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E26 The Future of Work – Mental Health with Michael Harris Julie Gustafson and Karen Nowicki

During this show we discuss the impact of mental health and the Future of Work. The future is normalized mental health conversations.

We were joined by three powerful guests who have a deep understanding of trauma, pain, recovery and redemption. Michael Harris, CEO of Restore My Civil Rights, shared his story of addiction and incarceration and how he uses his past to create his future. Julie Gustafson, Trauma Practitioner with JMG Consulting. She tells us about her own personal struggle with trauma. Through the pain and discovery process she underwent she also found her life’s purpose. Finally, we were joined by Karen Nowicki, CEO of Phoenix Business RadioX and also a Trauma Practitioner. Karen shares a bit of her own journey and the power trauma integration can have on leaders and organizations.

This is an open, vulnerable and honest conversation. It reminds us all that we are adaptive and resilient beings and hope can be found even in our darkest moments. If you are curious about what trauma integration can do for you or your organization, this is definitely worth the listen!

Restore My Civil Rights, LLC is an organization that assists pro per individuals with the preparation of their legal motions to Set Aside Judgments of Guilt, Restore Civil Rights and Restore the Right to Possess a Gun or Firearm following a felony conviction and the completion of all of the terms of their sentences.

Restore My Civil Rights, LLC believes all eligible felons should be able to enjoy the benefits of complete American citizenship IF they are willing to step up to the social responsibilities that come with those privileges.

After being sentenced to a total of 13 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections and surviving 7 years of prescription opioid addiction, Michael Harris has done everything conceivable to turn his life around. While incarcerated, Michael completed his Paralegal Studies and began working for a local law firm immediately upon his release.

Within a year of his release, Michael founded a non-profit that presently assists up to 25 men recently released from prison with mentoring, housing and job placement. Michael is certified by the Arizona Department of Health Services as a Peer Support Specialist and Behavioral Health Technician in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse fields.

Since his release from custody, Michael has passionately advocated for restorative justice for non-dangerous offenders such as himself. In the past 5 years, Michael has assisted pro per filers in having more than 200 felony convictions set aside in the State of Arizona. In 2020, Michael had all of his 15 felony convictions set aside and all of his civil rights restored after living under the stigma of being a felon for 30 years. Michael is currently completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Dubuque and Rio Salado College with possible plans to attend ASU College of Law in 2023.

Follow Restore My Civil Rights on Facebook.

As a Certified Trauma Integration Practitioner, Julie Gustafson mindfully guides people through trauma. She is passionate about helping people identify and resolve issues, past and present, that create anxiety, depression, and unhappiness in their lives. Julie helps people develop self awareness through a variety of strategies. This includes anger and grief awareness, mentoring, creative visual imagery, meditation, and relaxation exercises. Julie’s goal is to provide a safe place to talk and inspire balanced thinking, so you can make clear decisions.

Knowing firsthand the staggering toll that anxiety and depression can have in our lives, Julie is passionate about helping others find peace. She focuses on personal growth by working through trauma. Self discovery will act as the guide regarding behavior, thoughts, emotions and spirituality.

Julie is a Certified Trauma Integration Specialist with JMG Consulting. She is part of a group of trauma educators and integration practitioners. Our goal is to empower people to understand and integrate trauma and create wholeness within.

When Julie is not working, she enjoys her children, animals, friends and husband in Chandler. Julie’s happy place is the beach.

Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen and work-life balance.

Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education. Karen is an impeccably trained Integrative Coach Professional through The Integrative Coaching Institute at John F Kennedy University (2006) and has mentored more than 200 coaches worldwide. In addition to this intensive 3 year coaching certification program, Karen is also a Tao Healing Guide (2014) through the Sedona Mago Retreat Center; and most recently, has become a certified Trauma Mentor (2020).

In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.

Follow Phoenix Business RadioX on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.