Are you a shift worker who feels stuck in fight-or-flight mode at work? If you're a nurse, CNA, healthcare worker, or anyone doing shift work where you can't just step away to regulate, this episode is for you.

After getting feedback from a listener in childcare, I realized most career advice is tailored for office environments - but what about those of us who work in hospitals, emergency rooms, manufacturing, retail, or other shift-based roles where you're "tied there" and can't easily get away when triggered?

In this episode, you'll discover:
✨ Why shift workers need different regulation strategies
✨ A simple 5-10 minute pre-shift presencing practice
✨ How to check in with your nervous system before, during & after shifts
✨ Powerful anchor phrases you can use during difficult moments
✨ The critical post-shift transition technique most people skip

Key Takeaways:
🫀 Place your hand on your chest, take 3 breaths, and ask, "How is my nervous system right now?"
🎯 Set realistic expectations: "I can handle whatever comes my way, and I have the tools to regulate myself."
⚓ Create anchor phrases like "I am safe. I am capable. I can regulate."
🚗 Use your commute time to consciously shift from work mode to home mode
🤗 Practice gentle acknowledgment: "I made it through another shift. I'm safe now."

This isn't just another self-care tip - it's trauma-informed career guidance designed specifically for the unique challenges shift workers face.

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Ever felt completely professional one moment, then found yourself crying in your car because a meeting triggered something deep inside you? You're not imagining things—you might be experiencing "trauma time."

In this episode of Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide, I break down what happens when your nervous system gets stuck responding to current workplace situations as if they're past traumatic experiences, and most importantly, how to find your way back to the present moment where your actual power lives.

🎯 What You'll Discover:
✅ The hidden signs of "trauma time" in professional settings
✅ Why your body overrides what your logical mind knows is safe
✅ How trauma responses disguise themselves as work performance issues
✅ Practical tools to anchor yourself in real-time during triggers
✅ The antidote that actually works for workplace trauma responses

⏰ Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Hook: When work triggers your past
01:00 - What is trauma time?
02:00 - Real-life example from my corporate experience
03:00 - Key characteristics of emotional flashbacks
04:00 - Hidden career costs of trauma time
06:00 - The antidote: Moving to real time
07:00 - Practical next steps you can implement today
09:00 - Integration over elimination approach

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Trauma time = when past experiences hijack present workplace moments
Career costs include hijacked decision-making, relationship minefields, inconsistent performance
The solution isn't eliminating trauma responses—it's learning to work WITH them
Your trauma history doesn't disqualify you from success—it can become your leadership foundation

🛠️ Practical Tools Shared:
5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique for desk use
Nervous system re-education strategies
Trauma-informed boundary setting
"Now vs. then" awareness practice

💡 Remember:
Your sensitivity is your strength, your awareness is your advantage, and your healing journey is preparing you for impact in ways you might not even realize yet.

📌 Subscribe for weekly trauma-informed career guidance
💬 Comment below: What's one workplace trigger you've learned to navigate?
👍 Like if this resonated with your experience
📤 Share with someone who needs this message
You're not walking this path alone.

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Why Being Seen Feels Dangerous: The Cost of Staying Invisible

Do you have expertise that could change lives, but find yourself hiding when it comes to visibility?

You're not alone.

In this episode, Cyndi shares her personal struggle with visibility and reveals why being seen feels terrifying for trauma survivors - even when it's exactly what we need to grow.

What You'll Learn
✨ Why trauma survivors struggle with visibility in unique ways
✨ The "stone face wound" and how it shapes our relationship with being seen
✨ A 4-step framework for healing your relationship with visibility
✨ How to practice "micro visibility" safely
✨ Why fear of being seen is information, not a character flaw

Key Quote
"We mute ourselves to survive as children, but we have to unmute ourselves to live as adults."
The 4-Step Visibility Framework

Find Your Safe Mirrors - People who give positive reflection
Practice Micro Visibility - Start small to prove safety
Develop Internal Validation - Become your own supportive parent
Honor Your Nervous System - Expand tolerance gradually

Ready to Step Into Your Power?
Book a free discovery call to explore your healing and career journey, identify what's keeping you invisible, and create a safe plan forward.
🔗 Free Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/cyndibennettconsulting/30min

Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide reimagines career development for trauma survivors. Host Cyndi Bennett is a trauma survivor turned trauma-informed career coach and founder of the Resilient Career Academy.

Subscribe for trauma-informed career strategies that honor your healing journey.

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

🎯 Stop performing your way through your career! If you're a trauma survivor who's mastered the art of "executive presence" but feel completely disconnected from your authentic self, this episode will change everything.

What You'll Learn:
✅ Why traditional executive presence advice is retraumatizing for trauma survivors
✅ The 3 trauma-informed shifts that create authentic leadership presence
✅ How to leverage emotional intelligence as your professional superpower
✅ Strategic authenticity: being real without oversharing
✅ Why vulnerability creates stronger leadership than performance

The 3 Game-Changing Shifts:

Shift #1: From performing confidence → embodying radical honesty
Shift #2: From suppressing emotions → leveraging emotional intelligence
Shift #3: From dominating conversations → creating psychological safety

The Truth Bomb: The most magnetic leaders aren't the ones who have all the answers - they're the ones who can say "I don't know" with confidence and commit to finding solutions.

Your trauma recovery has given you incredible emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to create safety for others. These aren't weaknesses to hide - they're leadership superpowers to leverage strategically.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

8-Week Trauma-Informed Leadership Intensive waitlist: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/tileadershipintensivewaitlist
Resilient Career Academy: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/rcalearningcommunity

📝 CONNECT WITH CYNDI:

Website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-bennett-mba-m-ed-ctrc-bab95817/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient_career_academy/


🎧 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW:
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps other trauma survivors find this trauma-informed career guidance.
New episodes every Tuesday 🎙️

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Why Work-Life Balance Fails Trauma Survivors: Embrace Career-Life Harmony Instead

If you're a trauma survivor struggling with traditional work-life balance, this episode is a must-watch. Host and trauma-informed career coach, Cyndi Bennett, shatters the myth of compartmentalizing work and personal life, presenting a revolutionary concept: career-life harmony. Tailored specifically for trauma survivors, learn why common productivity advice often fails and discover real, actionable steps to manage your career and healing journey harmoniously. With insights from the Resilient Career Academy, you'll explore energy-based planning, flexible boundaries, and the science behind trauma and productivity. Transform your work-life dynamic with strategies that honor your unique strengths and needs. Tune in now to stop burning out and start thriving!

00:00 Introduction: Why Work-Life Balance Fails Trauma Survivors
02:34 The Myth of Compartmentalization
04:14 Embracing Career-Life Harmony
06:02 Practical Steps for Career-Life Harmony
07:18 Deep Dive: Resilient Career Academy
08:45 The Science Behind Trauma and Productivity
10:52 Conclusion: Rewriting Career Success

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Leading with Trauma: Empowering Leadership for Trauma Survivors

In this insightful episode of 'Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide,' host Cyndi Bennett dives into the often overlooked intersection of trauma and leadership. Cyndi, a trauma survivor and informed career coach, alongside returning guest Holly Dillon, explores how trauma history can shape and influence leadership styles. They discuss the unique strengths and challenges trauma survivors bring to leadership roles, such as resilience and empathy, as well as potential pitfalls like micromanaging and people-pleasing. 

The conversation covers critical topics including how to recognize when trauma is affecting leadership, ways to build self-awareness around trauma triggers, and practical advice for new leaders navigating their roles while honoring their healing journey. Cyndi and Holly share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and strategies to help trauma survivors turn their experiences into leadership superpowers, emphasizing the importance of self-care, regulation, and building trust within teams. Tune in to learn how your trauma history can be a powerful asset in your leadership journey.

00:00 Introduction: The Untold Side of Leadership
00:51 The Strengths and Challenges of Trauma Survivors in Leadership
01:45 A New Conversation: Leading While Healing
02:20 Welcome to Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide
03:08 Interview with Holly Dillon: Managing with Trauma
04:04 Recognizing Trauma's Impact on Leadership
09:44 Common Trauma Responses in Leadership
16:44 Developing Self-Awareness and Regulation Tools
20:40 Building Trust and Support Systems
25:45 Taking a Leave of Absence: A Personal Story
28:25 The Importance of Self-Care for Leaders
29:11 Communicating Your Absence to Your Team
31:22 Advocating for Your Needs Before Burnout
33:49 Fact or Fiction: Assessing Leadership Concerns
38:46 Curiosity in Leadership
40:10 Advice for New Trauma Survivor Leaders
42:17 Setting Boundaries as a Leader
45:23 Regulation and Co-Regulation in Leadership
52:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Your Perfect Progress: Redefining Career Success for Trauma Survivors

Do you feel like you're lagging behind at work while others are excelling? In this eye-opening episode, trauma-informed career coach Cyndi Bennett redefines what progress means for trauma survivors. Learn why your cautious approach is your secret weapon and how to embrace your authentic journey toward sustainable success. Cyndi explores the impact of trauma on career navigation, debunks harmful mindset blocks, and introduces a free Workplace Survival Toolkit designed to help you thrive. Discover how to stop apologizing for your pace and start celebrating your unique path to professional growth.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Your Unique Career Journey
01:27 Understanding Trauma's Impact on Career Progress
03:08 The Power of Authentic Progress
04:37 Overcoming Limiting Mindsets
06:18 Practical Strategies for Workplace Success
07:18 Final Thoughts: Redefining Career Success

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Are you a trauma survivor who's built a solid career foundation but feels stuck between playing it safe and stepping into your power? This episode reveals the 5 readiness signals that most high achievers with trauma histories completely miss.

What You'll Learn:
✅ The 5 specific readiness signals that tell you when you're ready to stop playing small
✅ Why your nervous system might be keeping you small even when you're ready to go big
✅ A practical framework for taking strategic risks that honor your healing journey
✅ How to work WITH your nervous system instead of against it
The 5 Readiness Signals:

Energy Management: You're investing your energy strategically, not just surviving on it
Trauma Wisdom: Your emotional awareness has become professional intelligence
Relationship Building: You're creating authentic connections, not just professional contacts
Values-Based Decisions: You're choosing battles based on values, not fear
Purpose-Driven Success: You're ready for your success to serve something bigger

Key Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction: The meeting room scenario
1:00 - Why trauma survivors play small at work
2:00 - The vibe check: Welcome to Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide
3:00 - The problem: Stuck between surviving and thriving
4:00 - Signal 1: Energy management
5:00 - Signal 2: Trauma wisdom as professional intelligence
6:00 - Working with your nervous system
7:00 - Call to action: Book your free discovery call
8:00 - TSL: You're qualified for leadership BECAUSE of your trauma history

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Unlocking Trauma-Informed Career Success: Advanced Visibility Strategies Revealed

Welcome to Your Trauma-Wise Career Guide! In this transformative episode, host Cyndi Bennett tackles the Strategic Visionaries Visibility Paradox that many trauma survivors face. Discover advanced visibility strategies tailored specifically for trauma survivors, ensuring you can be seen and heard without compromising your authentic power. Learn about the four pillars of trauma-informed strategic visibility—Mission-Driven Magnetism, Wisdom-Based Thought Leadership, Generous Authority, and Strategic Relationship Building. Cyndi explains why traditional visibility advice often fails trauma survivors and offers a concrete action plan to help you emerge from the shadows as an influential thought leader. Don't miss the Strategic Visibility Assessment link in the show notes to start your personalized journey towards impactful visibility today. Subscribe, rate, and share with fellow survivors to help us rewrite the rules of career success. Together, we can create systemic change and bring healing to more communities. 

🌟 Get your free Strategic Visibility Assessment here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/strategicvisibilityassessment

00:00 Introduction: The Visibility Paradox
01:42 Understanding Trauma-Informed Visibility
04:16 The Four Pillars of Strategic Visibility
06:11 Overcoming Implementation Challenges
07:50 Taking Action: Your Next Steps
08:40 Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Wisdom

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.

Are you a manager struggling to support employees with sudden performance changes or unexplained workplace behaviors? This episode reveals how to become a trauma-informed leader who creates psychological safety while maintaining accountability.

Hosts Cyndi Bennett and Holly Dillon explore critical skills every manager needs to recognize trauma responses and respond with compassion and effectiveness.

What You'll Learn:

• How to distinguish trauma responses from performance issues
• Warning signs managers miss: hypervigilance, people-pleasing, emotional dysregulation
• Communication strategies that promote safety without requiring disclosure
• Language to avoid that triggers trauma survivors
• Giving feedback without activating shame or fear responses
• Creating accommodations while maintaining standards
• Building trust with power-differential awareness
• Managing team dynamics when trauma affects workplace relationships

Key Takeaway: Trauma-informed management isn't about lowering standards—it's about helping employees succeed by addressing their needs for safety, choice, and collaboration.

Perfect for managers, HR professionals, team leaders, and anyone interested in trauma-informed workplace practices and inclusive leadership strategies.

Subscribe for more trauma-informed career development strategies and workplace mental health insights.

When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your career journey:

1. Free trauma-informed career development resources from my website! Visit https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com for always up-to-date tips.
2. Ready to build a fulfilling career with trauma-informed support? Join The Resilient Career Academy Learning Community, where trauma survivors support each other, share resources, and develop career resilience in a safe, understanding environment
3. Ready for personalized trauma-informed career coaching? Explore my range of virtual coaching packages designed for different stages of your career journey. Visit my website to find the right support for where you are now. [Visit my website: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com/1-on-1-coaching]

DISCLOSURE: Some links I share might contain resources that you might find helpful. Whenever possible I use referral links, which means if you click any of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation at no cost to you.