Hustle Her
Hustle Her
Hustle Her - Dr. Jana
What if the bravest thing you can say is, “I became a psychologist to save myself”? That line from Dr. Jana Otterbridge sets the tone for a conversation that moves with heart and precision, from adoption and identity to trauma, triggers, and the radical act of finding a therapist who truly fits. We don’t stay on the surface. We talk about the unnamed questions adoptees carry, the long tail of psychological injury, and how healing starts when we stop calling our wounds a personality and start building new responses with care.
We also zoom out to the systems shaping us. Jana shares how UK training sharpened her voice when leadership curricula erased Black examples, and why representation isn’t a buzzword, it’s a map. We get honest about the multigenerational workplace: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z colliding over “work ethic” and mental health. Instead of the tired “work-life balance” script, Jana offers a practical capacity framework, adjustable daily “bubbles” that match energy to commitments without guilt. It’s a mindset shift leaders can operationalize and individuals can practice right now.
Threaded through it all is purpose. Jana describes peace as the sign she’s on path, able to teach in a boardroom at noon and mentor on a street corner by dusk. She speaks to her younger self with tenderness, “you’re safe, you’re free”, and imagines a next chapter that includes anonymous giving and wider impact. If you care about mental health, organizational culture, representation, or simply living with more truth and less noise, this one will stay with you.
If this conversation moved you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more honest stories, and leave a review to help others find the show. What capacity are you honoring today?
It's time for Hustle Her Podcast. I'm your host, Deshay Keynes. Hustle Her is all about inspiring women through real life experiences that have helped to mold and develop not only me, but my guests into the entrepreneurs and leaders who we are today. If you're an enterprising woman, determined to succeed, and looking for a bit of motivation, a bit of tough love, and some actionable takeaways to be the best you, girl, you are in the right place. Hey guys, and welcome back to Hustle Heart Podcast. As always, thank you for spending some time for me here today. Big shout out to our sponsors, 59 Front, Brown and Company, as well as Scootamart. Make sure you head over to the website, desheycanes.com, to check all of our previous episodes and give me some feedback. Let me know what you think about it. Make sure you're liking and subscribing to the YouTube channel so you can stay up to date with all the content that we have there. Super excited about my guest today. And I know I say this all the time. But we both recently spoke at Disrupt HR here in Bermuda, and she opened up, she was our first speaker, and she absolutely killed it. Not gonna lie, put me, I was like, I don't know how I can follow that. But I knew in that moment that she had to be on the podcast. And so I'm really excited to have the CEO of May Vera here with me today, Dr. Jenna Audibret. Jenna girl, how are you doing? Thank you. I'm good, I'm good. I'm loving this yellow. So look, breath of fresh air.
SPEAKER_00:You know, I thought I'll spice it up a little bit. Normally I'm in the dark colors. I said, not today. I'm gonna keep it bright, sunshine and all that. Yes. And I'm in a good space, so why not bring a little sunshine?
SPEAKER_01:I'm really excited to have you here. Let's start off with some rapid fires and just get my listeners to know you a little bit better, and then we'll jump right in. Cool? All right, so what's something that you don't leave your house without?
SPEAKER_00:So I have this backpack that I never leave without because it has my laptop in it, pencil crayons, markers, highlighters. I feel like I could put on a workshop anywhere I get. Exactly. Everything is ready. If I don't have it, I'm in a panic. Like, oh, I have to run back. Yeah, it doesn't matter what time. I have to go back and get it.
SPEAKER_01:I'm here for it. I can understand. All right, coffee, tea.
SPEAKER_00:Ooh. Right now it's coffee, but that can always change in like six months and I'll just be on tea. But right now it's coffee daily.
SPEAKER_01:So you're not you're not a matcha girl?
SPEAKER_00:You know, if I'm honest, I don't even think I've ever had matcha as much as everyone has talked about it, so I probably need to get that on my list of things.
SPEAKER_01:I'll give you my I'll give you my matcha breakdown and you can try it out there. Don't try it by itself. You will be not be a fan. You gotta get a little extra stuff in it. Okay. But we'll go from one. All right, what's something your closest friends would say about you? If you had to choose one word, what would they say about you?
SPEAKER_00:Oh. I two words came to mind. Oh my goodness. I'm gonna say opinionated and strong. But yeah, I would say she's very opinionated and strong.
SPEAKER_01:They know that they're getting honesty from you, right? I'm gonna say it. There you go. All right, what's one quote or phrase that keeps you grounded?
SPEAKER_00:Ooh, that keeps me grounded. Um, I tend to say, baby girl, you are worth it. Don't play, don't sleep on yourself. That's kind of something that's a part of my affirmations. Um, I'm sure it's probably more that I go by, but I definitely call myself baby girl when I look in the mirror, like I know.
SPEAKER_01:Sometimes, let me tell you, the music helps out too. Like, you know, you know, I I run through a few options, but I'm there with you on that one. All right, what's on your nightstand right now?
SPEAKER_00:Oh, what's there apart from the lamp? Um, honestly, probably some mail that I have to open up that I've rested.
unknown:Something.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. And what would you say uh was your childhood dream job?
SPEAKER_00:Oh, I wanted to be a pilot. Pilot? That I wanted to be an airline pilot. You could not tell me anything about that. That was my dream. Okay, all right. It changed, obviously, but I always knew I was going to fly planes around the world.
SPEAKER_01:And what's one thing people might, if they found out about you, would surprise them? A hidden talent or something like that.
SPEAKER_00:Oh a hidden talent or something. Oh, got me thinking. Okay, what's the one thing? I used to do show jumping, but I think a lot of people knew that about me. I used to be an equestrian growing up. I didn't I didn't know that, so there we go. That was Yeah, that was that was life growing up at the horse stable. But a lot of people don't know that. Okay, maybe I don't know if it's still it's not currently a talent, but I used to do that. Yeah, once upon a time.
SPEAKER_01:Okay, cool. All right, and then finally, and I'm like keeping my fingers crossed, right? It's the time of year that we're in. What is your cut match team or who is your cut match team?
SPEAKER_00:Oh, I'm not gonna disappoint you, don't worry. I'm for St. George's.
SPEAKER_01:Um for two, oh for three. What is happening?
SPEAKER_00:Definitely for St. George's, 100%.
SPEAKER_01:Proudest fans with such a losing record. I don't understand.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I mean, you have to stand by them, right?
SPEAKER_01:That's all right.
SPEAKER_00:They develop it, the developing, the gathering there.
SPEAKER_01:Developing. I love it. This is funny. This is funny. All right, let's take it back to the beginning and how you got these awful, you know, rude. But yeah, um, let's take it back to the beginning. So tell me about Jana as a child. Like, what were you into other than being an equestrian? But like, what were your things that you liked, didn't like?
SPEAKER_00:So, me as a child, let's think. Hmm, is it ballet? I danced. I don't know. I think I was probably similar to how I am now, it's probably a little bit to myself, maybe. I grew up in youth group and church and things like that. That was, I think, a part of my life. Um, yeah, dancing, horse stable, that was pretty much me. I was talking to someone the other day and I realized I wasn't a neighborhood child. You know how children played in the neighborhood. I probably wasn't that child because my parents had me cracking with like activities and different things. I can probably remember the times that I was just in a neighborhood. Now I don't know where that lands or what that means in adulthood. Now that I'm a psychologist, I'm like, should I remember? But um, but yeah, so that was that was kind of what I was doing for for the most part, even when I was riding, I represented Premier Island and show jumping a little bit, you know, when I was younger, but that's kind of me, I think, more like activity-based. Um, but yeah, to myself, I had my friends, like my little friends, tackle, uh growing up, and that was kind of my journey. Um, school. So I went primary school. I was at Francis Patton, then I went to Clearwater for a bit, and then I went to three different home schools. It's a whole journey in itself. Yeah. And then I ended up graduating my GED. So I went to care and I had my GED. It's just been figuring out life, I think, ever since that time. Uh what else? I went to Bermuda College. So after my GED, I went to Bermuda College for a semester. And then I got into university. Then I went to Tennessee State University.
SPEAKER_01:I was in Alabama. So South, dirty South, baby.
SPEAKER_00:Being at an HBCU, I am so happy that I went and I was in the South.
SPEAKER_01:I totally agree. I totally agree. I I tell people all the time, and I know going to HBCUs are like a thing now, and they weren't really like for a while, but that is single-handedly the only time in my life I have been around black excellence for four years. Like, I mean, there is it is an unmatched experience, and I recommend it to everyone to go, even if it's just for a short period of time, whatever it is, like your network starts there, and it like it's the level, it's just everyone is here. You know what I mean? And I just think it's such an awesome experience.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I completely agree. I mean, I think my professors really did shape my experience. There was a lecturer that I heard, uh, his name was Jeff Minzi, and his story was so inspirational. I still stand by it. And anyway, fast forward, he said he had a teacher that didn't believe in him, and he wanted to make sure that he had his doctorate degree by 30. And he had his doctorate degree by 30. And I remember him telling us that story in my first semester. And I was like, I'm gonna have my doctorate degree in psychology by 30. You know, just those types of stories, and I think how much they poured into us and they were able to share. And these are people that the representation, right? That looked like you, that had real stories that related to yours. Um, so that was so important, and then I did. I ended up getting my degree by 30. So, you know, those things really do. It matters.
SPEAKER_01:It it matters because you saw someone who looked like you, who set a goal, who did it, and it was instantly achievable for you, right? And that's the key around representation that people don't always get. Like if you can't see, you you're not gonna know that this is attainable for you.
SPEAKER_00:Absolutely. And because I started university, I had my GED, and then I think what is it, SATs, G R E, or anyway, whatever it was, I just did enough to get by. That was that was my story. And so when I started university, I was actually behind everyone else. So I was in all of the, I would say more learning support classes, but I didn't know that, right? So I'm walking through the campus one day, and one of my friends are like, Oh yeah. Anyway, she pointed out the little the learning center, and I was like, that's where all my classes are. Like, what are you talking about? But I didn't say anything, I was like, wait, I girl, I went back, I was like, wait, I am in all the development classes. I've never been in a development class because I sat I did my GED one time, like I didn't have you know these challenges, but anyway, because of my schoolers and everything, all of it coming together. I only had to know that one time. I graduated on time with everyone else. I still play, like I still did all the things, right? But I just picked up my out, picked up the number of credits that I was doing and just kind of went for it. So once it came to my overners, I was like, you were like, oh no, no, no.
SPEAKER_01:We're not gonna be able to do that. I didn't know I was behind.
SPEAKER_00:I thought I was on time of everybody out, girl. But I just like, oh no, absolutely not. It's gonna fix that one and keep it moving, push to work. But yeah, that's a little bit of I guess my academic journey. I got it.
SPEAKER_01:So you say you pledged. What did you pledge? What did you pledge? Excuse me.
SPEAKER_00:I mean, there's only one thing that I think you know really is missing point. But yeah, so uh I hope we're not gonna have another difference of opinion here, Jenna.
SPEAKER_01:But you know, let's but I'm definitely a Delta. Okay, okay, yeah.
SPEAKER_00:I'm from a family of AKAs, but that's I I yeah, and that's you know, things happen in life.
SPEAKER_01:But yeah, sit there to be as my sister who's naked.
SPEAKER_00:That is so funny, but yeah, I mean it's just cool memories and experiences, right? And I mean, on campus for us, at least with within my year, we all got along. Like it was a beautiful experience, you know. It was in fun benter, but nothing measure and everybody was on the yard.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, on the yard, exactly. And I didn't pledge because at my school, Oakwood didn't have I think it's a whole nother situation. But um, you know, uh private eventist schools, they don't allow for sororities and fraternities and stuff. I didn't have that experience. So that is one experience that I genuinely miss from that. But we all went over to the other schools, and you know, especially when people, you know, do all that. That's unmatched as well. That's an experience I think everyone should also have a part of. But so at Disrupt HR, um, there were two people in the room when you were talking and you were doing your speech who were like beaming with pride, your parents, right? Yes. I mean, oh my god, you would have thought it was like light radiating from behind them when they were when you were speaking, they were so happy they were recording all the things, right? Like, how would you say your parents shaped who you are and all your core values?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, that's my heart. Yes, and ooh, so you'll get me when we start to talk about them. That's for sure. So I love my parents. Um, I guess everybody I'm sure loves their parents, but I really love my parents. Um, so yeah, they've been my rock, I would say, you know, throughout life. So I am technically the abundant child, right? So um I, you know, adopted as a child, and yeah, but those are my parents. Like there's no ifs ands buts about it. They are everything, you know, to me. And especially even in later years now is one being growing up, but being an adult and being able to have conversations with my parents, especially over these last few years as they're getting older. I don't, I feel even more connected to them than ever. Like it's really special because it's an adult relationship, like a you know, adult parent-child relationship, but it's beautiful. And my heart, when it comes to how they pour into me, like I said, I'm opinionated and strong, and I've been that way since forever. So, but like her, she goes again, like it's they just they just know this about me, but yeah, so yeah, they were there supporting me, and that was really special for me. Um, because they've they've always shined, like both of them throughout life, you know, all of my activities, all of my recitals, everything, they have both absolutely been there for me, and love you guys.
SPEAKER_01:No, they're they're amazing. Um, and I your mom worked with my mom at Cedar Bridge for a while. So I think that's how I initially met your mom. Yeah, for for a while. They were they were there and they talked to each other when we read disrupt HR. But like, how was it growing up uh being adopted? Like, did you feel that? Did you know? Like, how was that?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I always knew. Um, I definitely always knew there was there wasn't a secret, it wasn't hidden from me. So I remember as early as I could remember, right, that this was the case. My parents definitely sat me down, they talked to me about it. Um, so actually I'm an adoption researcher. So my thesis was on adoption, right? So it was something that was really important to me and to my journey. Because as much as I'm supported and loved, there's always still that unname piece, right? It doesn't, it doesn't change that that is something that exists. Of like, well, who is it? What is it? Um, my story goes on. Exactly, exactly. So for me, um, my family was in Bermuda. Okay, yeah, yeah, yeah. So it was from I was adopted from overseas. Um, but yeah, absolutely, you know, there's still that unknown, and they are knowing that okay, my family's not biological family, it's not in Bermuda and things like that. But so it definitely shaped me. There's there's no doubt about it that it absolutely shaped how I see the world, how I understood things. Um, I think that's the also the reason why I went into it as a researcher, right? And things where, you know, you're not so sure who you're connected to, you don't look exactly like anyone. You know, there's a there are a number of different layers, you know, to that experience that 100% shape me as an adult. Yeah.
SPEAKER_01:Were there some like identity, and I don't want to say crisis, but in that I might not be phrasing that correctly. So feel free to uh you know correct me there. But did you have any of that when it came to not particularly having anyone that looked like you?
SPEAKER_00:So I I guess I'm gonna say yes. Only on as I reflect on your question, I think the answer to that would be yes. Do I think that it really showed up maybe as a crisis? Maybe not, you know. Um, I think I was positively poured in poured into um as much as possible. I never felt that, you know. Yeah. So I think the answer to that is yes, because there's the underlying stuff that comes with that, right? There's so much that's happening in the subconscious that you really are not aware of that is shaping you. Um, but it definitely did shape me. There was a part of me that's definitely a bit of an outsider, right? Even if it wasn't direct, it was a little bit more indirect. Um, and so absolutely, absolutely shaped how I how I see and understand the world, among other experiences too, right? So that wouldn't be the sole experience that shaped me. It would be other lived experiences that all came together that helped to kind of form my identity and how I see and understand the world.
SPEAKER_01:So yeah, for sure. And I guess in your current work that you do and being in a psych being psychologically safe and or emotionally safe in certain, I guess, spaces, like is there a moment in your childhood that you kind of look back on now and you're like, that's where I first became invested in this space, but you really just didn't know what it was called then.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, so I I tell people all the time, I well now I know clearly. I am a psychologist, I became a psychologist to save me. It really had absolutely nothing to do with anyone else. So even through my lived experience growing up, um, you know, as a child, as a teenager, you know, I had other, I'm gonna, I'm gonna use it as I'm gonna use the word, use the word traumas, um, probably a little bit more loosely than I need to, but you know, I had different experiences that shape me. So I experienced, you know, bodily injury from somebody that, you know, should not have, you know, been in that position to to kind of bring me that harm, right? And so that was a bit ongoing as well throughout my life. And so that shaped me. So not feeling, you know, safe or protected by somebody that I think very, you know, rightly so should have been safe and a place to protect me, right? So I had that experience as well. And so that's the bodily injury side, but it was also connected that same experience to the psychological injury, right? Um usually the more long-lasting one. Absolutely, absolutely, right? Like I have these scars to show for it, but you know, the psychological side of it, which was uh, you know, lasted so much longer. Um, and I think that's a part of my story that I know people don't know because I don't talk about it, which I think is why like caught me off guard a little bit. Because sometimes you got to that point where it's like, you know what, maybe it's okay to tell your story, right? Um, and so maybe that I think is probably what was coming up for me. Yeah, weirdly so. I don't know why now would be the time, but for whatever reasons, you're bringing it out of it. And I promise you I had no idea what it is. Exactly. But I think maybe sometimes it's just timing, yeah, right? And maybe, and maybe it's okay because I think for me, as much as I don't talk about it, there are people that definitely move, you know what I mean, who are close to me. But maybe my story, a part of my life's journey is that my story can be healing to somebody else. And so maybe that's why it's coming up because I'm excited with not what I was planning to talk about. Sorry. No, no, no, it's fine. It's fine. I think it's probably bigger than me, bigger than us. Yeah, for sure.
SPEAKER_01:Or why don't we conversation in that space though? Like, what is something that you would want someone to know that has been there before, um, to know kind of where you are now being on the other side of it? Like, what would you want to leave with someone that is either currently in it or trying to get out of it?
SPEAKER_00:One, I think create the space that you need to heal. Um, because it is okay to get the support that you need for healing, no matter where you are in your your journey, your life. Um, sometimes I think people also take things like personality and they're like, well, this is this person's personality. But I would disagree. I think this is this person's unhealed um, you know, situations that are coming up that may be causing them to respond that way, you know, if they are experiencing like a trigger or something like that. And I think that for me has been so important. I'm like, that's not who I am. Because when I'm kicking it and I'm having fun and I'm not feeling that I'm in situations where I'm not safe or comfortable, then I'm okay. Yeah. But the minute I do feel like I am triggered or disrespected and things like that, then I'm like, oh my goodness, I have such a huge response to that. And so, and I did, you know, especially I would say very big responses, you know, throughout my 20s. But in more recent years, here in the last just couple of years, I'm like, oh my gosh, this is this is not what this is. I'm having a response to something based on earlier experiences. And so I've been really active in putting in the work. And so that would be my encouragement to people as well. Like you do have to kind of put in the work because I don't think that's who you are. And if you don't like how you're responding, it could be just because of earlier experiences, right?
SPEAKER_01:And how would someone, I guess, having your doctor hat on really is how would someone really identify that, you know, this response right now really isn't me, you know? And I'm I might be off, I might, and because I think sometimes people process different things that may have happened to them when they were younger in different ways, and then they don't realize that an adult response to that is actually that. Like, how is that for someone to kind of identify that there is there's a trauma or an experience in me that's not healed that is causing me to react this way? And I mean, we're totally like off what we want to do. Completely this way, I literally, but we'll we'll get back on track. But I think I think it's important to kind of close this out there. Okay. So I think how would someone know that?
SPEAKER_00:I guess there's a lot of things that we can consider, right? But maybe if you don't like how you're feeling, or if you recognize like you're just kind of looking back, like, why did I do that? You know, you might be questioning some things about you. I would say there's a that's a good indication to be able to get that help and support. Or if you want to change it, you know, you're like, oh goodness, I just say some tips and tools and how I could respond differently to that situation, then that's an opportunity. Or if you know you've had some difficulties within your childhood that you've never, you know, create had a space to be able to get the support with, then maybe it's just okay to say, you know what? I wonder, I'm curious if this is impacting me in any way. So maybe there's will be a few ways that we could consider. But some people earn it as, well, this is just how I am. And I'm like, I don't know, we kind of start stomping our feet on this is how we are, and this is what it is. Is that always true, right? Yeah. And this is me having a conversation a lot, you know, with myself, right? So yeah, I know definitely as of today, I'm only a psychologist because I want it to save me. And now that I'm putting in this level of work, you know, I'm really curious where my journey will take me beyond. I wouldn't say just being a psychologist, but I know that that's not the end of my story.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, but it's foundation for whatever we do next. Absolutely. Right? And I yeah, for sure. And you know, in the black community in particular, like we're still not comfortable talking about getting that type of help. You know what I mean? Like, I think I I've been pretty open before about being in therapy and things like that and being able to not necessarily think, well, I guess it's diagnosed, you know, like different things that you've been through and how you react to things, but like the process of figuring out why you respond in those places, I mean, that way I should say, is it's almost healing in a way because it's like I have I can actually identify what that response is. Like, you know what I mean? I and I spoke about it on the podcast with my dad, is I didn't realize growing up, like moving from like my mom to my dad and things like that, that for me it built up like this separation anxiety that I didn't even could not even didn't even know what that was, right? And like as a kid, when you're moving from house to house, like you kind of have to shut off one side of I miss you and I want to be there, but then I feel guilty being over here. And I only learned what that was through therapy, like you know what I mean. And in our community, how do we get people more comfortable with seeking help for things that they might not even know are things they need healing from? Absolutely. Well, when I say healing, I mean, you know, I'm not trying to, you know.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I would say this is the first step, right? Where we have people like us that are having this conversation. I go to therapy, I have my sessions regularly, twice a month. Like I'm I'm on twice a month right now. Um, because I have some things that I really wanted to work on, and so I was like, this is what I'm doing. And so I think one is us having these conversations and being able to normalize it and know that yes, yes, I if you have me as your therapist, I go to therapy, and it's because I just want to make sure that I'm focusing on my own healing and my own development and growth so that I can try my best every time to show up as my my best self, yeah, you know, in the therapy room, but also I'm at life, right? You know, and so I just want to make sure that I'm actively working on that. So I think that's one of the first steps, and and I think also encouraging people to almost interview your therapist. Where does my information go? What happens? So that they can at least feel safe when they go, and and it's okay if you're like, I don't like how that pressing me. Fire them next one, yeah, and you're allowed to move on. Like, that's okay. Like, I don't have to be depressing, you can absolutely, you know, go to someone else. I mean, throughout my years, I've had a few different therapists. Same. And I think they had different roles in the different seasons that I was in um with in my life. And then I've had experiences where I'm like, that one didn't feel so good.
SPEAKER_01:I no, I totally agree with you. My very well second therapist that I had was a gentleman, was a man, and he um he was a person of color, but he was in black, and like there were some nuances of my experience that it was draining to have to explain from that side, right? Right, and I was like, this is just not something I want to have to do in therapy. Like, you know what I mean? I I need someone who gets it immediately. I don't want to have to take the initial time to explain while I'm there, and then that's when I realized. Well, one, he also made a comment about how many times I get my hair done. I was like, child, I need me a black woman immediately, right? Once on. So one time I did, I said, you know what?
SPEAKER_00:That's over.
SPEAKER_01:That's the new requirement, top of the list, right? Absolutely. So you're absolutely right. It's figuring out the price. He was good in certain things, but that was more draining for me out of the sessions than the other side of it. So I agree. Yeah, absolutely.
SPEAKER_00:I had a therapist explore my black privilege, and I said, All right, this is it. So yeah, it was it was a white black privilege. Oh no. Um, because I mean, you know, my you know, my parents worked hard, they made sacrifices and things like that. And I remember being like, Pardon me? I was in the UK though at the time, and so, but leading up until that point, I have to say, I have to take the work that we did do as helpful. And then I realized, and now we're finished. Yes, and that's okay. And that's okay. I was in a position to talk to her about it and say, Hey, listen, do you remember you said this? This is how um, you know, it made me feel something. Yeah, and then I realized I was about to be in a role of educating, and that wasn't the role that I wanted to take on, and so you know, I brought that to a close, and but it didn't put me in a position to give up on therapy because I recognized people are still human, and she took me as far as she needed to take me. And so I think it's also that if people have tried therapy before and they felt like it didn't work, like it's okay to find somebody else, and it's really just about that safe space with somebody that you just get to take it all to work on yourself, you know, they're mirroring things with you. I just I love it.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, no, I agree. I I think it's I say it all the time. I I call my therapist by her first name now because that's my girl, right? And I'm just like, you know, I really her name is Marshall, she's not in Bermuda, so we're fine. But like I um I'm definitely kind of I'm invested in her and then she's invested in me. And I she knows all the characters in my story too, which is great.
SPEAKER_00:You know, so it works out. So just one point before you go on. As the therapist, we do take pieces of our client as a part of our heart. So when you're saying you call it by our first name, like this is a special relationship, so you know, we do really kind of hold that very close. Absolutely.
SPEAKER_01:So, I mean, girl, we are all off the path, right? But I'm gonna try to bring us to that. I don't know what happened there. I appreciate it though, and I think it was it was meant to be for sure. I think that that was that was meant to be. Yeah. Um, but there's you've studied and worked in so many different places from Tennessee to London and Bristol. And so, how have would you say those experiences have kind of shaped your perspective on mental wellness and culture and what what you're currently doing today, excuse me?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, absolutely. So I would say that when I was studying in Bristol, that was a huge pivotal moment for me. Um, I was one of two black students on our course, maybe it was like 12 or 15 of us, I can't remember exactly the number. And that was a big moment because we were talking a lot about diversity and we were doing leadership classes, um, as well as you know, all of our other um classes on psychology. We were also doing things like groups and organizations. And I told you I'm a pink and idiot and I have a really very strong opinion and strong personality at different times. And I would push back on my lecturers when things did not, you know, make sense. And that was a big moment for me because I could have risked everything. Yeah, I could have for sure. It's like, wait a minute, girl. And so that was a big moment for me on systems and how information is delivered and given to us and how much we just kind of take that on. Yeah. Where it may not always be in the best interest of everyone. And when I was there, um the sort of narrative therapy uh training that I did, groups, organizations, teams was my favorite. So that I was like, there is something that I know that I need to do with this in the future to be able to make some shifts. Um it was also a big time, I think. Like Black Lives Matter was pretty big, I think, around that time. Like lots of movements were happening. So, you know, all of those social conversations were coming into the classroom as well. And so I know that that experience in Bristol shaped me because I found my voice in a different way. Um, as much as I was always opinionated, I was like, no, I have something to stand on now. You all are missing certain things, you're teaching leadership. There are no black leaders in the power in the slide act. Like, what are we doing? You know, and so that really did shape me. And I was like, okay, if I can get through this and they pass me, my voice is not going to be silenced because I'm gonna have this piece of paper at this point.
SPEAKER_01:You're gonna have to listen.
SPEAKER_00:So that definitely shaped me, and it's now really been a foundation for me looking at organizations and groups and systems overall, and what's the information that's given to us? Is it helpful? Is it harmful? You know, um, so that's been a real, real game changer for me.
SPEAKER_01:I didn't realize until the shop that like the work that you do and the work that I do pretty much kind of overlap in like a shared mission on culture and people and organizations. Like, what would you say is, I guess, not always understood around employee well-being, um, things that people don't really talk about, how we get colleagues to really produce, but in a healthy environment to be able to do that.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I've been talking a lot about the generations in the workplace. And I we either refuse to have the conversation or we don't want to acknowledge it in some ways. But I think that makes a big difference. It's what four or five generations or so anyway. Right now, first time ever. Yeah. Four, first time ever. We're living longer, so people are working longer. You know, that's going to have a huge impact. And I think we're doing a lot of finger pointing of they're getting their they're wrong because they're not doing it how we did it, right? So you may have the baby boomers who are saying, Who do these millennials think they are? Who do these Gen Z think they are? You know, even things like work ethic, you know, well, where's their work ethic? I'm like, they did all the work and things, you know, uh good not how you did it, right? And so I I for me is having the conversation and being able to say, what is the responsibility that we all have to be able to work better together? I think within in the workplace, I think that's something that is missed, you know, because they're not doing it how they did it, and then the younger generation, the Gen Z is saying, these old people, I'm leaving at five, you know. They're different, it's different, you know. I leave at five. Uh-huh. Like, I'm not, I'm not, I'm leaving, you know. I'm one of those people. I'm probably gonna do my work any time that I need to do it.
SPEAKER_01:But they prioritize their mental health more than I think we did as millennials, more than the people about, you know, Gen X. Um, they're like, this is not good for mental health, I'm just not doing it anymore. Like their brand loyalty to companies is just it's not a thing. Absolutely. Um in a way, I respect it. You know, like I if I had that type of gumption when I first started in, you know, working, I probably have a lot better boundaries of work now than I did then. Right. But you know, I guess it has its ups and downs, but prioritizing your mental health, I don't think they're the first generation that I've ever seen or known that have done that.
SPEAKER_00:Absolutely. And we can't have companies that are saying they want to talk about mental health, we are going to do mental health sensitive, we're gonna have all these trainings, and then they come in and they're like, Well, this is impacting my mental health, and we're like, Where's your work ethic?
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, exactly. You gotta pick a side. Yeah, yeah. You can be asking about the work ethic is and they're telling you that they're they're fighting for the life every day. Like, this is exactly. So, in this, I know you've talked a lot about this work-life balance conversation. I guess, like, what does it mean to you, and how did like that from your framework of that kind of phrase come about?
SPEAKER_00:With awareness-driven lifestyle. Yes, yes, sorry, yes, that's okay. So, work-life balance, cool. I got it, I'm her for it. So, a few years ago, I was in my doctor's office and I had my physical and we were talking, and only way out, it's just like Jana, so you're the psychologist, what are you gonna do about all this stress? I sat, oh, I feel attacked. Um, so I was like, I'm gonna work on it, I'm gonna work on it, right? So, anyway, fast forward, um, I started to look at work-life balance and say, How am I going to sort of you know rejig my life a little bit? Anyway, I decided that it wasn't working for me. Words mean things, I'm big on what did you say? There's words. So balance, it's just wasn't for me. So I started to look in my capacity and say, what is my capacity for daily living? Right. And so I just started to live based on if I can't do it, I'm not punishing myself, it doesn't fit within my capacity. And so I started to have more capacity bubbles, so some bigger bubbles, some smaller bubbles, and I looked at my day and I said, Okay, that means I have to do this much work. It means my bubbles a little bit bigger, which means I may not be able to spend as much time with friends or do certain things. So those were smaller bubbles, and so I just started to say, What's my capacity bubbles? And started to live more from an awareness perspective of what I needed to achieve within that time, within that day. And I was like, I'm not balancing anything. If it didn't get done, it didn't fit within my capacity for daily living, you know, within that day. Yeah, and so I went back to her and I was oh good behavior. And she's like, Okay, a whole framework. I said, Yeah. So yeah, I get work-life balance, and I think it's helpful and I get it, but just for me, it was words, yeah. And so I was just like, What is your capacity? Do you have the capacity? Okay, are we realistic about it? Well, what are we gonna do?
SPEAKER_01:Um no, I love it because I think I actually think the phrase work-life balance kind of sets us up for failure a little bit. Um, because it's you're never gonna have that equal balance. You know what I mean? It's just it's just not attainable. And I think we have to kind of reverse that phrase, figure out a different whatever it is. But you know, I asked the question to everyone who's on the podcast, and it's all very different frameworks of what you've said, but all very similar in the sense of if you're living this purposeful driven life, think something is gonna be sacrificed at different times, and you just gotta figure out prioritize or your capacity in that moment. And that's just how that's gonna be.
SPEAKER_00:Absolutely.
SPEAKER_01:So I guess as we kind of like wrap up here, um, what would you say is like your what does personal fulfillment for you look out look like outside of May Vera wellness and what makes Jana happy and all those types of things?
SPEAKER_00:Oh, what makes me happy? Um weirdly it is connected to my business, what I will say. I am fortunate to be in a position where I facilitate groups um pretty much in different areas right now where people of all backgrounds, all walks of life, um, there's that may even be unemployed, underhouse, unskilled. Every time I show up into whichever room, I really think that I am walking in my purpose because I'm meeting people exactly where they are and allowing it to be the conversation needs to be in the way that they can digest it.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:So I think I'm at a place right now where I can sit in the boardroom and I can also sit on the corner and have a conversation and try to inspire change in someone's life. And I think that's exactly what my soul is supposed to be doing right now. I think that's my soul's purpose as of today um to be relatable, to not be higher or lower or anything than anyone else, but just what can I do to walk alongside you to make the changes needed, that is as an individual, as a group, as a team, but as a wider system. Yeah. As well.
SPEAKER_01:How does it feel to I guess be walking in your purpose and what you're supposed to be doing? Like, what does that feel like?
SPEAKER_00:Peaceful. Peaceful. I'm not working. Like I'm really, it's not work to me. So, you know, yesterday I did a personal and professional etiquette class for teens. I don't feel like I'm working, I feel like I'm at peace. I'm just choosing things that make me happy, and it just feels good. Yeah. And I know in the next couple of years it's probably gonna be a really big pivot for me, and that would just still be aligned with what I'm supposed to be doing. Um, yeah, I don't think I'm supposed to be a psychologist forever. I think I will or just be a psychologist. I think there's more that I maybe didn't do because I was so busy trying to heal this wound. And I know the next phase of my journey is like we did that. Yeah, we healed the being girl. I say we meaning my little girl in me, as we like we did that. So what else can you learn? What else can you explore? I told you I went to university and I didn't realize I was in all of the classes that I wasn't supposed to be in. So who knows? It might be studying something else just for myself, and yeah, um, just being at peace with that as well. I think that's a part of my next steps on my journey.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, speaking of little the little girl inside of you, where you are now, what what would you tell her?
SPEAKER_00:Oh, that we're gonna be all right, baby. We are going to make it. I'm got you. We are fine, you are safe. Um, you know, we're we're free. Like I'm free and I'm living in a way that I I deserve to be living right now. And I I feel comfortable um with just who I am and how I'm showing up. I've had to forgive myself, right? And you know, and and take responsibility for my actions, right? Like, no, you responded that way, it wasn't helpful, but you're alright. And so I'm letting her know we are okay. If if things didn't go according to pan and finish today, like I feel like I did the best that I could with the life that I've lived so far, and I'm proud of it. Oh my goodness.
SPEAKER_01:Oh, girl, this is not what we thought this was gonna be today.
SPEAKER_00:But I do, I feel proud of myself. Um and I'm far from perfect, but I do, I feel proud of the work that I'm putting in.
SPEAKER_01:It's amazing. So here on Hustle Heart Podcast, girl, we ask everyone as a rap, as a final question, um, you know, when you're no longer here, and you know, we touch the wood when we say that, um, where it says a long time from now, and someone says, Dr. Jana Otterbridge or Jana and whatever next iteration of what you do is next, what do you want to be remembered for when that question is asked? Or if someone says, Who did you know, Jana?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, so if it was as of right now, it would be that she was inspirational and tried her best to pull into everybody to help them to be their best self. Um, that would be what I actually question looking back on my 100th birthday. Yeah, that's what I would want to do. But I think the next phase of my life, I would like to also have a financial impact, which means I have to learn new things. I've always avoided numbers and but I want to be able to just donate to different um people in need and they never know that it was me. I just I that's what I think I want to do, and that's going to be a lot of work for me to figure out what that means. I'm rich and none of this thing. But if I can set up things where I'm like, oh yeah, they just got 10 grand and I just kept walking and it changed their life, and no one ever had to know. Like, if I could figure out what that means for me to do that, um, and I die to zero, that's okay. But I made you know a positive impact. That would be my hope for my next phase of life. Yeah, gotta get there, I'll figure out how to make this money.
SPEAKER_01:It'll it'll it'll happen. It'll happen when your heart's in the right place, those types of things open up, and angel investing is a huge space, and you have people who do it in different ways as well, like they get the money and then they um donate it anonymously. So you'll I'm sure you'll figure out a way to make it happen. And I'm I am hopeful for it for you.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, yeah, yeah. So there's some my I think that's if I died with when I did those two things. Um, yeah, one I'm already doing it. Yes.
unknown:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:So next one.
SPEAKER_01:Well, Jana, I really, really appreciate this conversation and I'm so grateful to you for being open to allow the conversation to go that way. And I again, not what we did not plan at all at all. Not at all. Um, but and I hope that it resonates one with someone else, and I hope you feel freed by that as well. Um, in this conversation. Yeah, really appreciate you making me emotional, girl. Um, I appreciate your vulnerability um here today, and I'm very grateful.
SPEAKER_00:Thank you for having me.
SPEAKER_01:Maybe it was just the time.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, maybe it was the time.
SPEAKER_01:I'm grateful. Thanks. Yes, I really appreciate it. All right, girls, get it together, children. All right, we gotta get it together. All right, guys, we had the amazing Dr. Jana Otterbridge of Madeira Wellness here with me today. She was extremely vulnerable. We had an open conversation about things that we didn't plan for, but sometimes we just gotta pivot and allow the conversation to go the way that it's supposed to go. It's meant for a reason, and I'm very grateful to her for being open and honest with us today. As always, thank you everybody for having me today. Thank you for our 595 and it's been a moment. Thank you, thank you, thank you for watching.
