Building a Life After Prison

In this deeply moving and powerful episode, Janeen speaks with Connie Paglianiti — a multi-award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and creator of the Red Flags in Plain Sight™ framework. With over four decades of experience in high-stakes event production, Connie shares the raw, personal story behind her remarkable transformation — from trusted professional to incarceration, and the long road to redemption.

After losing everything and spending time in prison, Connie candidly explains how shame and stigma kept her feeling locked away long after her sentence ended. In rebuilding her life, she uncovered the power of recognising red flags — in people, in business, and within ourselves — and now dedicates her career to helping others do the same.

This episode is a must-listen for any woman in leadership, business, or transition. Connie’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is opportunity to rise, rebuild, and lead from a place of authenticity and courage.

• Life after prison:
  Connie shared that after being released from prison, she didn’t know who she was or where to turn. She felt "still locked away," carrying shame and fear of judgment. This emotional burden weighed heavier than her actual sentence.
  
  
• The cost of ignoring red flags:
  As a high-achieving event organiser, Connie was the “fixer” until she spiralled. She ignored obvious warning signs in relationships and business, ultimately leading to the loss of her freedom and identity.
  
  
• Her wake-up call and rebuild:
  Prison wasn’t the end — it was the beginning of rediscovering herself. Through rebuilding from the inside out, Connie realised red flags aren’t random. They’re visible early, but many women avoid confronting them.
  
  
• Red Flags in Plain Sight™ framework:
  This is the heart of Connie’s mission. She empowers women to spot subtle signs of danger — from manipulative business partners to burnout triggers — and take action before it’s too late.
  
  
• Leadership truths:
  Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. Connie encourages women to lead with eyes wide open and speak out — even when it’s uncomfortable.
  
  
• Owning your story:
  Women often carry silence and shame around past mistakes. Connie teaches that your story can be your superpower if you choose to use it that way.
  
  

• Ignoring red flags (to avoid being seen as difficult)
  → Solution: Learn to trust your gut, gather facts quickly, and speak up early.
  
  
• Overfunctioning while neglecting your own needs
  → Solution: Build strong boundaries, delegate, and spot subtle warning signs.
  
  
• Holding onto shame and silence
  → Solution: Reclaim your story. You’re not broken — you’re rebuilding.
  
  

• What are some red flags that women in business and leadership commonly miss?
  
  
• Why do capable women ignore their instincts, and how can they rebuild that trust?
  
  
• How did you find the courage to move forward after such a devastating fall?
  
  
• What message would you share with someone who has made a serious mistake and doesn’t know how to start again?
  
  

1. Red flags are never random — they show up early and often; we’ve just been taught to ignore them.
   
   
2. You’re not broken — you’re rebuilding.
   
   
3. Your story isn’t your shame — it can become your superpower.
   
   

• Email: connie@conniepaglianiti.com
  
  
• Phone: 0417 362 785
  
  
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/conniepaglianiti
  
  
• Instagram: @conniempaglianiti
  
  
• Facebook: facebook.com/WeSocialiseAU
  
  
• YouTube: @ConnieMPaglianiti
  
  
• X (Twitter): @ConnieP_Speaks