Written by Annick Verboven, Trauma and Narcissism Recovery Coach Annick Verboven writes about trauma, narcissistic abuse, and embodied leadership. She guides her clients and visionary leaders to break survival patterns, transmute inner blocks into clarity, and activate spiritual intelligence, unlocking truth, vitality in the mind, body, and nervous system, and the power to lead from deep alignment. Have you ever wondered why you abruptly quit a project just as it was about to succeed, or why you find yourself compulsively cleaning when you are actually deeply hurt? These are sophisticated survival strategies etched into your nervous system. When we experience trauma or prolonged narcissistic abuse, our brain develops specialized defensive patterns to keep us safe. While responses such as Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn served a purpose in the past, they often become the very barriers that prevent us from living a free and authentic life today. In this article, you will discover the 19 distinct survival strategies that stem from trauma and PTSD. Learn why working through these physiological responses is the only way to reach the root cause of your pain. The science of survival Our nervous system is a brilliant "smart pharmacy" designed to protect us at all costs. According to the Polyvagal Theory, our brain constantly scans the environment for cues of safety or danger. When chronic unsafety occurs, such as in narcissistic dynamics, our internal alarm, the amygdala, remains hyperactive. This leads to the development of complex survival strategies that go far beyond the basic fight-or-flight response. Understanding these patterns is the first step in moving from a state of mere survival to one of thriving. Why we must work through trauma responses Traditional talk therapy often stays on the surface because it focuses on the "story." However, trauma is stored in the body and the nervous system. By identifying and working directly with your trauma responses, we bypass the cognitive mind and reach the biological root. When you regulate the nervous system, the "survival pharmacy" stops producing stress hormones and starts producing recovery chemicals. This is the only way to achieve sustainable healing and deep neurological change. Recognizing the 19 survival strategies Trauma responses are physiological reflexes rather than conscious choices. By identifying which of these 19 strategies your system prefers, you can begin to offer your body the specific type of safety it requires to heal. Fight – Control to avoid belittlement: The Fight response manifests as anger, dominance, or an intense need for control. This strategy emerges from a deep-seated fear of being belittled or overpowered again. By staying aggressive, the system attempts to create a perimeter where no one can hurt you. Flight – Running from the silence: Flight looks like workaholism, perfectionism, or chronic busyness. This strategy serves to outrun painful feelings or the terrifying silence of "being," where suppressed trauma often resides. Freeze – The inability to choose: When a situation feels inescapable, the system chooses Freeze. This looks like procrastination, an inability to make decisions, or feeling physically paralyzed. It is the body's way of playing dead to become "invisible." Fawn – Pleasing to buy safety: Fawning involves people-pleasing and neglecting your own boundaries. Safety is sought by making the other person happy so they won't lash out. You say "yes" when your soul feels "no." Falter – The protective hesitation: Faltering occurs when you are right on the edge of a breakthrough, but suddenly pull back. The nervous system perceives the upcoming change as a threat to the known status quo, causing you to stumble at the last moment. Fold – Merging to belong: Folding is the loss of autonomy. You merge your identity into the other person or the group to fit in. By having no needs of your own, you reduce the risk of conflict at the cost of your true self. Fixation – Analyzing for a sense of grip: Fixation is the "intellectual" response. You over-analyze and compulsively play out scenarios. The system believes that if it can just "figure it out," it will finally be safe from future harm. Feign – The "I am fine" mask: The Feign response is a mask. On the outside, everything looks perfect, but internally, the system is imploding. This strategy prevents others from seeing the vulnerability that was once used against you. Folter – Inner torture and shame: Folter involves extreme self-criticism. You take the voice of the abuser and turn it inward. By punishing yourself first, the system tries to create a painful but predictable internal environment. Folt – The threshold stop: Folt is a specific "stop" mechanism that occurs just as you reach for freedom. It is the invisible wall that keeps you from leaving a toxic situation. Your system registers the "New" as "Dangerous" and triggers a hard stop. Flood – Emotional overspoiling: Flood happens when the emotional container overflows. It manifests as sudden panic attacks or feeling overwhelmed by the world. The system has lost its ability to ground the incoming sensory data. Fall – The post-tension collapse: Fall is the sudden drop in energy after a period of high stress. When the adrenaline runs out, the system simply "drops." You may feel a heavy, leaden feeling that makes movement impossible. Flop – The total shutdown: The Flop response is a complete physical loss of muscle tone. It is a severe form of shutdown where you become like a "rag doll." The body has decided that passivity is the only way to survive. Forfeit – Giving up on hope: Forfeit is the state of learned helplessness. You give up because the system has concluded that no matter what you do, the outcome will be the same. It is a protective layer against further disappointment. Fragment – Dissociating from reality: Fragmentation involves "checking out" from the here and now. You may feel like you are watching your life from a distance. Dissociation allows the mind to endure pain that the physical body cannot escape. Fiddle – Busy without progress: Fiddle is a low-level distraction. It involves staying busy with unimportant tasks, fidgeting, or scrolling, without ever taking a real step toward a goal. It keeps the nervous system occupied to avoid deep feelings. Feist – Creating distance through irritability: Feist is a "mini-attack." It is a prickly state where you snap at people. This creates distance between you and others, ensuring no one gets close enough to cause you harm. Fyck it – Abrupt disconnection: The "Fyck it" response is a desperate "eject button." It involves rebellion, numbing, or impulsively quitting when the system feels too pressured or controlled. Flock – Searching for alliances: Flock involves gathering people around you to create a buffer against a threat. By seeking constant support or alliances, the system tries to dampen its own internal fear through the presence of others. Moving toward nervous system regulation Healing requires a bottom-up approach. In the BRUG method, we work through four layers, cognitive clarity, nervous system regulation, systemic roots, and energetic stability. By teaching the body that it is safe, these 19 strategies can finally be laid down. You are not broken, your system is simply still trying to protect a version of you that is no longer in danger. Start your healing journey You can reclaim your autonomy and heal the physical impact of long-term stress, including fibromyalgia. Visit Topfit na Narcisme  to learn more about the BRUG-method. If you are ready to stop surviving and start living, book a transformation call today and take the first step toward your new life. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Annick Verboven Annick Verboven, Trauma and Narcissism Recovery Coach Annick Verboven is a trauma and narcissism recovery coach, vitality expert, and Reiki Master with a background in innovation management and neuroencoding. As founder of Topfit na Narcisme and European Wellness Artificial Intelligence Worldwide Leadership, she guides clients from survival mode to embodied healing and self-leadership. Her work integrates trauma-informed coaching, nervous system regulation, and energetic transformation. She developed the BRUG-method, a holistic framework that helps individuals reconnect with their inner truth, restore boundaries, and build emotional resilience. Annick creates safe spaces for deep transformation and works exclusively with clients who choose themselves, honoring purity and energetic boundaries.

Written by Sairron J Miller, Entrepreneur Sairron is both a fitness trainer & a highly creative entrepreneur who believes enormously in creating mindset systems. He's the owner of (Mindset) sneaker & clothing brand and has coached clients of all backgrounds in the fitness industry. Research has estimated that the average person thinks sixty thousand thoughts on average per day. As many as ninety-eight percent of our thoughts are lingering from the previous day. This fact is both highly interesting and powerfully shocking. “We are what we are and are where we are because of what has gone in our mind.” – Zig Ziglar Mind inventory In the ever-changing world we live in today, which is overly saturated with information, distractions, and entertainment, we must be on high alert. We need to frequently visit our mind's inventory to see what is helping or hindering us. Our thinking, as we know, has a direct impact on our external world at large. I would compare this to an inventory of a refrigerator. If we take a look inside our own refrigerator, is it serving us in a productive and healthy way, or is it full of unhealthy food choices? Having good food choices available allows our bodies to be properly fueled with the right nutrients, which in turn makes us feel good and empowered in our days. Take bad food choices, which can under-serve our body's demands and, in turn, make us feel sluggish, unmotivated, and even mentally disempowered. Mind adjustment Taking inventory can lead to decisions and help us make the right adjustments as needed. As creatures of habit and patterns, we must be aware and make sure we are setting ourselves up mentally to thrive and continue upward thinking. Sometimes, our brain may get stuck in a jam and need a completely different routine. Self-talk counts, as what we say about ourselves, we start to believe subconsciously, and that runs on its own program. I would suggest making sure we are giving our minds a renewed program to avoid stagnation. Why not continuously update and challenge our minds to see new and exciting opportunities that can be right in front of us? An example I can use is a sports team. The format of a sports team includes a set of players and coaches. During a game, there are times when a coach calls time-outs when they notice a bad pattern or strategy that is failing and needs adjustment. Sometimes, we need a time-out to look at and analyze our minds to see if they are failing us or if our mindset strategy needs adjustment. Heart connects to mind The link between our hearts and minds is that every day, they are constantly sending signals of information, such as through our nervous system, how we respond to stress, and hormones, to name a few. A positive and common thing we all can do, taking into account some limitations and accessibility, is exercise. Being physically active can help us strengthen both our minds and bodies. I feel the world frequently forgets that the mind is constantly sending daily signals to the body, and vice versa. Exercising allows for great feedback by releasing the “feel-good” endorphins, which are known to boost confidence, well-being, and the drive to accomplish goals in life. Signs and signals Let's remember the heart and mind connection and how we think truly shapes our reality. We can renew and replenish both by being intentional about checking our inventory and making sure we keep the positive and get rid of the negative. I believe everyone has the power to take their life and shape it to their unique custom needs. Ultimately, changing these signals we send won’t be as easy as we would like, but it’s worth the time and investment for a better future ahead. Powerful and mindful quotes “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford “I never lose, I either win or learn.” – Nelson Mandela “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.” – Audrey Hepburn “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of only standing still.” – Chinese Proverb Conclusion The connections we personally build between our hearts and minds are powerful, and we are either weakening them or strengthening them by our daily habits, beliefs, and emotions. From what we think, eat, and do on a daily basis, we should keep this at the top of our personal daily audit list. In today’s climate, it is becoming perhaps the most challenging it’s ever been, yet we still have the power to keep our mind and heart connection strong and renewed. Let’s stay mindful and be more intentional about all our endeavors, knowing we are subconsciously setting a connection with each thought and decision we make. Follow me on Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sairron J Miller Sairron J Miller, Entrepreneur Sairron is a figure of sustained resilience, a personal trainer , and a creative global entrepreneur. Growing up, he always thought bigger and continued to resist limiting thinking patterns. He has since transformed passion from disappointment into inspiring and creative endeavors. He hopes he can bring a spark to people's lives by suggesting a new, unique mindset pattern approach. His Mission: Believing is the secret.

Written by Matt Patterson, Owner Operator – Coach Matt Patterson is the founder of Érdem Elevate and a performance coach focused on building discipline through fitness, mindset, and leadership. He helps driven professionals create structure, consistency, and self-leadership so results are earned, sustained, and repeatable. Burnout is often framed as a mental or emotional problem, but for many people, burnout symptoms begin long before motivation disappears. Chronic stress without physical recovery quietly drains energy, focus, and resilience until even simple tasks feel heavy. Most people try to fix burnout by doing less or thinking differently. While these approaches can help temporarily, they often ignore the foundation that supports mental performance, the body. When physical systems such as sleep, nutrition, movement, and recovery break down, mental clarity and emotional regulation follow. Burnout is rarely a motivation issue, it is a capacity issue. In this article, you’ll learn 10 physical habits that reduce burnout by rebuilding physical resilience and restoring the body’s ability to handle stress. These habits are not trends or quick fixes. They are foundational practices that support long-term performance under pressure. What is burnout? Burnout is a state of prolonged physical and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress without sufficient recovery. It often shows up as persistent fatigue, reduced motivation, emotional detachment, and declining performance. Although burnout is frequently discussed as a psychological issue, research from Harvard Health Publishing  on chronic stress and burnout shows that prolonged stress disrupts the nervous system, sleep cycles, and hormone regulation, increasing the risk of physical exhaustion and emotional burnout. When the body remains in a constant state of stress, its ability to adapt and recover declines. Over time, burnout becomes the inevitable result. What causes burnout? Burnout develops when sustained demands are paired with inadequate physical support. Common contributors include long work hours, high responsibility, inconsistent sleep, irregular eating patterns, excessive caffeine use, and lack of structured movement. Many people attempt to push through stress without restoring their physical systems. This imbalance keeps output high while recovery steadily declines. Eventually, the body signals overload through exhaustion, irritability, brain fog, and disengagement. Signs and symptoms of burnout Burnout symptoms often include persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, disrupted sleep, low motivation, and emotional numbness. Physically, it may appear as reduced strength, frequent aches, low energy, and increased reliance on stimulants. According to the National Institutes of Health  on stress-related fatigue, chronic stress is strongly associated with cognitive fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and reduced physical performance, especially when recovery is insufficient. Behaviorally, burnout can show up as procrastination, withdrawal, or a constant feeling of operating in survival mode. These signals indicate that physical capacity has been exceeded for too long. 10 physical habits that reduce burnout Maintain consistent sleep and wake times: Sleep consistency stabilizes circadian rhythms and supports nervous system recovery. Irregular schedules increase stress sensitivity and impair focus. A consistent routine restores resilience and improves daily energy. Strength train with structure, not chaos: Structured strength training provides controlled stress that teaches the body how to adapt. Random or excessive training adds fatigue without progress. Structure builds confidence, discipline, and physical capacity. Walk daily to reduce stress load: Daily walking lowers stress hormones, improves circulation, and promotes mental clarity. It supports recovery without overloading the system, making it a powerful burnout-reduction habit. Eat enough protein to support recovery: Protein is essential for tissue repair, hormone production, and neurotransmitter function. Inadequate intake slows recovery and increases fatigue. Consistent protein supports energy and stress resilience. Hydrate intentionally throughout the day: Even mild dehydration can worsen fatigue, mood, and concentration. Relying on caffeine instead of hydration increases nervous system stress. Intentional hydration supports physical and cognitive function. Reduce decision fatigue around food and training: Constant decision-making accelerates burnout. Simplifying meals and training schedules conserves mental energy and allows the body to recover more efficiently. Use movement to regulate the nervous system: Movement is not only for fitness. Light mobility work, stretching, and controlled breathing through movement help downshift the nervous system and release stored tension. Train for consistency, not perfection: Perfectionism increases stress and undermines recovery. Consistent, repeatable habits build long-term resilience. Progress comes from showing up, not flawless execution. Treat recovery as part of performance: Recovery is a requirement, not a reward. Sleep, rest days, and active recovery allow the body to rebuild capacity. Ignoring recovery accelerates burnout and limits long-term performance. Build routines that protect energy, not just time: Time management alone does not prevent burnout. Energy management does. Routines should support sleep, movement, and nutrition so energy remains predictable and sustainable. Rebuilding your capacity starts with the body Burnout is not a personal failure. It is a signal that the body has been operating under sustained stress without enough structure or recovery. When physical systems break down, mental resilience follows. My work at Érdem Elevate is built around this understanding. I use structured fitness as a tool to help people reduce burnout by rebuilding physical capacity. Training restores energy. Consistent movement improves emotional regulation. Strength work increases stress tolerance and confidence. As the body becomes stronger and more resilient, the mind follows. Fitness is not about aesthetics or pushing harder for the sake of it. It is about creating a body that can handle pressure, recover efficiently, and support high responsibility without breaking down. When physical standards are in place, burnout loses its grip. If you are experiencing burnout symptoms and want a structured, sustainable way to rebuild your energy and resilience, you can learn more about my coaching approach here . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Matt Patterson Matt Patterson, Owner Operator – Coach Matt Patterson is the founder of Érdem Elevate and a performance coach focused on self-leadership through discipline, structure, and execution. He works with driven professionals who want lasting results in fitness, mindset, and leadership, not quick fixes. His coaching emphasizes ownership, consistency, and systems that remove emotion from performance. Matt’s work challenges people to live up to the standard they expect from others. His mission is to build self-led leaders by mastering the body, the mind, and the mission.

Written by Kasia Stewart, Guest Writer Insight from attachment theory has become one of the most influential lenses in both the social sciences and modern culture, shaping how we try to make sense of our relationships. Yet what happens when that insight hardens into a label, one that confines more than it liberates? If we search for rigid explanations, we risk losing the curiosity and humility required to appreciate that human connection is both wonderfully and painfully complex, far too intricate to be contained within a single framework. Read on to explore how insight from attachment styles can serve as a map on the journey toward greater security, without falling into the trap of rigid labels “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien The cultural rise of attachment theory ‘I feel seen.’  ‘Gosh, so it’s not my fault…’  ‘That makes so much sense.’  These are just some of the reactions I hear from clients, educators, and parents when they first learn about attachment styles . There’s a real sense of relief, of finally understanding why they and their loved ones behave the way they do. Suddenly, past experiences, unmet needs, and our deep human drive for connection and safety start to fit together. It can feel as if something hidden at the core of who we are has finally been named. Attachment theory has become so widespread over the last 60 years because it translates easily from academic psychology into everyday life. At its heart, it’s a simple idea, the way we learned to connect with our earliest caregivers shapes how we relate to others throughout our lives. Attachment styles are the patterns we develop from those early experiences, four broad “relational templates” that help explain why we seek closeness, avoid it, cling to it, or move between all three. No wonder this once-specialised theory has made its way out of research labs and therapy rooms and into social media feeds, podcasts, and dinner-table conversations. It’s accessible. It’s intuitive. And above all, it’s validating, and anything that validates our inner world has the power to be deeply transformative. More than half a century after its inception, attachment theory remains one of the most influential frameworks in the social and behavioural sciences. It spans many areas, but one of its most popular uses today is helping people understand their romantic relationships. Imagine being given language for your experience, your pain, your patterns, your needs. That sense of being understood is powerful. It’s hopeful. And for many, it’s the beginning of real change. How insight becomes a label We humans tend to simplify things. We like clear borders, familiar words, and concepts we can easily grasp. The known feels safe, and the absence of nuance can give us a comforting sense of control. Psychology even has names for this, Schema Theory , which explains how our brains rely on mental shortcuts to organise the world quickly, and the Need for Cognitive Closure , our tendency to seek definite answers rather than sit with uncertainty. Because safety is such a fundamental need, even the most helpful psychological theories can quickly turn into rigid labels. ‘I’m a Type 8, so I’m blunt.’ ‘I’m an introvert, so I don’t like socializing.’ Statements like these may hold some truth, but they rarely capture the whole picture. When a label becomes an identity, it narrows what we’re willing to see or try. It can even create frustration when life doesn’t match the script we’ve assigned ourselves. A framework becomes an identity, then a box, then a limitation. What was meant to offer insight starts to dictate behaviour. And theories evolve. Not long ago, emotional or sensitive women were labelled as having “hysteria” or being “neurotic”, concepts we now recognise as outdated and harmful. It’s a reminder that psychological language is always changing, and that today’s popular categories may one day look just as limited. Labels can help us understand ourselves, but they can also freeze us in place if we forget they’re only tools, not truths. The pitfalls of turning attachment styles into identities So what about attachment styles? How do these genuinely helpful ideas end up working against us? In my clinical work with clients, in the trainings I run for educators, and most recently through facilitating a weekly Attachment Issues support group on a global online therapy platform, I’ve noticed a pattern that’s hard to ignore, a lot of people treating their attachment style as if it were a diagnosis, or worse, a permanent identity. “I’m avoidant,” instead of, “I tend to show avoidant patterns.” That tiny shift turns a description into a label you’re expected to live inside. And this isn’t happening in a vacuum. In addition to our search for safety in the knowing, we’re living in a cultural moment where psychology is everywhere, bite-sized therapy tips on TikTok, Instagram reels, endless YouTube shorts. It’s never been easier to access information, but it’s also never been easier to mistake oversimplified content for expertise. People absorb a few posts, recognise themselves in a meme, and suddenly feel they’ve cracked the code of their entire relational life. The nuance, the research, the context, all of that gets lost. And once a label hardens, a few predictable problems show up: You stop being open to other explanations for your relationship patterns You start searching for simple, step-by-step solutions, as if there’s a universal formula for becoming secure in a 5-step programme You feel frustrated when the quick fixes don’t work and your therapist keeps reminding you that “it’s a process,” “it’s hard work,” and “it’s complex” You feel confused or even defective when you don’t fit neatly into one category All of this can stall your movement toward security. Some people even give up, convinced they’re permanently “anxious” or “avoidant,” when in reality they’re just stuck inside a label that was never meant to define them. Labels are shortcuts, not identities. What attachment styles can and can’t explain Learning about attachment styles is incredibly useful for anyone who wants to improve their relationships. But to avoid the pitfalls of turning them into fixed labels, and to truly make the most of decades of research without needing a psychology degree, we need to keep a few crucial points in mind. The attachment style you resonate with most is not a diagnosis or a personality type. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard someone say, sometimes with real distress, “I have all these diagnoses, and now I have this too.” An attachment style isn’t something you “have.” It’s a framework that helps you understand how and why you navigate relationships the way you do, what helps you feel safe, how you respond under stress, which needs went unmet earlier in your life, how you adapted and survived, and what tends to trigger you. That’s already a profound amount of insight. There is no one‑size‑fits‑all version of any attachment style. Attachment behaviour exists on a spectrum, and although we talk about four distinct styles, each one contains its own range. Many people also move between patterns depending on the relationship, the situation, or even their emotional state in the moment. Attachment patterns are unique to each person. Attachment theory is one powerful lens, but it’s not the only one. It’s important, yes, but not all‑explaining or exclusive. Many other valuable theories help us understand and improve our relationships. Attachment is dynamic, contextual, and adaptive. It makes it complex and sometimes even mysterious. But that’s what human connections are – you cannot and shouldn’t fit them in boxes. The path towards security Accepting that attachment theory carries depth and complexity, we can still weave its insights into the knowledge, understanding, and intuition we already hold. One of the most meaningful benefits, simple as it may sound, is increased self‑awareness. You begin to know yourself a little better. You pause, reflect, and reconnect with your inner world. You stop blaming yourself for things you have done or still do, recognising that these patterns are often attempts to meet your needs or adaptations formed when those needs weren’t met. You take responsibility in a helpful, not shame-inducing way. This awareness can help you locate yourself on a kind of map of your relational behaviour. You may not always have exact coordinates, but even a rough sense of where you stand is useful, it’s better to know you’re in Panama than somewhere in South America. That map can then guide you, showing where you might want to go, pointing toward what feels more secure, acting more like a compass than a GPS. Ultimately, this is a journey toward greater security, one that won’t always be straightforward or comfortable, but remains deeply worthwhile. When your attachment style shows up, treat it like a signpost, not a verdict. Ask yourself, “What direction is this pointing me toward, and do I want to follow it?” That question alone can open new paths. And if you’d like company as you learn to read your own map, I’m here to help. Therapy can be a place to explore the terrain with more clarity, compassion, and freedom. Kasia Stewart, Guest Writer Kasia Stewart is an integrative counsellor with 15 years of therapeutic experience, working with children, young people and adults across school settings and private practice. She is also an experienced support‑group facilitator with a background in teaching. Kasia’s professional interests centre on trauma, attachment and neurodiversity. She currently divides her professional life between managing a therapy team at Unlocking Potential, a London‑based charity, and her private practice. A lifelong lover of books, learning, writing and art, Kasia is passionate about helping people make sense of their stories. Check @redwood-therapy or visit here.

Written by Isabelle Veser, Music Producer I'm Isabelle Veser, a French-German-Greek EDM producer, singer, and songwriter based in Cologne. I've collaborated with international artists like Luca Testa, Van Snyder, Millean, and Burak Yeter. After performing at Canadian Music Week and Rotterdam School Festival, I'm excited to bring my music to the U.S. this year. The control room in music production has long been a male-dominated space, but women producers are pushing through the glass. However, increased visibility doesn't always equate to true authority. In this article, we delve into the quiet struggles women face in the studio, facing gendered assumptions, emotional labor, and unequal recognition. Real change requires more than symbolic gestures, it requires structural shifts in how the industry views and supports women’s leadership. The room where decisions are made The control room is small. Cables snake across the floor, coffee cups balance dangerously on speaker cabinets, and the air hums with low frequencies and unspoken hierarchies. This is where decisions are made about sound, direction, budgets, credits, and careers. For decades, this room has looked largely the same: men behind the desk, men behind the gear, men making the final calls. Today, more women are entering this space as producers. Their presence is no longer exceptional, but it is still far from normalized. Women producers are no longer invisible. But they are often questioned, tested, delayed, and filtered through expectations that have little to do with music and everything to do with power. This is the story of that contradiction. Visibility is not the same as power On paper, the music industry likes progress. Diversity initiatives are announced. Panels discuss inclusion. Social media celebrates “female producers to watch.” Visibility has improved, no doubt about it. But visibility does not equal authority. Many women producers describe the same experience: being invited into rooms without being fully trusted once inside them. Their presence is acknowledged, but their leadership remains conditional. They are allowed to participate, but not always to decide. Progress, in this sense, has become aesthetic rather than structural.   The producer myth and who gets to embody it The cultural image of a music producer is still stubbornly masculine. The producer is imagined as technically dominant, emotionally detached, decisive, and confident, sometimes bordering on arrogant. These traits are socially rewarded in men and often penalized in women. When a man asserts authority in a studio, it is read as confidence. When a woman does the same, it may be labeled difficult, emotional, or controlling. This double standard shapes interactions long before the first note is played. Women producers frequently report being mistaken for assistants, vocalists, managers, or interns. Even with credits, experience, and technical mastery, they often have to explain their role repeatedly. Authority, it turns out, is still gendered. Proving competence again and again One of the most exhausting aspects of being a woman producer is the constant need to prove legitimacy. Technical decisions are second-guessed. Creative directions are questioned. Gear knowledge is tested. Mistakes, inevitable in any creative process, are remembered longer. Men are often allowed to be average and still trusted. Women are expected to be exceptional just to be considered competent. This pressure creates a hyper-awareness in studio environments. Every move feels performative. Every decision carries weight beyond the music itself. The result? Less freedom to experiment. Less space to fail. And failure, in creative work, is often where innovation begins.   Male support: Real, necessary, and often inconsistent It is important to say this clearly: many men in the music industry genuinely support women producers. They open doors, recommend names, offer mentorship, and challenge sexist behavior when they see it. Without these allies, many careers would not exist. But support is not a fixed state, it is a practice. And too often, that practice stops short. Women producers frequently describe a pattern: encouragement without commitment. Promises without follow-through. Verbal support that evaporates when budgets tighten, credits are assigned, or power is at stake. Being told “we’ll work together soon” is common. Seeing that collaboration materializes is less so. In some cases, support is offered publicly and withdrawn privately. In others, it is tied to emotional labor being agreeable, patient, grateful, and non-confrontational. Support that depends on compliance is not support. It is control disguised as allyship.   When professionalism becomes conditional Another recurring experience is the subtle erosion of professional boundaries. Women producers may find themselves navigating situations where their expertise is acknowledged only as long as they remain pleasant. Discomfort arises when boundaries are set about unpaid work, unclear credits, or inappropriate comments. Refusing these dynamics can have consequences. Opportunities quietly disappear. Communication slows. Invitations stop coming. The message is rarely explicit, but it is clear: access is conditional. Being present but not heard Dismissal in the studio rarely looks dramatic. It operates through small gestures. Ideas are ignored until repeated by someone else. Technical instructions are double-checked. Decisions are discussed around, rather than with, the woman leading the session. Sometimes, women producers are physically present but socially sidelined, excluded from late-night sessions, informal networking, or post-session conversations where future plans are shaped. Power often moves quietly. So does exclusion.   Broken promises and invisible labor The music industry runs on informal agreements. Trust, reputation, and word-of-mouth matter as much as contracts. For women producers, this informality can be risky. They are often asked to “prove themselves” through unpaid or underpaid work, with the promise of future opportunities. These opportunities frequently remain theoretical. Credits disappear. Contributions are minimized. Projects move forward without acknowledgment. Challenging this behavior can label a woman as difficult. Accepting it reinforces exploitation. Either way, the cost is high.   The illusion of unlimited opportunity There is a persistent narrative that success in music is purely merit-based. Talent rises. Hard work pays off. This narrative ignores how opportunity is distributed. Women producers are often funneled into fewer projects, smaller budgets, and limited genres. When mistakes happen, as they inevitably do, they are treated as evidence rather than an exception. Meanwhile, male peers are allowed to experiment publicly, fail visibly, and still be trusted with the next opportunity. Meritocracy sounds fair until you look closely at who gets repeated chances.   The complicated truth about women supporting women There is a widespread expectation that women in male-dominated industries will naturally support one another. Reality is more complex. Some women producers describe feeling dismissed or undermined by other women. Competition can replace solidarity, particularly in environments where only a few women are allowed visibility. This is not a moral failure, it is a structural one. When systems reward tokenism, scarcity becomes internalized. Supporting another woman can feel like risking one’s own precarious position. Internalized sexism also plays a role. Women, like men, grow up absorbing the same cultural narratives about authority and talent. Some replicate these narratives unconsciously. Understanding this does not excuse harmful behavior, but it explains why solidarity cannot be assumed. It must be built deliberately.   Emotional labor and the cost of being “easy to work with” Women producers are often praised for being “easy,” “pleasant,” or “low-maintenance.” These compliments are rarely neutral. They reflect an expectation that women will manage emotions both their own and others’. They will smooth conflict, absorb tension, and remain agreeable under pressure. Assertiveness risks backlash. Anger is rarely tolerated. Directness is softened to avoid being labeled aggressive. This emotional labor is invisible, unpaid, and exhausting.   Technology, genre, and gendered assumptions Production remains deeply tied to technology, and technology is still culturally coded as male. Women producers in genres like hip-hop, electronic music, or rock often face intensified scrutiny. Their technical knowledge is tested. Their authorship is questioned. Even with identical credentials, women are more likely to be asked to explain their process, justify their choices, or “prove” their technical competence. These assumptions shape hiring, collaboration, and recognition often unconsciously.   Adapting without disappearing In response, many women producers adapt strategically. Some build independent studios to maintain control. Others form collectives or communities. Some diversify into education, sound design, or creative direction. Success is redefined not only as visibility or income, but as sustainability, autonomy, and mental health. Resilience becomes a skill set. But resilience should not be the price of participation.   What real change would require Change cannot rest on individual endurance. Men in positions of power must move beyond symbolic gestures. Real support means sharing resources, honoring commitments, assigning credits fairly, and stepping back when necessary. Women supporting women must be encouraged structurally, not through guilt, but through systems that reward collaboration rather than competition. The industry must also question its myths: that leadership looks one way, that authority sounds one voice, that talent follows gendered patterns. Music does not.   Conclusion: Beyond proving worth Women producers do not need more panels about empowerment. They do not need permission to exist. They need trust. Follow-through. Fairness. The goal is not to replace one hierarchy with another, nor to romanticize struggle. It is to reach a point where presence does not require justification and where the room where decisions are made finally reflects the diversity of the music it creates. Until then, the glass remains not soundproof, but thick enough to distort voices. Follow me on Instagram ,  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Isabelle Veser Isabelle Veser, Music Producer Isabelle Veser has been passionate about making music since childhood. Determined to prove that women can succeed in the male-dominated EDM scene, she began producing, composing, and singing her own tracks in 2022. Her style blends Mainstage, Big Room, and Techno, though she enjoys working across all genres. With discipline and perseverance, she has built a growing career in music. She now helps other artists develop their own sound and navigate the industry.

Written by Dr. Alex Kokkonen, Peak Performance Mentor and Life & Leadership Coach Distinguished Technologist, model (100+ covers), athlete & fitness pro with a PhD, a DBA, three Master's & CIMA Fellow. 35 years of global leadership across over fifty countries. Passionate coach & mentor, inspiring others to achieve strength, resilience & their best self. Many people today struggle with motivation driven by external pressures, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Discover how you can reconnect with your true values and regain authentic drive. This article explores the roots of unauthentic motivation and provides 12 actionable steps to help you reclaim your inner drive, ensuring your goals are aligned with your true self and lead to lasting fulfillment. Own your why Many people today struggle with scattered, externally driven motivations. Striving for achievement often serves others’ expectations, family, peers, career, or social media rather than personal fulfilment. Unrealistic standards and fear of judgment amplify pressure, leading to burnout, dissatisfaction, and loss of identity. Even success feels hollow if pursued for inauthentic reasons. Athletes and business leaders alike face this: the world sees results, not the relentless effort behind them. True motivation must originate from within, no one else can provide it. Reconnecting with personal “why” is essential to act authentically and sustainably. Related article:  What Is Intrinsic Motivation And How To Find Yours – LifeHack   Unauthentic motivation: Chasing what’s not yours Unauthentic motivation arises when your drive comes from outside influences rather than your own values or desires. It’s the push to achieve for recognition, approval, financial gain, or to meet others’ expectations, family, peers, employers, or society. Often subconscious, it masks itself as ambition but leaves a sense of emptiness or disconnection. People may pursue goals they don’t truly care about, follow trends, or replicate others’ dreams, mistaking external pressure for personal purpose. Over time, this misalignment erodes satisfaction, engagement, and resilience. True motivation, in contrast, is self-generated, aligned with personal values, and rooted in authentic desire.   Related article: Who Are You Doing It For? How your motivators set you up for… | by Blaise Sport Psych, EdD, CMPC | Pursuit of Excellence | Medium   The roots of unauthentic motivation Unauthentic motivation is driven by external pressures rather than internal desire. It stems from societal expectations, family or peer influence, career demands, and social comparison, often amplified by social media. Fear of judgment, failure, or missing out pushes people toward goals that aren’t truly theirs. Financial or status incentives can also mask authentic purpose, creating a sense of obligation rather than passion. Early life conditioning, cultural norms, and internalized beliefs about success reinforce this misalignment. Ultimately, when motivations are borrowed or imposed, individuals lose connection with their genuine interests, leaving them chasing outcomes that feel hollow and unsatisfying.   5 ways unauthentic motivation shows up Unauthentic motivation often disguises itself in everyday behaviors, subtly shaping choices and outcomes.   1. Chasing approval People work to earn praise, recognition, or validation rather than pursuing goals that align with their values. Success feels dependent on others’ judgment. 2. Following external benchmarks Achievements are measured against societal standards, peers, or industry norms, rather than personal benchmarks, leading to constant comparison and dissatisfaction. 3. Overcommitting or people-pleasing Taking on tasks or responsibilities primarily to satisfy others’ expectations drains energy and focus, creating resentment or burnout. 4. Fear-driven action Decisions are guided by avoiding criticism, failure, or disappointing others, rather than genuine interest or curiosity, resulting in stress and indecision. 5. Hollow ambition Pursuing goals for financial gain, status, or appearance rather than meaningful fulfillment leads to achievement without joy, leaving a sense of emptiness even when successful.   Recognizing these patterns is crucial. When motivation comes from outside rather than inside, energy is misdirected, engagement falters, and progress may feel unsatisfying. Shifting focus to intrinsic drivers restores purpose, resilience, and long-term fulfillment, allowing actions to align with the authentic self rather than external expectations.   Related article: Reclaim Your Self-Worth in 2026 – The 5-Point Manifesto to Live by Choice, Not by Default Spotting the signs of unauthentic motivation Unauthentic motivation often masquerades as ambition but leaves subtle clues. Key signs include persistent burnout or fatigue, even when achieving goals, and a lack of joy or fulfillment despite apparent success. People may feel constantly pressured, overcommitting to please others or meet external expectations. Self-doubt, anxiety, and fear of judgment are common, driving decisions more than genuine interest. Others notice inconsistent effort or wavering commitment, as the work feels obligatory rather than inspired. There’s often a sense of disconnect from personal values, leading to hollow accomplishments. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, they signal that motivation is externally driven, misaligned with authentic desires, and in need of recalibration to restore purpose and energy.   Reclaiming your drive: 12 steps to move beyond unauthentic motivation Unauthentic motivation drains energy, clouds judgment, and leaves achievement feeling hollow. To move forward, it’s essential to reconnect with your internal drivers and align actions with genuine purpose. Here are twelve practical steps to reclaim authentic motivation:   1. Pause and reflect The first step is slowing down. Take time to assess why you are pursuing your current goals. Ask yourself: “Am I doing this because I truly want it, or because someone else expects it?” Honest self-reflection identifies areas where your drive is borrowed rather than self-generated. Journaling, meditation, or quiet contemplation can help surface subconscious influences.   2. Identify your values Clarifying personal values provides a compass for authentic action. List what matters most integrity, creativity, contribution, growth, or connection. When goals align with these values, motivation becomes internally sourced, more sustainable, and rewarding.   3. Separate external pressure from personal desire Recognize external influences such as family, peers, social media, or financial incentives. Analyze which pressures genuinely resonate with your values and which are imposed expectations. Understanding the distinction reduces anxiety and clarifies your true purpose.   4. Reconnect with your “why” Identify the core reason behind your pursuits. Ask: “If nobody judged me and nothing else mattered, why would I do this?” A clear “why” fuels intrinsic motivation, transforming effort into meaningful action rather than obligation.   5. Set personal goals Shift focus from comparison to personal growth. Establish measurable, achievable goals that reflect your own aspirations. Break them into short-term milestones to maintain momentum and reinforce self-directed progress.   6. Practice mindful awareness Mindfulness helps detect when you are acting out of obligation or fear. Notice thoughts like “I have to do this” versus “I choose to do this.” Awareness allows conscious decision-making, replacing reactive patterns with authentic action.   7. Limit social comparison Constantly measuring yourself against others fosters unauthentic motivation. Reduce exposure to social media or environments that trigger comparison. Instead, focus on your unique journey and celebrate incremental progress.   8. Embrace vulnerability Fear of judgment or failure often drives inauthentic action. Accept that vulnerability is part of growth. Trying, failing, and learning are authentic experiences that align with personal values and build resilience. 9. Seek meaning, not just achievement Shift perspective from outcomes to experience. Engage deeply in activities that matter to you. Satisfaction comes not just from success but from purposeful participation aligned with your values and interests.   10. Surround yourself with supportive influence Engage with people who encourage authenticity and understand your values. Positive, like-minded environments reinforce self-directed motivation and provide constructive feedback without imposing pressure.   11. Review and adjust regularly Motivation evolves, regularly reassess goals, values, and influences. Ask yourself whether current efforts reflect your authentic self. Adapt and course-correct to ensure alignment and avoid slipping back into externally driven patterns.   12. Celebrate self-directed wins Recognize achievements that reflect authentic motivation, no matter how small. Celebrating these reinforces intrinsic drive and validates that your efforts are meaningful because they come from you, not others.   Putting it all together Moving beyond unauthentic motivation is a continuous process. It requires courage to pause, reflect, and separate yourself from external pressures. By clarifying values, reconnecting with your “why,” and setting personal goals, you reclaim agency over your actions. Mindfulness, vulnerability, and intentional social support ensure your motivation stays aligned with what truly matters. Regular review and celebration of self-directed wins cement the habit of acting from authenticity rather than obligation. Over time, these steps create a sustainable, fulfilling approach to achievement where effort is energizing, purpose-driven, and unmistakably your own.   By practicing these twelve steps consistently, you transform motivation from a borrowed, pressured force into a powerful internal compass. Life becomes less about meeting others’ expectations and more about living according to your true values, passions, and ambitions. Achievement becomes richer, resilience stronger, and satisfaction deeper because every action originates from within, not outside.   Related article:  The Science of Confidence – Why Most People Build It Backwards (And How To Fix It)   Take back your drive The call to action is simple: reclaim your motivation by reconnecting with your authentic self. Pause, reflect, and identify what truly matters to you, not what others expect. Align your goals with your values, set intentions from within, and act with purpose. Release fear, comparison, and external pressures. Surround yourself with supportive influences, celebrate self-directed achievements, and consistently check that your actions reflect your genuine desires. Your energy, fulfillment, and success will thrive when you do it for you.   Ready to move from inaction to impact? Book a coaching session today and start transforming distraction and overwhelm into focused, value-adding action. Let’s unlock your potential and turn clarity into measurable results.   Follow me on Instagram, and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Dr. Alex Kokkonen Dr. Alex Kokkonen, Peak Performance Mentor and Life & Leadership Coach At 55, Alex is a rare blend of technologist, athlete, and global leader. A Distinguished Technologist with a PhD in IT, a DBA in Business, and a Fellow of CIMA, she also holds three master’s degrees. Her 35-year career spans leadership and consulting roles across four continents and over fifty countries. Beyond her corporate life, she is a published model with over 100 magazine covers, an award-winning fitness professional, and a competitive bodybuilder. Today, she channels her unique mix of intellect, resilience, and discipline into coaching and mentoring, helping others achieve their best in life, career, and wellbeing.

Bracken McKey has spent his career turning responsibility into results. Not through bold claims or flashy moves. But through steady work, clear thinking, and ideas that could hold up under pressure. Over more than 25 years in the legal field, McKey helped shape how serious cases were handled in Washington County. He took on leadership roles. He built systems. And he carried those lessons into private practice after retiring from public service. “I never thought in terms of titles,” McKey says. “I thought in terms of what needed to be built and who needed to be supported.” That mindset runs through his story. Early years that shaped his approach McKey was raised in Pendleton, Oregon. It is a small community with strong ties and clear expectations. He grew up water skiing, snow skiing, and spending time with family. Those early years taught him balance and discipline. “When you grow up in a place like Pendleton, people know you,” he says. “You learn early that your reputation matters.” That lesson would later carry weight in his legal career. Education and learning to lead early McKey attended college in Walla Walla, Washington. He then attended Willamette University College of Law on an academic scholarship. Law school was not just about grades for him. It was about structure and leadership. During his final year, he was elected 3L class president. The role required coordination, listening, and problem-solving. “It taught me how to lead without ego,” he says. “You don’t win arguments. You help people move forward.” In 1998, he passed the Oregon State Bar and began his legal career. Building a career in the Washington County DA’s Office McKey joined the Washington County District Attorney’s Office as a Deputy District Attorney. The work was demanding from the start. He handled serious cases early in his career. Over time, he developed systems for preparation and case management that helped him stay effective under pressure. “You learn quickly that big cases are built on small details,” he says. “You can’t skip steps.” In 2007, he was promoted to Senior Deputy District Attorney. By then, he was handling some of Oregon’s most complex and high-profile cases. Big ideas in public service As his responsibilities grew, McKey began thinking beyond individual cases. He focused on collaboration with other agencies and industries. That work led to measurable outcomes and national recognition. In 2009, he received the Recording Industry Association of America Gold Record Law Enforcement Award. The honor reflected his work on intellectual property crime cases that required cross-sector coordination. Later, in 2014, he was awarded the Oregon Construction Industry Crime Prevention Law Enforcement Partner Award. “These cases weren’t traditional,” McKey says. “They required new ways of thinking and better partnerships.” Those efforts showed that carefully structured ideas could improve outcomes across an industry. Leadership as Chief Deputy District Attorney In 2019, McKey became Chief Deputy District Attorney for Washington County. The role shifted his focus again. Now, he was responsible for guiding teams, shaping policy, and maintaining consistency across the office. “My job changed from solving problems myself to helping others solve them,” he says. He emphasized clear standards, preparation, and accountability. His leadership style was practical, not performative. McKey held the position until his retirement in 2024. Staying grounded outside of work Despite the demands of public service, McKey remained focused on family. He stayed involved in his sons’ baseball teams and continued to enjoy water skiing and snow skiing. “Those moments kept me grounded,” he says. “They reminded me why the work mattered.” That balance helped him sustain a long and demanding career. Applying experience at McKey Law After retiring from the DA’s Office, Bracken McKey  transitioned into private practice. He is now the owner and attorney at McKey Law in Washington County. The move allowed him to bring decades of experience into a new setting. “I’ve seen how decisions play out over time,” he says. “That perspective helps clients understand the road ahead.” His approach remains measured and informed by real-world outcomes. A career defined by execution Bracken McKey’s career is not about a single moment. It is about execution. He took ideas seriously. He tested them in real cases. And he refined them through experience. “Good ideas only matter if they work,” he says. “The law has a way of testing that.” From Pendleton to public service to private practice, McKey’s impact has come from building systems that last.

Written by Natasha Pynn, Health and Wellness Chronic Pain Researcher Meet Natasha Pynn, founder of The Pain Manager CO., who has transformed her personal journey with chronic pain into a mission-driven organization. At the heart of her work is "The Self Project," a powerful initiative helping individuals distinguish between their identity and the pain, whether physical or emotional, to heal and rediscover a sense of self. There comes a quiet moment that people living with chronic pain eventually recognize, the medical system is not built for what they are experiencing. For many, that realization arrives softly, while repeating the same story to yet another provider, sitting through rushed appointments, getting caught in endless referral loops, or perhaps most painfully, receiving test results marked “normal” while life feels anything but. Despite the good intentions of individual clinicians, chronic pain too often slips through the cracks of modern healthcare. This is not a personal failure. It is a structural one. Why chronic pain does not fit the medical model Modern medicine excels at acute care, broken bones, infections, surgeries, and emergencies. These problems have clear causes, timelines, and outcomes. Chronic pain is different. It unfolds over time and is influenced by far more than tissue damage alone. Pain is shaped by stress, nervous system responses, emotional load, sleep, lifestyle, past injuries, and even relationships. It is not a struggle based on lack of willpower, discipline, or resilience. Sufferers struggle because they are navigating a system that was never designed for the kind of pain they live with. Pain is not a symptom, it is a system Chronic pain does not exist in isolation. It is physical, emotional, neurological, and environmental all at once. When the nervous system is overloaded by stress, conflict, trauma, or exhaustion, pain sensitivity increases. This is not imagined. It is biology. Yet most appointments last only minutes, leaving little space to explore patterns or context. Providers are expected to diagnose, treat, document, and move on. Not because they do not care, but because the system is structured around efficiency, not complexity. Care is fragmented, with providers treating isolated symptoms instead of the whole person. Years of symptoms, treatments, and flare-ups are reduced to brief summaries that strip away context. Emotional and nervous system factors like stress and trauma, which significantly shape pain, are rarely addressed. Treatment becomes trial and error, leaving patients to remember what worked and what did not. Over time, their lived experience is diluted, misunderstood, or lost entirely. What actually helps people living with chronic pain The most effective shift in chronic pain care is not more appointments or more interventions alone, it is clarity. When people are supported in organizing their pain history, tracking patterns, and understanding their own triggers, something changes. They move from feeling reactive and overwhelmed to informed and engaged. This patient-led approach is the foundation of The Pain Manager™, a system designed to bridge the gap between fragmented healthcare and lived reality. At its core is a simple but powerful tool. The Pain Profile, bringing the whole story into focus The Pain Profile is a structured record that brings together a person’s full pain journey, symptoms, timelines, treatments, triggers, emotional patterns, and daily impact into one clear overview. Instead of scattered memories and rushed explanations, it offers a coherent narrative that both patients and providers can work from. For clinicians, it saves time and reveals patterns. For patients, it restores confidence and agency. Most importantly, it shifts the role of the person living with pain from passive recipient to active participant in their care. Why this matters now Chronic pain affects millions of people, and its prevalence continues to rise. At the same time, healthcare systems are under increasing pressure, making short appointments and fragmented care unavoidable. Tools that support patient-led organization, emotional awareness, and integrated communication are no longer optional, they are essential. The future of pain care will not rely on one discipline or one solution. It will require systems that respect complexity and support collaboration. Silently discovering power If you have ever felt like your story disappears every time you walk into a doctor’s office, the next article will show you how to take your narrative back and why organizing your lived experience and history may be the most powerful step you take toward better care. Follow me on LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Natasha Pynn Natasha Pynn, Health and Wellness Chronic Pain Researcher While most practitioners focus on managing pain, Natasha dares to ask a different question: What if your body's pain signals are actually doorways to profound healing? Consider this: if your pain were an iceberg, most treatments address the tip. Natasha pioneered an approach that goes beyond surface-level symptom management, diving beneath the surface, where unconscious patterns and stored trauma create tension in your nervous system. By using method combinations of neuroscience-backed techniques with deep nervous system restoration to unwind these deeper patterns, helping the body remember the natural state of ease and vitality. While others might tell you to "push through the pain," Natasha helps you decode it through "The Self Project."

Lee Lin Cher has dedicated his career to teaching English, starting from his university years in 1993. With over two decades of experience, Lee has helped countless students, particularly those in Singapore and China, achieve academic success in English. Through a blend of practical techniques and deep empathy, he bridges the language gap for non-native speakers, guiding them from basic understanding to proficiency. His passion for teaching and student success continues to inspire. Lee Lin Cher, SEC (O Level) English Tutor Who is Mr Lee Lin Cher? Hi, my name is Lee Lin Cher – with Lee being the surname and I am a teacher and tutor, coaching students who are sitting for the Singapore-Cambridge SEC (currently known as O Level) English exams. I have been teaching, tutoring and coaching in one way or another since 1993, and to date, I have authored a total of 16 books on the subject of English, spanning the primary and secondary levels. How did you start in the journey of education? Unlike many teachers out there, I don’t have an inspirational story to tell. I started tutoring in 1993, during my freshman year in university. Being young and playful, I wanted to do many things, such as partying, gallivanting at shopping malls and munching down gourmet food at buffet sessions. This required much cash, and there weren’t many part-time jobs that allowed flexibility around my college timetable. Tutoring paid the bills and allowed me to have some fun – that’s how I started. What made you continue the journey then? Unexpectedly, I discovered that I was rather good in private tutoring. My students’ results improved and parents demanded that I continue teaching their children. That was when I seriously considered education as a possible career pathway. I would take a few more years to decide on this educational odyssey: somehow, I knew that education is an arena which, after you enter, you won’t be able to leave. When did you officially become a teacher then, if you didn’t start on the path right after university? I officially started on my working life in 1997. I wasn’t officially certified as a teacher till 2003. In between, I tried out every profession I could possibly experience in that limited span of a few years. I was (not in order of appearance) a classroom tutor cum marketing officer for a tuition centre, a sales executive for an American fitness chain, a business development executive for a tech start-up, a supervisor for a statutory board, and a logistics executive for a British logistics company. But suffice to say, though I did my best in every one of my chosen vocations – it’s in me to be what I deem to be my very best whenever possible – something seemed out of place. I felt like a fish out of water in every one of them, except the vocation where I had limited time as a classroom tutor, when I was in fact the happiest. That was when I realised that education was (and still is) my calling. What problem do you solve for your clients better than anyone else? As an English-language teacher teaching in a commercial setting, I have two clients to contend with whenever a student enrolls. My first client is the parent or guardian. He or she is the decision-maker who has entrusted the child to us, and to me. Whenever parents or guardians enrol their child with us, it is – without doubt – in their desire that we take on the duty of boosting the child’s English-language capability, both in the exams and in real life. In such a scenario, the grades matter, since grades are the best proxy for a student’s proficiency in the English language. My second client is – of course – the student. In marketing terms, the student is the end user. He or she will experience my teaching directly. If I fail to interest them in my field of instruction, I lose them totally, and all the time they spend in my classes will be a total waste of time. Notice how there can be a dichotomy between a parent’s needs and a student’s wants. Good grades usually come with lots of grit and hard work. Yet, for teens aged between 13 and 16 years of age, which form the bulk of my students, hard work can be furthest from their minds. This is where I come in. I can make lessons incredibly fun, and despite the fun, we do not lose sight of our objective. Can you describe the biggest transformation a client has experienced after working with you? I have taken quite a few cases which were considered to be hopeless to distinctions in the subject. Quite a number of them have left testimonials on my website, detailing my teaching philosophy and methodology. Please feel free to have a quick read of some of them. Quite a handful of these ex-students are still in contact with me, updating me of their life’s greatest and saddest experiences. I think – beyond grades – this is what really matters. The relationships that form and last. What makes your approach unique compared to others in the industry? To answer this question, I must take our readers back to 2008. By then, I had already completed my bond with the Ministry of Education (Singapore), and I was wondering about the next step in the journey. Maybe it was the times, or maybe I had misconceived some things, but the common belief at one point in time in Singapore was that anybody could teach English. It almost felt like any Tom, Dick or Harry could teach the English language, but for a ‘specialised’ subject like Physics or Chemistry, you would need to be a professional. I don’t know how many English-language teachers were able to take it lying down, but for me, it had a detrimental effect on my esteem, confidence and motivation. Through a series of synchronistic events – it almost seems as if the Universe was listening – I started a business offering copywriting services to clients. It was a period of time when I saw the English language in action, in real life. During that period of about 9 years, I was the editor of a health magazine, I was the ghostwriter for quite a number of books, and I worked with advertising agencies to draft ad copy. I have a lot of pride about this phase of my life, but there was also a lot of pain. What makes my approach unique? My approach is practical; the things I teach are battle-tested, and they (and I) have survived the trial of fire. Combine this with my work experience before joining education, you have an educator who has seen the ideal world of teaching, and the less-than-ideal world which we call life. Where do you teach now? How can students locate you should they require your coaching? I currently teach at a chain of learning centres based in Singapore. The same centre runs an international school both locally and internationally. Students who are interested can reach out to me on my website and social media. In the next few years or so, I would also be authoring a few more books on the subject. I plan to be more active on my website, where I will offer resources to keen learners of the English language. In the age of digitalisation, all distances in time and space can easily be bridged by a viable online presence. I intend to do just that, i.e., to bridge the gap. Who is your ideal student and how can they benefit from working with you? My ideal student isn’t the one with the strongest English prowess – it’s the one who is struggling with the basics. In terms of grades – in the context of a secondary school in Singapore – the student would be floundering in the range of a D7 to a C5, which means that the student is either struggling to pass, or at risk of failing. In terms of nationality – if the student isn’t residing in Singapore – the group that would most benefit from me would be students hailing from China. Allow me to sidetrack for a while: I was originally not inclined towards the English language. My family background would dictate this. My dad did not have a formal education, so he would converse in our native dialect – which was Hainanese – and Mandarin. My mum – although she was English-educated – was too busy to coach us. I was literally deaf and mute to the English language till I was Primary 5, when I was 11 years old. Sensing that I needed help, my mum sent me for tutoring lessons – we call it tuition classes here – outside of school hours, and that made all the difference. I was taught by a teacher who was a devout Christian committed to her craft. How would students benefit from working with me? Well, I have been there. I had been deaf and mute to the English language before, so I definitely know the challenges that these students face. It isn’t a problem a native speaker of English would understand. And since my first language is Chinese, I definitely can be part of this process of empowering Chinese students with English, which incidentally is the language of the world. How do you guide students from where they are now to where they want to be? We start with the basics. And basics involve mastering a lot of vocabulary. I can almost say that the level of success a student has in the English language – or any other language for that matter – is in direct proportion to the number of words the student possesses in his or her lexicon. What are the most common challenges your students face and how do you help them overcome these? Outside of native English-speaking countries, we are considered as either ESL or EFL learners. In either case, the most common problem is interference by our local languages. In the case of Singapore, our official language is English. We use English in all official correspondence, and it is the medium of instruction for all schools here. The average person understands and speaks English. Yet, it is this widespread use of English that is the cause of the bulk of English- learning problems. Due to its common usage, proficiency levels across the country vary, and what is commonly perceived as English is actually Singlish, which is a mish-mash of English together with all the local languages in Singapore. Even English-language teachers are unwittingly at fault. But really, it is the environment. I have had to – on multiple occasions – intentionally speak Singlish because I have problems communicating (they think I am cocky or making fun of them) (I will let you decide who the ‘they’ are). For the students from China, English is a totally foreign language. To me, all these problems can be resolved by a simple yet intense exposure. What results can a new student expect and how soon, when they start working with you? If the student is cooperative and does a lot of background work on his or her own, half a year is what we need to see rather phenomenal results. What should a student do first if they want to work with you? They should reach out to me first. This is why I am doing this interview in the first place. While this interview is done in English, students currently residing in China will have the means to read this article and have it translated into the language they understand. Students and parents based in Singapore will all the more be able to understand the crux of this interview. I am not God; I can’t be of service to everyone. But for those who will click well with me in terms of style and temperament, do reach out. And students should start reading immediately. It doesn’t matter if the student is simply reading a children’s book. The earlier the student gets exposed to the English language, the better. Why should someone choose you right no w rather than wait any longer? At the point of doing this interview, I have just turned 53. As General Douglas MacArthur said in his farewell address to the American Congress in 1951: “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” I am not a soldier, but I am turning older. As pessimistic as it sounds, I will fade away. We all do. My teaching methodology requires a lot of energy. I don’t know how long I can sustain this teaching methodology. My current and potential students still have a long way ahead of them; I don’t. And that also explains the rush to put my works in writing, this interview being one of them, articles on this website being another. Time and tide wait for no man or woman. To experience what I have to offer, potential students and their parents must reach out. Not later, but now. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lee Lin Cher

Written by Natasha B. Russell Darby, Transformation Architect A dynamic force in the entrepreneurial world, Natasha B. Russell Darby (NBR) is the Founder & CEO of NBR Global Solutions Inc. With a passion for empowering purpose-driven ventures, NBR Global Solutions offers coaching, speaking, training, and consulting services that equip entrepreneurs, businesses & non-profits with the tools they need to succeed. In the entrepreneurial world, burnout is often treated as a rite of passage. We wear our exhaustion like a badge of honour, equating "busy" with "important." But here is the hard truth: Burnout is not a trophy, it is a systemic failure of your most valuable asset, yourself. When a leader burns out, the ripple effect is devastating. Decision-making becomes sluggish, creativity dries up, and the company culture begins to erode. To thrive in 2026, we must move past the "hustle at all costs" mentality and embrace a model of sustainable high performance. 1. Recognizing the smoulder: How to know you’re burnt out Burnout doesn't happen overnight, it is a slow leak. Many leaders miss the early warning signs because they are masters of "pushing through." Watch for these three red flags: Cognitive fog: You find yourself re-reading the same email three times or struggling to make simple decisions that used to take seconds. Emotional detachment: You feel "numb" to wins that should excite you, or you find yourself unusually cynical toward your team or clients. The "dread" factor: That Sunday-night pit in your stomach has become a daily occurrence. You are no longer running toward a vision, you are merely running away from the pile of tasks. 2. Building the firebreak: How to prevent burnout Prevention is a strategic choice. It’s about building a business and a life with built-in "breathing room." The "first hour" rule: Protect the first 60 minutes of your day. No emails, no Slack, no social media. Use this time for high-level thinking, meditation, or movement. If you start your day in "reactive mode," you stay there. Radical delegation: If a task doesn't require your unique genius, it shouldn't be on your plate. Burnout often stems from doing "low-value" work that drains your battery without filling your cup. Micro-recoveries: High performance is managed in sprints, not marathons. Build 10-minute "recovery blocks" into your calendar between meetings to reset your nervous system.   3. The phoenix protocol: How to overcome and thrive If you are already in the thick of burnout, "taking a weekend off" won't fix it. You need a total recalibration. Step 1: The hard stop You must create a temporary "void." Whether it's a three-day total digital detox or a week of reduced hours, you cannot fix a broken engine while it’s still running at 5,000 RPM. Step 2: Audit your commitments Look at your calendar through the lens of Energy ROI. Which meetings, clients, or projects are taking more than they give? To recover, you must be willing to prune the "good" to make room for the "great." Step 3: Reconnect with the "why" Burnout is often a disconnect between your daily actions and your core purpose. To thrive again, you must realign your roadmap with the vision that made you start this journey in the first place. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. The world doesn't need you to burn out, it needs you to stay in the game.   Take the lead on your wellbeing Eliminating burnout isn’t something you do once, it’s a lifestyle of leadership excellence. As you look toward the challenges and opportunities of 2026, don’t leave your mental and emotional health to chance. I work with high-level executives and entrepreneurs to build "Burnout-Proof" systems that drive results without sacrificing sanity. Whether you are currently feeling the heat or want to ensure your team stays resilient, I am here to help: Executive coaching: We will deep-dive into your current systems to identify "leakage" and rebuild your leadership foundations for long-term health and profit. Speaking & workshops: I provide teams with the tools to identify burnout early and foster a culture of high-performance recovery. Your success should not come at the cost of your soul. Connect with me via email at: natasha@natashabrussell.com  to book a consultation or to discuss bringing this message to your organization in 2026. Let’s stay connected! Follow me on LinkedIn . Visit here  to learn more about how I support leaders and organizations in elevating their brands and achieving great success.   Follow me on Facebook and Instagram  for more info! Read more from Natasha B. Russell Natasha B. Russell Darby, Transformation Architect NBR is driven to transform lives and businesses through impactful leadership and strategic communication. With a passion for purpose-driven leadership, she empowers clients to lead with purpose, confidence, and clarity. NBR's expertise in communication, branding, and public relations enables her clients to achieve their business goals and unlock new opportunities. As a sought-after speaker and event host, she inspires audiences to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally. Dedicated to making a positive impact globally, Natasha actively volunteers her time in support of youth.

Written by Abisola Fagbiye, Customer Experience Strategist Abisola Fagbiye is a Customer Experience Strategist and Microsoft 365 Productivity Consultant with a Professional Diploma in CX from The CX Academy, Ireland. A WiCX member, she transforms how businesses connect with customers, turning interactions into drivers of loyalty and growth. Silent customer departures can be more costly than vocal complaints. Recognising early warning signs, such as declining engagement, helps you intervene before customers decide to go elsewhere, preserving their long-term value. The signs of this happening often show up weeks in advance if you know where to recognise them. Every day, customers choose to leave businesses that may not even realise they're unhappy. They typically don't send angry emails, they stop coming back. By the time this absence appears in quarterly reports, the relationship has already ended. The customers who do voice their concerns give you a valuable opportunity to make things right. However, those who disappear take their long-term value elsewhere, often to competitors. Harvard Business Review research  shows that it’s much more cost-effective to keep your current customers happy than constantly seeking new ones, sometimes five to twenty-five times more so! Bain & Company also highlights that a slight 5% increase in retaining customers can lead to a massive boost in profits, sometimes from 25% to nearly 95%. Regularly tracking retention metrics is essential for small businesses relying on loyal customers who spend more than newcomers. Despite this, many companies still overlook this crucial practice.   Churn has predictable patterns Poor onboarding is a significant reason why almost a quarter of customers leave, according to ChurnZero research. When customers don’t learn how to get the most out of your service, they often drift away before they really get engaged. Building strong relationships is key because without them, many customers may see their interactions as just transactions, making it easy for them to look elsewhere when better options arise. Good customer service is also crucial, when problems aren’t resolved well, customers feel the company doesn't care enough to earn their loyalty. Luckily, these issues are fixable, and addressing them can prevent more than half of all avoidable customer churn.   First contact resolution is critical Research from SQM Group highlights that companies can significantly reduce customer churn by addressing issues at the first point of contact, thereby building trust. Every extra step a customer must take, such as another call or a follow-up email, can weaken their connection to your business. That's why focusing on resolving problems in the first interaction is so important, it really makes a difference! When agents are well-trained to solve issues directly and given the authority to do so without lengthy approval processes, customer relationships stay strong. Tracking how quickly problems are solved is key to making sure your team hits the mark. Plus, understanding what your customers expect in terms of response times can help ensure your first-contact resolutions are even more successful.   The first 30 days determine everything Building strong relationships with new customers is so crucial because it really sets the tone for a lasting bond. When customers experience a warm, effective onboarding, they tend to stay longer because they understand how to get the most out of your products and see the value clearly. This makes them more likely to keep investing and forming good habits that make switching away less tempting. On the other hand, without proper onboarding, customers can quickly lose interest because they haven't uncovered the benefits, leading to higher churn. Investing time and effort into onboarding now, such as refining your onboarding process, truly pays off in long-term loyalty and retention.   Read the warning signs Customers often hint at their departure early on through changes in their behaviour, and noticing these signs can help you feel more in control of retention. When their engagement frequency drops, for example, from weekly to monthly logins, it could be a sign they’re losing interest. Support tickets can also be telling, if a customer submits several in quick succession, it’s a sign of frustration that might lead them to leave. Negative feedback is especially valuable because it offers a direct insight into their experience. Customers who take the time to share their dissatisfaction are providing you with essential clues, much more than silent customers who leave without a word. According to research by Esteban Kolsky, only a small number of unhappy customers complain, most remain silent. By actively collecting and responding to feedback, you can prevent this quiet churn and keep your customers happier for longer.   Intervene systematically Segment customers by churn risk based on behavioural signals. Build models to predict departure probability from engagement patterns, purchase frequency, support interactions, and satisfaction scores. Create intervention campaigns matched to risk levels. High-risk customers receive proactive outreach, special offers, and personal attention. Measure intervention effectiveness obsessively. Track whether outreach prevents departure or merely delays it.   Recovery requires understanding why Research from ProfitWell shows that when customers mention budget constraints, it often signals a more profound sense that they might not be getting enough value for what they pay. It's a gentle reminder that simply lowering prices isn't usually enough to keep customers happy in the long run. Instead, focusing on truly enhancing how they perceive the product's worth can make a big difference. Think about what could make the product feel like it's worth every penny. Once you deliver that, customers will find real reasons to stick around, even without discounts. Building that genuine value creates bonds that last.   Build a customer retention culture When sales teams earn commissions only on closed deals, they tend to focus on acquiring new customers, often overlooking the importance of retention. Achieving a good balance involves intentionally shifting some resources toward keeping existing customers happy. Marketing efforts should include campaigns to retain customers, just as they do to attract new prospects. Similarly, sales compensation plans should reward retention efforts, and success metrics should consider the health of current customers as well as new customer acquisition. The basic idea is simple: compare the costs of gaining new customers to those of keeping current ones. In most cases, investing in retention brings much higher returns. Building customer loyalty isn't just about preventing customers from leaving, it's about turning them into passionate advocates for your brand.   Want to reduce customer churn dramatically? "The Art of Customer Experience" keynote reveals how to spot at-risk customers before they decide to leave and build relationships that last. Companies implementing these strategies have reduced churn by understanding that retention isn't about discounts, it's about consistently delivering value. Book this session for your team,  or email abisola@abisolafagbiye.com   Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Abisola Fagbiye Abisola Fagbiye, Customer Experience Strategist Abisola Fagbiye is a Customer Experience Strategist and Microsoft 365 Productivity Consultant who helps organisations rethink engagement, build CX-driven cultures, and drive retention and growth. With global experience spanning SMBs to enterprises, she delivers workshops and training that blend strategy, energy, and actionable insight. She is a mentor and rising voice in CX leadership. Further reading: How Fast Is Fast Enough? Meeting Customer Response Time Expectations How to Collect Customer Feedback and Actually Do Something with It How to Turn Satisfied Customers Into Loyal Advocates

Written by Janie Terrazas, The Mindfulness Coach Janie Terrazas is a Mindfulness Coach and creator of PazMesa, a self-mastery guide to help you access inner peace, joy, vitality, and prosperity through mindful living and unconditional loving. What is commonly labeled a midlife crisis is actually a nervous system-driven identity rupture caused by years of living from conditioning rather than authenticity, and it affects both men and women. For decades, the term “midlife crisis” has been used to describe a sudden unraveling that supposedly happens to men in their 40s or 50s, such as sports cars, impulsive decisions, emotional withdrawal, or dramatic life changes. But as a mindfulness and self-mastery coach, I can say with certainty: this experience is not exclusive to men, nor is it truly about age, it is about identity. What the world labels a midlife crisis is far more accurately described as a human identity crisis, one that can surface at any point in adulthood when the life we’ve built is no longer aligned with who we truly are. What is a human identity crisis? A human identity crisis occurs when someone has spent years, sometimes decades, living, creating, building, and designing a life from a false or conditioned self, rather than from their organic, authentic nature. In this state: The subconscious mind is in the driver’s seat Conditioned beliefs, survival strategies, and inherited expectations are steering the nervous system Identity is formed around performance, approval, productivity, and protection, not truth If a person never goes into the depths of knowing thyself, all parts, all wounds, all conditioned identities, pressure begins to build internally. Eventually, the system can no longer contain it. The result often feels like an internal explosion. “I have everything, so why am I still unfulfilled?” One of the most confusing aspects of an identity crisis is that it often arises after external success. Clients frequently tell me: “I did everything I was supposed to do.” “I checked all the boxes.” “I built the life.” “I achieved the goals.” And yet, underneath it all, there’s a persistent, nagging sense of emptiness. Common questions surface: Who am I, really? Why am I here? Why am I unhappy when my life looks so good on paper? Why do I feel restless, disconnected, or trapped? This isn’t ingratitude. This is the soul signaling misalignment. Why this happens: Early disconnection from the authentic self Most identity crises don’t begin in adulthood, they originate in childhood. When we grow up in environments where: Our needs cause conflict or rejection Emotional expression feels unsafe Love is conditional Approval is prioritized over authenticity The nervous system adapts for survival. The body learns to default into: Fight (control, anger, defensiveness) Flight (avoidance, overworking, distraction) Freeze (numbness, depression, dissociation) Fawn (people-pleasing, self-abandonment) Over time, these survival strategies become identity. We don’t just do them, we are them. And eventually, the authentic self, the one that was suppressed to stay safe, demands to be seen. Common signs of an identity crisis An identity crisis is not just mental or emotional, it’s deeply somatic. Clients often experience: Mental & emotional signs Persistent dissatisfaction or irritability Anxiety or depressive symptoms without a clear cause A sense of “outgrowing” one’s own life Shame or guilt for wanting more Existential questioning and loss of meaning Physical & nervous system responses Chronic tension or fatigue Restlessness or agitation Chest tightness or shallow breathing Gut discomfort or heaviness Sleep disturbances The body knows before the mind is willing to admit the truth. How relationships are affected One of the most painful aspects of an identity crisis is its impact on relationships, especially long-term partnerships and marriages. I witnessed this firsthand in my own life. When one partner begins healing, awakening, and developing deeper self-awareness while the other is unwilling or unable to look inward, the relationship often becomes the scapegoat. Instead of asking: Who am I becoming? What inside me is unresolved? What truth am I avoiding? It can feel easier to blame: The marriage The partner The circumstances What could have been an initiation into deeper intimacy, truth, and growth can instead become a breaking point. This isn’t about fault or shame. It’s about awareness and one’s state of consciousness. Many couples face this “fork in the road”. Some evolve together. Others diverge. Why avoidance makes the crisis worse An identity crisis is not a problem to be fixed, it’s a threshold. When avoided, numbed, or projected outward: The nervous system stays dysregulated Relationships deteriorate The sense of inner fragmentation intensifies The void grows louder, not quieter When met with curiosity, compassion, and courage, however, the crisis becomes a return, not a collapse. The invitation beneath the crisis At its core, an identity crisis is asking one essential question: “Am I willing to know myself beyond who I was conditioned to be?” This is the beginning of true self-mastery. Healing comes from mindfully reshaping your identity. It comes from remembering your authentic self, which was buried beneath survival, and reviving it. When we learn to: Befriend the nervous system Meet rejected parts with compassion Separate conditioning from truth Reclaim agency from the subconscious mind Peace within, fulfillment, and aliveness begin to emerge naturally. Why authenticity is no longer optional, it’s a collective responsibility Now more than ever, the world needs human beings who are living authentically and regulated, rooted in peace, love, unity, harmony, and inner prosperity. We are living in a time marked by widespread dysregulation emotionally, relationally, socially, and systemically. Much of the division, chaos, polarization, and burnout we witness is not simply ideological or circumstantial, it is the byproduct of millions of nervous systems operating from survival, disconnection, and false identity. When individuals live from inauthenticity, when the false self leads and the authentic self remains suppressed, the impact does not stop at the personal level. It ripples outward into families, workplaces, communities, and culture at large. Authentic human beings have become rare not because authenticity is unreachable, but because it requires courage, self-honesty, and inner work. Yet authenticity must become the new normal if we are to heal individually and collectively. When one person chooses to heal, regulate their nervous system, and live from their truth, something powerful happens: They give others permission to do the same. Not through preaching. Not through fixing or forcing. But through embodiment. We do not create change by demanding it, we create change by becoming it. When we live from inner peace, we model peace. When we live from love, we normalize love. When we live from alignment and integrity, we remind others what is possible. This is how identity healing becomes social healing. This is how personal transformation becomes collective evolution. Being the peace we seek to see in the world is not a cliché, it is a nervous system reality. A regulated, authentic human naturally stabilizes the spaces they enter. Their presence alone becomes medicine. Final reflection Now, what society calls a midlife crisis can be viewed as a signal, not as a failure or weakness. And it is certainly not gender-specific. It is a call to authenticity. The question is not whether the call will come. It always does. The real question is: Will we listen, or will we keep distracting ourselves and allowing the conditioned self to drive a life it was never meant to lead? If this article resonated, it may be time to stop asking “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking “What part of me is asking to be remembered?” The PazMesa Self-Mastery approach supports individuals navigating identity shifts, existential unrest, and emotional disconnection by helping them: Reconnect with their authentic, organic nature Regulate the nervous system and exit survival mode Integrate subconscious patterns with conscious awareness Restore inner safety, wholeness, and peace Create safe, authentic REALationships and connections that thrive Learn more about the PazMesa philosophy  and explore self-guided resources designed to help you remember, restore, and reclaim your true self by clicking here . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Janie Terrazas Janie Terrazas, The Mindfulness Coach Janie Terrazas, known as The Mindfulness Coach, transformed her media career into a life-coaching and wellness-advocacy mission after a spiritual awakening in 2011. As the creator of the PazMesa self-mastery program and the force behind Rise Above TV, she fosters balance and mindfulness in others. Her triumphs and trials deeply shape her coaching as she helps clients address stress and trauma and build safe relationships. Janie combines spiritual depth with actionable strategies to guide individuals toward a joyful, vital life. Her coaching transcends conventional methods, empowering clients to find peace and purpose within. Janie's empathetic and innovative approaches offer a safe roadmap for self-discovery and authentic living and loving.