Flourishing Unfiltered: Tackling Loneliness, Self-Doubt, and Overwhelm in Business

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with Clinical Neuropsychology PhD Candidate Nawal Mustafa!

In this season finale of Season 2 of Flourishing Unfiltered, Nawal shares her journey from an accidental social media influencer to a dedicated professional in the field of neuropsychology. She discusses the challenges of building an online presence, maintaining ethical standards, and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship while pursuing her PhD. 

Nawal also emphasizes the importance of self-care, the lessons learned from personal struggles, and the pivotal moments that have shaped her career. The conversation highlights the significance of reframing failure and embracing change as essential components of personal and professional growth.

🎙️ In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with the founders of Toolbox Education: Ben Scholl and David Berlinski!

In 2020-21, Melbourne was in lockdown, and the waiting lists for psychologist appointments were long. Co-founders Ben Scholl and David Berlinski started exploring a preventative approach, targeting an audience many years younger than those typically seeking appointments.

Rather than waiting for someone to see a psychologist to deal with life’s challenges, the idea was to provide students with tools from psychology (from modalities such as CBT, DBT and ACT) in ways young people would relate to, remember and use. 

By connecting psychological theories and tools to manage anxiety and regulate emotions with relatable metaphors – think TikTok, Snapchat, gaming – they found a niche that resonated with students. In this way, they could cut through and get students engaged.

David, a clinical psychologist, develops content that is founded in robust psychological theory, along with Ben, who has over a decade of experience managing educational programs in Australia and the UK, to make the workshops fun and engaging.

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Ben and David discuss their journey of creating a preventative approach to mental health support, the tools they teach, their rapid growth, and the importance of feedback and authenticity in their work through Toolbox Education - a program designed to provide psychological tools to students in a fun and engaging way.

Our conversation highlights the challenges they faced, their purpose-driven mission, and the lessons learned along the way. David and Ben discuss their journey of continuous improvement in their educational and psychological services. They emphasise the importance of testing ideas in low-stakes environments, expanding their services from workshops to clinics, and navigating the challenges that come with new ventures. 

They also share valuable lessons from their early days, the significance of establishing communication norms in partnerships, and their aspirations for the future, including community engagement and potential new projects.

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FIND OUT MORE about Toolbox Education:

🔗Jon’s Website: https://www.toolboxeducation.com/

🔗Follow Toolbox Education on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/toolbox.education/

🔗Follow Toolbox Education on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toolbox-education/

🔗Follow Toolbox Education on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/toolbox.education

NEW TO FLOURISHING UNFILTERED?

👉 Our website: https://www.flourishing-unfiltered.com/

👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishingunfiltered/

LISTEN/ SUBSCRIBE

🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7kifUnmWQdMgb1GQa8sG2J?si=5fc6334219a145fd

🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/flourishing-unfiltered-tackling-loneliness-self-doubt/id1759480474

🎧 Deezer https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1001111781

🎧 RSS https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2388737.rss

CONNECT

👋 with Maike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-maike-neuhaus/ 

👋 with Kerrin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrin-smith-au/

PLEASE NOTE:

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of loneliness, low mental health, or suicidal thoughts, please know that there are people who care and treatments that can help. Here are some helplines and resources where you can get support. Befrienders Worldwide (www.befrienders.org) offers a directory of helplines by country.

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with serial entrepreneur, impaCCCt founder and keynote speaker Petra Zink!

Petra takes us behind the scenes of her personal branding and marketing businesses. She shares her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

Petra talks about the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and the impact of one's environment on personal and professional growth. The discussion also touches on Petra's current projects aimed at helping others navigate their careers and establish their authority in their fields.

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with the Founder of Flow State Business Ruby Lee!

Ruby shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur and founder of Flow State Business. She discusses the importance of personal branding, the challenges of launching new products, and the mindset shifts necessary for overcoming obstacles.

Ruby also clarifies the concept of 'flow' in business, explaining how it has transformed her approach to work and life. She offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs feeling stuck, encouraging them to focus on their larger purpose and not to sweat the small stuff.

🎙️ In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with the VP for Global Innovation at DB Schenker Erik Wirsing!

Erik Wirsing is the VP of Global Innovation at DB Schenker. He’s been with DB Schenker for more than 25 years in various positions and, in addition to various IT areas, has also headed the innovation area for Schenker Germany since 2011. Since 2016, he has been responsible for the Innovation division for DB Schenker globally and reports in this role as "Vice President Global Innovation" as part of Global Ventures & Innovation part of the CEO department of Schenker AG.

The focus of his area is, among other things, on researching/observing social and technical trends (e.g. digitalization, 3D printing, autonomous driving, alternative drives, smart devices, cargo drones), their impact on the logistics industry and the derivation of future business models for the logistics of tomorrow. He is also responsible for DB Schenker's own Lab, all start-up activities and innovative pilot projects. 

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In our conversation, Erik shares his extensive journey in the logistics industry, influenced by his family's history in trucking. He talks about the importance of innovation in logistics, the challenges faced in understanding customer needs, and the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership. He also reflects on his role in driving innovation within a large corporate structure and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in implementing new technologies.

Erik also lets us in on his journey through early career challenges, and highlights the importance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and mentorship in leadership. He discusses how curiosity and a willingness to learn from others have shaped his approach to overcoming obstacles and building successful teams. Our dialogue highlights the significance of being true to oneself in professional settings and the value of fostering diverse connections for personal and professional growth.

***

FIND OUT MORE about Erik Wirsing:

🔗Erik’s Website: https://erik-wirsing.de/

🔗Follow Jon on X here: https://x.com/erikwirsing

🔗Connect with Erik on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-wirsing/

NEW TO FLOURISHING UNFILTERED?

👉 Our website: https://www.flourishing-unfiltered.com/

👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishingunfiltered/

LISTEN/ SUBSCRIBE

🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7kifUnmWQdMgb1GQa8sG2J?si=5fc6334219a145fd

🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/flourishing-unfiltered-tackling-loneliness-self-doubt/id1759480474

🎧 Deezer https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1001111781

🎧 RSS https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2388737.rss

CONNECT

👋 with Maike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-maike-neuhaus/ 

👋 with Kerrin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrin-smith-au/

PLEASE NOTE:

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of loneliness, low mental health, or suicidal thoughts, please know that there are people who care and treatments that can help. Here are some helplines and resources where you can get support. Befrienders Worldwide (www.befrienders.org) offers a directory of helplines by country.

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with consultant, speaker and self-confessed "Thought Breeder" Leanne Hughes!

Leanne shares with us her journey from corporate life to becoming a successful consultant and speaker. She talks about the importance of positivity, overcoming self-doubt, and the value of taking action - rather than being forever stuck at the hesitation station.

She discusses the need for authenticity in business and the influence of mentors in her career. She also offers practical advice for solopreneurs and highlights the significance of creating value and finding purpose in one's work.

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with psychologist Dr Thea Gallagher.

Thea shares her journey into psychology, driven by personal experiences with her sister's illness. She discusses her career in mental health, focusing on anxiety and wellness, while balancing family life with four young children (including twins!). She opens up about her struggles with ADHD and the daily challenges of feeling inadequate. She also offers insights into coping strategies, self-acceptance, and the importance of recognising one's strengths amidst chaos. 

Thea shares her journey of redefining maternal roles, navigating her career in psychology, and the importance of authenticity in her work. She discusses the challenges of the Peter Principle, where individuals rise to their level of incompetence, and emphasises the need for self-reflection in career satisfaction.

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with Dr Jon Beale.

Jon shares his journey from being a professional musician to an educator and researcher, exploring the challenges he faced in balancing these careers and eventually choosing just one. He talks about the importance of promoting wellbeing and flow in both educational and workplace settings. The conversation also touches on personal growth, decision-making, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Jon discusses the concept of flow, describing it as the optimal state of performance where individuals are fully immersed in their activities. He explains how flow can be experienced in various contexts, including sports, music, and creative endeavors. He also shares insights on navigating career transitions, driving home the point that it's possible to change paths and discover new passions later in life.

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with Sophie Scott!

In this enlightening conversation, Sophie Scott, an award-winning journalist and mental health advocate, shares her journey through journalism and her passion for mental health. 

Sophie discusses her personal experience with burnout, the strategies she employed to overcome it, and the importance of connection in recovery. She emphasises the need for lifestyle changes to flourish and introduces her upcoming project, 'Your Wellbeing Journal,' designed to help individuals embed healthy habits into their daily lives. The conversation concludes with reflections on the impact of personal encounters and the importance of community.

In today's episode of Flourishing Unfiltered, we speak with Stephanie Harrison!

Stephanie, founder of The New Happy, shares her personal journey of redefining happiness as she when through her teen years and early adulthood depressed and languishing. She talks about her struggles and the challenges she faced later on, when her partner, Alex, became gravely ill. Despite these hardships, Stephanie discovered joy amidst suffering, using her new understanding of happiness to navigate the difficult times.

Stephanie's philosophy centres on the power of helping others, which she found deeply fulfilling during her toughest moments. This principle is the foundation of The New Happy, where she ensures happiness is accessible to all, offering her resources freely. Our conversation explores the profound impact of giving and how it creates an environment where both the giver and receiver can thrive.’

Stephanie also discusses the importance of embracing authenticity and letting go of the uncontrollable. She advises against hustle culture, urging leaders to create workplaces where people feel safe to be themselves. One practical tool she shares from her book is “The Breakup,” a method to cultivate self-acceptance by separating actions from self-worth, promoting resilience and growth.