Your REAL Life - make it count

·31 min·3 clips

How do resilient people quickly move from shock to acceptance when facing life's hardest obstacles?

The episode begins with Judith Germain introducing the challenge of moving from acknowledgment to acceptance in adversity. Guest Nathan Andres, a well-being activist and consultant, joins to discuss his work in HR and coaching. Nathan shares his background in corporate growth roles across Asia Pacific and his current focus on helping individuals and teams move from survive to thrive. The conversation delves into mental health in the workplace, with Nathan citing statistics: 30% of employees miss work due to mental health issues, 17% of CEOs do the same, and the World Health Organization reports $1.3 trillion in lost productivity. Nathan explains that 80% of employees believe workplaces are responsible for mental health, driving a need for psychological safety. Judith and Nathan discuss the limitations of current mental health support, particularly for chronic conditions. Nathan introduces his book 'Your REAL Life', which uses the acronym REAL—Reality, Energy, Authenticity, Love—to frame resilience. He describes his personal experiences, including living through 9/11, earthquakes, and tsunamis, which inspired the model. The 'reality curve' is detailed, emphasizing moving quickly from acknowledgment to acceptance and finding 'advertunity' (adversity plus opportunity). Nathan critiques 'fake it till you make it', linking it to imposter syndrome. Energy management is explored through four 'well-being batteries': physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, with advice on conducting energy audits to prevent burnout. The episode concludes with plans for a follow-up conversation, highlighting Nathan's mission to build authenticity and resilience.

As heard by us

A steady leadership conversation on turning hardship into control, purpose, and a more authentic working life.

This episode frames resilience as something leaders practice, not just something they hope to have when pressure arrives. Nathan Andres brings the REAL model into a conversation about lived truth, purpose, values, and the authentic self, while Judith Germain keeps the focus on…

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Why you'd press play

You want to meet hard experience with steadier leadership? Nathan Andres' REAL model gives you a thoughtful place to start.

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