When high-performing women lose themselves inside emotionally unsafe environments, the body often speaks long before the mind catches up. In this raw and deeply human conversation, Pettina Shangdon shares the untold truth about nervous system breakdown, identity collapse, and the long road back to coherence, clarity, and self-trust.

This episode will resonate with anyone who has ever felt “not themselves” at work or in relationship dynamics that slowly erode safety. Pettina’s story blends lived experience with a grounded, trauma-informed perspective that echoes the teachings of Dr Jill Bolte Taylor and Viktor Frankl — reminding us that healing is not about perfection, but about reconnecting to the self we abandoned along the way.

Together, we explore:

– What nervous system overwhelm actually feels like

– How high achievers ignore early warning signs

– The moment Pettina realised she no longer recognised herself

– Emotional manipulation, dissociation & “freezing” under pressure

– The slow, compassionate process of rebuilding identity

– Why coherence and authenticity matter more than resilience

– How leaders can create emotionally safe environments for humans to thrive

– Choosing truth, connection and meaning — even in complexity

This is a powerful story of rupture, repair and returning home to yoursel

🔗 Links & Resources

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pettinashangdon/

Feature Articles by Pettina:

• The Cost of Losing Yourself

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cost-losing-yourself-pettina-shangdon/

• When Your Nervous System Takes the Wheel

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-your-nervous-system-takes-wheel-pettina-shangdon/

✨ Referenced in the Episode

Dr Jill Bolte Taylor – Whole Brain Living (WBL)

Official Website: https://www.drjillboltetaylor.com/

TED Talk – My Stroke of Insight: https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_my_stroke_of_insight

Whole Brain Living Framework: https://www.drjillboltetaylor.com/whole-brain-living

Viktor Frankl

Man’s Search for Meaning (Book):

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning

Logotherapy Overview:

https://www.viktorfrankl.org/

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