"If I'm only focused on dance, then if my career isn't going the way I want it to go, then I feel like a failure as a person. Whereas if I have taken the time to create relationships and nurture the relationships that I want, or I've taken the time to develop hobbies and communities outside of dance, then even if my career isn't going according to plan...I don't necessarily feel like a failure as a human being."
In this episode, we dive into an insightful conversation with Crystal Nichols, a health and performance coach who specialises in helping performers thrive both on and off stage. Crystal shares her journey from being a professional dancer to becoming a coach, her experience with burnout, and how she helps performers build healthy, sustainable careers.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 - Introduction and background of Crystal Nichols
- 00:27 - Crystal's work with performers
- 00:56 - Journey from Barbados to professional dancing
- 01:25 - Experience with Princess Cruises and The Lion King
- 03:18 - Struggling with burnout and discovering health and wellness
- 04:38 - Transition to health and performance coaching
- 05:06 - Developing a coaching program during the pandemic
- 06:26 - Collaborations with organizations like Applause for Thought
- 07:50 - Typical clients and their challenges
- 09:46 - Crystal's approach to wellbeing and performance
- 13:25 - The importance of being a healthy human for peak performance
- 16:11 - Transformation through focusing on basic needs
- 19:57 - Career satisfaction and success
- 21:47 - Importance of knowing your strengths
- 24:37 - The balance between dedication and having a life outside of performing
- 29:47 - Strategies for achieving balance and wellbeing
- 33:40 - Emotional intelligence and its role in wellbeing
- 41:20 - Impact of emotional awareness on coaching
- 44:14 - Final thoughts and creating a stress toolkit
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