It’s very telling of how much more stigma is placed on mental health than other health matters. In this episode I share very candidly about my first suicidal ideations as a middle schooler and how those continued into my late teens, early 20s. On paper I would be seen as having it all together, but in reality it is never that simple. Do I see myself as less than because I have mental health that I’m managing? No. I’m still me and my accomplishments, my brilliance, my talent, none of that disappears from existence because of my mental health.

Are videos games only meant for boys? Hell no! I have been gaming since I was 8 or 9 years old, and I love role-playing games (RPGs) — like The Sims 4 and Elder Scroll. My love of RPGs, The Sims, and other great titles have helped make me a better human being. So it would seem it’s possible for video games to have a positive affect on some, while others choose to be d!ckheads, abusers, and “boys will be boys.” Aren’t you tired of these tired excuses for piss poor behavior? I definitely am, and my 20+ years of gaming tell me things are beyond due for a change.

Is the tech industry the holy grail of “making it” in this world? Or, can a person find success through different paths away from the billions on billions of dollar industry? And what about my experience in tech, have I been too blinded by my own access to occasional financial stability, lifestyle choices, and who’s who proximity to speak on the massive dumpster fire tech is in today? The dream job mentality never stuck for me — no matter how many systems tried to convince me it ought to.

Is management all about bullying and micromanaging, or should autonomy and agency be at the core of leading others at work? And what about my experience as a leader, have I chosen the oft-unemotionally intelligent way of managing others? My way of leading has always rested on the managers I had in my career who simply sucked. They probably still suck, since it’s rare that people receive helpful development to be solid managers and leaders.