Episode 132 - Trisha Choi - From Breakdown to Breakthrough: How (F)unemployment, Forgiveness, and Creativity Sparked a New Life.

This episode:  From Breakdown to Breakthrough: How (F)unemployment, Forgiveness, and Creativity Sparked a New Life.

 

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Reconnecting and Reflecting on Past Experiences (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney reminisces about their past work together at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, specifically in the patient experience department.
• Drew thanks NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for introducing them and reflects on how they have evolved since their initial meeting.
• He discusses the linear nature of life and how external circumstances can derail it, categorizing people into three types: those who live on autopilot, those who blame external factors, and those who take opportunities to grow.
• Drew identifies Guest Trisha Choi as a woman who takes opportunities to grow and challenges her to share her defining moment that led to her personal and professional transformation.

Trisha's Journey to Self-Awareness (3:24)

• Trisha shares her first defining moment, where her uncle in the Philippines advised her to forgive herself for being human and imperfect.
• She recounts her struggle with bipolar disorder, her family history of the disorder, and her anger towards her circumstances.
• Trisha discusses her second defining moment, when her colleague and boss, Emily, supported her taking time off to seek treatment for self-medicating with alcohol.
• She reflects on how these experiences shaped her into the person she is today, emphasizing the importance of self-forgiveness and self-awareness.

The Role of Forgiveness and Self-Acceptance (6:01)

• Drew emphasizes the importance of forgiving oneself and recognizing that we always have a choice in our actions.
• Trisha admits that it took her many years to truly forgive herself, especially during her time at Duke University Hospital during COVID-19.
• She shares her experience of breaking the cycle of domestic violence and finding the strength to end an unhealthy relationship.
• Trisha reflects on how her new relationship and spiritual connection with her partner have helped her achieve self-acceptance and purpose.

The Concept of (F)unemployment (14:20)

• Trisha introduces the term "(f)unemployment," describing it as a mindset that allows her to enjoy her time off and engage in activities she loves, such as playing golf, bowling, and singing in an acapella group.
• She explains how this mindset led her to start her own company, Bahay Kubo, which focuses on creating fun and engaging experiences for executives and professionals.
• Trisha describes the concept of Bahay Kubo, a portable and lightweight