Have you ever achieved something you worked hard for, only to discover that success didn't bring the fulfillment you expected?
Maybe you've spent years meeting expectations, climbing the ladder, caring for others, and being the person everyone can count on—yet somewhere along the way, you've lost touch with yourself.
In this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer welcomes Nathalie Cordell, an accredited leadership coach, psychologist with a master's in psychosynthesis, and author of Awakening the Sleeping Queen, for a thoughtful conversation about burnout, identity, and the journey back to your authentic self.
After 20 years in corporate pharmacy as a high achiever, Nathalie experienced her own turning point and began exploring what it means to live beyond external expectations. She shares how psychosynthesis can help us understand the different parts of ourselves, recognize the protective patterns we developed to belong, and reconnect with the deeper truth of who we are.
Together, Rita and Nathalie explore why success can leave us feeling disconnected, how we learn to wear masks to gain acceptance, and how these once-helpful patterns can contribute to exhaustion and self-abandonment.
You'll discover why taking off the mask doesn't have to happen all at once. Instead, reconnecting with yourself can begin with small moments of awareness, curiosity, honesty, and self-compassion.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why achieving external success doesn't always lead to inner fulfillment.
- What psychosynthesis is and how it helps us understand the different parts of ourselves.
- How childhood experiences and social conditioning influence identity, emotions, and behavior.
- What self-abandonment looks like and how protective masks can contribute to burnout.
- How to recognize when your actions are no longer aligned with your authentic self.
- Why slowing down can feel uncomfortable—and how to begin reconnecting with yourself.
- How curiosity, kindness, and self-compassion can help you move toward a more fulfilling life.
A powerful reminder from Nathalie:
You are not broken, and you don't need fixing. The journey is about honoring the different parts of yourself and reclaiming a deeper relationship with who you truly are.
If you've been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what comes next, let this conversation remind you that you don't have to keep performing to prove your worth. You can begin with a pause, a little curiosity, and the courage to listen to what is true for you.
Connect with Nathalie Cordell
Nathalie supports people navigating life transitions, particularly women in midlife. She also facilitates workshops and writes about the inner journey of self-discovery.
Explore her book, Awakening the Sleeping Queen, and find her professional links, writing, and other resources through her
Linktree: linktr.ee/NathalieCordell
Website: https://www.cordellcoaching.com/
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