Nicholas Whitaker’s Post

We don't just leave trauma at the door when we go to work. We bring our experiences of trauma along with us to every meeting, every zoom call, and every performance review. So much of the modern workplace isn't set up to support trauma survivors. Ironically, according to the WHO, 70% of people will experience trauma at some point in their lives. Occasionally you'll find a team or a leader who is trauma aware, and who understands how to support a trauma survivor in the workplace so they can thrive. Most of the time though, we have to mask our trauma, hiding it away while spending tons of energy to appear "normal" because of stigma, lack of awareness, or not wanting to look weak, broken or difficult. Worse, often our experiences at work further traumatizes us, making recovery take even longer. Bullying Micromanaging Gaslighting Unreliable feedback and discipline Hustle culture Cut throat and highly competitive teams Bell curve performance reviews Long hours in high pressure workplaces All can contribute to making the workplace unsafe, especially for a trauma survivor. At Changing Work we're opening up the conversation about trauma at work. Join us July 10th at 10am PT for a panel conversation on trauma in the workplace. Hear from me, other trauma survivors, and experts in workplace psychological safety and well-being while we unpack this topic and discuss ways we can make the workplace more inclusive for everyone. RSVP and find the zoom link in the comments below 👇

"I feel like I have my husband back". Heartbreaking. Those words hit me hard. She was right. I wasn't at my best for years. I was barely hanging on. It almost broke us. All I wanted was to do good work that made a positive impact on the world, build my skills and earn a good living. But the culture of the company always demanded more. Over time, more of my head and heart was being eaten up by the hustle, drama and politics at work. The money was great, but I knew it was causing my mental and physical health to decline rapidly. I was not hiding it well. It wasn't just the long hours, bad bosses, lack of psychological safety or uncertainty that was the issue. It was how much of my identity and energy I had to give up just to survive. It was another full time job just to play the game so as to not lose what I had. But my heart wasn't in it. My heart knew this wasn't a good fit. As a coach and mindfulness facilitator, I knew the values of the company were fundamentally misaligned with my own. I was sacrificing my values for a paycheck. I felt stuck, trapped by golden handcuffs and a story that I would never earn that kind of money again, and if not, what then? What was I going to do? How was I going to provide for my family? But then again, if my life outside of work is a disaster because of the pressure of work, is that money worth it? I started asking these questions early on. But not soon enough. I eventually had a massive mental health collapse that turned my world upside down. It took me months to regroup and get the help I needed to sort it all out. I only wish I had gotten help sooner. Look, you don't have to always be excited to go to work on Monday. But you also don't need to feel dread about the week ahead and you definitely don't need to burn yourself down for a paycheck. If you're spending more and more of your non-working time recovering from your job, maybe it's time for a reevaluation. If you're noticing your health, well-being and relationships suffer, it's probably time for a perspective shift. - Maybe there are some choices you need to make that feel scary to face alone. - Maybe there are some lifestyle changes you need to make to find more balance. - Maybe you need to take a good hard look at how you're spending what fleeting time you have in this world, and better align with what really matters to you. The good news is you don't have to figure all of this out alone. A good coach, particularly one who has been in your shoes before, can help you figure out what your options are, and what next steps to take. You might be telling yourself a story that you don't need help. You'll figure it out yourself. Fair, but if that's was the case, wouldn't you have already? Will your health, relationships, and well-being be there for you once you do? Preventive care is better than emergency care. If this resonates with you, let's talk. Your loved ones will thank you for it, and so will you.

Your dreams are closer than you think. You just need: - A vision - Some steps to follow - Focus and attention on what matters - The right accountability and support along the way It’s about overcoming the common challenges that so many of us face in a distracted world. For myself, facing these challenges head on while I worked to reach my own goals taught me valuable lessons. The truth you don’t want to hear? It wasn't easy. But by breaking down my vision into goals and actionable steps, and getting some solid support, I was able to achieve them. Here’s how you can too: 1. Define your vision clearly articulating what you want to achieve. Visualize it. Write that stuff down. This is your north star that will guide your journey. 2. Set SMART goals breaking your vision into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. This structure helps in maintaining clarity and focus. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as time goes on, and more information becomes available. 3. Create a plan that outlines the steps needed to achieve each goal. This plan should be detailed and realistic, incorporating both short-term tasks and long-term milestones. 4. Take consistent action by dedicating time each day to work towards your goals. Small, consistent actions lead to big results. Pro tip: Elite performers across all fields have coaches to keep them on track… So… 5. Seek support and don’t do it alone. Connect with mentors, join supportive communities, and consider 1:1 coaching to keep you on track. My coaching programs offers tailored attention, insights, and a commitment to your growth that is unparalleled, and rooted in experience as well as deep training. Turning your vision into reality is a journey, but with: Vision A solid plan Support You can make it happen. I love working with dreamers who are ready to take action and move themselves closer to their ideal life. Here’s part of my approach with clients: - Every client is unique, and so are their goals. I develop personalized strategies tailored to each individual's needs. - I believe in the power of deep listening. By truly understanding your story and challenges, we work together towards real impact. - My coaching incorporates mindfulness practices and reflection guides to help you stay present and informed, especially during times of stress and uncertainty. - From decision making strategies to stress management techniques, I provide practical tools that you can immediately apply to your daily life. - Consistent support and accountability are key components of my coaching. I’m here to keep you on track, celebrate your wins, and navigate any obstacles that arise both in our coaching sessions, and via whatsapp in between. It’s like having a personal coach in your back pocket. I'd love to learn more about your journey. Book a strategy call and let’s get started. I'm rooting for you.