
About
"Silence is a problem that hurts both individuals and teams, and I aim to solve it." - Stuart
20 Years Of Speaking
Welcome to a space where tech teams break the silence, overcome stigmas, and lift each other up with empathy and support. My mission is to foster open dialogue, mutual support, and personal growth within tech companies. By addressing the often-overlooked challenges of grief and mental health, we can transform your workplace into a connected, resilient community of understanding, strength, and collaboration.
My Mission
By sharing my story of grief, resilience, and leadership – with a touch of hippie-love – I inspire tech teams to break stigmas around mental health, while infusing a touch of empathy and support, so they can lift each other up, move from isolation to collaboration, and shift from just coping to truly hoping—unlocking all the benefits of a connected, caring team culture.
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The Vision
I envision a future where tech teams achieve extraordinary success by lifting each other up, creating cultures of empathy, compassion, and support. In this future, every team member feels seen, valued, and connected, fostering an environment where personal and team resilience thrive. By breaking down stigmas around mental health and embracing open, compassionate collaboration, I help empower tech teams to not just work together, but to truly care for one another, unlocking their fullest potential and driving innovation in ways never imagined before.
The Effects On Your Team
When your team members deal with Mental Health and Grief issues, it can affect your entire team. That’s why it’s important to offer love and support for each member of your team.
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Investment in Mental Health Initiatives has a 4X ROI (Univ. of Chicago study)
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The costs per employee experiencing mental health challenges is $15,000 PER YEAR
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Over 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
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91% of employees believe their employers should care about their emotional health.
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85% of employees said behavioral health benefits were important when evaluating a new job.
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50% of millennials and 75% of Gen Z workers have quit jobs for mental health reasons in the past.
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80% of workers would consider leaving their current job for one that focuses more on employee mental health.
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Nearly 86% of employees treated for depression report improved work performance.
My Story
In 2015, I faced the unimaginable loss of my son, an event that changed my life forever. I learned about the destructive nature of mental illness and how it could destroy such a wonderful human who was full of love, humor, and life.
Through the depths of grief, I embarked on a journey of healing and personal growth. My path was neither straight nor easy, but it was transformative. I explored various methods of healing, including stand-up comedy and alternative therapies like plant medicines, discovering the profound therapeutic power of humor and unconventional approaches to mental health.
I've been told that my candid sharing of my experiences has become a beacon of hope for many. My ability to articulate the raw and painful realities of grief, coupled with my insights on resilience and finding purpose after loss, resonate deeply with diverse audiences. By turning my pain into purpose, I have inspired countless individuals to embrace their struggles and transform them into strength.
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I also bring decades of tech experience to the table. I worked in Telecom as a Sales Engineer. I have a Computer Systems Engineering degree. I was also a platoon leader in the US Army, serving in Korea, Saudi Arabia and even Texas! I speak tech, and I understand the value of a strong, healthy team that supports each other.
My Goals
When I do my talks, people come up to me telling me they were deeply moved and thank me. They tell me their stories. They talk. That is the whole point. We need to talk, support each other, and make it easy to get help. When we do that, we might save lives. We might create a happier, healthier team. And we might even help profitability by elevating all stakeholders.
Who I Serve
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Tech Teams: I work closely with HR departments and corporate wellness programs, helping tech teams navigate personal challenges while fostering a supportive and resilient work culture.
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Grief Support and Mental Health Groups: I collaborate with organizations dedicated to mental health awareness and grief support, advocating for enhanced mental health resources and proactive suicide prevention.
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Personal Development and Creative Arts Communities: I engage with those passionate about personal growth and creativity, promoting resilience and the therapeutic power of creative expression.
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Why Work With Me?
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I uniquely blend my profound personal experiences with professional expertise, creating talks that are both heartfelt and practical -- and authentic! My dynamic storytelling, coupled with actionable insights, leaves a lasting impact on audiences, empowering them to overcome adversity and find strength in their journeys.
Join me in my mission to break the silence, foster support and empathy, and build resilient communities. Together, we can transform isolation into collaboration and create environments where everyone can thrive by lifting each other up.
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You already hire the best talent. Imagine what they'll do when they rise together as a resilient team!