How I Ally

This Will Change How you Think About Mental Health (with Navi Hughes)

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In this deeply resonant episode of How I Ally, Lucinda Koza is joined by Navi Hughes—a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, therapist, and emotional intelligence coach. Navi opens up about her journey from teen motherhood and widowhood to becoming a fierce advocate for mental health and emotional literacy.

Together, they explore:

  • How emotional intelligence transforms parenting, relationships, and self-worth

  • The dangers of ego-led parenting and the myth of the “mini-me”

  • Raising children—especially neurodivergent children—with emotional safety instead of control

  • What true empowerment looks like (and how to teach it to your kids)

  • Why Navi created an emotional intelligence blueprint for those navigating trauma, overwhelm, or autism

  • How stigma and fear are setting back progress in autism diagnoses and care

  • The value of saying “I don’t know,” even as a parent or professional

    • This conversation is an emotional masterclass—equal parts grounding and galvanizing. Whether you’re a parent, practitioner, or simply someone who wants to live with more clarity, this episode is a must-listen.

    Guest:

    Navi Hughes

    Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Emotional Intelligence Coach

    Instagram: @thenavihughes

    Connect with Lucinda Koza:

    Instagram: @lucindarogerskoza

    Website: www.i-ally.com

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

    • Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator

    • Navi’s Emotional Intelligence Program (coming soon to her website)

      • Takeaways:

      💡 Emotional intelligence isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation for peace, presence, and power.

      🧠 Our children don’t need us to be perfect—they need us to be emotionally aware.

      ❤️ Real connection happens when we show up without an agenda.

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      How I AllyBy Lucinda Koza
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