasking the Heart for Change.

From childhood storytelling to walking away from the microphone for over a decade, Tammy shares the raw, unpolished truth about confidence, healing, purpose, and finding herself again through the Arkansas Delta Women’s Leadership Academy.

This episode dives into:

• The childhood “training ground” where Tammy first learned the power of storytelling
• The season of life that led her to walk away from the stage—and why she stayed away for 15 years
• The mentor who spoke life into her future long before she could see it
• The mindset shift that opened new doors without forcing them
• The lie she told herself that almost kept her out of the leadership program
• The lie others told her that she believed for far too long (“You’re too much…”)
• The moment a classmate spoke healing words that helped her reclaim her identity
• How emotional intelligence training reshaped her internal world
• The birth of the podcast as her leadership service project
• A reminder that sometimes you’re not “too much”—you were just in rooms that were too small

This episode also includes Tammy’s full graduation class remarks at the end, giving listeners a true glimpse of the heart, purpose, and power behind this life-changing program.

If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling unqualified, “too much,” not enough, or unsure whether you belong in bigger rooms—this episode is for you.

💛 Key Takeaways

• Your story is shaping you for the rooms you’re meant to stand in
• Emotions are data—don’t dismiss what rises
• “Too much” is often a sign your gifts were placed in small spaces
• Healing often begins when you stop forcing doors and start following nudges
• Confidence is built through showing up scared but willing
• Choosing yourself can change everything
• Leadership isn’t about performing—it’s about unmasking and growing
• 
  

📌 Leadership Program Registration

The NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy is now accepting applications.
Registration closes Friday 11/21/25 at 5PM CST!

If this episode stirred something in you… it may be your time.

🔗 Apply Here: NEA Regional Leadership Accelerator Academy

What you need to apply: 

• Resume
• Professional Reference Letter
• Personal Reference Letter

Next year, the program expands to include both women and men, opening new doors for more leaders across the Delta to grow.

✨ Episode Quote

“You’re not too much. You were just in rooms that were too small.”

🔗 Connect With Us

🧡 If This Episode Spoke to You…

Please consider:

• Leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review
• Sharing this episode with a friend
• Posting your biggest takeaway using #UnmaskingChange
• Tagging Tammy in your thoughts + reflections

Your voice helps encourage others to unmask theirs.