Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience By cover art

Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience

By: Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal
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  • Summary

  • How does facing challenges shape the people we become? Often, when we see someone’s achievements or appearance on center-stage, it’s easy for us to believe that the people who have ‘made it’ have special qualities that afforded them a seamless path to the summit of success. Yet the truth reveals something else. Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience is a show highlighting well-known people sharing their less well-known, or even hidden, stories of resilience. Join host Dr. Taryn Marie, world-renowned speaker and #1 international expert on resilience in leadership and life, as she creates safer spaces for raw and authentic voices to come through and show you how you too can effectively face challenge, change, and complexity to achieve your biggest goals.
    2021 Resilience Leadership
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Episodes
  • Peak Confidence at Nine?: Unpacking the Shocking Reality for Women in the Workplace

    Peak Confidence at Nine?: Unpacking the Shocking Reality for Women in the Workplace
    Jun 4 2024
    On this episode of "Flourish or Fold," I am thrilled to welcome writer, social entrepreneur, consultant, beacon of leadership and testament to the power of women in the workforce, Colleen Bordeaux. As a management consultant at Deloitte and the founder of Growth Inc, a media and leadership development company dedicated to women, Colleen embodies the multifaceted nature of today's female leaders. Our conversation delved into the heart of women's experiences in the corporate world, examining the challenges we face and the triumphs we can achieve. We explored the startling reality that women often reach their peak confidence at the tender age of nine and that within two years of starting their careers, many lose their ambition to ascend to leadership roles. We also touch on female friendships, workplace dynamics, and redefining success. The episode emphasizes the need for self-love, resilience, and defining one's own path to leadership and fulfillment.The Societal Conditioning Conundrum: Why does this happen? Colleen and I discussed the pervasive impact of societal conditioning on women's confidence. We're taught to seek external validation, to measure our worth by others' yardsticks. This quest for approval can erode our self-worth and diminish our innate power. The "power dead even rule" is one such cultural norm that can stifle a woman's assertiveness. It's the unspoken expectation that we must not outshine our peers, that we should maintain an equilibrium that often comes at the cost of our own growth.The Path to Self-Directed Leadership: Colleen's journey is a powerful narrative of navigating dual career paths, balancing her creative passions with the rigors of a corporate environment. She shared the pressures of conforming to a narrow definition of success and the importance of reconciling one's values with one’s professional life. The key, as Colleen emphasized, is to clarify your values and develop a robust sense of self-trust. It's about identifying whose opinions truly matter and align with your values, empowering you to carve out a career path that resonates with your authentic self.The Significance of Supportive Relationships: We also touched on the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who foster personal growth. Colleen highlighted the dynamic nature of relationships, acknowledging the critical role her partner played in her journey while also recognizing the need to set boundaries with others, like parents, whose values may not align with her own. She urged listeners to be discerning about the people they allow to influence their thinking and to part ways with those who don't contribute positively to their journey, doing so with love and self-respect.Understanding the Dynamics of Female Friendships: Our conversation took a personal turn as I shared my experiences of feeling excluded from social circles. Colleen provided valuable insights into the dynamics of female relationships, reminding us that the behavior of others often reflects their insecurities and struggles with self-love. Building self-love and resilience is crucial, as the actions of others are not a measure of our worth.Redefining Likability and Success in the Workplace: In the workplace, women often grapple with the need for likability versus respect. Colleen offered practical advice on shifting the focus from being liked to being respected, building influential relationships, and concentrating on the impact and value we bring to our professional roles. She also encouraged listeners to define success on their own terms, to become "expanders" who embrace growth and step into their potential.Join the Growth Inc Community: As we wrapped up the episode, I couldn't help but express my admiration for Colleen's work. I invite you all to connect with Growth Inc through their Instagram platform, where you can engage with a community that shares your values and find messages that resonate with your journey.Thank you to Colleen for sharing her personal journey and the importance of self-trust, values, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Our conversation underscored the magnitude of self-trust, resilience, and influential relationships for women in the workforce. It's a call to action for all of us to embrace our worth and agency, to lead from a place of our own values and intuition.Connect with Colleen Bordeaux: Colleen invites you to connect with her through her website and on social media. To learn more about her work visit:https://www.colleenbordeaux.com/https://www.instagram.com/colleenbordeauxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-bordeaux/https://www.growth-inc.org/ Here are some highlights of the episode to look forward to:Introduction of Colleen Bordeaux (00:01:21): Introduction of Colleen Bordeaux, her professional background, and the founding of Growth Inc, a woman's media and leadership development company.Colleen's Career Trajectories (00:03:55): Colleen's experience ...
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    58 mins
  • The Most Promising Trauma Breakthroughs: Challenging the Traditional Treatments

    The Most Promising Trauma Breakthroughs: Challenging the Traditional Treatments
    May 28 2024
    On this episode of "Flourish or Fold" I'm thrilled to share with you a conversation that could very well change the way we perceive and treat trauma. I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Eugene Lipov, a beacon of hope for those affected by trauma and a mastermind in innovative treatment methods. As the Chief Medical Officer at Stella and an international expert on trauma treatment, he has devoted his life and work to unraveling the complexities of trauma and exploring groundbreaking treatment options.The Impact of Trauma and the Path to Recovery: Trauma is an insidious beast that can leave deep scars on both the mind and body. Dr. Lipov, with his extensive experience in trauma treatment, shared invaluable insights into how trauma affects individuals and the potential for reversing PTSD symptoms. One of the most enlightening aspects of our discussion was the stellate ganglion block procedure, a treatment that offers a beacon of hope for those suffering from PTSD.Understanding Trauma: Genetics and Environment: Dr. Lipov emphasized the importance of recognizing the genetic and environmental factors contributing to trauma. As we delved into this topic, it became clear that to develop more effective therapeutic options, we must first understand these underlying causes. His role at Stella is pivotal in advancing research efforts focused on trauma treatment, and his dedication to this cause is nothing short of inspiring.Stellate Ganglion Block: A Ray of Hope: The stellate ganglion block procedure is a game-changer in rapidly treating PTSD symptoms. Dr. Lipov walked us through the assessment process, the procedure itself, and the critical aftercare recommendations, which include psychotherapy, yoga, meditation, and dietary considerations. The duration of the procedure and the potential long-term effects vary based on individual factors, but the promise it holds for improving overall health and longevity is remarkable.Addressing the Root Causes for Long-Term Healing: Our conversation also highlighted the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals and the collective human community. Dr. Lipov stressed the challenges individuals face in seeking relief from their suffering and the necessity of addressing the root causes of trauma-related illnesses for long-term healing and recovery.A Mission to Change Perceptions: From PTSD to PTSI: One of the most profound moments in our discussion was Dr. Lipov's mission to change the name of PTSD to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). This change aims to reduce stigma and improve acceptance of the condition. He shared the process of submitting a request to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the importance of recognizing the biological changes in the brain associated with trauma.The Mind-Body Connection and Advocacy: Dr. Lipov's insights into the mind-body connection, including the psychological effects of an adrenal tumor, underscored the importance of this relationship in trauma treatment. He encouraged listeners to participate in a letter-writing campaign to support the name change initiative, highlighting the significance of letters and social awareness in advocating for this cause.Personal Experiences and the Inheritance of Trauma: Dr. Lipov opened up about his personal experiences with trauma, including a near-fatal snorkeling accident and the loss of his mother to suicide. These experiences have fueled his resilience and determination to assist others on their healing journey. He also touched on epigenetics and the inheritance of trauma, shedding light on the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors.Connecting with Dr. Lipov and Supporting PTSD Awareness: For those looking to connect with Dr. Lipov and access trauma treatment at Stella, he provided information on how to engage with his work, including his book "The Invisible Machine" and an upcoming fundraiser for PTSD awareness. He also mentioned a song release related to PTSD, inviting listeners to explore various channels to learn more and support the campaign to eliminate stigma associated with trauma.My Personal Reflections on Trauma and Advocacy: As a survivor of PTSD myself, I understand the importance of reducing the stigma associated with trauma. It's crucial to recognize the physiological response to trauma as an injury rather than a disorder. I encourage everyone to support themselves and others in seeking treatment and to advocate for the name change to post-traumatic stress injury.In closing, this episode was more than just a conversation; it was a journey through the heart of trauma and the innovative approaches to healing. I hope you find it as enlightening as I did, and I invite you to join us in this ongoing dialogue to foster resilience and recovery.Connect with Dr. Lipov: Dr. Lipov invites you to connect with him through his website and on social media. To learn more about Dr. Lipov’s work and to sign his petition to change the name of ...
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    56 mins
  • The Art of Winning: Harnessing Your Power and Navigating Challenge

    The Art of Winning: Harnessing Your Power and Navigating Challenge
    May 14 2024
    On this episode of "Flourish or Fold" I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chaz Wolfe, a remarkable serial entrepreneur and investor. We discussed the balance between individual effort and teamwork, the concept of mutual value exchange within a team, and Chaz's journey in entrepreneurship. Chaz reflects on his upbringing with a single mother, his later-in-life meeting with his biological father, and his approach to winning in life by setting targets and making progress. We also touch upon work-life balance, gender differences in defining success, and Chaz's community, Gathering of Kings. Chaz’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of success across various facets of life.Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Chaz Wolfe is the epitome of a self-made success story. His entrepreneurial spirit is self-taught, and his achievements are a result of his unwavering determination and the support of those around him. During our conversation, Chaz expressed his gratitude for the help he's received, underscoring the significance of both individual effort and the collective strength of a team. He shared an African proverb that resonates deeply with his philosophy: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." This saying beautifully captures the intersectionality of personal drive and the invaluable support of a team. As an entrepreneur, Chaz has experienced moments that required him to push forward independently, but he also recognizes the importance of appreciating and supporting his team.The Dynamics of Team Investment: Our discussion delved into the nuances of team investment and commitment. Chaz acknowledged that while his vision naturally commands a high level of personal commitment, he also cherishes team members who grow to share and support that vision over time. He emphasized the importance of a mutual value exchange within a team, ensuring that even if team members part ways with the company, they leave having become the best versions of themselves. I shared my perspective on the level of investment I expect from my team members, highlighting the mutual development and care that should exist within a team dynamic. It's a reciprocal relationship where support and development go hand in hand. A Serial Entrepreneur's Tale: Chaz's background as a serial entrepreneur and investor is nothing short of inspiring. He detailed his ventures in retail franchising, real estate, construction, and podcasting. At the young age of 24, he made the bold decision to purchase his first Edible Arrangements franchise, facing challenges and achieving growth as he built multiple locations of the brand. When asked about his choice of Edible Arrangements for his first business venture, Chaz explained that his decision wasn't based on a personal affinity for the product but rather on the opportunity to leverage his sales experience and grow the business. His focus remained on developing effective marketing strategies, sales processes, and client relationships.Lessons in Resilience from a Single Mother: Chaz's upbringing played a crucial role in shaping his resilience and determination. Raised by a single mother, he witnessed her relentless work ethic and strength, which left a profound impact on him. He described her as an intense force, instilling in him the permission to persevere through challenges and the maturity to handle life's obstacles from an early age.Winning in Life's Different Arenas: Our conversation also touched on the concept of winning in various areas of life, including relationships, career, and personal development. Chaz shared his approach to being an incredible husband to his wife, Julie, by setting targets and focusing on progress rather than perfection. He encouraged listeners to define their own standards of winning based on clear direction and personal motivations. As a working parent, I shared the challenges I face in trying to excel in both my career and parenting. Chaz acknowledged the validity of my experience and the importance of individual experiences in shaping our beliefs about winning.Rethinking Work-Life Balance: Chaz introduced the idea of "work-life obsession," suggesting a deep devotion to different aspects of life on different days. He advocated for focusing on winning each day, recognizing that the definition of winning varies among individuals.A Community of Kings: Chaz also spoke about his community, Gathering of Kings, a mastermind group of entrepreneurs from diverse industries. He highlighted an upcoming family mastermind trip to Cancun, aimed at intentional family vacationing, marriage building, and networking for both adults and children. I couldn't help but admire the concept of a family mastermind and commend Chaz for his dedication to his family and entrepreneurial endeavors.Gratitude and Reflection: As our conversation came to a close, I expressed my gratitude to Chaz for sharing his story and insights. His ...
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    57 mins
Management Psychology Hygiene & Healthy Living Economics Personal Success
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