How can we create spaces that honor vulnerability and authenticity in our workplaces and in our homes?   Today, we are featuring a special episode of the Unstigmatised Parent Podcast. Host Marina O'Connor, mental health educator, and trauma therapist, interviews our very own Brooke Jean, delving into the complexities of parenting and leadership. They discuss the often-overlooked impact of striving for perfection in these roles and the consequences of not seeking help when needed. Marina and Brooke Jean reflect on their own transition from corporate careers to focusing on mental health, underscoring the critical role of vulnerability in changing the way we show up in leadership and parenting. They tackle the myriad challenges that working parents face, calling for a significant shift in corporate attitudes towards mental health. Brooke shares her own struggles with burnout, emphasizing the importance for working parents to accept and normalize their struggles and make their mental well-being a priority.    Tune in to this week's episode of the Unperfected Pod as it offers a thought-provoking perspective on the delicate balance between professional and personal responsibilities, advocating for a life led by authenticity and vulnerability. [00:00 - 09:20] Introduction Brooke Jean opens up about her health, highlighting the importance of listening to your body and seeking medical help when needed She talks about her experience as a guest on the Unstigmatised Parent Podcast, where she had a meaningful and engaging conversation with Marina O'Connor about leadership, parenting, and mental health [09:21 - 21:03] Unstigmatised Parent Podcast: Navigating Work, Motherhood, and Mental Health Both Brooke Jean and Marina shifted from corporate careers to the psychotherapy and mental health field, driven by personal experiences and a desire for more meaningful work Brooke Jean reflects on the difficulties she faced as a single mother in a demanding corporate role, particularly her struggle with not asking for help and trying to balance the expectations of being a perfect mother and leader Brooke and Marina discuss how their unresolved traumas and perfectionism drove them in their corporate careers, often to their detriment The conversation touches on how beliefs about love and acceptance, often conditioned in childhood, can lead to an inability to ask for help and a drive to overperform in professional settings   [21:04 - 31:36] Unstigmatised Parent Podcast: Embracing Vulnerability in Corporate Leadership Brooke traces her drive to be a top performer and not a burden at work back to childhood decisions made due to family dynamics A traumatic event in Brooke's corporate career triggered her burnout Marina and Brooke Jean discuss the pressures in the corporate world that discourage vulnerability, especially for working parents, creating an environment where personal struggles are often hidden Sharing personal stories of struggle in the workplace is instrumental in challenging and changing the traditional leadership paradigms, fostering a more empathetic and understanding work environment   [31:37 - 39:22] Unstigmatised Parent Podcast: The Journey to Unperfecting Acknowledging that a wide range of experiences and challenges is normal for working parents helps remove shame and promotes open dialogue Releasing the pressure of societal and self-imposed expectations enables parents to focus on what truly matters to them Creating moments of personal space and self-care is essential for mental and emotional well-being Recognizing and addressing one's own needs is crucial for overall health and sets a positive example for children Challenging the internal voice that dictates unrealistic expectations helps in becoming a more present and less resentful parent.   [39:23 - 45:24] Closing Segment It's important to teach children that being human encompasses a wide range of emotions, from joy and energy to tiredness and sadness Many parents struggle to find time for themselves, often losing touch with their own interests and needs due to societal expectations The process of reconnecting with oneself and discovering personal likes and interests is akin to training a muscle, requiring time, patience, and self-curiosity Tweetable Quotes:   "It's really making space for the things that are important and significant outside of you being a parent, just making sure that all of those sides are recognized." – Marina O'Connor   "Answer that simple question: What do I want? Start to train that muscle by curiosity."  – Marina O'Connor   "I do believe that we have a real call of duty as leaders across the world to learn how to be vulnerable, to learn how to create safe spaces where people can tell us what's really going on to truly support people's mental and emotional wellbeing."  – Brooke Jean   "We really are in this new era where that old paradigm is no longer serving us. We are unwell."  – Brooke Jean Connect with Marina O'Connor: Instagram: @physistherapist Website: physistherapist.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS43V2tU6_mCPPsSlCC85cQ  You can connect with Brooke Jean through her: Website: Brooke Jean LLC Facebook: Brooke Jean LinkedIn: Brooke Jean Twitter: Brooke Jean Instagram: @brookejeanunperfected LEAVE A REVIEW Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookejeanunperfected/ Facebook private group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MLALTL Website: https://www.brookejeanllc.com/ Join us!  The Unperfected Mama Group Program  here: https://www.brookejeanllc.com/group-coaching   Get your FREE Anxiety Survival Kit: www.BrookeJeanLLC.com  

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