The Hidden Trauma Behind People-Pleasing at Work

Struggling to speak up at work without guilt? Download the free Career Clarity Masterclass and start reclaiming your voice → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/masterclass

In this episode of Career Clarity Unlocked, Theresa White, a five-times certified career coach, shares a recent personal experience that highlights the struggles women face in being assertive at work.

Theresa explores why setting boundaries at work feels so hard, and how your nervous system plays a bigger role than you think. If you’ve ever frozen in a meeting, laughed off disrespect, or walked away from a conversation feeling small, this one’s for you.

Theresa emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, grounding techniques, and seeking support while building assertiveness and boundary-setting skills. 

This is not about “just being more confident.”

It’s about unlearning survival strategies like fawning, freezing, or people-pleasing, especially if you were taught to stay small, be nice, or avoid conflict. Theresa shares personal stories, research-backed insights, and real steps to help you reclaim your voice without burning out or shutting down.

🎧 You’ll learn:

Why assertiveness often feels unsafe (especially for women)

The link between trauma, people-pleasing, and silence at work

How to reset your nervous system to feel safer speaking up

The emotional toll of staying silent—and how to shift that

A shame-free framework to build boundaries from within

Whether you're recovering from workplace trauma, tired of shrinking yourself, or just ready to stop over-explaining and start owning your space—this episode is a roadmap to healing and power.

⏱ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

01:32 The Realization and Its Impact

03:18 Exploring the Roots of Non-Assertiveness

04:48 Theresa's Corporate Experiences

14:15 Understanding Assertiveness and Work Boundaries

29:38 Practical Steps to Build Assertiveness

43:45 Conclusion and Encouragement

Free resources to support your healing + clarity:

12 Days of Career Goals → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/12-Days-of-Career-Goals

Ultimate Transferable Skills Guide → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/the-ultimate-transferable-skills-guide

Career Clarity Masterclass → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/masterclass

Coaching services:

1:1 Deep Dive Session → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/1-1-deep-dive-coaching-session

Career Clarity Formula → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/career-clarity-formula

Book a free clarity call:

Ready to stop settling and start reclaiming your voice? Book a free career clarity consultation → www.careerbloomcoaching.com/consultation

Connect with Career Coach Theresa White

- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-a-white

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/careerbloomcoaching/

- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theresa_careerbloom/

- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@careerbloom

- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@career.bloom

- Website: www.CareerBloomCoaching.com

#CareerClarity #SetBoundariesAtWork #PeoplePleasing #WorkplaceHealing #CareerCoach #NervousSystemRegulation #CareerChange #SpeakUpAtWork #AssertivenessForWomen #BurnoutRecovery #WorkplaceTrauma #CareerEmpowerment