In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Vanessa Monsequeira, VP of People at Gorilla, Leadership and Career Coach, and builder of Employee Experience as a Product, on a mission to make work suck less.We explore what it really takes to feel seen, safe, and fulfilled at work, and why outdated leadership models are no longer sustainable in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environments.We discuss:- Feeling Invisible at Work: Why psychological safety is the foundation for authenticity and how past workplace trauma can silence your voice, even in supportive environments- The Dark Side of Leadership: From micromanagement to insecurity and favoritism, Vanessa reveals the emotional blind spots that leaders often carry and how they impact team trust and performance- The Achiever’s Paradox and Burnout: Why high performers struggle to say no, and how constantly proving your worth can lead to exhaustion.- Redefining Boundaries and Recognition: How to assert your limits without damaging your career and why recognition is essential to meaningful work, not just a nice-to-haveIf you’re navigating a career shift, feeling overwhelmed in your role, or questioning your sense of purpose at work, this episode offers real-world advice and deep insight into how workplaces and individuals can evolve for the better.Connect with Vanessa:
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