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When the Mask Drops: Why Leadership’s Strongest Often Suffer in Silence with Nicole DuBois
Manage episode 488126375 series 3550613
What happens when the one holding it all together starts to fall apart?
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Nicole DuBois—HR exec, mom, author, and walking proof that vulnerability is leadership. Nicole takes us behind the scenes of her journey: managing a chronic illness, surviving divorce, raising a child, and leading a people function—all while hiding behind a mask.
We talk about why HR is often the least psychologically safe team in the org, how culture and identity shape what we’re allowed to show at work, and what happens when a leader finally says: “This is me.”
Whether you’re burnt out, breaking down, or just tired of pretending, this episode will hit deep.
🎭 The cost of masking in senior leadership
📚 Nicole’s journey from pseudonym to public truth
🧠 Chronic illness, identity, and workplace culture
🫶 Co-creation, compassion, and redefining strength
Connect with Nicole:
📖 Unparalyzed: Beating an Invisible Pre-Midlife Crisis – available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Archway Publishing
🔗 Nicole on LinkedIn
🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this one moved you.
Let’s make work suck less. 🐘
🐘 Connect with Us:
🚀 Follow The Fearless PX on LinkedIn: The Fearless PX
📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email Marion, Cacha, and Danny at [email protected]
🎧 Catch every episode of The Elephant in the Org: All Episodes Here
🚀Your Hosts on Linkedin:
💬 Like what you hear?
Subscribe, leave a ★★★★★ review, and help us bring more elephants into the light.
🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024.
Get ready for even more fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.
🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.
Chapters
1. Welcome to the Elephant in the Org (00:00:00)
2. Nicole's Story: MS Diagnosis and Divorce (00:07:51)
3. From Pseudonym to Authenticity (00:14:42)
4. The Mask of HR Professionalism (00:24:17)
5. Leadership Vulnerability and Psychological Safety (00:35:39)
6. Compassion-Centered Leadership and Co-Creation (00:48:06)
7. Closing Thoughts and Farewell (01:04:25)
55 episodes
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