242: Civil Unity with Shola Richards
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242: Civil Unity with Shola Richards
Episode 242: Show Notes
In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, Light sits down with Shola Richards, a powerful speaker, author, and expert on workplace civility, to explore his incredible story of transformation. Shola opens up about surviving a toxic work environment, dealing with depression, and facing his darkest moment—a suicide attempt. What might have been the end of his story instead became a turning point that set him on a mission to create more kindness and empathy in the workplace.
Shola shares the defining moments of his life, from growing up as a highly sensitive person in a household with a strong West African father to overcoming workplace bullying and abuse. He talks about how these experiences shaped him and led him to develop a deep sense of compassion for others. Shola also discusses his new book, Civil Unity, which focuses on the power of kindness in creating positive change at work and beyond.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to handle difficult work environments, how to rise from rock bottom, and how small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. Shola's journey is a reminder that even in the toughest moments, there's always hope and a way forward. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone struggling with work stress, mental health challenges, or simply looking for more empathy in their everyday life.
Tune in to hear an inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and how embracing kindness can transform your life and the lives of those around you.
Key Points From This Episode:
Shola Richards’ Defining Moment: Shola shares the life-changing moment that led him to completely transform his career and mindset.
Overcoming a Toxic Work Environment: Shola talks about surviving a workplace where he was bullied and physically assaulted by a manager.
The Power of Kindness in the Workplace: Learn how kindness became Shola’s mission and how it can create positive change at work.
Battling Depression and Suicidal Thoughts: Shola opens up about his struggle with depression and his attempt to end his life.
Turning Pain Into Purpose: Discover how Shola turned his darkest moment into a mission to help others.
Growing Up as a Highly Sensitive Person: Shola reflects on being an empath in a traditional West African household.
Shola’s Early Life Lessons from His Father: Hear how his father’s emotional intelligence and resilience deeply influenced Shola’s approach to life.
Facing Racism and Navigating Life as a Black Man: Shola shares personal stories of racial profiling and the challenges of growing up Black in America.
Why Workplace Civility Matters: Shola explains the importance of empathy and respect in creating healthier workplaces.
Finding Hope After Hitting Rock Bottom: Shola shares how he rebuilt his life, step by step, after his suicide attempt.
The Role of Therapy and Mental Health: Shola discusses his past reluctance toward therapy and the eventual importance of addressing mental health.
Embracing Vulnerability to Help Others: Shola explains why sharing his story of struggle and survival inspires others to do the same.
Quotes:
"Why can't people be kinder to each other? Why are people so awful to each other?" — @SholaRichards
"I think there's other people here who's probably also hurt too. And maybe, if I can talk to some of these people or connect to some of these people who are struggling, maybe we can find a way to come out of this together." — @SholaRichards
"If I'm going to be one of these people who have to feel things deeply, then I might as well use this to my benefit, not to my detriment." — @SholaRichards
"I have empathy for people who work in terribly awful work environments... I live this stuff." — @SholaRichards
"I'm not the only person feeling this way. And if I can help them... I might as well use this to my benefit." — @SholaRichards
"I believe that I can connect to something spiritually, that can help guide me and help focus my work." — @SholaRichards