Have you ever hit rock bottom and wondered if you’d ever get back up?
I have.
And so has Kimberly Laverdure, my guest on this week’s episode of From a Woman to a Leader.
Her story?
It’s not just inspiring—it’s the blueprint for anyone who’s ever had to start over.
From Trauma to Transformation
When Kimberly was just 17, she entered an abusive relationship. What followed were years of court battles, heartbreak, and estrangement from her children.
If that wasn’t enough, she developed a degenerative autoimmune disease that left her permanently disabled and unable to work in a traditional job.
But she didn’t stop there.
Instead of letting her circumstances define her, Kimberly made the decision to rebuild—piece by piece.
With no roadmap, no savings, and no fancy credentials, she taught herself how to work online, manage operations, and eventually became a fractional COO and business operations expert for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Now she helps others create freedom, balance, and sustainability through smart systems and automation.
What This Episode Is Really About
Yes, we talk about the 5 foundational tools every entrepreneur needs to start a business.
But the truth is—this episode is about something much deeper.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about believing you’re worthy of more, even when the world tries to convince you otherwise.
It’s about reclaiming your power, no matter where you’re starting from.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
✅ The 5 essential systems Kimberly recommends to every new entrepreneur
✅ Why simplicity beats perfection when you’re just getting started
✅ How automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about saving your energy
✅ What to do if you’re overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start
✅ How Kimberly’s autoimmune diagnosis actually inspired her systems-based business model
✅ The power of mindset and community when you feel like giving up
Whether you’re thinking of launching your first side hustle, rebuilding after a major life event, or dreaming of more freedom in your work—this episode will meet you right where you are.
My Favorite Moment from the Episode
“Sometimes I don’t feel strong. I feel like a hot mess. But I’ve learned—it’s okay to fall apart. What matters is choosing to get back up.” – Kimberly Laverdure
I know so many of us need to hear that. I definitely did.
💡 Key Take Aways from This Conversation
Kimberly didn’t just talk theory—she gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how she actually rebuilt her life and business from scratch. Here are a few of the most powerful insights she shared:
1. Start simple: You only need 5 core tools to launch
Kimberly broke down the exact foundational tech stack every new entrepreneur should have:
- A one-page website with a clear message and contact info
- A professional domain email to build credibility
- A scheduler like Calendly to book calls without email ping-pong
- A payment gateway so you can get paid easily
- A CRM/email list platform like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to stay in touch with your audience
She emphasized: Don’t overthink it. Perfection is not required—progress is.
“Just pick a tool and start. You can always change it later. But don’t let the tech stop you.”
2. Your pain can shape your purpose
Kimberly’s journey into systems and automation was born from necessity—after being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, she had to find a way to work that protected her health and energy.
So she asked herself:
How can I streamline everything so I’m not burning out just trying to survive?
Now, she helps other women build businesses that work for them, not the other way around.
3. Automation is self-care for entrepreneurs
One of my favorite parts of our chat was Kimberly’s reminder that automating your business isn’t about being more “techy”—it’s about reclaiming your time and sanity.
From scheduling links to email sequences, she shows how small systems can create massive relief, especially if you’re balancing work with health challenges, caregiving, or just… life.
4. Mindset shifts that make all the difference
Kimberly was vulnerable about how hard it was to start over—not just logistically, but emotionally.
She talked about battling feelings of worthlessness, imposter syndrome, and fear.
Her advice?
“If your gut is telling you something’s off—trust it. You don’t need to justify it. You don’t need to wait for it to get worse. Take the first step, even if it’s a small one.”
5. Community is your greatest secret weapon
Kimberly credits online communities for helping her find her voice again. She encourages anyone stuck in a toxic workplace, isolating home situation, or simply unsure of what’s next to join Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or virtual networks to connect with other women building something new.
“You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.”
🎧 Want to hear how she did it—and how you can too?
👉 Listen now: https://limorbergman.com/podcast
This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt:
- Stuck in a job (or life) that drains you
- Unsure where to even begin building something new
- Ready for more freedom—but overwhelmed by the “how”
You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step. Kimberly’s story proves that.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to subscribe.
New episodes drop every Wednesday, and I promise you—these conversations will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to lead.
About Kimberly Laverdure
Kimberly Laverdure is an Operations Specialist, Fractional COO, and Business Consultant who helps small business owners and entrepreneurs streamline their systems, automate their processes, and build sustainable businesses—without burning out.
Her passion for operations was born out of necessity. After being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases and overcoming years of personal adversity, Kimberly rebuilt her life and career from scratch. Today, she combines her corporate background, online business expertise, and personal resilience to empower other women to thrive in business—on their own terms.
Kimberly is also a contributing author in the upcoming book She Defies: 30 Powerful Stories of Overcoming, a raw and inspiring collection of stories from women who turned their pain into purpose. Sign up to be notified when her book is available!
📘 Join the waitlist for her book:
👉 https://virtuallifealchemist.com/book/
Work with Kimberly or learn more about her services:
🌐 Website
📩 Email: kimberly@virtuallifealchemist.com
🔗 Connect with Kimberly online:
About Me
I’m Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. I help women rise into leadership roles with confidence—without burning out or compromising who they are.
🎙️ From a Woman to a Leader is where I bring you honest, powerful conversations with women who’ve been there—and want to help you get there too.
Let’s connect:
🌐 Website
▶️ YouTube
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