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Mary Crafts has been part of the best events in Utah for over 35 years. She is the largest off-premise caterer in Utah, catering for names like Oprah Winfrey, George W. Bush, and Sir Elton John. She's a 16X Best of State winner! Now there's an opportunity to give back and to share with others her hard-won life lessons and success, bringing you her life experiences as only she can to help you craft a meaningful life!

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  2. (Ep 370) Reimagining Failure:Fearless Journeys and Life Lessons

(Ep 370) Reimagining Failure:Fearless Journeys and Life Lessons

Apr 24, 2025

Join host Mary Crafts in an inspiring and candid conversation with Vanessa Perez on "Crafting a Meaningful Life." Vanessa, a dynamic figure with a multifaceted career, shares her compelling journey from serving in the Australian Army to becoming a pivotal force in the Utah startup community. The episode explores Vanessa's fearless approach to life, her ability to navigate and embrace change, and her profound dedication to unlocking entrepreneurial potential through MakeUtah.

In this episode, Mary and Vanessa dive deep into the power of embracing fearlessness and transformation. Vanessa recounts seminal moments in her life, such as conquering personal fears atop the Sydney Harbor Bridge and shaping a career marked by leadership and innovation in challenging environments. She reflects on her transition to the United States, the joy of motherhood, and her mission to transform the Utah innovation landscape with Make Utah. Vanessa's story is a testament to the potential of living in the present and turning mayhem into momentum through strategic creativity and grit.

About the Guest:

Vanessa Perez is a seasoned leader known for her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to problem-solving. Originally from Australia, Vanessa served an impressive 23 years in the Australian Army, including time in special operations. She later transitioned to the railway industry, managing large teams and driving safety advancements. Vanessa moved into recruiting and career consulting, helping military veterans transition to civilian careers and establishing a successful career consulting business. Now residing in Utah, Vanessa is at the forefront of MakeUtah, a visionary initiative focused on supporting hard tech innovation and entrepreneurship in Utah’s startup ecosystem.

About MakeUtah:

MakeUtah is building the future of hard-tech innovation from concept to commercialization. We are on a mission to empower entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools, industry partnerships and mentorship to drive innovation, commercialization and economic growth.

 Our Mission: We are on a mission to empower entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tools, industry partnerships and mentorship to drive innovation, commercialization and economic growth.

 Our Ambition: Our ambition is to create a thriving hard-tech ecosystem where innovators collaborate to build and scale breakthrough technologies that transform industries and economies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Conquering Fear: Vanessa's transformative experience climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge illustrates the power of overcoming fears to unlock personal growth and opportunity.
  • Career Evolution: From the army to the railway industry and onto entrepreneurship in the United States, Vanessa's career highlights the importance of adaptability and openness to change.
  • Power of Purpose: Vanessa emphasizes the significance of recognizing and seizing opportunities to fulfill one's destined path and mission.
  • Supporting Innovation: Through MakeUtah, Vanessa aims to empower inventors and entrepreneurs to bring hard tech innovations to life, fueling local economic growth.
  • Living in the Present: Embracing new challenges and ideas as they emerge without hesitation is central to crafting a meaningful and impactful life.

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