April 05, 2025

The Power of Vulnerability with Nick Jonsson

39 minutes

Our guest this week is Master Coach and TED speaker Nick Johnsson

In this episode:-

Nick spent 11 years climbing the corporate ladder,

However when he did reach the senior roles he was striving for he felt unfulfilled and full of self doubt

Nick resigned from his job which led to divorce so he turned to alcohol for relief

Alcohol became his coping tool for stress and unexpressed emotions.

After 2 or 3 years of heavy drinking he reached rock bottom and found his health was collapsing

At age 40, he realized he needed help—he began to share his feelings with his new wife, got medical help, and joined a 12-step program.

He has been sober for nearly 7 years since that first meeting.

These days Nick is an executive and sobriety coach, studying psychology to become a therapist.

Runs men’s groups and peer support networks

He also works with corporates across Asia to address vulnerability, burnout, and connection.

We agreed on the "power of vulnerability"— which is central to our philosophy here at Tribe Sober

Being open and honest and sharing our feelings is so critical for healing and growth and it seems to happen naturally in our community as we have a common struggle that binds us

However I was intrigued as to how he could get hard nosed business men and women to be vulnerable

Nick explained that he uses keynotes and workshops in corporates to create safe spaces for open conversation.

He shares his own story and then encourages the most senior executives to lead by example, sharing personal stories to build trust and openness.

Executive Burnout & the importance of Resilience

Nick warns about three signs of burnout: denial, changed habits, and secrecy.

Defines resilience as seeking help and using support systems, not just “pushing through.”

Nick has written a Book called: Executive Loneliness

Based on a survey showing 30% of executives feel isolated.

75% wouldn't ask for help; 84% wouldn’t talk about their mental health at work.

Follow-up book in progress with case studies and a holistic leadership model.

Connect via LinkedIn or find his book Executive Loneliness on Amazon/Audible.

More Info

We’re including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October

Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year.

Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on [email protected] and we’ll get you started on this life changing journey

Episode Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program. If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today

Read more about our program and subscribe HERE

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By Janet

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