Our guest on Career Relaunch® podcast episode 91 is a lawyer turned workplace wellbeing consultant Tom Keya. If you’re like me, your stereotypical image of lawyers may involve fast-track professionals in slick suits working at a high-rise office in a big city, working with high-profile clients, and earning lots of money—the kind of stuff you might see on TV.
Tom’s career in a law firm kind of started like this. He lived and breathed the life of a high-flying lawyer in central London, earning a high salary with big bonuses, and in many ways, he felt like he was at the top of his game.
However, the pressure of being a high-performing lawyer began to whittle away at his mental and physical well-being. He lost his health, his purpose, and self-worth by ruthlessly trying to succeed in an intense industry. After eventually suffering a complete mental breakdown, he took a year-long career break and decided to stop practicing law entirely.
Tom discusses his vicious and dangerous spiral that involved drugs, alcohol, and pushing his body and life to the point of total collapse. He also explains the realities of corporate life in a big city and what he did to rescue himself from what became an unhealthy downward spiral. Finally, I’ll share my perspectives on how I think about where I want my career to head in the future during the Mental Fuel® segment.
Key Career TakeawaysDuring this episode’s Mental Fuel® segment, I talked about identifying what’s most important to you at work. Pinpoint three things most important for you to have in your professional life.
Then, think about how you want things to look across these priorities exactly one year from now. Decide which things you want to refrain from pursuing, to simply maintain as-is, or to proactively obtain. Then, shape your efforts and actions accordingly.
About Tom Keya, Workplace Wellbeing ConsultantFormer lawyer Tom Keya is the owner and chief executive of London-based law firm Berkeley Rowe, Dubai-based law firm Ruthbergs LLC, and corporate wellbeing consultancy and employee wellbeing technology platform Soulh Tech, and a keynote impact investing speaker at the Impact 17+1 Club.
He now works with companies to monitor the health and happiness of their employees and improve employee well-being, happiness, and retention.
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Interview Segment Music CreditsStepping Back with Gisela Prunes Garcia- CR101
Embracing Change with Anne Tumlinson- CR100
Making Things Work with Carla Stickler- CR99
Advocating For Yourself with Claudia Bruce-Quartey- CR98
Leaving On a High Note with Aisling Drennan- CR97
Dealing With Insecurities with Rina Takikawa- CR96
Setting Clear Boundaries with Ali Jawa- CR95
Controlling Your Narrative with Maura Lightfoot- CR94
Adapting to New Surroundings with Stefania Tosini- CR93
Pursuing Your Hobbies with Jenny Goh- CR92
Reconnecting With Yourself with Samantha Tovera-Agustin- CR90
Waiting For the Right Moment with Kessler Bickford- CR89
Being Honest With Yourself with Melody Mack- CR88
Beginning a New Journey with Andrew Graczyk- CR87
Getting the Help You Need with Norma Kimber- CR86
Starting Somewhere with Nicole Webb- CR85
Taking Imperfect Actions with Julia Taylor- CR84
Finding What Fits You with Aimi Elias- CR83
Remaining Resilient with Roman Havrysh- CR82
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