Episode Details

40: Adrienne Donnelly on Life After… Rebuilding My Identity: Finding confidence, connection, and the power of community

Episode 40 Published 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Description

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself, and skip this one if it feels triggering.

What does rebuilding look like when leaving was only the first step?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Adrienne Donnelly, founder of Organised by Adrienne, co-founder of the Newcastle Virtual Assistants Network, owner of Seed Virtual Assistants, and President of Gen Collective.

For the first time publicly, Adrienne shares her story of leaving a domestic violence relationship in her early twenties, and how that moment became the catalyst for a life dedicated to community, connection, and supporting women.

Adrienne speaks candidly about the isolation that often comes with abusive relationships, the quiet clarity of the day she left for good, and the long process of rebuilding confidence, identity, and safety.

Today, Adrienne is known for creating spaces where women feel supported, connected, and less isolated, particularly in small businesses and virtual work.

In this episode, we chat about:

What it’s like to leave a violent relationship more than once before leaving for good
The role isolation plays in abusive relationships, and why community is often the missing piece
Rebuilding friendships, confidence, and identity after leaving
How trauma can change your body, voice, posture, and sense of self
The importance of family and support networks when leaving
Finding and creating the right communities, especially for women in business
Navigating social anxiety, networking overwhelm, and protecting your energy
Why real-life connection matters so deeply in a digital world

Adrienne’s story is a reminder that leaving is only the beginning. Healing takes time, support, and space to rebuild confidence, identity, and safety.

If you’ve left an abusive relationship, felt alone in the aftermath, or are searching for connection and community as part of your healing, this episode is for you.

Connect with Adrienne:

Website: www.organisedbyadrienne.com.au

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organisedbyadrienne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organisedbyadrienne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennedonnelly

If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram ⁠⁠@lifeafterileftpodcast⁠

If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services:

1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service

Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)

Text: 0458 737 732

Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au

Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria)