Foreign. Welcome to Inclusion Bites, your sanctuary for bold conversations that spark change. I'm Joanne Lockwood, your guide on this journey of exploration into the heart of inclusion, belonging and societal transformation. Ever wondered what it truly takes to create a world? Remember, everyone not only belongs, but thrives. You're not alone. Join me as we uncover the unseen, challenge the status quo and share storeys that resonate deep within. Ready to dive in? Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or winding down after a long day, let's connect, reflect and inspire action together. Don't forget, you can be part of the conversation too.
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Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirt
The Inclusion Bites Podcast
Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirt
JL
Speaker
Joanne Lockwood
NR
Speaker
Nassim Rochette
00:00 "Joyful Energy, Breakable Spirit" 05:08 "Finding Joy Through Adversity" 07:44 "Discovering Joy Through Positivity" 12:28 "Surviving a Life-Changing Accident" 14:08 "Unspoken Gratitude for Connections" 18:27 "Surviving the Unbelievable Accident" 20:42 "Forgiveness Despite Her Actions" 23:38 Sadness, Disappointment, and Reconciliation 26:21 Collision, Denial, and Disconnection 32:08 "Memoir of Transformation and…
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“Join me as we uncover the unseen, challenge the status quo and share storeys that resonate deep within.”
“When I asked Nassim to describe her superpower, she said that it is radiating joyful energy that inspires optimism in the face of adversity.”
“I think it's that desire to get back to joy and the, you know, when I was. Thought I was dying, you know, like thinking about the joy of my life, I think those things kept me going, you know, and so I try to keep that front and centre.”
“And one of those things was when I was underneath the car thinking, you know, I don't even say 99, I was a hundred percent sure I was going to die. I started reflecting back on my life and you know, having those end of life thoughts.”
“even though I'm. They're going to lose their mom, they know who I am because we've had that joy. I've been present, I've, I've filled, you know, their life with love and I felt so good about that.”
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Reach out to jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk to share your insights or to join me on the show. So adjust your earbuds and settle in. It's time to ignite the spark of inclusion with Inclusion Bites. And today is episode 191 with the title Joyful Energy, Breakable Spirit. And I have the absolute honour and privilege to welcome Nassim Rochette. Naseem is an award winning author, a keynote speaker and joy seeker who seeks to help people reframe their storeys and help discover growth in life's toughest moments. When I asked Nassim to describe her superpower, she said that it is radiating joyful energy that inspires optimism in the face of adversity. Wow.
Hello, Nassim, welcome to the show.
Hi, Jo. Thank you for having me. And I hope that's my superpower. That's what I try.
Sounds amazing. And wow. I'm judging by the accent, you're not over here in the uk, where I'm based. Whereabouts in the world are you?
I wish that I were, but no, I am in New Jersey. Not that I don't love, you know, my life here in New Jersey, but I do love the uk. Yeah, it's a hot, sunny May Day. No, June day here in New Jersey.
Wow. Is it disproportionately warm? You know, it's like talking about the weather. Is it?
Is it, you know, like, it's a perfect day, but my office is my third floor attic, so it's a little bit hot up here. But, you know, I shouldn't complain about the sun.
No, no, there's plenty of going on in the world right now that we can complain about. The sun. The sun, yes.
There's plenty of craziness in the world right now. I need to appreciate. We always, although we always need to appreciate the little things especially, yeah, we're.
Less than a week on from the audacious Ukrainian drone strike, aren't we where it, that's just to put a date and time on this, you know, that was a bit audacious. Zelensky Web.
Yeah, there's a lot of, a lot of very concerning stuff going on in the world here in the U.S. you know, in the Mideast, in Europe. It's really hard to believe, which is why I think it's even more important. I love the work that you do, Jo, in making people feel included, because there is so much in the world that's happening that is, could, could divide us further.
Yeah, no, I agree. And it's, we get around the table and start having conversations around a table rather than throwing rocks at each other across the, across the garden wall, if you like. We're doing often.
Yeah.
So your, your superpower is about radiating joyful energy. As I said just now. Where did that come from? What got you into doing what you do?
You know, so it's, it's interesting. So I've always, on some level, been a joy seeker. You know, I was, I was, When I was a kid, I was, I was kind of a happy kid, but I was also a really, really insecure kid, you know, just paralysed with fear, shy. I grew up in New Jersey. You know, when I grew up, I'm 54 now, there were really no Indians in my town. I'm, you know, I'm of Indian origin. And I always felt different and like I didn't belong. But I also, also had this happy, you know, this natural inclination to be happy.
I had, you know, know, happy parents, you know, festive. Actually, my parents were crazy party animals. So, you know, I grew up in a very social environment. And so when I was, you know, the weekends with my family, I was, you know, very social and happy. But, you know, on the weekdays, I was just so uncomfortable and shy and insecure. And, you know, I took that insecurity with me actually for, or I lived in that insecurity for a long, long time. You know, I, I, I often say that it was, wasn't until my twenties that I really accepted who I was, that I was, that I was different and, or I thought differently. And that was all okay.
And then it probably took me another 10 or 15 years to become somebody that I liked. And all through that, you know, I, I tried to, you know, I, I had this natural inclination to joy and, and how do I find happiness? How do I spread happiness? How do I make people feel good and, and make them feel different than I felt, which was uncomfortable and alone and insecure. And I think that that has just, it's just served like the joy feeds joy. Oh, I think the joy keeps me energetic and young and you know, I know we'll talk about. I had a very traumatic accident seven years ago and I think it's that desire to get back to joy and the, you know, when I was. Thought I was dying, you know, like thinking about the joy of my life, I think those things kept me going, you know, and so I try to keep that front and centre. I mean, you know, we all say we only live once. Actually I saw, actually I saw a great little cartoon on my Instagram recently that said it was like a Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
And I think Charlie Brown said, you know, we only live once. And Snoopy said, no, we only die once. We live every day. And I want to live every day with that joy.
That's beautiful. That's a really beautiful. Yeah, I love that. I think I remember saying that and at the time I remember almost like a little tear came in my eye. You could feel that inside, can't you?
I really, I do. I think about it all the time. We live every day.
I didn't, I didn't realise myself that joy was a thing until, until that Disney Pixar movie Inside Out. And one of the characters, haven't you. Oh, you've got to see it. It's one and two. There's two now, but one of the characters, basically little characters in the little girl's head. And one of the characters is Anger. That little red man type characters, always, always angry about something, like a little, like a two year old always angry about something. And then what happens is Joy, who's the female character, effectively sellotapes anger to a chair and says, right, you're over there, I'm now running this body.
I love that.
I went through a similar epiphany where I realised that Joy suddenly took over my life and that I'd spent a lot of time with anxiety. I spent a lot of time with anger and a lot of time all these other emotions in your head. And by centering Joy, that allowed me to see the world and my life more clearly. So I'm with you here about discovering joy. It's amazing.
You know, it's interesting you say that about discovering Joy because I don't know that I used the word joy up until recently. I don't think I knew it was a thing. As I reflect back, I know I felt it, but I actually think, you know, some of the ways that I solidified it solidified maybe that word or that idea was. Again, during my accident and journey, I realised that energy feeds energy. You know, we. And I really believed and learned the effect of having a positive energy and how that drives momentum. And I realised that just by the words that I choose and the energy that I put forth. I drive different reactions in the people around me.
And it doesn't mean life is always easy. And all our conversations are like, you know, flowers and rainbows and stuff like that, but the words we choose, the way we say it, you know, the, the tone of our voice, all of that, you know, tells a different storey. And if we focus on a storey with a positive outcome, with, you know, a belief in joy or an underlying, you know, respect and desire for joy, I think we drive a much more positive energy.
So you had a pretty significant. Should we call it an event? Yeah, understated event, which you can. Obviously you're gonna. You're gonna talk a bit about some seven or eight years ago as you, as you, as you've mentioned here already, you've hinted at this and this is. You call it your unbreakable day and tell me what was leading up rather, rather than the day itself. What's going on in your life the week before.
Yeah, I guess, you know, we. We really can't have a conversation. I should, should let. Let all your listeners know what happened because it is so central to so much of how I think and talk about. So, you know, I mentioned that I was very insecure. I worked really hard to like who I was. Well, on May 21, 2018, so seven years ago, you know, I woke up on another beautiful sunny day. I'm feeling really good about myself, really happy in command.
You know, I have three kids, one working full time. I worked at Microsoft back then. A really robust life that I worked so hard to build and so hard to appreciate. And, you know, I juggled it all. And Jo, I like to say, you know, I juggled it all and I made it look easy. It wasn't easy, but I took pride in the fact that I could manage all of this. And, you know, I grew up in a household where women were strong and we didn't ask for help. You know, not asking for help was a source of pride.
So, you know, I started out my day like that. And by that afternoon, I was in a hospital. I had been hit by a car and run over three times. The car hit me and then stopped and then drove over me and then reversed over me and then drove over me a third time. And I was pinned underneath the car. And I'll just let that sit for a minute because I know it's a lot. I know there's, there's.
That's not accidental, is it?
You know, it seems like it wouldn't be, but it was, you know, and my husband was actually watching the whole thing. I was in a pedestrian crosswalk just a couple miles from my house in New Jersey when a car, you know, a car turned and hit me in the crosswalk. And the car actually stopped at first. And then, you know, we don't know why the driver did all the things. You know, I actually, I wrote a book about the storey, the unexpected benefits of being run over. Because there's so much to talk about just in that event, you know, and I don't know what the driver was thinking, but it wasn't a hit. You know, my husband didn't hire anyone to kill me, luckily. And we think we, you know, we believe the driver just had a lot of really bad judgement, you know.
Compounded that by reverse, you know, lost spatial awareness. Didn't know what was going on, didn't know where you were.
Yeah, I mean, I have some theories. I think maybe she was trying to flee the scene, maybe she was trying to then get back to where she hit me in the crosswalk. You know, maybe eventually she was just trying to get off me. But, you know, everybody was screaming, you know, just stop. And I, you know, I was conscious through the whole event. God, I always get a little even, you know, seven years later talking about it. I was, you know, I went from everything to, you know, initially having that, oh my gosh, she's hitting me on this great day, you know, I'm feeling so good. I've had such a wonderful day and not worried, you know, thinking I might be a little black and blue, but no biggie, you know, cocktail party, storey, whatever.
I got hit by a car today, haha. To, you know, then when she ran over me, you know, I was, I was wriggling, I was trying to get out from underneath it, you know, I didn't, I didn't want to die. And then when she reversed over me, I remember thinking there's something wrong. Like I could hear in my husband's voice that he was watching me die. I could hear it in the screams of all the people watching it, that they were watching someone die. And I had, in those moments, which I'm, you know, actually feel, I call it a magical accident because there's so much that I feel lucky for and that I think I have learned. And one of those things was when I was underneath the car thinking, you know, I don't even say 99, I was a hundred percent sure I was going to die. I started reflecting back on my life and you know, having those end of life thoughts.
And I remember thinking, you know, why didn't I write my kids letters? I travelled. Every time I get on a plane I'd think, oh, I should write them letters just in case, you know, I never did it. And then, you know, my thoughts and it was like 20 minutes of conversation even, you know, in these matter of seconds, you know, cause everything was in slow motion for me. And then I came to the conclusion that although I didn't write my kids any letters, you know, we've had so much joy, you know, we've had great vacations, we would dance around the kitchen. We were like, we're a happy gang. And I thought, you know, even though I'm. They're going to lose their mom, they know who I am because we've had that joy. I've been present, I've, I've filled, you know, their life with love and I felt so good about that.
But you know what Jo? I also realised that I did that for my kids, but I didn't do that for the other people in my life. No one else really knew how important they were. I wasn't super effusive and appreciative, you know, I was always like nice and caring. But I don't think most people in my life that had an impact, whether big or small, knew the positive effects or that I appreciated, you know, what they did. And I felt like there was a lot left unsaid in the, you know, in the community and in my friend circle and that I felt, felt some regret. But both of those things really helped me afterwards in how I wanted to live. There were, there were no thoughts about I should have saved more money, I wish I got more promotions. It was, it was all about people in the people I connected with.
As you're talking, as you first started talking about that and I, I have a habit of not reading the briefing notes that you sent through. So I, I flicked through it and I saw something about being unbreakable, I saw something about being a life changing but I didn't really get into the weeds of that and I, I've, I've effectively discovered everything you just said at the same time. If you're listening to this, I heard that for the same time and as you were describing it, the visual Image I had in my head was the end of the previous series of Handmaid's Tale. And if you've seen this, but the lead character, June, she gets run over by a pickup and that person is trying to hurt them and they're reversing back. So you're. You're describing it.
I didn't hear that. For me. Cause, no, I didn't see it yet. But.
Sorry, spoiler alert. Spoiler alert. But the good news is she survives and she's a fighter like you. But. So I've got this real image in my head of. As you were describing it, I had a vision. I wasn't trying to create a picture. I had one.
And that's why it was impactful for me. And when you tell that storey to people, people go, obviously, they're shocked, they're stunned. Do they know what to say? Do they know what to ask? Cause I've got loads of questions in my head. I'm thinking, I'm going to ask these questions in a bit because that's one of the privileges I have of being the host on this show. But do people struggle to sort of.
To say they do? I try to give people a minute to digest it, you know, when. When there's time, because I often forget quite how ridiculous it is. And I think people, people, their first reaction is, you know, I'm sorry. Like, that's so horrible. But what's interesting is, for me is it's. It's like I learned so much. There's so much joy that has come out of it that I don't look at it as. You know, actually recently I had to do this timeline of positive and negative things.
And the accident, oddly, was not a negative thing. You know, it was on the positive trajectory because of all I learned. But, you know, as you said, people definitely don't know what to say when it happened. In fact, you know, I don't know if these things are funny. They're funny to me. But when I did write the book, and the book came out and I explained quite the seriousness of the journey and all the things that I learned. Learned. So many people in the periphery of my life said, you know, when I heard the storey, I thought someone was kidding.
I didn't actually believe that you were run over three times. Most people just. It's just so nonsensical that I would be run over three times, that a lot of people just didn't believe that it was true. My dad.
I'm going to ask. I'm going to ask the question that's going through my head. And if you're listening to this, I'm trying to ask the question on your behalf as well. These are the questions that people say, oh, you should never ask that. You should never. It obviously hurt. Which part of you was run over or was it. Or was it all over?
So I was. So when the car first hit, it was, you know, kind of chest level. It was a big suv, a big white SUV when it. And then, you know, the tyres went over me five times. So they went over my. My knees, they went over my chest. And this is the craziest. They went over my head and neck.
So, you know, it. It went over my head and over my neck. The cars went over my, My head. And I remember. And Jo, the, the look you like. That was how I was thinking about it after, because I was conscious and I knew what happened. My husband saw what happened. Other people saw what happened.
But I thought, how can a car run over my head and neck and run over me and I'm still alive. And I remember after the accident, I kept wondering, like, it couldn't have really happened. Like, there's no way that really happened. And a week later, and I call this, you know, again, if anyone sees my website or book or anything, you might see this picture. There is a picture of my neck with tyre marks that showed up a few days later. And I call that my favourite accident picture because it was the proof that it really did happen. I mean, I had the pain, but I. I didn't really believe it.
And here's another crazy thing. I didn't break any bones.
That was my next question. So you didn't break any bones?
No, I mean, I. I had a lot of very serious injuries. You know, I was crushed. So, you know, I had a lot of internal injuries. You know, I couldn't walk. I had to have surgery on my eye. You know, I had nerve damage. You know, I was pretty immobile for a while.
And I have a traumatic brain injury. I, I still, you know, I, I don't think how I used to think, but I didn't break any bones. So I was actually never admitted to the hospital. So 24 hours later, I was back at home trying to navigate what, being a mom. Yeah, yeah, that was probably one of the hardest. You know, there. There were many things that were hard that was very hard. The driver's lack of remorse was really hard.
There were a couple things that probably didn't need to be as hard that were, you know, real lessons.
So you said to the driver's lack of remorse. They understand the gravity of what happened. It was kind of like, were they trying to imprint it was your fault for getting in the way or something?
Yeah, kind of. So at the. At the scene, the driver. So my husband was at the scene. So the driver got out of the car, and she was like a toddler throwing a tantrum. And my husband actually said, like, don't you even care what happened to her? Like, she didn't even. She just seemed to be worried about herself. And, you know, I remember the.
The witnesses, you know, the other people there had to move her away because they couldn't even talk to me, to try to keep me conscious and alert because of all her screaming. And. But look, you know, that. That's shock. You know, I actually held.
But, yeah, trauma. I get it. Yeah.
Yeah. And. And I thought, you know, she didn't mean to run over me three times. Like, obviously, a lot of bad decisions, bad judgement, but I actually held no ill will to. And when I said, you know, we got a notice in the mail, like a victim's notice, that she was going to be in court, you know, four or five weeks later. So my husband and my daughter and I went to the courthouse, and she was just a few feet away from me. You know, I was bandaged, Cane, you know, scars on my face, you know, glasses, like, you know, I was. I was still in bad shape.
And, you know, she had seen my husband, and she was a few feet away, didn't acknowledge us, you know, nothing. There was, like, no human kindness or interaction or, you know, I hope you're okay, or anything. And I remember it was like someone pushed me off a cliff at that moment. That's the moment that I fully lost control of, you know, my emotions. There was no joy because till that. Till that day, I felt no ill will. She didn't mean to do it. But when I saw no kindness, no connection, nothing from her, it just broke me.
I'm just thinking, if she'd have come up to you in tears, full of remorse and devastated, and say, can we hug? You'd have gone, of course we could hug. Couldn't you? You could have done that. But as you say, because someone doesn't treat you in that way, that there's no acknowledgment of your pain, your trauma and your family and everyone who knows you, then I'm more upset around that reaction than I am around.
Yeah.
As you are. As you say, that's where you lost it.
Yeah. Really. Really. You know, when I Say like pushed me off a cliff. I actually that day I went home and you know, when my kids think about this day, they still get teary eyed because the mom that was so joyful was, you know, the happy life we had on that day, it hit rock bottom, you know, I went home, I remember my youngest child said, asked if he could go to the pool. You know, it was a nice day. And I started screaming at him. I was screaming at our babysitter at all my kids.
Like they, they didn't know who they were getting when they would ask me something because I just, I was so broken, you know, for a minute. And then that's actually the day that I started. I realised that I no longer could control my mental state without more help. And I started on antidepressants and anti anxiety that day.
I love analogies and metaphors and similes and things like this. And what's jumping into my head here is Star Wars Jedis and Siths and the hard thing here is trying to stay in the Jedi camp and not get engrossed with anger and revenge and all that. That must have been really difficult because it sounds like you were leaning into the Sith there in the dark side, weren't you?
Well, yeah, you know, I, it's, it's strange. I'm not sure that it was ever anger. I think it was anger for my husband and for my daughter and you know, all the people that loved me. But for me it was just such a sadness, such a disappointment, you know. And I don't know that I've ever really had anger for her, but I've just, you know, I just, I just felt sad. You know, I still feel sad, but I, you know, I focus on the life that I get to lead and the way that I treat people and the decisions I make. And you know, I've also, I've also come to reconcile it. You know, one of the other things that I learned during this journey is sometimes the people you think are going to show up for you in your times of need don't or don't show up the way you expect them to show up for you.
What I have realised is that we have no idea the traumas and the triggers of the people around us. For instance, today nobody looks at me and says, wow, she was run over three times. Like I'm sure she can't cross the street. Like no one has any idea what goes on. And I think that, I think that people, you know, we don't necessarily know what those triggers are for the People around us. And I think that my accident, and seeing me broken and bruised and disfigured and just so weak after being so such a strong person, you know, it was. Was hard for people. And I think that.
That sometimes they can't show up. It's. It's their defence mechanism, you know, it's their body protecting them, their mind protecting them. And so I now attribute that to the driver. Maybe the way that she deals with that accident is by pretending it didn't happen. And is that how I would deal with it? No. But maybe that's her way of protecting herself. I don't live that way.
But you know what? I.
Do a lot of training on challenging conversations and workplace conflicts, all this kind of thing. And one of the golden rules is you have to meet people where they're at, you have to understand where someone is, because if you start judging them by where you're at, you have no idea what's going on in their life. And you somehow, to create that relatable experience, you have to find out where they are. I guess you don't really know where she was or what she's at. So by judging her, she may well have been in abusive relationships, you may have been trying to escape something. She may have had, I don't know, something going on in her mind or her own mental health concerns. And by judging it by your standards isn't really. It's not going to get anywhere.
So, yeah, that must be the frustration, I suppose, is it sounds like today, even now, you're not sure where she was at. It just.
Yeah, I mean, I saw her a few years later, you know, the insurance legal team was deposing us. And when I saw her that day, too, I was going around introducing myself to everybody, you know, and when I didn't know she was going to be there and when she walked in, I didn't want to be rude, I went and I shook her hand and I introduced myself. And I remember even at that moment feeling like, squeeze my hand, do something. And I didn't get that. And then when she talked about the accident, she almost talked about it like, I wasn't really in a crosswalk, there weren't really people there. She, like, that witnessed it, you know, almost said it didn't happen. And that is her defence. That's where she is, that's where she's staying.
And I'm just. I'm not engaging.
No. When you come across people with personality disorders, narcissistic tendencies, whatever it may be, you have to disengage and step away, because nothing you can say will change that.
Yeah. And as you said, you know, it's. It's meeting them where they are, you know, if that's where they are, and that's whether it's by situation or, you know, by intention.
I assume that the law and law enforcement gave her something to think about. No.
She lost her. Her licence for 10 days and got a ticket of her failure to yield to a pedestrian.
Is that it? Not attempted murder or attempted manslaughter or grievous bodily harm.
No, there was nothing. Just a traffic violation.
Wow, that must have been salt on the wound.
It was, yeah. Yeah. Especially when I was, you know, so. So, you know, badly injured and, you know, how my life changed. I couldn't drive for, you know, several weeks, couple months, you know, and she lost her licence for 10 days. But, you know, again, there was so much that I've learned from it, you know, that I can only focus, or I am choosing to focus on what I can control.
I mean, I just think you could have done an O.J. simpson and gone for a civil claim, couldn't you? And sort of. If the law doesn't protect you, then we do the civil.
You know, the thing, though, is then it keeps that wound open for me.
Yeah, it does, yeah.
And look, you know, we've. I'm. I'm very fortunate, you know, I have a good job, good family, happy life. You know, obviously, there are always challenges and this was very challenging and has changed me, but, you know, I want to focus on. On all that. Good.
And you've got a storey. You got a book.
I do have a book. And actually, so the book, you know, the unexpected benefits of being run over and that is, you know, many people think it's figurative, but it's literal. Yeah. The book is actually something I had no plan to write. So when the accident happened and I went to the hospital and we discovered I didn't break any bones, many of the nurses and doctors, you know, it was a. It was a miracle and kept saying, you need to pay it forward. You know, you need to. You need to do something.
You know, this is a miracle. And I remember thinking, you know, I. I can't even open my eyes. I can't move. Like, I don't want the burden of having to pay it forward. But it did plant a seed. And, you know, I kept thinking about how, you know, how can I make something good out of this? And one of the things that happened, you know, in that first year, you know, I I talk about joy and a happy life. My life wasn't so happy after this accident.
I would wake up crying every day. I couldn't move. My brain didn't work. You know, I. You know, I couldn't hold a coffee cup, I couldn't zip my sweatshirt. You know, I couldn't fill out a camp form. Like all those things that you don't think about, I couldn't do. It was very, very, very hard.
But we made the decision. You know, you talked about Unbreakable Day. We made the decision that we were going to get back to a happy storey. And the day of the accident wasn't going to be the day that almost killed me. It was going to be the day that I survived. And we reframed it, you know, and that reframing allowed us to really change the energy around the storey. I didn't die that day when I should have. I survived.
And then we started to look at all of the things that you learn in those moments. Because the accident didn't just happen to me. It happened to everyone that loved me. It happened to my kids, to my husband, to my friends. And there's so many things that I learned, you know, one of which is people needed to help me in their. To heal themselves. And I needed to learn how to let them. I mentioned, I tried to make it look easy and, you know, not accepting help was strength to me.
But I learned that accepting help, letting people help, is actually another dimension of strength. And sometimes that's about them because they need to participate in the journey, you know, whether or not I, I might need the support, you know, and, and that when you let yourself have the support, sometimes it's just really, it's really beautiful how people want to give and help and, you know, do good. So those were, so those were some of the things I was learning. And I would send out, you know, an email every year on, on Unbreakable Day and, and say, you know, here are some of the things that I learned. That was my way of paying it forward. And when we were in lockdown with COVID I realised some of those things that I learned would be of value on a broader basis. We were living in, like, this giant Unbreakable Day. And honestly, if I could have, if I could have just said, hey, here are these 10 lessons world, you know, take that, you know, I'm, I'm done.
I would have just shared that and probably not have a book or anything. You know, I realised people need to know the context and my storey for those lessons to really have meaning. You know, there's a, there's a section in my book called the Sermon and those are my, Those are my 10 lessons. But the first couple parts of the book are about who I am, the journey, how my first transformation of being a person I like to that person falling, falling apart and then having to rebuild and hopefully being a better, stronger person, you know, or a different, you know, more, more connected person, you know, that's, that's kind of how the book happened. The book, you know, is, is often regarded as a self help or an inspiration or motivational, but it is also a memoir. And it's, you know, I'm sharing probably a lot more than I would ever have been comfortable sharing with people about, you know, the struggles, about, you know, my insecurities as a child. You know, candidly, you know, I'll share about a, you know, a suicide attempt that I had never, ever talked about, but then realised even, you know, young people especially need to know the storey can change, your storey can change. And there's so much power in reframing.
And so that's, that's why the book happened because I felt people need an inventory and they need to know that it's possible to come out of something really, really horrible and be okay. And you might not be the person you were before, but you, that doesn't have to be bad. You have to be kind enough to not judge yourself for that. And it was lessons like that that I felt were so important to share. Because, you know, another thing I learned through this journey was that we all go through something. I was run over by a car three times, that maybe people haven't experienced that, but people have experienced deaths and job losses and other accidents and things that are traumatic. We've all gone through something and when we share what we've been through, we, we also give licence to other people to share.
Are you brave? I'm sure people say to you, you're brave all the time. So are you.
I'm joyful.
Joyful. Good. Good answer.
Maybe I'm brave only to be, you know, only to reach that joy.
I find, you know, and many people I know who've been through something really significant in their life, people come out and go, they want to tell you how brave you are, tell you how I couldn't have done that. And they want to sort of put this on you and then you want them to go, it's okay, you could have done it too. I've not anyone special. And you feel like you have to go through this sort of, this way of letting someone down and go, I'm just a human being. I've just dealt with. I'm just playing the cards that I given at the time. In 10 seconds of my life, suddenly I went from being this person to this person. I wasn't brave, I just carried on, actually.
And, you know, I'm so glad you, you, you brought that point up because something I should share is a way that I learned to talk about how this is just my journey. So when right after the accident, I had, you know, as. As much as I didn't like accepting help from people, you know, that I was close to me. My doctors convinced me to see a trauma therapist and the trauma therapist taught me about the, The Japanese art of kintsugi, where you take a broken piece of pottery and you put it back together with a gold Ted lasso.
Broken, isn't it? On Ted lasso, yeah.
And, you know, and, and the philosophy is that gold inlay, those cracks make the vase more beautiful. And I really, really caught, you know, latched onto that idea. And actually I would even. I had scars all over my face. I would put gold glitter on my scars, you know, rather than try to hide them, because I decided this was, this was my journey. And just that idea allowed me to talk about my struggles, not as a victim, but this is my journey. And just having, realising that reframing let me be more open and more vulnerable and share in ways that I couldn't have before.
Do you ever get that feeling where you press pause on your life for a moment and you were kind of above looking down at you going, I now see everything more clearly. I see where I am in the world, what's going on around. Do you ever get that kind of allow yourself to see a bigger perspective of who you were? Did that happen?
You know, I think in moments it did, you know, and there was in that early year, even in those first moments, I mean, I, like when I thought I was dying, you know, I felt, I think I had that clarity. Um, and I think, you know, in those early months, in that first maybe year or two years, I had a more acute appreciation. But it, it goes away if you don't purposely remind yourself to embrace it. Like, I have a, you know, a bunch of tattoos. I don't know if you can see them. Your listeners certainly can see them, but I, I have a bunch of tattoos on my arms now to remind me of things that I learned from the accident because, you know, I'm not all of a sudden enlightened I, I don't, I don't have all this wisdom. I mean, I try to. Part of actually the, the gift of sharing.
What I learned is that I have, I get to remind myself because I, you know, I, we, we have to actively, you know, work at many of these things. I mean, is it easier for me to share now and, and, you know, talk about my journey and my struggles and, you know, maybe what I would have called weaknesses? Absolutely. But I still have to be intentional about some of the other things I learned so that I can look at life, you know, more, you know, at a. At a kind of a more inclusive, broader level and appreciate and not get lost in the craziness of a moment or the weight of, you know, of a momentary struggle.
A lot of people get stuck down to fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of what if. And I presume what you've been through, that barrier was taken away. You were in this situation. And the what if is I can't stay where I am. I've got to move on. I've got to grow. I've got to do something. How do you help people find their transformation where they can go from fear to can.
Yeah, you know, and I, I think just in even what you said, it's, you know, changing from fear to can. Just think about it. It's. It's the words that you use. It's the storey you tell yourself. It's the way, like, you know, even. Let's just take the fact that we call the day of the accident Unbreakable Day, just by simply reframing and changing the words we use around what we call that moment. We've done something dramatically different, you know, for the people that we tell the storey to, for how we think about that moment and that day.
And it's, it's actually just little things in the reframing and, you know, I, I often talk about being kind to yourself, and it's. Actually, I talk about it because many of the people that first read the book said that's what they took, that they needed to learn to be kinder to themselves because we are so judgy with ourselves, you know, but if we, we remember, like, it's okay if we're not. Life is going to change. It is absolutely going to change. So there's, there's, you know, but if it's different from the way it was a year ago, it doesn't have to be bad. You know, maybe there's some differences that you like more than others or dislike more than Others. But the way we think about it, the words we use around it, the words and how we talk about it to the people around us, all of those things have a huge, huge impact on how we will feel those things, on how our body will react to those things. I actually have had people say to me that on the days of their accidents they used to just crawl up in a ball in bed and, or hide in a closet and just be sad and miserable.
But when they started reframing to those days as their unbreakable days, they started going out and celebrating. They started having, you know, like ice cream and parties and just making those days special. And all it was is a reframing.
One of the things I always reflect on is that when you're trying to sort your life out, you've collected so much baggage over the years. You know, the responsibilities, the things, stuff you have in your life. But when it comes to making decisions, you think, well, what can I get rid of, what can I lose? It's very difficult to sort of peel bits away because they're kind of part of what you've got. But when you have, when you start from nothing, you can then choose what to bring on. What luggage do I want to now bring on my journey and just shed everything and say, right, I guess you had a day zero sort of effect where you had nothing because you were just millimetres away from having dying guess or moments away from dying. So you, you've been able to re. Establish your journey of life with stuff that's important.
Yeah, I mean the, the traumas I think for, for all of us are a demarcation point. You know, there's definitely like life before, you know, and life after. But, but I will say and something that I, you know, I talk about when I do coaching or keynotes is, you know, there's so much power in those tough moments. There's so much we learn and grow from that most of us don't spend any time thinking about because tough moments always seem like downers. Let's not talk about those downers, let's put em in the closet and you know, never talk about them again. But when we, we actually take some time to both appreciate and hey, I've navigated something that was really challenging. I did that, you know, my family did that, my friends helped me through that. Yeah, that was really, that was really great that we, we were able to, to navigate that tough moment.
And believe me, it doesn't mean the tough moment wasn't tough. You know, I lost my parents a couple of years ago. There's nothing joyful about me losing my parents. But are there things in ways that I've grown that I can appreciate? Absolutely. Being run over is obviously a tough moment. Everybody has tough moments. But if you stop and you think, well, what did I learn from that? You're again, changing it from baggage to almost badges, you know, that. That you can feel proud of.
Bit like being a girl Guide again and getting your cooking badge or your sewing badge or something.
I never got any of those.
I was camp cook once. You know, I got camp cook badge, chicken in a pot. I think it was, I think, something very simple. I was only 10, I think. Yeah, I was quite happy with that. So when you're navigating the world now, as well as coaching others, how do you find yourself approaching these big crossroads, these big decision points in your life now? How do you approach things differently?
You know, for me, joy is one of my guiding principles. And I think about, you know, does it. Does it bring me joy or does it bring me stress? And if it's bringing me stress, you know, and it's a situation that I want to stay in, you know, then we need to break down. Why is it bringing me stress? And, you know, if it's a situation that's bringing you stress also, you have to ask yourself, is it a situation you can get out of and what's the cost of getting out of it? And I. So that's how I. I often, you know, work with people. I mean, what are their guiding principles? Mine is joy. And so.
So what are, you know, what are the things that you want to feel on a. On a daily basis? And, you know, once, you know, once we can figure out some idea of that, it's. How do we reach that state more often?
Are you less tolerant of people? More tolerant of people?
Now, let's see. I. I don't. That's a good question. I mean, honestly, my kids like to call me a little judgy, but I'm.
Just thinking in terms of, you know, what you're saying about joy, and it's not bringing you joy, it's bringing you stress. Do you. Do you apply that principle to relationships where you think, hang on a minute. You are not bringing me joy in this relationship. We. We are not compatible anymore. I'm out.
Yeah. You know, I. I don't know that I'm. I. I definitely direct my life towards the joy. I don't know that I'd say. I'm like, I try to, as. As we talked about earlier, accept People where they are, and if they're in a place that isn't right for me, then I'll just try to spend less time with them.
But when the time that I spend with them, I try to be as giving and kind and tolerant, you know, as I can be. Because, you know, as we. We've talked about, people feeling connected is so important and sometimes just accepting that if we build a better connection, the engagement or relationship might. Might evolve and drastically improve. You know, sometimes I get, you know, I'll hear people, you know, sometimes people are grumpy, you know, and I'll. For instance, you know, I try not to judge someone in that moment, you know, but think about what. Why are they in that state? You know, just like you had talked about earlier, meeting them where they are. So I try to be tolerant in that way and giving them more grace and kindness.
So maybe I'm less, you know, when something someone said to me a year after the accident was, they. They told me that I was. Before the accident, I was an unsympathetic character that, you know, I kind of had it put together and, you know, I look like it was easy and, you know, not that any of it was, but I was proud of that.
You had a Persona.
Yeah.
And I shit together. Persona sort of thing.
Yes, exactly. You know, and so now I try to make me more vulnerable so that, you know, other people that I can be more accepting and open and inclusive to people connecting. Because often the people that are. I might have been judgy about are just feeling alone.
That must be part of your superpower, which is radiating joyful energy. So if you go in with a frown, that's not radiating joyful energy, is it? So my approach is I tend to turn the volume down on people that don't bring me joy. There's a phrase, hang out with radiators, not drains. Drains will steal your energy.
I'm stealing that.
Dementors from Harry Potter. They suck the energy out of you. So on social media, what I do is I unfollow somebody. If I don't want to hear from them, I don't go into their post and tell them what I think. I just turn the volume down to unfollow. That way, if they want to keep following me, they want to still see me, they want to still get value from that relationship, that's fine. And if they. They bump into me, I'm still there.
And so I think blocking and unfriending and things like that are very. They're very proactive. States to get people out of your life. Turn the volume down. Your noise doesn't bring me joy. That's fine, doesn't matter. It brings other people joy. That's up to them.
So, yeah, turn the volume down.
Do that too. And actually, speaking of social media, you know, one of the things that I think is important to talk about now and is that, like, you know, I talked to my, you know, my kids are teenagers and in college or kind of adult kids, but, you know, when people are always posting just like, oh, my life is so great and perfect, you know, they don't. I think people don't realise they're making themselves unsympathetic characters and they're losing connection with people, you know, and I think, you know, so one of the things that I do often in my talks is also try to remind people that, you know, if you're not showing the whole picture or sharing the whole picture, you're. You're losing out on the joy of connections.
I think when you think you talk about influencers and people that like that, and it has to be authentic, authentic vulnerability, not plastic or fake Barbie vulnerability. It's like, I'm having a really bad day. Everything's really awful today. And if you're not careful, you're trying to use that deliberate to, to bring people in with, you know, if you really are having a bad day, be honest.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. So you can say something like, yeah, it's. It's a tough day. Send me your good energy, you know?
Yeah. Why? Yeah, why? Just sometimes you leave it hanging, don't you? I'm having a really bad one today. What is it? What is it? What is it? Everyone keen to find out, you know. Oh, no, I can't say. Well, if you can't say, why tell me in the first place? If your dog died, tell us your dog died, you know, and then we'll go, oh, my lovely picture. Let's do that. Or if you haven't had kids, have messed up, or if you've been run over three times, just get it out.
There, get it out there. Or, you know, just share it with people.
The other question I've been keen to ask you is, obviously this had a huge, big, traumatic. At the time you were injured, you had organs that were crushed and nerve injuries and things like that. How long did it take you to get to a point where you felt normal again, whatever that may mean? I don't. I don't know what normal means, but kind of back, back to a. I'm. I'm Good enough now.
When, when the accident first happened and I found out I didn't break any bones. And I'm sorry about all that beeping. I. I actually said to my husband, I said, call my boss and tell him I'll be back to work on Thursday. This was a Monday. Cause I was like, if I didn't break any bones, you know, I'm sure I can go back to.
Yeah, I'm just faking it otherwise, aren't I? Just faking it.
That's exactly right. Like, yeah, I didn't give myself any, you know, any grace. Obviously. I did not go back to work on Thursday. And it took me a long, you know, the recovery was very long. But my engagement back into my old life was. Was quick, maybe too quick. So I went back to work after eight weeks, you know, against doctor's orders.
And I just felt like I needed to, like you said, feel like I wanted to feel normal. And for me, that was getting back to work and, you know, earning and supporting my family. And my. Actually my babysitter said the day that I went back to work, my kids were like different kids because they thought life would never be the same again. However, I went back to work and it was much too soon and I didn't have the physical or mental energy like I. I would still needed to sleep 16 hours, days. And so unfortunately, I gave my energy to work and then I had nothing for my family. And that probably took.
And so, you know, I was still. And I was still a very unpredictable person. You know, I hadn't. It took me a long time to regulate my emotions. You know, it probably. I would say it was like a year and a half before I felt normal, but it wasn't the same. You know, it was a new normal. And you know, even now, I mean, I have, you know, I have a, you know, bad knee, I have, you know, back pain, neck pain, they're issues.
You know, I can't bear music in multiple rooms. You know, I'm. Lots of sensitivities because of my brain injury, but that is my new normal. And so I don't think about those things. You know, it's just my new normal.
And every day is. It's more normal. It just who you are. And you put up a legacy. You now got history of who you are now.
Yes. And I, you know, and I don't. And I'm not judging myself that I'm not that person that I was before. You know, I don't juggle like, I used to be a master of chaos and, you know, juggling a hundred things, you know, with loud, like, you know, even like clubbing at 3 o' clock in the morning, loud concerts, like, I loved all that extra stimulation. I can't tolerate or bear that anymore. But, you know, that's okay because I'm appreciating different things, you know, and I'll brag for a minute and that, you know, much to my surprise, when I went back to work, I thought I was never going to be as good as I used to be because I can't solve problems in the same way. But it turns out the new ways in which I solve problems and delve into things has been more successful for me. You know, with a traumatic brain injury, I've.
I've actually, you know, been better able to serve my teams and my clients.
So apart from Joy. Apart from Joy, what is the one thing that you're most proud of about you? Now that wouldn't have occurred had it not been for Unbreakable Day?
I think it's. It's really my ability to share what I thought was weakness, to share struggle and journey and understand what it feels like and how to relate to people when they're going through something tough, you know, for instance, like, you know, when. When someone goes through a death, you know, or a trauma, I think many people are very uncomfortable with, you know, what do you say? How do you respond, how do you act? Because of these experiences and because I think I've taken the time to explore what I've learned and how I've changed, I am. I don't feel as awkward, you know, in those moments, I can. I know that, you know, when somebody dies, like my saying I'm sorry about your loss isn't bringing it up because they're thinking about it all the time. You know, I know they're. And they appreciate that warmth and that connection. I know that now that when somebody's in trauma, asking them how they are is a really tough question because they don't know how they are and they don't want to lie to you and they don't want to pretend everything's fine.
And so you're. You're making them do all this work internally. Whereas if I just say I'm thinking about you, I'm here for you. You know, a statement, not a question, I make it easier on them. So, you know, I think the other thing, you know, that's just. Just how to relate to people in those tough moments. You know, I'm. I'm lucky that I can.
A fantastic conversation and in a way, I'm really pleased. I didn't do too much research and I heard the storey at the same time as you listening. You got that kind of. Whoa. And I sat here and you said my face was a picture. I was literally stunned into sort of silence as I was picturing June Osborne in Handmaid's Tale being run over by the red rv, which I'd now ruined.
Spoiler. Now I've got to go.
There you go. Watch it. How can people get hold of you? Tell us about your book. Tell us about your website and everything.
Yeah, so my book is called the Unexpected Benefits Of Being Run Over. You can pretty much get it, you know, wherever books are sold or order. It certainly is on Amazon. And on Amazon, you can also get my audible, which is me telling the storey. So if you want to, you know, want to hear it and, you know, I've got a website, Nassim rochette.com where you can reach out if you, you know, you're interested in coaching or, you know, speaking or, you know, or LinkedIn. I'd love to say that I post a lot on social and share wisdom, but I'm not good at that yet, so. So you can buy my book on Amazon or reach out on Nassim Rochette.com.
Thank you so much. It's been amazing.
Oh, thank you, Jo. Thanks, everybody, for listening.
Bye. As we bring this conversation to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, our listener, for lending your ear and heart to the cause of inclusion. Today's discussion struck a chord. Consider subscribing to Inclusion Bites and become part of our ever growing community driving real change. Share this journey with friends, family and colleagues. Let's amplify the voices that matter. Got thoughts, storeys or a vision to share? I'm all ears. Reach out to jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk and let's make your voice heard.
Until next time, this is Joanne Lockwood signing off with a promise to return with more enriching narratives that challenge, inspire and unite us all. Here's to fostering a more inclusive world one episode at a time. Catch you on the next bite.
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Episode Category
Primary Category: Overcoming Adversity
Secondary Category: Wellbeing
🔖 Titles
From Trauma to Triumph: How Joyful Energy Builds an Unbreakable Spirit
Surviving the Impossible: Nassim Rochette on Joy, Resilience and Human Connection
Unbreakable Day: Finding Strength, Joy, and Optimism After Life’s Hardest Moments
Redefining Resilience: The Unexpected Benefits and Joys of Adversity
Choosing Joy: Lessons on Healing, Vulnerability, and Thriving Through Challenge
Optimism Against the Odds: Nassim Rochette’s Journey of Recovery and Renewal
Radiating Joyful Energy: Reframing Life’s Lows to Discover Unseen Strength
Embracing Change: Nassim Rochette on Belonging, Kindness, and Surviving Setbacks
Healing, Helping, and Hope: The Power of Positive Reframing in Difficult Times
Joy Every Day: Rewiring Your Story After Trauma for Connection and Growth
A Subtitle - A Single Sentence describing this episode
Nassim Rochette shares her extraordinary journey of resilience, reframing trauma, and radiating joyful energy, illuminating how the power of connection and vulnerability fosters unbreakable spirit in the face of life's greatest adversities.
Episode Tags
Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit, Resilience Stories, Trauma Recovery, Personal Transformation, Authentic Vulnerability, Inclusive Conversations, Mindset Reframing, Connection and Belonging, Positive Outlook.
Episode Summary with Intro, Key Points and a Takeaway
In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood engages in a profound and uplifting discussion with Nassim Rochette, exploring the resilience of the human spirit and the power of joyful energy in the face of unimaginable adversity. Against the backdrop of a world fraught with division and uncertainty, Joanne and Nassim unearth what it means to centre joy, transform trauma, and nurture genuine human connection—even when life takes an abrupt, life-altering turn. Nassim’s candid storytelling offers listeners a visceral journey through her near-death experience, her path to reframing challenges, and the ways optimism can become an unbreakable source of strength.
Nassim is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and self-styled “joy seeker,” who specialises in helping individuals reframe their narratives and uncover opportunities for growth during life’s most difficult periods. Growing up as an Indian woman in New Jersey, Nassim struggled with feelings of otherness and insecurity, despite a naturally joyful outlook. Her trajectory shifted dramatically following a catastrophic accident—being run over three times—an event she not only survived but now regards as a catalyst for reinvention and gratitude. Through her writing, coaching, and public speaking, Nassim inspires others to embrace their vulnerabilities, share their pain, and prioritise meaningful connection and self-compassion as central tenets of wellbeing.
Joanne and Nassim’s conversation delves into the transformative possibilities of reframing trauma—from “baggage” to “badges”—and highlights the importance of authentic vulnerability both in personal recovery and in fostering inclusive, empathetic communities. They reflect on Nassim’s journey from internalised struggle to a new normal, bravely sharing lessons in acceptance, gratitude, and choosing joy despite adversity.
A key takeaway from this episode is the remarkable power of reframing life’s hardest moments as opportunities for connection, growth, and renewal. Listeners are invited to consider how centring joy and authentic connection can not only facilitate personal healing but also ripple out as a force for inclusive change. This episode is a celebration of unbreakable spirits and a resounding call to seek joyful energy, even when the world feels at odds.
📚 Timestamped overview
📚 Timestamped overview
00:00 "Joyful Energy, Breakable Spirit"
05:08 "Finding Joy Through Adversity"
07:44 "Discovering Joy Through Positivity"
12:28 "Surviving a Life-Changing Accident"
14:08 "Unspoken Gratitude for Connections"
18:27 "Surviving the Unbelievable Accident"
20:42 "Forgiveness Despite Her Actions"
23:38 Sadness, Disappointment, and Reconciliation
26:21 Collision, Denial, and Disconnection
32:08 "Memoir of Transformation and Growth"
33:20 "Growth Through Adversity"
39:05 "Be Kinder to Yourself"
41:21 "Power in Tough Moments"
44:55 Grace, Kindness, and Connection
47:25 Authenticity Strengthens Social Connections
51:45 Embracing Change After Brain Injury
52:51 Empathy Through Shared Struggles
56:19 "Fostering Inclusion, Until Next Time"
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🎙️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀: 𝗝𝗼𝘆𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆, 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 🎙️
💥 Ever wondered what it truly means to choose joy—even when life runs you over (quite literally)? Prepare for a powerful perspective shift in just 60 seconds! 💥
This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Nassim Rochette, award-winning author, keynote speaker, and professional ‘joy seeker’. After surviving an unimaginable accident, Nassim radiates optimism and challenges us all to reframe adversity.
Together, we explore:
🔑 Finding joy as resilience—how reframing even the toughest moments can shift your whole outlook.
🔑 Being vulnerable and inclusive—why sharing your story is a tool for breaking down isolation and building belonging.
🔑 Practical ways to turn trauma into growth—discover how Nassim’s ‘Unbreakable Day’ became a celebration, not a setback.
Why Listen?
"Inclusion is about understanding, and this episode is packed with insights to help you create more #PositivePeopleExperiences."
As the host of Inclusion Bites, I release episodes every week to inspire, educate, and challenge perspectives on inclusion and belonging. This short clip is just a taste of what’s to come.
💭 What’s your take? When did reframing a tough moment help you unlock joy, connection, or resilience? Share below 👇—or tell us how you practise living joyfully, even on the not-so-easy days!
🎧 Listen here: https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen
#PositivePeopleExperiences #SmileEngageEducate #InclusionBites #Podcasts #Shorts
#Resilience #JoyfulLeadership #TraumaRecovery #Belonging #PersonalGrowth
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Focus Keyword: Joyful Energy
Video Title: Joyful Energy Sparks Culture Change | #InclusionBitesPodcast
Tags: joyful energy, culture change, inclusion, Positive People Experiences, resilience, personal growth, unbreakable spirit, workplace wellbeing, trauma recovery, diversity, belonging, empathy, mindset shift, reframing, vulnerability, connection, leadership, optimism, empowerment, storytelling, UK podcast, inclusive culture, mental health, transformation, SEE Change Happen
Killer Quote: "We only die once. We live every day. And I want to live every day with that joy." - Nassim Rochette
Hashtags: #JoyfulEnergy, #CultureChange, #InclusionBitesPodcast, #PositivePeopleExperiences, #UnbreakableSpirit, #Resilience, #InclusionMatters, #Wellbeing, #DiversityAndInclusion, #Empowerment, #MindsetShift, #Belonging, #Transformation, #AuthenticConnection, #Optimism, #Leadership, #Reframing, #PersonalGrowth, #SEEChangeHappen, #JoanneLockwood
Summary Description:
Tune into this episode for a vibrant exploration of joyful energy and its power to ignite culture change and foster Positive People Experiences. I sit down with Nassim Rochette, who survived being run over three times and turned adversity into a lesson in resilience and connection. You’ll hear how reframing trauma can inspire inclusion and transformation in every aspect of life and work. Nassim’s story is not just about survival—it’s a call to embrace vulnerability, cultivate joy, and build truly inclusive cultures. Let’s challenge the status quo together, champion wellbeing, and radiate optimism. If you’re driven to spark real change in your team or community, this episode will light your fire. Listen in, reflect, and be part of the movement to disrupt norms through bold, honest conversation. Subscribe now for more insights that challenge, inspire, and unite.
Outro:
Thank you, the listener, for tuning in to Inclusion Bites. If this conversation sparked a bit of joyful energy in you, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel. For more stories that drive culture change and champion Positive People Experiences, head over to SEE Change Happen and don’t miss the full episode at The Inclusion Bites Podcast.
Stay curious, stay kind, and stay inclusive - Joanne Lockwood
ℹ️ Introduction
Welcome to Inclusion Bites, your go-to podcast for fearless conversations that spark meaningful change. In this thought-provoking episode, "Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit," host Joanne Lockwood is joined by the remarkable Nassim Rochette—award-winning author, keynote speaker, and passionate “joy seeker.”
Together, they explore the profound power of reframing adversity and embracing joy, even in life’s most challenging moments. Nassim Rochette shares her extraordinary journey of surviving being run over by a car not once, but three times, and how this pivotal experience reshaped her outlook on gratitude, connection, and personal resilience. Through candid reflections on vulnerability, recovery, and what it truly means to thrive, this episode offers a blend of inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone navigating their own unbreakable day.
Join Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette as they delve into themes of optimism, inclusion, and the human spirit, proving that even the toughest moments can be a source of growth and connection. Whether you seek stories that challenge convention or insights to foster belonging, this episode is bound to leave you uplifted and energised.
💬 Keywords
Inclusion, belonging, societal transformation, joyful energy, adversity, reframing storeys, growth in tough moments, diversity, Ukrainian drone strike, global conflicts, insecurity, Indian origin, not belonging, happiness, trauma, resilience, accident recovery, positive energy, gratitude, vulnerability, mental health, acceptance, strength, learning from adversity, sharing personal journey, kintsugi philosophy, workplace conflicts, meeting people where they are, relationships, guiding principles, kindness, authentic connections
About this Episode
About The Episode:
In this moving and thought-provoking episode, Nassim Rochette reveals how a life-changing accident became the catalyst for discovering unbreakable resilience and cultivating daily joy. With candid insight, she explores the power of reframing traumatic experiences, the necessity of vulnerability, and the transformative effects of gratitude and connection. Tune in to learn how joy isn't merely the absence of hardship, but a conscious practice—even in the wake of great adversity.
Today, we’ll cover:
How childhood experiences of difference and insecurity shape adult resilience and approaches to inclusion.
The profound impact of reframing traumatic events, turning victimhood into empowerment, and transforming an “unbreakable day” from tragedy to triumph.
The role of language and intentional storytelling in altering personal and collective perceptions of adversity.
Practical strategies for fostering positive energy and influencing the emotional climate of relationships and communities.
The significance of accepting help, and how it deepens connections during recovery and growth.
Ways to become more empathetic and supportive when friends or colleagues encounter trauma, including practical communication dos and don’ts.
Actionable advice for embracing change, letting go of self-judgement, and making joy a guiding principle in everyday decisions.
💡 Speaker bios
Joanne Lockwood is the host and creator of Inclusion Bites, a thought-provoking platform dedicated to exploring the heart of inclusion, belonging, and societal transformation. As your engaging guide, Joanne leads listeners on a journey that dares to challenge the status quo, uncovering unseen perspectives and sharing powerful stories that encourage everyone’s right not just to belong, but to thrive. Through bold conversation and genuine connection, she inspires her audience to reflect, take action, and become an active part of the movement towards a more inclusive world. Whether you’re seeking insight over your morning coffee or reflection at the end of the day, Joanne invites you to join in, connect, and make change together.
💡 Speaker bios
Nassim Rochette is a joy-seeker at heart, shaped by a childhood in New Jersey where, as a person of Indian origin, she often felt different and out of place. Despite growing up shy and burdened by insecurity and fear, Nassim was also naturally inclined towards happiness, always searching for joy even as she faced these challenges. Now 54, she reflects on her early experiences as formative, nurturing both her resilience and her enduring optimism.
❇️ Key topics and bullets
Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the "Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit" episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast, with sub-topic bullets arranged under each primary theme:
1. Introduction and Purpose of the Inclusion Bites Podcast
Warm welcome and episode overview by Joanne Lockwood
Encouragement for listeners to engage and contribute
Email and contact information for feedback and participation
2. Guest Introduction: Nassim Rochette
Brief biography of Nassim Rochette: award-winning author, keynote speaker, joy seeker
Highlight of Nassim Rochette’s superpower: radiating joyful energy and inspiring optimism in adversity
3. Cultural and Geographical Context
Discussion of Nassim Rochette’s location (New Jersey, USA)
Comparisons and reflections on life in the UK versus the US
4. Contemporary Global Events and Social Division
Brief conversation around recent world events (Ukrainian drone strike, unrest)
Importance of inclusion amidst societal and political division
5. Joyful Energy: Origins and Meaning
Nassim Rochette’s childhood: duality of happiness and deep insecurity
The experience of otherness and not belonging
Understanding joy as a distinct, intentional pursuit
Importance of positive energy and how it shapes social interactions
6. Transformative Life Events: The ‘Unbreakable Day’
Lead-up to the traumatic accident
Vivid account of the accident: run over by a car three times, details of physical and emotional impact
The driver’s behaviour and aftermath, including legal outcomes
Immediate effects on mental and physical health
Reflection on mortality and the significance of joyful relationships over worldly achievements
7. Coping and Recovery
Acceptance of help and collective healing
Emotional aftermath and journey into therapy and medical support
Reframing trauma as a catalyst for growth and resilience
Lessons learned and positive outcomes from adversity
8. Building Connections and the Power of Vulnerability
Realisation that meaningful connections often require vulnerability and openness
Nassim Rochette’s evolution from self-sufficiency to accepting support
Social media and authenticity: dangers of curating only perfect moments
9. Reframing Trauma and Resilience Building
‘Unbreakable Day’ as an annual reminder and celebration of survivorship
Cognitive reframing techniques to cultivate optimism and resilience
The impact of positive self-talk and narrative on recovery
10. Supporting Others in Times of Need
Practical advice on how to show empathy to those experiencing trauma
Shifting from probing questions to statements of solidarity and support
11. Principles for Navigating Life Post-Trauma
Guidance on making life decisions with joy as a compass
Strategies for handling toxic or energy-draining relationships
‘Turning down the volume’ on negative influences, especially in digital spaces
12. Lasting Effects and New Dimensions of Normality
Nassim Rochette’s physical and psychological adaptations post-accident
Embracing a ‘new normal’ and celebrating personal growth rather than lamenting loss
Kintsugi metaphor: finding beauty in one’s scars and journey
13. Professional and Personal Development
How trauma influenced Nassim Rochette’s work and approach to life
Enhanced capacity for empathy, coaching, and inspirational speaking
14. Resources and Ways to Connect
Information about Nassim Rochette’s book: “The Unexpected Benefits Of Being Run Over”
Means for listeners to reach out (website, social, Amazon, LinkedIn)
Podcast sign-off and invitations for future engagement
This episode delivers a rich exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the pursuit of joy amid adversity—threaded through both personal narrative and actionable insights, embodying the spirit of Inclusion Bites.
The Hook
Ever wondered what really separates those who crumble from those who shine—even after their world is turned upside down? Let’s just say, your next moment of JOY might be hiding inside your greatest challenge. Keep reading. Because everything you think you know about resilience is about to get flipped.
What if your hardest day was actually your launchpad? (No, really—imagine the kind of energy that turns adversity into daily fuel.) This isn’t just about “positive thinking.” It’s about reframing your entire story… and choosing what comes next.
Pause for a second—are you living each day, or just surviving? There’s a difference (and it starts in the smallest, sometimes wildest, reframe). Spoiler: Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when life feels anything but easy.
Is joy a choice, a skill… or a secret weapon? Here’s a peek into the unseen power that shifts fear into possibility—one radical act of perspective at a time. You’ll never look at adversity the same way again.
Stress, setbacks, feeling like the world is a little (or a lot) too much? You’re not alone. The real story? There’s unexpected strength on the other side—if you know where to look. Ready to trade overwhelm for a spark? Let’s dive in.
🗞️ Newsletter
Subject: The Unbreakable Power of Joy – Inclusion Bites Podcast Episode 191 Recap
Hello Inclusion Bites Community,
This week’s episode of Inclusion Bites delivers one of our most heartfelt and powerful conversations yet. Joanne Lockwood welcomes Nassim Rochette, award-winning author and keynote speaker, to discuss “Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit”—a profound exploration into resilience, vulnerability, and optimism in the face of life’s toughest moments.
Episode Highlights:
The Origins of Joyful Resilience:
Nassim Rochette reflects on her journey from a joy-seeking but insecure child of Indian heritage in New Jersey to a woman who channels her energy into spreading hope. She shares, “I had this natural inclination to joy… but I always felt different and like I didn’t belong.”A Life-Altering Event:
In 2018, Nassim Rochette was run over by a car—three times. Her story is not only physically harrowing but emotionally transformative. Instead of letting the trauma define her, she chose to reframe it as her “Unbreakable Day,” focusing on survival, personal growth, and the power of reframing adversity.The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over:
Drawing on her critically acclaimed book, Nassim Rochette explains how surviving such a trauma revealed life’s essential truths: the value of expressing gratitude, the necessity of accepting help, and the profound impact of positive energy. “Accepting help,” she notes, “is another dimension of strength.”From Trauma to Empowerment:
Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette delve into the complex aftermath of trauma, including the challenging responses of others and the journey to self-acceptance. The conversation highlights the importance of meeting people where they are and the empathy that comes from embracing one’s own vulnerabilities.Turning Pain into Purpose:
With characteristic honesty, Nassim Rochette discusses how her capacity for joy, vulnerability, and kindness have become her superpowers. Her powerful insight: “Life is going to change. It doesn’t have to be bad. The words we use and how we talk about it… have a huge impact on how we feel.”
Why Listen?
If you or someone you know is navigating loss, change, or uncertainty, this episode offers a masterclass in emotional resilience, courage, and the transformative force of joy. Joanne Lockwood brings her trademark warmth and candour to a conversation that is as practical as it is inspiring.
Ways to Get Involved:
Listen now and share: Inclusion Bites Podcast, Episode 191
Connect with Nassim Rochette: Visit nassimrochette.com or find her book, The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over, on Amazon (including Audible).
Join the conversation: Have a story or insight to add? Email Joanne Lockwood at jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk.
Thank you for being part of our Inclusion Bites community, where real conversations drive change. Remember: inclusion and joy are contagious—let’s amplify them, one story at a time.
With gratitude,
The Inclusion Bites Team
#InclusionBites #UnbreakableSpirit #JoyfulEnergy
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Inclusion Bites – Disrupting norms, one bold conversation at a time.
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Radiating Joy after Trauma: My Journey on The Inclusion Bites Podcast
It’s not every day one gets to untangle the complexities of resilience and joyful energy with someone as inspiring as Joanne Lockwood on the Inclusion Bites Podcast. When Joanne Lockwood invited me to share my story for episode 191, “Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit”, it felt both an honour and a call to make my experiences mean something to others searching for optimism—especially in adversity.
From the outset, Inclusion Bites stands apart: it’s a beacon for those seeking real conversations that ignite change. Joanne Lockwood set the tone by challenging surface-level small talk and inviting me to dig deep into my formative years, my struggles with belonging growing up in a world where I felt “different”, and ultimately, the accident that transformed my worldview forever.
During our discussion, I was able to explore the roots of my self-described “superpower”—radiating joyful energy, even when life turns upside down. I shared a candid account of my early insecurity and how my nature as a joy-seeker was shaped within a happy, social upbringing, yet dogged by the sense of being an outsider. This duality followed me into adulthood until my life was split into a ‘before-and-after’ following an event seven years ago that tested my spirit in every possible way.
Listeners were given the true story behind my book, The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over. I recounted how, on a seemingly average day, I was run over by a car not once, but three times, surviving an ordeal that most wouldn’t believe. The repercussions weren’t just physical—the emotional journey was seismic. What emerged most powerfully from that trauma was the drive to reframe my narrative: May 21st wasn’t the day I nearly died, it was my “Unbreakable Day”—the day I survived and began my new chapter.
Joanne Lockwood and I spoke at length about the importance of reframing adversity. I was candid about accepting help for the first time, learning how vulnerability is not weakness, and how a growth mindset starts with self-compassion and the language we use. We explored how positive energy can reshape not just one’s own recovery, but lift others—whether that’s letting go of toxic connections or building deeper, more authentic relationships, both personally and online.
As a guest, I found the Inclusion Bites Podcast the perfect platform to challenge the stigma of trauma, and to champion the power of joy as not just a feeling, but a guiding principle. Our conversation, which you can catch on the SEE Change Happen website or wherever you subscribe to podcasts, is an invitation for anyone navigating a difficult moment to rethink what “unbreakable” could mean for them.
If you’re interested in purposeful resilience, actionable lessons from tragedy, and the transformative power of community and kindness, this episode will resonate. I welcome you to join the community that Joanne Lockwood is fostering—one where real stories spark real change.
Listen to the episode, reach out on LinkedIn, or explore more at www.nassimrochette.com. My hope is that, through sharing my journey, others feel emboldened to reframe their own—and to seek, share, and radiate joy, every single day.
Pain Points and Challenges
Certainly. Here are the specific pain points and challenges discussed during this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast, followed by focused content that addresses each issue:
Pain Points & Challenges
Feeling of Not Belonging and Insecurity
Nassim Rochette highlighted growing up as one of the few people of Indian origin in her hometown, leading to prolonged feelings of difference, discomfort, and insecurity.
Trauma and Life-Altering Accidents
Nassim Rochette suffered a highly traumatic accident – being run over three times by a car – which fundamentally changed her life physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Isolation and Lack of Acknowledgement Following Trauma
She experienced a lack of emotional recognition and remorse from the driver involved in her accident, as well as challenges in seeking and receiving support after the event.
Difficulty Accepting Help and Letting Others In
Having come from a culture and household where independence and not asking for help were sources of pride, Nassim Rochette found learning to accept help emotionally challenging.
Challenges in Reframing Negative Experiences
There was an initial struggle to reinterpret the accident as a moment of survival and growth (her “Unbreakable Day”) rather than simply a near-death event.
Loss of Former Capabilities and Redefining ‘Normal’
Following the accident, there was grief about diminished physical and mental capacities, requiring a redefinition of what ‘normal’ now means.
Navigating Social Responses and Conversations about Trauma
People often feel uncomfortable or unsure of how to respond to someone who has experienced trauma, potentially leading to further isolation.
Toxic Relationships, Draining Interactions and Setting Boundaries
The importance of managing proximity to those who do not bring joy (“drains” vs “radiators”), especially on social media and within personal networks.
Addressing These Challenges – Solutions & Insights
1. Combating the Feeling of Not Belonging
Foster Inclusive Spaces: Whether in organisations, communities, or families, acknowledge and celebrate differences rather than treating them as obstacles.
Openly Share Experiences: When those who have struggled with belonging share their stories, it gives others permission and courage to do the same.
2. Managing Trauma and Life-Altering Events
Normalise Support-Seeking: Make it clear that seeking help—whether medical, emotional, or social—is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Provide Trauma-Informed Resources: Ensure return-to-work processes, HR policies, and community responses support trauma survivors with empathy and flexibility.
3. Breaking Isolation After Trauma
Proactive Support & Validation: Encourage bystanders and colleagues to reach out, make statements of care (“I’m thinking of you”), and avoid burdening survivors with ‘How are you?’ when the answer may be complicated.
Address Remorse and Accountability: While legal systems may fall short, organisations and communities can create restorative conversations and acknowledge harm had occurred.
4. Accepting and Inviting Help
Reframe Help as Collective Healing: Accepting help is not just for the benefit of the recipient but also for those who want to assist. It fosters belonging on both sides.
Model Vulnerability: Leaders and role models can share their own stories of accepting help, reducing stigma for others.
5. Reframing Negative Experiences
Language Matters: Name traumatic days in ways that empower, e.g., declaring an “Unbreakable Day” to focus on survival and resilience.
Rituals Around Milestones: Turn anniversaries of difficult moments into opportunities for celebration, gratitude, or reflection.
6. Redefining ‘Normal’ After Loss or Change
Embrace the ‘New Normal’: Rather than mourning lost abilities, encourage the discovery of new skills, strengths, and perspectives gained through adversity.
Individualise Recovery Paths: There is no singular timeline for returning to ‘normal’, and each person’s journey must be respected.
7. Navigating Awkward Social Interactions
Educate on Empathy: Equip teams and communities with language and confidence to offer warmth without expecting disclosure.
Promote Statement over Question: “I’m here for you” is preferable to “How are you?”, thereby reducing emotional labour for the survivor.
8. Managing Energy: Drains vs Radiators
Set Boundaries: Encourage people to “turn down the volume” on those who consistently sap energy, particularly on social media and in real life.
Prioritise Joyful Connections: Make conscious decisions to seek out and nurture interactions that uplift and energise.
Takeaway
The episode makes a compelling case that inclusion, resilience, and joy are choices reinforced by support, reframing, and compassion—for oneself and others. By recognising pain points and responding with practical, human-centred action, we create environments where everyone has the chance to heal and thrive.
To discuss these topics further, connect with Joanne Lockwood or consider joining the conversation on the Inclusion Bites Podcast:
https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen
Or share your story at jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk.
Questions Asked that were insightful
Certainly. The episode "Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit" on The Inclusion Bites Podcast, featuring Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette, contains a wealth of insightful exchanges that could be transformed into FAQs, providing both inspiration and practical guidance to your audience. Here are several standout questions accompanied by responses that lend themselves well to an FAQ format:
FAQs Inspired by the Episode
Q1: How did you discover and cultivate your superpower of radiating joyful energy?
A: Nassim Rochette shared that joy was always a natural inclination, but her journey involved overcoming deep insecurity and not belonging during her early years. Her superpower truly emerged by reframing her story, especially after a traumatic accident, to focus on joy and optimism, which then became a driving force for both her recovery and her life’s work.
Q2: What does it mean to “reframe” a traumatic event such as your Unbreakable Day, and why is language important?
A: Nassim Rochette explained that by calling the day of her accident “Unbreakable Day” instead of focusing on being a victim, she and her family shifted the energy around it. This small linguistic change fostered resilience, celebration of survival, and a more positive outlook on the trauma. Words and stories fundamentally shaped her healing and perspective.
Q3: How did your experience of trauma impact your approach to relationships and connection with others?
A: After her accident, Nassim Rochette realised the importance of expressing appreciation and connection to others, which she hadn’t fully done before. She became far more open, vulnerable, and intentional about telling people they matter—turning hardship into an impetus for deeper human connection.
Q4: When someone experiences something profoundly difficult, what is the best way to support them?
A: Nassim Rochette advised that instead of asking “How are you?”—which can be overwhelming for someone in trauma—make statements of support such as “I’m thinking about you” or “I’m here for you.” This reduces pressure and provides warmth and care without demanding emotional labour from the person in crisis.
Q5: How did you overcome feelings of anger, disappointment, or frustration towards those who hurt you, or failed to show up for you?
A: Nassim Rochette reflected on the idea of “meeting people where they are,” acknowledging that everyone has their own traumas and defence mechanisms, which may prevent them from offering the kindness or apologies we expect. She emphasised grace, non-judgement, and not carrying someone else's burden as key to moving forward.
Q6: What advice would you give listeners for transforming fear of change into action and growth?
A: The central message was to practise kindness towards oneself and to reframe challenges. According to Nassim Rochette, language, mindset, and the stories we craft about our experiences can turn fear (“I can’t”) into capability (“I can”). Celebrate resilience, seek support, and allow yourself to evolve without judgement.
Q7: How did your sense of self and life priorities shift after surviving your accident?
A: Nassim Rochette recounted how survival led to a “day zero” effect—an opportunity to rebuild her life with intention, choosing what to carry forward and letting go of unnecessary baggage. Joy became her guiding principle, influencing her approach to work, relationships, and wellbeing.
Q8: How do you handle relationships or environments that do not contribute to your joy?
A: She recommends “turning the volume down” rather than cutting people off entirely, investing energy where it brings joy, and accepting that not everyone is meant to be on the same journey. Authentic radiance is about seeking out “radiators not drains,” nurturing positive interactions, and practising healthy boundaries.
These FAQs encapsulate the heart of the episode and provide actionable takeaways, making them ideal for ongoing engagement with the Inclusion Bites audience. If you’d like to expand these into fuller guidance notes or resource sheets, let me know!
Blog article based on the episode
Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit: Reframing Adversity on the Inclusion Bites Podcast
Have you ever wondered what it takes to radiate hope and energy when life turns against you in the most unimaginable of ways? How do you square up to adversity, not with bitterness or defeat, but with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose? On this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast, titled “Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit”, host Joanne Lockwood welcomes the exceptional Nassim Rochette, whose journey from trauma to transformation is both humbling and truly inspirational.
Facing the Unthinkable: The Core Problem
Society often celebrates resilience in the abstract—picturesque memes, motivational quotes, the glib notion of ‘bouncing back’. Yet, seldom do we discuss what it looks and feels like when that sentiment is put to the ultimate test. Nassim Rochette brings this conversation out of the shadows and into the sunlight. In a single afternoon, her life changed irrevocably when she was struck and run over not once, but three times, by a car—an event so surreal most struggle to believe it. The result? Life-changing injuries, a shaken sense of security, and the daunting task of piecing together not just her body, but her entire narrative.
It shines a spotlight on a problem that many of us confront in quieter moments: what do we do when control is snatched from our hands, when the world’s chaos invades our hard-won peace? And crucially, how can we regain not just normality, but the capacity to thrive?
Reframing the Narrative: Harnessing Joy as a Superpower
Joanne Lockwood draws out from Nassim Rochette a guiding philosophy—one forged in adversity—that challenges prevailing assumptions. Rather than sinking into anger or endless self-pity, Nassim Rochette demonstrates the power of reframing. “The day of the accident wasn’t going to be the day that almost killed me,” she asserts. “It was going to be the day that I survived.” This conscious reframing, which she and her family fondly refer to as “Unbreakable Day”, lies at the heart of a method that anyone experiencing trauma or significant disruption can apply.
So, what actionable steps can we distil from Nassim Rochette’s powerful testimony?
Actionable Insights to Foster Your Own Joyful Energy
Reframe the Language Around Trauma
Rather than defining challenging events as sources of suffering alone, seek out the narrative that empowers. Nassim Rochette didn’t label her accident as the worst day, but the day she was unbreakable. Ask yourself: How can you rename or redefine your own difficult chapters to reflect survival and strength, rather than loss?
Be Kind to Yourself—And Allow Others In
A remarkable lesson arises from Nassim Rochette’s experience: accepting help is a dimension of strength. “Letting people help is actually another dimension of strength…sometimes it’s about them, because they need to participate in the journey,” she explains. If you’re habitually independent, grant yourself permission to accept support; you are doing a service not only to yourself but to your community.
Share Your Story—Authentically
Authentic vulnerability is vital. Nassim Rochette found that sharing the ‘messier’ parts of her journey—her insecurities, even a youthful suicide attempt—liberated others to open up. Next time you sense isolation creeping in, try reaching out to others with honesty, not a polished highlight reel. Real human connection grows from shared truth, not curated perfection.
Harness Micro-Moments of Joy
Even amidst pain, choose to notice—and amplify—the small good things. Whether it’s the sunlight streaming through your window, or the uncanny resilience of your own breath, these moments compound and energise. As Joanne Lockwood put it, centring joy amidst anxiety and anger changes perception and paves the way for healing.
Meet People Where They Are
Whether you are seeking forgiveness, grappling with a perpetrator’s response, or trying to support a loved one, practice radical empathy. As both speakers reflected, we might never know the traumas or defences of others, but responding with grace rather than judgement preserves your own peace and dignity.
The Broader Message: Inclusion Through Adversity
The themes that ripple through this conversation stretch far beyond any single traumatic event. For champions of diversity and inclusion, Nassim Rochette’s story is a testament to the necessity of creating cultures that make space for the whole, authentic person—flaws, fractures, gold-filled scars and all. Her advocacy for living vulnerably, for radiating energy that uplifts rather than divides, is a clarion call to reject superficial ‘resilience’ and instead strive for deep, sustainable belonging.
Reflect for a moment: If workplaces, schools, and communities took this approach—celebrating the lessons learnt from adversity, encouraging support, reframing setbacks—what kind of transformations might we witness? What if each individual were permitted to be, unapologetically, both broken and glorious?
A Living Legacy and a Call to Presence
Today, Nassim Rochette continues to serve as an award-winning author, coach, and keynote speaker, her wisdom distilled not just in her book, “The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over”, but in every interaction that she brings her joyful energy to. The lived experience she shares on the Inclusion Bites Podcast is a rare, radiant gift, challenging us to re-examine our own responses to challenge—and to find the gold threads in our cracks.
Your Next Step: Join the Conversation, Ignite Joyful Energy
If Nassim Rochette’s journey has moved you, don’t let it end here. Reflect on your own ‘unbreakable’ moments—then share them, reframe them, and allow others to be part of your story. Are you ready to approach adversity not as a thief, but as a harsh but honest teacher? Will you choose to radiate joy, even if you have to make it yourself, moment by miraculous moment?
Join the Inclusion Bites community by subscribing and sharing your own story of resilience and inclusion. Visit https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen, or connect directly with host Joanne Lockwood at jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk.
Let’s ignite the kind of joyful energy and unbreakable spirit that sparks change—together.
Inspired by Nassim Rochette, whose journey embodies the episode’s clarion call: “Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit."
The standout line from this episode
The standout line from this episode comes from Nassim Rochette:
"No, we only die once. We live every day. And I want to live every day with that joy."
This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the episode's theme of resilience, gratitude, and the enduring pursuit of joyful energy, even in the face of adversity.
❓ Questions
Certainly! Here are 10 engaging discussion questions based on the episode "Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit" of the Inclusion Bites Podcast featuring Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette:
How did Nassim Rochette's childhood experiences of feeling different yet joyful shape her approach to adversity and inclusion later in life?
In what ways did reframing the day of her traumatic accident as “Unbreakable Day” empower Nassim Rochette and her loved ones in their healing journey?
How does radiating "joyful energy," as described by Nassim Rochette, affect interpersonal relationships and perceptions during challenging times?
Can the Japanese art of kintsugi—embracing brokenness and rebuilding with visible strength—serve as a useful metaphor for inclusion and belonging? Why or why not?
Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette discussed societal division and the power of conversation. How might storytelling contribute to bridging divides and fostering empathy?
What impact do authentic vulnerability and openness about trauma, such as Nassim Rochette's, have on reducing stigma around mental health struggles?
To what extent is accepting help from others a form of strength, especially for individuals who pride themselves on self-sufficiency?
How can intentional language—reframing negative experiences and adopting positive terminology—alter our perception and response to adversity?
How should we navigate relationships or connections that no longer bring us joy? Is it possible to kindly disengage while still maintaining an inclusive mindset?
Following the episode, what steps could listeners take to express appreciation and recognition for people who have positively impacted their lives, especially those outside their immediate circles?
These questions aim to provoke thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversation about inclusion, resilience, and the transformative power of reframing life’s toughest moments.
FAQs from the Episode
FAQ: Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit – Inclusion Bites Podcast (Episode 191)
1. Who are the speakers in this episode and what are their roles?
This episode features Joanne Lockwood as the host and Nassim Rochette as the guest. Joanne Lockwood is the founder of SEE Change Happen and leads the Inclusion Bites Podcast, while Nassim Rochette is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and "joy seeker" known for helping people reframe their stories and seek growth through adversity.
2. What is the central theme of this episode?
The core focus is on the power of radiating joyful energy and cultivating an unbreakable spirit, particularly in the face of life-changing trauma. The conversation explores how individuals can find joy, reframe their experiences, and move from a place of fear or insecurity to resilience and optimism.
3. What life event is pivotal to Nassim Rochette’s story?
Nassim Rochette discusses a traumatic accident where she was hit and run over by a car three times in 2018, an experience she refers to as her "Unbreakable Day". This event and its aftermath deeply influenced her outlook, her approach to life, and the lessons she shares about resilience, gratitude, and joy.
4. How did Nassim Rochette cope immediately after her accident?
Despite not breaking any bones, Nassim Rochette sustained significant internal injuries and faced a long recovery. She describes the powerful role that reframing played in her healing—choosing to see the day as the one she survived, not the one she almost died. She also highlights the importance of accepting help and being kind to oneself during tough times.
5. What lessons about inclusion and connection emerge from this conversation?
The episode delves into the significance of authentic connection, kindness, and vulnerability. Both speakers reflect on how true inclusion means not just tolerating differences but actively seeking to understand and support others, especially when their experiences, traumas, or coping mechanisms differ from our own.
6. How does Nassim Rochette define and centre joy in her life?
Nassim Rochette positions joy as a guiding principle. She explains that by intentionally focusing on joyful energy and positive reframing, she can inspire optimism in those around her—even in challenging times. The discussion references tools like gratitude, mindful language, and learning from adversity as key ways to cultivate joy.
7. What practical strategies are discussed for reframing trauma and hardship?
The conversation outlines several strategies, including:
Reframing challenging events as survivals or growth opportunities rather than as moments of defeat.
Actively choosing words and narratives that create positive energy.
Celebrating “unbreakable days” to mark resilience rather than collapse into sadness.
Letting go of baggage, accepting help, and focusing on what you can control.
8. What is the Japanese concept of kintsugi, and how does it relate to Nassim Rochette’s journey?
Kintsugi—the practice of mending broken pottery with gold—serves as a metaphor for embracing one’s scars and viewing them as sources of beauty and strength. Nassim Rochette uses this philosophy to describe her own healing and self-acceptance, literally highlighting her scars with gold glitter to find pride in her journey.
9. How can listeners connect with Nassim Rochette or access her resources?
Listeners can purchase Nassim Rochette’s book, "The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over," via Amazon (print or audiobook) or from most book retailers. Her website, nassimrochette.com, offers further information, and she’s also approachable via LinkedIn for coaching and speaking engagements.
10. What key message do the speakers hope listeners will take away?
The central messages are that reframing adversity is possible, joy can be a daily practice even amid suffering, and that meaningful connection, openness, and self-compassion are vital to healing and fostering a more inclusive world.
For more episodes and resources, visit: Inclusion Bites Podcast
Contact: jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk
#InclusionBites #PositivePeopleExperiences
Tell me more about the guest and their views
The guest for this episode is Nassim Rochette, an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and self-described “joy seeker.” Her personal mission is to help people reframe their stories and discover growth even in life’s most challenging moments. Nassim Rochette identifies her superpower as “radiating joyful energy that inspires optimism in the face of adversity,” a quality that’s deeply woven throughout the conversation.
Born and raised in New Jersey, and of Indian heritage, Nassim Rochette spoke candidly about her formative years—being one of the very few people of Indian origin in her town. While she describes an inherently cheerful disposition and a festive upbringing due to her social parents, she also revealed a deep-rooted insecurity and sense of not belonging, which lingered for many years. It wasn’t until her twenties that she began to fully accept her differences and genuinely like herself.
A pivotal focus of the discussion is on the life-altering trauma Nassim Rochette experienced when she was hit and run over three times by a car—a staggering, near-fatal accident she refers to as her “Unbreakable Day.” Despite the severity of her injuries, she astonishingly did not suffer any broken bones but was left with significant physical and emotional scars. She reflected on the immediate aftermath, the lack of remorse from the driver, and her own emotional collapse. This event catalysed substantial transformation in her outlook and sense of self.
Central to Nassim Rochette’s perspective is the concept of joy, not as a fleeting emotion but as a resilient, daily choice. She spoke about the lessons drawn from her trauma, including the imperative of reframing negative experiences—choosing to see her survival, not the victimhood, as the main narrative. This reframing, she believes, alters both personal energy and the reactions of others.
Nassim Rochette openly discussed the power of vulnerability: learning to accept help from others, seeing it as a strength rather than a weakness. She is now passionate about encouraging people to share their struggles, dismantling façades of perfection (especially on social media), and fostering authentic human connections. She understands trauma as a universal human experience, urging others to be kinder to themselves and to recognise the growth that can emerge from adversity.
Her book, The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over, serves both as a memoir and a motivational text, offering ten key lessons from her journey. Among these are the importance of connection, kindness, reframing hardships, and celebrating “Unbreakable Days”—the anniversaries of surviving difficult events, reimagined as moments to honour resilience rather than loss.
To summarise, Nassim Rochette’s views advocate for:
Embracing vulnerability and surrendering perfectionism
The active, intentional pursuit of joy, even in dark times
Reframing trauma as an opportunity for growth and connection
Normalising the sharing of struggles to reduce isolation and promote inclusion
Judging less and meeting others where they are, appreciating everyone’s unseen battles
Her lived experience and energetic philosophy offer a robust template for building personal resilience and spreading inclusive, optimistic energy—qualities at the very heart of the Inclusion Bites Podcast.
Ideas for Future Training and Workshops based on this Episode
Certainly! Drawing inspiration from this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast—Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit with Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette—here are ideas for future training sessions and workshops. Each is rooted in the powerful themes and practical insights shared during the conversation:
1. The Power of Reframing: Transforming Adversity into Joy
Objective: Equip participants with tools to recognise moments of adversity and actively reframe them as opportunities for growth, drawing from Nassim Rochette's experience with “Unbreakable Day.”
Key Activities:
Guided journaling for reframing personal narratives
Group discussion on identifying 'breakable vs. unbreakable' moments
Creative storytelling exercises (Kintsugi-inspired art sessions)
2. Radiating Positive Energy in the Workplace
Objective: Demonstrate how energy and attitude can shape organisational culture and influence teamwork.
Key Activities:
Role-play scenarios exploring the impact of language, tone, and body language
Techniques for amplifying 'radiators' and managing 'drains' in teams
Mindfulness exercises focused on presence and authentic connection
3. Courageous Vulnerability and Connection
Objective: Foster a culture where sharing struggles and weaknesses is seen as a strength, not a liability.
Key Activities:
Safe space sharing circles, modelled after Nassim Rochette's openness about trauma
Practical empathy mapping: responding to grief, trauma, and life changes
Exploring and practising statements versus questions in support conversations
4. Lessons from Trauma: Finding Strength in Support
Objective: Normalise seeking and providing help, and challenge notions of stoicism as a marker of strength.
Key Activities:
Interactive session on balancing self-reliance with community support
Group exercises on identifying personal support networks
Breaking down stigma around mental health and antidepressant use
5. Digital Authenticity: Building Real Resilience Online
Objective: Address the impact of social media on perceptions of strength, vulnerability, and connection.
Key Activities:
Analysing social media profiles for authenticity vs. “plastic vulnerability”
Workshop on balanced sharing: when, how, and why to open up online
Exploring the cost of “turning down the volume” on digital drains
6. Celebrating the Unbreakable: Rites of Survival and Growth
Objective: Teach individuals and teams to mark key turning points—personally and collectively—with ritual and celebration, rather than stigma or avoidance.
Key Activities:
Designing personal or organisational ‘Unbreakable’ days
Framework for commemorating collective adversity (e.g., pandemic resilience)
Group reflection exercises on growth from hardship
7. Joy as a Guiding Principle for Decision-Making
Objective: Enable participants to align everyday and strategic decisions with personal and organisational values centred around joy and purpose.
Key Activities:
Defining and personalising guiding principles
Decision-mapping: stress vs. joy as a compass
Scenario planning for crossroads and growth opportunities
8. Practical Empathy: Meeting Others Where They Are
Objective: Teach the practical skillset needed for truly inclusive and effective communication, especially in moments of misunderstanding or tension.
Key Activities:
Perspective-taking exercises (theory of mind)
Training on holding space, withholding judgment, and offering grace
Deconstructing “surface-level” responses vs. meaningful engagement
Each session can be tailored as a stand-alone workshop, half-day training, or a multi-part development programme. You might also consider incorporating personal storytelling from guests such as Nassim Rochette, who beautifully embodies resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of joyful energy.
Would you like a deeper curriculum outline or specific resources for any of these ideas?
🪡 Threads by Instagram
True strength isn’t in never breaking, but in how we find joy again after the storm. Nassim Rochette’s journey shows that reframing adversity can spark resilience, connection, and new beginnings for us all.
“We only die once—we live every day.” Nassim Rochette’s story reminds us to seek joy and presence, no matter our circumstances. Every moment is a fresh opportunity to belong and thrive.
Facing trauma taught Nassim Rochette that vulnerability is power. Sharing our struggles transforms isolation into belonging and opens the door for authentic connection and support.
Inclusion isn’t just policies; it’s letting people help us heal, too. Nassim Rochette found unexpected strength and community by accepting support—sometimes, letting others in is the bravest thing we can do.
The words we use shape our reality. By renaming her accident “Unbreakable Day,” Nassim Rochette shifted pain into purpose and celebration. How could reframing your story change your world?
Leadership Insights - YouTube Short Video Script on Common Problems for Leaders to Address
Leadership Insights Channel – Reframing Tough Moments for Positive Leadership
Many leaders struggle with supporting their teams during tough times. The common pitfall? Focusing purely on outcomes or processes, while overlooking the emotional landscape.
Here’s what happens: tough moments—be they crises, setbacks, or personal challenges—often leave people feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or judged. If leaders don’t address this, teams can become disengaged or even fractured.
But here’s the insight: Positive energy and reframing can transform these moments. Instead of glossing over difficulties, acknowledge them openly. Lead with empathy—don’t just ask, “How are you?” but say, “I’m thinking of you, I’m here if you need me.” This removes pressure and builds trust.
Reframe difficult events as turning points, not endpoints. Shift the narrative from “we faced a setback” to “we learned and grew.” Encourage your team to share, support each other, and celebrate resilience. Your vulnerability opens the door for others to connect.
Remember: Choose your words carefully and cultivate a culture where people can both struggle and thrive. Leadership isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect—it’s about radiating optimism and facilitating real growth, even on the hardest days.
Take action: the story you tell as a leader will set the tone for your whole team. Make it a story of resilience, empathy, and hope.
SEO Optimised Titles
Run Over 3 Times, No Bones Broken: The Unbreakable Journey to Joyful Living | Nassim @ Self-Employed
10 Life Lessons from Surviving a 3x Car Accident and Transforming Trauma into Joy | Nassim @ Self-Employed
How Energy Feeds Energy: Surviving, Thriving, and Spreading Joy Every Day | Nassim @ Self-Employed
Email Newsletter about this Podcast Episode
Subject: New Episode: Joyful Energy & Unbreakable Spirit—Nassim Rochette’s Incredible Journey
Hi Inclusion Bites Community,
This week’s episode brings you a truly inspiring journey—one filled with resilience, unexpected joy, and a powerful message of hope. Joanne Lockwood sits down with Nassim Rochette, an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and true joy-seeker, for an honest and uplifting conversation you won’t want to miss.
Here are 5 keys you’ll take away from this episode:
The Power of Reframing: Discover how Nassim Rochette transformed the most traumatic day of her life into her “Unbreakable Day”, showing us the profound shift that comes from reframing adversity.
Practical Tools for Resilience: Hear practical steps for embracing change, letting go of fear, and moving from “what if” to “what’s next?”.
The Ripple Effect of Joyful Energy: Learn how our energy influences those around us and how intentionally choosing joy can be both life-changing and contagious.
The Importance of Showing Up: Why being vulnerable and open, especially about struggles, deepens human connection and creates inclusive spaces for belonging.
Empathy in Action: Simple language changes, like offering support instead of asking heavy questions, that make a real difference when someone’s experiencing something tough.
Unique Episode Fact:
In what can only be described as miraculous, Nassim Rochette survived being run over by an SUV three times—including having the tyres travel over her neck and head—with no broken bones. She now wears her scars proudly, even decorating them with gold glitter as a nod to Kintsugi, the Japanese art of embracing imperfection. Talk about redefining “unbreakable”!
Ready to Experience the Episode?
If you’re feeling inspired to dive deeper, listen now on Inclusion Bites. Share with a friend, join the conversation, or reach out directly to jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk if this story sparked something in you—or if you’d like to get involved.
Let’s champion raw, bold conversations together and help ignite more positive people experiences, one story at a time.
Catch you on the next Bite!
Warmly,
The Inclusion Bites Podcast Team
#InclusionBites #PositivePeopleExperiences
Potted Summary
Episode Intro
In this powerful episode of Inclusion Bites, Joanne Lockwood welcomes Nassim Rochette, keynote speaker and author, to share her extraordinary journey of resilience following a life-altering accident. Together, they explore the transformative power of joy, reframing trauma, and harnessing adversity as a catalyst for growth. Their candid conversation provides invaluable insights on vulnerability, belonging, and the true meaning of inclusion, leaving listeners inspired to create positive change in their own lives and communities.
In this conversation we discuss
👉 Joyful resilience
👉 Reframing trauma
👉 The power of connection
Here are a few of our favourite quotable moments
“We only die once. We live every day. And I want to live every day with that joy.”
“Accepting help, letting people help, is actually another dimension of strength.”
“Sometimes the people you think are going to show up for you in your times of need don’t—or don’t show up the way you expect them to show up for you.”
Summary & Call to Action
This episode is a moving exploration of finding joy through hardship, the impact of reframing our life stories, and nurturing authentic connection. If you’re ready to be inspired by courageous vulnerability and practical wisdom for cultivating true belonging, listen to this episode of Inclusion Bites. Join the conversation and discover how joyful energy can truly make an unbreakable spirit. Listen now and ignite your journey towards inclusion!
LinkedIn Poll
Opening Summary for Context
In Episode 191 of Inclusion Bites, "Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit," Nassim Rochette shares her extraordinary journey of surviving an accident and the pivotal role that reframing her story and centring joy played in recovery. Together with Joanne Lockwood, they discuss how mindsets like optimism, self-compassion, authentic connection, and positive energy transform tough moments into sources of growth and purpose in our personal and professional lives.
LinkedIn Poll Question:
Which mindset most helps you navigate adversity at work?
#InclusionBites #Resilience #GrowthMindset #JoyfulEnergy
Poll Options:
1️⃣ Optimism 🌞
2️⃣ Self-Compassion 💙
3️⃣ Authentic Connection 🤝
4️⃣ Positive Energy ⚡
Closing Why Vote
Your voice makes the difference—by voting, you help highlight which approaches organisations and individuals value most when fostering resilience and inclusion. Let’s spark a dialogue on what truly sustains us through challenges!
Highlight the Importance of this topic on LinkedIn
Just listened to the latest episode of Inclusion Bites—“Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit”—and it struck a powerful chord with me. 🌈✨
Hearing Nassim Rochette share her journey of turning profound trauma into optimism and growth is a vital reminder. Our work in HR, People, and EDI isn’t just about policies—it’s about building resilient cultures where everyone truly belongs, especially in the face of adversity.
Key takeaways that matter for our profession:
Reframing adversity as a catalyst for positive change 💡
The power of authentic vulnerability and letting others support us
Acting with empathy, even when people’s responses baffle or disappoint us
Valuing connection over perfection—embracing our “cracks” as part of our strengths
If we want to see real inclusion and genuine wellbeing in the workplace, these conversations are non-negotiable. Let’s keep challenging the norm, centring joy, and showing up for each other.
Thank you Joanne Lockwood and Nassim for igniting such an important dialogue. 👏
#InclusionBites #HR #EDI #Belonging #Leadership #Authenticity
Listen here 👉 https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen
L&D Insights
Certainly! Here’s a concise report for senior leaders, HR, and EDI professionals on the Inclusion Bites Podcast episode “Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit,” hosted by Joanne Lockwood with guest Nassim Rochette.
Key Insights for Senior Leaders, HR & EDI Professionals
🌱 Resilience Through Reframing
Nassim Rochette's journey exemplifies how reframing traumatic or challenging experiences can become a catalyst for personal and organisational growth. Instead of labelling traumatic moments as negative, she embraces them as 'Unbreakable Days'—transforming adversity into meaningful learning opportunities. For HR and EDI leaders, this offers a powerful model for fostering psychological safety and resilience across teams.
🙌 Joy as a Leadership Principle
Joy is not merely a fleeting emotion; Nassim Rochette lives it as an enduring guiding value. The podcast illustrates how joy can be intentionally cultivated and deployed as a leadership strategy—impacting engagement, inclusion, and team energy. EDI professionals might consider how positive language and energy can influence team dynamics and drive more effective, inclusive cultures.
🗣 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection
Both speakers highlight that genuine connection emerges when leaders and professionals are willing to show vulnerability and share real struggles. This depth of authenticity leads to stronger relationships, trust, and psychological safety. EDI and HR leads should encourage communal storytelling and reciprocal empathy, making space for “the whole picture” rather than curated appearances.
🔍 Reassessing ‘Strength’: Accepting Help Is Powerful
A recurring ‘aha moment’ is that strength can mean accepting help and letting others support you. This reframes typically individualistic notions of resilience, reminding listeners that communal healing and collective support are essential to thriving workplaces.
⚡ Reframing Trauma into Actionable Inclusion
The episode sharply contends that everyone has “tough moments”—not simply visible experiences like being run over, but losses, failures, and invisible traumas. The ability to share these stories and listen non-judgementally is fundamental to inclusive practice. HR and EDI leads should create channels for these conversations, recognising that inclusion is about meeting people where they are, not where you’d like them to be.
“Aha Moments” Uncovered
The words and narratives we use about adversity redefine our approach to inclusion, change, and growth.
Letting go of the need to “juggle everything” and showing vulnerability can deepen workplace relationships and enhance psychological safety.
Kindness—both to oneself and others—is a prerequisite for genuine belonging and inclusion.
Positive energy and reframing are not “soft skills,” but practical levers for wellbeing, productivity, and navigating organisational change.
What Should Senior Leaders, HR, and EDI Professionals Do Differently?
🔑 Model Vulnerable Leadership:
Be open about struggles and encourage others to do the same—demonstrate acceptance and normalise “imperfect” conversations.
🔑 Embed Joy and Positive Reframing:
Regularly use positive language, celebrate resilience, and help staff reframe their own stories of adversity as sources of growth.
🔑 Foster Communal Support:
Make it safe and expected to accept help and offer it; challenge cultural beliefs that equate strength solely with independence.
🔑 Enable Real Conversations:
Build spaces (teams, forums, slack channels) for authentic sharing, where colleagues can bring their “whole selves”—not just curated for success.
🔑 Recognise and Honour “Invisible” Trauma:
Train managers and teams to avoid assumptions; teach empathy and meet people where they are, acknowledging hidden struggles.
#SocialMediaHashtags
#JoyfulLeadership
#UnbreakableSpirit
#InclusiveCulture
#VulnerabilityAtWork
#ResilienceReframed
👀 For anyone in HR, EDI, or leadership—this episode is a timely reminder that inclusion goes far beyond policy. It is present in every story we tell, every moment we reframe, and every connection we dare to make.
Glossary of Terms and Phrases
- **Joy Seeker**
Someone who actively pursues joy and optimism, particularly in adverse circumstances. In this episode, Nassim Rochette describes herself as a joy seeker—someone orientated toward reframing life's challenges in a positive light.
- **Unbreakable Day**
A personal term coined by Nassim Rochette signifying the pivotal day of her life-altering accident. It represents reframing what could have been a purely traumatic experience into a moment of strength and survivorship.
- **Reframing**
The psychological strategy of viewing events, especially hardships, through a different, more positive lens. Used frequently to denote how Nassim Rochette altered her perspective on trauma and adversity.
- **Kintsugi**
Referenced as a metaphor for healing, this is the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, making the cracks part of the object’s beauty and history. In the podcast, it symbolises embracing one's scars and celebrating the process of recovery.
- **Energy Feeds Energy**
The notion that the kind of emotional energy one projects—particularly joy or positivity—can perpetuate itself, influencing both the individual and those around them.
- **Trauma Therapist**
A mental health professional specialising in supporting individuals dealing with psychological trauma. Nassim Rochette refers to such support as instrumental in her post-accident recovery.
- **Positive Trajectory**
Instead of marking a traumatic event as a 'negative', Nassim Rochette places it on a continuum of growth and learning, demonstrating how adversity can be a source of unexpected benefits.
- **Inclusive Connection**
The idea, voiced by both Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette, that meaningful relationships require authentic vulnerability and acknowledgment of both joys and struggles.
- **Guiding Principles (of Joy)**
Personal values used to steer decision-making and relationships. For Nassim Rochette, joy is the main touchstone in determining direction and response to conflict or change.
- **Turn the Volume Down**
An analogy used to describe reducing the emotional impact or influence of people or inputs that do not bring joy or value to one’s life—rather than severing connections sharply.
- **Badges, not Baggage**
A reframing device suggested by Nassim Rochette: viewing one’s life challenges and hard-won experiences as achievements to be proud of, rather than burdens carried forward.
- **Authentic Vulnerability**
Being open about genuine struggles or weaknesses rather than presenting a polished, ‘perfect’ persona; seen as crucial for genuine connection and inclusion.
These are concepts and terms embedded in the episode that extend beyond everyday language, particularly in the context of resilience, inclusion, and personal growth.
SEO Optimised YouTube Content
Focus Keyword: Joyful Energy Culture Change
Video Title: Joyful Energy Culture Change: Finding Strength Through Adversity | #InclusionBitesPodcast
Tags: joyful energy, culture change, Positive People Experiences, inclusion, belonging, resilience, Nassim Rochette, Joanne Lockwood, overcoming adversity, unbreakable spirit, diversity, inclusive culture, workplace transformation, reframing trauma, personal growth, survivor storeys, lived experience, mindset shift, emotional intelligence, leadership, empathy, authenticity, mental health, people first, seechangehappen,
Killer Quote: "We only die once. We live every day. And I want to live every day with that joy." – Nassim Rochette
Hashtags: #JoyfulEnergy #CultureChange #InclusionBitesPodcast #PositivePeopleExperiences #Resilience #UnbreakableSpirit #Inclusion #Belonging #MentalHealth #OvercomingAdversity #PersonalGrowth #Diversity #Leadership #Authenticity #Empathy #Podcast #SEEChangeHappen #Wellbeing #PeopleFirst #ReframeYourStorey #InclusiveCulture
Why Listen
Welcome to the latest episode of Inclusion Bites, where we lay bare the transformative power of “Joyful Energy Culture Change” and its critical role in Positive People Experiences. I’m Joanne Lockwood, your host, and as ever, I’m dedicated to igniting real change through unvarnished conversations that disrupt the status quo and nurture true inclusion.
In this episode, I welcome the remarkable Nassim Rochette—a survivor in every sense, an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and most importantly, a joy seeker. Through her personal journey, Nassim reveals the depths of resilience, the power of reframing traumatic events, and the ways in which joy can be harnessed, even in life’s darkest moments. So, why should you listen? This conversation isn’t simply about surviving adversity, it’s about thriving—about choosing optimism and making sense of trauma in a way that empowers others, creates culture change, and redefines “normal” for the better.
Nassim’s storey takes us to the heart of what it means to genuinely belong, to create and sustain inclusive cultures, and to drive transformation on both a personal and organisational level. We delve into why joy isn’t an elusive feeling reserved for the fortunate, but an actionable principle with the power to alter the fabric of our workplaces and relationships. Joyful energy, Nassim says, isn’t about “flowers and rainbows”—it’s about choosing your words, your reactions, and your connections with intent. This is Positive People Experiences not as a slogan, but as a lived reality, especially when adversity threatens to steal our optimism.
From her formative years in New Jersey, feeling “different” due to her Indian heritage, to the vibrant, party-filled weekends that etched happiness deep into her psyche, Nassim’s journey is proof that joy can be cultivated even in the most challenging environments. But hers is not a simple path. She shares with vulnerability how fear and insecurity shadowed her for decades, and how a devastating accident—a car running her over three times—became the ultimate catalyst for reframing her life. Through the lens of her Unbreakable Day, Nassim offers profound lessons in choosing joy, practising daily gratitude, and connecting deeply with people, all of which are foundational to fostering culture change.
Listeners will be enthralled as Nassim discusses her miraculous survival and the aftermath—her physical pain, emotional chaos, and the slow, intentional process of recovery. Yet, it is in this recovery that Nassim uncovers surprising benefits, including new abilities to relate to others, greater empathy, authentic vulnerability, and the powerful acceptance that we can’t control others’ actions but can definitely shape our own responses. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone seeking culture change—whether you’re an HR professional, people leader, D&I advocate, or simply someone who wants to build Positive People Experiences within your community.
What stands out most is Nassim’s insight into the importance of reframing. Instead of seeing the anniversary of her accident as a day to mourn, she and her family celebrate Unbreakable Day, making it a source of strength and a badge of honour, not a mark of trauma. This approach is the essence of culture change—removing stigma, shame, or fear, and celebrating the journey, scars and all. It challenges us to re-examine our own baggage and asks: what can we leave behind, and what must we carry with purpose? Nassim guides us through letting go of the past, practising radical self-kindness, and learning to accept help as a form of strength.
You’ll also hear how Nassim relates her lessons to broader societal change—inclusion, belonging, and reciprocity—arguing that our toughest moments can be transformed into stepping stones that drive deeper human connection. We discuss why authenticity is the key to inclusive culture, and why leaders must model vulnerability and openness if they want to ignite Positive People Experiences across their organisations.
Beyond her personal journey, Nassim’s coaching and public speaking offer tools for anyone navigating crossroads, decision points, or emotional setbacks. She demonstrates that choosing joy, practising empathy, and being authentically present are not theoretical ideals, but practical steps that any individual or organisation can follow. The episode is a true call to action—don’t let adversity close you off. Instead, let it open pathways to workplace transformation, personal resilience, and cultural change.
In summary, this episode is essential listening for anyone serious about creating culture change and embedding Positive People Experiences. It’s more than lived experience—it’s a playbook for living with unbreakable spirit, joyful energy, and deep, meaningful connection. Listen to discover tangible strategies, honest reflections, and actionable insights that will equip you to lead the change in your own world.
Closing Summary and Call to Action
This conversation with Nassim Rochette was as deeply moving as it was enlightening. Let me summarise the key learning points and actionable takeaways so you can apply them to your own life, workplace, or community—in the pursuit of Joyful Energy Culture Change and Positive People Experiences:
Key Learning Points
Reframing Adversity: The central act of renaming the day of trauma—Unbreakable Day—demonstrates that the words we choose can fundamentally change our relationship to events, transforming a source of pain into a platform for resilience and celebration.
Joy as a Guiding Principle: Cultivating joy isn’t reserved for good times—it should be the lens through which we approach daily life, work, and relationships. Ask yourself: Does this bring me joy or stress? Redirect your actions accordingly.
Positive People Experiences: Genuine inclusion and belonging are built on honest connections. Share successes and vulnerabilities alike. Real, lived storeys—as opposed to highlight reels—build trust and community; authenticity is the lifeblood of culture change.
The Power of Vulnerability: Don’t shy away from sharing your struggles. Vulnerability enables others to relate, connect, and support, transforming weakness into strength and fostering a more empathetic culture.
Self-Kindness and Acceptance: Be kind to yourself during transitions. Recognise that “normal” can change, and that letting go of old standards doesn’t diminish your worth or capacity to contribute.
Letting Others Help: Accepting help is not a sign of weakness but another dimension of strength. It allows others to participate in your journey, building deeper bonds and fueling collective healing.
Resilience Through Action: Everyday choices—such as the decision to celebrate survivorship or let go of toxic connections—cultivate resilience. Take active steps to bring more joy into your life and work.
Empathy in Practice: Meet people where they are, recognising that everyone carries unseen traumas and triggers. Avoid judging others’ actions based on your own standards and focus on building bridges, not barriers.
Authenticity on Social Media and Beyond: Resist the temptation to only showcase perfection. Share the full spectrum of your experience. This encourages more authentic relationships and lowers the risk of isolation.
Healing Requires Time and Introspection: Recovery is not linear nor uniform. It’s a process of self-discovery, adjustment, and intentional growth. Regular reflection and reminders—like Nassim’s tattoos—help maintain perspective and focus.
Actionable Insights
Reframe negative or traumatic experiences using positive language and ritual—consider celebrating your “day zero” as a milestone of survival and progress.
Make joy one of your explicit guiding principles and let it influence both small and big decisions.
Foster Positive People Experiences by sharing honest storeys within your team or network; encourage others to do likewise.
Practice self-kindness and allow yourself grace throughout difficult periods; do not compare yourself harshly with your past self.
Encourage and accept help from others, recognising the mutual growth and healing this process enables.
If you find yourself stuck in stress or negativity, evaluate who and what is draining your joy—adjust relationships or situations as needed, perhaps by “turning down the volume.”
Lead culture change by modelling vulnerability, understanding, and empathy in every interaction.
Create private rituals or reminders (journals, tattoos, daily affirmations) to keep your resilience front of mind.
Amplify the voices of those who have lived through adversity in your organisation or community.
Evaluate your social media presence to ensure you are sharing authentically, and support others who do the same.
Invest in continuous personal development around empathy and emotional intelligence.
Seek feedback from those you support—use it to enhance workplace culture and Positive People Experiences.
Emphasise people first; remember everyone’s story matters in driving meaningful culture change.
This episode of Inclusion Bites is a masterclass in how lived experience, radical empathy, and the deliberate pursuit of joy can catalyse culture change personally and collectively. Share these learning points with your network, and keep driving the conversation forward—towards greater inclusion, discovery, and humanity.
Outro
Thank you, the listener, for joining me on this transformative episode of Inclusion Bites. If you found inspiration, resonance, or practical insights, do like and subscribe to the channel for more conversations that challenge ordinary thinking and champion inclusion. For additional resources, speaker contacts, and more about creating Positive People Experiences and culture change, visit our platforms:
SEE Change Happen: https://seechangehappen.co.uk
The Inclusion Bites Podcast: https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen
Let’s keep making change happen—one bite at a time.
Stay curious, stay kind, and stay inclusive - Joanne Lockwood
Root Cause Analyst - Why!
Key Problem Identification
The central problems explored in this episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast are:
Experiences of exclusion and alienation due to visible or invisible differences, and the impact on self-worth and belonging.
Societal and personal barriers to embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and joy, particularly in the aftermath of trauma.
Challenges in effectively supporting others through adversity, owing to discomfort, lack of understanding, or avoidance.
Let’s apply root cause analysis using the 'Five Whys' methodology on each issue.
Problem 1: Exclusion and Feeling of Not Belonging
Why does the feeling of exclusion exist?
Many individuals grow up in environments where they are visibly or culturally different, resulting in a perceived or real lack of belonging.
Why do these differences result in exclusion?
Social systems and communities often have entrenched norms and limited acceptance of diversity, especially in less diverse locales or settings.
Why are norms and acceptance so restricted?
Such restrictions are perpetuated by a lack of exposure, representation, and education regarding different backgrounds or identities.
Why is exposure and education lacking?
Educational systems, media, and family narratives may not prioritise inclusion, thereby maintaining stereotypes and reinforcing status quo.
Why does this status quo persist?
There is an absence of consistent advocacy, leadership, and institutional commitment to structural change for inclusion.
Problem 2: Barriers to Vulnerability, Authenticity, and Joy After Trauma
Why is it difficult to embrace vulnerability and joy following adversity?
Societal expectations equate strength with stoicism, and discourage displays of emotional pain or difference.
Why do these societal expectations exist?
Cultures value resilience and independence, misconstruing help-seeking or openness as weakness.
Why is help-seeking or openness viewed as weakness?
Historical and generational attitudes teach that admitting uncertainty or pain is risky and invites judgement.
Why are these attitudes taught and maintained?
Previous generations may not have had support systems or awareness of mental health, passing down survival mechanisms which no longer serve today's context.
Why haven’t these mechanisms changed more rapidly?
Although discourse around mental health and trauma is growing, many organisations, communities, and media outlets still lag behind in modelling vulnerability and positive transformation.
Problem 3: Challenges in Supporting Others Through Adversity
Why do people struggle to support those experiencing trauma?
There is discomfort and uncertainty about what to say or how to engage, leading to avoidance or inadequate responses.
Why does this discomfort persist?
Society lacks open conversations about grief, trauma, or adversity; emotional literacy remains underdeveloped.
Why is emotional literacy underdeveloped?
Soft skills are undervalued within education and leadership, with more focus placed on technical or transactional abilities.
Why does the undervaluation of soft skills continue?
Cultural bias towards productivity, competition, and individual achievement overshadows communal well-being and empathetic communication.
Why is it challenging to shift this bias?
Systemic change requires buy-in from top leadership and broad societal movements, which evolve slowly unless catalysed by collective action and powerful narratives.
Summary of Findings
The underlying root causes of exclusion and adversity relate to deeply embedded social norms, lack of education and exposure, and insufficient commitment to structural cultural change. Furthermore, the undervaluing of vulnerability and emotional support, and the discomfort surrounding trauma conversations, persist because of historic attitudes and insufficient modelling of inclusive behaviour and language.
Potential Solutions
Champion Diverse Narratives and Voices: Platforms like Inclusion Bites can amplify real stories of difference and resilience, helping normalise vulnerability and cultivate empathy.
Embed Emotional Literacy and Inclusion into Education: Revise curricula and organisational training to centre empathy, active listening, and inclusion as essential.
Promote Leadership Advocacy: Encourage leaders to visibly practise vulnerability, prioritise inclusion, and invest in structural change.
Reframe Adversity and Trauma: Follow examples such as reframing a traumatic event as 'Unbreakable Day' to harness positive energy, self-compassion, and community-building.
Model Compassionate Communication: Offer practical guidance to say "I’m thinking about you, I’m here for you" rather than asking loaded questions or offering platitudes.
By addressing these root causes, communities and workplaces can foster environments where everyone—regardless of background or experience—can belong, heal, and thrive.
Canva Slider Checklist
Slide | Content |
|---|---|
Opening Slide | Building Resilient, Inclusive Cultures: A Five-Point Best Practice Checklist<br>Discover five essential practices to foster joy, resilience, and meaningful connection in your organisation. This checklist enables leaders to champion inclusive environments, prioritise psychological safety, and drive effective people experiences in the face of adversity. |
1 | Reframe Adversity as Opportunity<br>Encourage individuals and teams to reframe setbacks as catalysts for growth, learning, and positive transformation. Words and narratives matter—focusing on progress and survival rather than failure creates energy, engagement, and momentum. |
2 | Normalise Vulnerability and Emotional Honesty<br>Promote a culture where sharing struggles and vulnerability is seen as strength. Emotional openness deepens connection and psychological safety, empowering your workforce to bring their whole selves to work and seek support without stigma. |
3 | Make Joy and Wellbeing Guiding Principles<br>Embed joy, wellbeing, and positive energy at the heart of people policies. Encourage reflection on what truly brings fulfilment and resilience, helping teams to align work with purpose while reducing stress and emotional exhaustion. |
4 | Meet People Where They Are<br>Recognise that each individual’s journey and triggers differ. Drive meaningful connection by understanding context, suspending judgement, and offering flexibility and grace. Inclusive leadership involves empathising before acting and accommodating diverse needs. |
5 | Value Connection Over Perfection<br>Prioritise human connection above polished facades or faultless performance. Celebrate the whole story—not just the successes. Authentic relationships cement belonging and engagement, which are vital to sustaining inclusion and organisational health. |
Closing Slide | Ready to transform your culture? Connect with Joanne Lockwood at SEE Change Happen. Visit seechangehappen.co.uk for actionable strategies and expert guidance to ignite inclusion and belonging. Let’s create workplaces where everyone thrives—reach out and start your journey today. |
6 major topics
Radiating Joy and Grit: Six Transformative Topics from My Conversation with Nassim Rochette
Meta Description: Dive into my energised conversation with Nassim Rochette on Inclusion Bites, as we unpack joyful energy, resilience, trauma, vulnerability, and the unbreakable human spirit—all through the lens of inclusion.
I recently had the privilege of welcoming Nassim Rochette to Inclusion Bites for a discussion that truly lives up to our mission of igniting inclusion. From the first moments, Nassim’s presence was accompanied by an unmistakable sense of joyful energy—her superpower. Our conversation journeyed far beyond the surface, as Nassim recounted her extraordinary survival after being run over three times, and the profound transformation that followed. This encounter was not only about resilience, but also about reframing adversity, unlocking empathetic connections, and finding hope in the darkest days. In this write-up, I’d like to share six major themes that emerged, ones that I believe offer vital lessons for anyone passionate about inclusion, belonging, and personal growth.
Joyful Energy and Optimism: An Unlikely Superpower
Our conversation began with a seemingly simple question: what is it that gives Nassim her unique spark? She described her ability to radiate joyful energy—an inner inclination to happiness, alive even from childhood. Yet, she also shared her deep-seated insecurities growing up as one of the few Indian children in her New Jersey town. Despite feeling different and unsure, joy was a current running beneath her struggles. Curiously, Nassim revealed she only recognised ‘joy’ as her signature emotion later in life, learning that simply centring joy—through words, tone, and intention—could catalyse positive energy not just within herself, but for all those she encounters. Isn’t it fascinating how naming our emotions can shift our power to influence those around us?
Surviving the Unthinkable: Trauma, Perspective, and the Unbreakable Day
Hearing Nassim’s story—surviving being run over not once, but three times—left me stunned. She recounted the trauma with searing clarity, describing how, pinned beneath a car, she was certain she would die. In those harrowing moments, her thoughts turned not to money or accolades, but to the joy she’d shared with her family—and to the things left unsaid to others she cared for. What struck me was Nassim’s choice to redefine the anniversary of that life-altering event as her 'Unbreakable Day'. By changing the narrative from victimhood to survival and celebration, she reclaimed control and imparted hope. How many of us have the courage to reframe our hardest moments in such empowering terms?
The Power of Reframing: Transforming Adversity into Growth
A key thread throughout our dialogue was the practice of reframing—consciously recasting setbacks as opportunities for learning and evolution. Nassim and I reflected on how words create worlds: by calling a traumatic experience “Unbreakable Day”, she created a touchstone for resilience, not sorrow. She acknowledged that reframing is both art and intentional act—one that fuels forward momentum and healthy energy, even when life feels anything but easy. This approach doesn’t diminish hardship, but instead dignifies it, transforming baggage into hard-won badges of growth. What might you reframe in your own journey, to find purpose within pain?
Vulnerability as Strength: Sharing the Unseen
Far from shying away from the deeply personal, Nassim was forthright about her struggles, from childhood insecurities to a past suicide attempt. Her openness is part of a broader philosophy: when we bravely reveal our true stories, we grant others permission to do the same, forging powerful bonds of inclusion and empathy. Nassim likened her experience to the Japanese art of kintsugi—the process of mending broken pottery with gold, making it more beautiful for its imperfections. She even put gold glitter on her scars to embrace this metaphor. Curiously, she remarked that sharing vulnerability isn’t about seeking pity, but about connecting authentically, so our ‘cracks’ become sites of beauty and community. Who might you empower by sharing your own vulnerabilities?
Empathy in Action: Connection, Kindness, and Acceptance
Inclusion is, at its heart, about building connection. We discussed how Nassim’s trauma deepened her empathy—altering the way she interacts during moments of grief, loss, and challenge. She stressed the importance of not asking those in pain “how are you?”—a question loaded with expectation and complexity—but instead offering affirming statements like, “I’m thinking of you.” Nassim also recounted her realisation that not everyone can show up for us as we might hope, often due to their own hidden traumas. Acceptance, then, becomes a liberating practice, giving us the grace to meet people where they are—even if that means letting them go. Isn’t it curious how true empathy thrives not on problem-solving, but on presence and understanding?
Guiding Principles for Decision-Making: Joy as a Compass
The final theme that echoed was the idea of using core values—in Nassim’s case, joy—as a guide for key decisions and relationships. She spoke about actively choosing environments, people, and experiences that nurture joy, and gently stepping away from those that drain it. Together, we mused on the phrase “hang out with radiators, not drains”—an apt reminder for anyone seeking sustained wellbeing. It begs the question: in both personal and professional settings, are we tuned in to what genuinely uplifts us, and do we grant ourselves permission to seek more of it?
Reframing Adversity, Celebrating Joy—For a More Inclusive World
Reflecting on my conversation with Nassim Rochette, I am reminded of how vital it is to anchor inclusion in everyday practice—through joyful energy, vulnerability, reframing, and deep empathy. As we continue to build cultures of belonging, let’s remember that joyful energy is not simply an individual trait, but a catalysing force for teams and communities. If you’re curious to hear more from changemakers like Nassim, or to share your own story, subscribe to Inclusion Bites, connect with me at jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk, or visit https://seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen. Inclusion driven by joyful energy is not just possible—it’s transformative.
Slogans and Image Prompts
Absolutely! Here are standout slogans, soundbites, and quotes sourced directly from the transcript of the Inclusion Bites Podcast episode "Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit" with Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette. Each is paired with a detailed AI image generation prompt suitable for mugs, t-shirts, stickers, and shareable hashtags, designed to be both memorable and visually striking.
1. "Radiate Joyful Energy"
Ideal for: T-shirts, mugs, stickers, hashtags (#RadiateJoyfulEnergy)
AI Image Prompt:
A vibrant, smiling person standing confidently, surrounded by glowing, swirling trails of golden light and pastel colours, emanating outward—conveying “joyful energy.” The background is optimistic and sunlit, with subtle sparkles or abstract patterns highlighting positivity and dynamism.
2. "Unbreakable Day"
Ideal for: Mugs, t-shirts, desk plaques, hashtags (#UnbreakableDay)
AI Image Prompt:
A sunrise breaking over a rugged mountain peak, with the text “Unbreakable Day” in bold, uplifting font. Subtle gold kintsugi lines traverse the rocks, symbolising both strength and beauty in mending. The mood is hopeful and triumphant.
3. "Joy Feeds Joy"
Ideal for: Stickers, mugs, wall art, hashtags (#JoyFeedsJoy)
AI Image Prompt:
A circular motif where animated, cheerful faces, sun motifs, or hearts feed into each other in a seamless loop. Colours are warm, energetic, and inviting. The phrase “Joy Feeds Joy” winds around the circle, radiating positivity.
4. "From Broken to Beautiful"
Ideal for: T-shirts, notebooks, prints, hashtags (#FromBrokenToBeautiful)
AI Image Prompt:
A porcelain vase, visibly cracked, mended with shimmering gold in the Japanese kintsugi style, set against a soft, light background. A subtle bloom of flowers emerges from the vase, symbolising growth and transformation. The phrase “From Broken to Beautiful” overlays the image in elegant script.
5. "We Only Die Once—We Live Every Day"
Ideal for: Mugs, posters, stickers, hashtags (#LiveEveryDay)
AI Image Prompt:
An animated duo reminiscent of classic cartoon characters (evoking the spirit of Snoopy and Charlie Brown), sitting side by side beneath a blossoming tree, looking at a bright horizon. The phrase is split above and below the pair, in a playful, heartening font.
6. "Turn the Volume Down on Drains, Up on Radiators"
Ideal for: T-shirts, mugs, stickers, hashtags (#RadiatorsNotDrains)
AI Image Prompt:
Cartoon characters: one figure depicted as a “radiator” joyfully emitting warmth and light, the other as a “drain” sullenly leaking dull water. The joyful character shines, while the other fades into the background. A stylised volume control graphic indicates turning up the radiant energy.
7. "Celebrate Surviving, Not Just Survived"
Ideal for: Mugs, badges, t-shirts, hashtags (#CelebrateSurviving)
AI Image Prompt:
A silhouette of a person standing with arms raised in triumph atop a small hill, surrounded by friends or family figures, confetti and abstract bursts of colour. The focus is on active celebration, movement, and connectedness.
8. "Kindness is Stronger than Anger"
Ideal for: Stickers, mugs, desk prints, hashtags (#KindnessStronger)
AI Image Prompt:
Contrasting hands: one clenched in a fist, dissolving into gentle, open palms offering flowers or a heart. Warm, soft colours dominate. “Kindness is Stronger than Anger” is written in modern, friendly hand lettering.
9. "Wear Your Scars with Gold"
Ideal for: T-shirts, jewellery, stickers, hashtags (#ScarsWithGold)
AI Image Prompt:
Close-up of skin or a heart-shaped graphic with delicate gold kintsugi-like seams, glowing gently. The phrase “Wear Your Scars with Gold” in an elegant, resilient script overlays the image.
10. "Energy Feeds Energy"
Ideal for: Gym wear, coffee cups, stickers, hashtags (#EnergyFeedsEnergy)
AI Image Prompt:
Abstract waves or pulses of vibrant energy in swirling rainbow colours, interlocking and multiplying as they move outward. The phrase “Energy Feeds Energy” set in dynamic, bold typeface across the centre.
These phrases encapsulate the spirit of Nassim Rochette’s story and the Inclusion Bites ethos, turning podcast wisdom into visually inspiring keepsakes.
Inclusion Bites Spotlight
Nassim Rochette, our guest on Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit, this month’s Inclusion Bits Spotlight feature from The Inclusion Bites Podcast, brings an extraordinary narrative of resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of reframing adversity. As an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and joy seeker, Nassim Rochette channels her lived experience of survival and recovery following an unimaginable accident—being run over by a car three times—into a wider conversation about optimism, belonging, and human connection.
From her upbringing as a joyful yet deeply insecure child of Indian heritage in New Jersey, to her professional success at Microsoft and her subsequent life-altering incident, Nassim Rochette models how joy and gratitude can be cultivated even in the aftermath of trauma. Her candid reflections with host Joanne Lockwood dismantle the myth that strength resides in stoicism or perfection. Instead, they illuminate the power in embracing vulnerability, accepting help, and reframing the ‘hardest days’ as moments of survival, growth, and even celebration—what she calls her “Unbreakable Day.”
Central to Nassim Rochette’s message is the notion that lessons learned through adversity are universally relevant. She urges us to re-examine the language and stories we tell ourselves—transforming pain into possibility, reframing ‘baggage’ as earned ‘badges’, and allowing joy to become a guiding principle even for those who feel broken or marginalised. Her approach to inclusion is deeply empathetic: acknowledging unseen traumas in others, meeting people where they are, and advocating for a culture of authentic connection and kindness over judgement or perfectionism.
On this episode, Nassim Rochette shares practical wisdom for fostering true inclusion—both within ourselves and in our communities. She challenges us to re-centre joy, to embrace our imperfections, and to create spaces where everyone can belong, heal, and thrive. Her story offers not only inspiration, but tangible tools for navigating change, supporting one another, and prioritising wellbeing in the face of adversity.
Join us for this powerful exploration of human spirit, as we spotlight Nassim Rochette and her journey from adversity to advocacy. Her insights will leave you reflecting on how we can each contribute to a more joyful, resilient, and inclusive world.
YouTube Description
Can Joy Survive Adversity? | Nassim Rochette’s Unbreakable Spirit – Inclusion Bites Podcast
What if the worst day of your life could become the catalyst for your greatest transformation? In this bold and challenging episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast, host Joanne Lockwood sits down with award-winning author and keynote speaker Nassim Rochette, whose very existence is a testament to the power of joyful energy and an unbreakable spirit.
Discover how Nassim Rochette – hit and run over by a car three times – reframed her trauma, turned profound adversity into a wellspring of optimism, and ultimately inspired thousands to redefine what’s possible after life-altering events. Drawing from her memoir, The Unexpected Benefits Of Being Run Over, Nassim Rochette delves into reframing trauma, embracing vulnerability, and harnessing the contagious power of joy as an act of resilience.
Why watch?
Uncover the psychology behind reframing pain into purpose
Learn actionable strategies for building inclusive, compassionate connections
Examine how language, mindset, and self-kindness empower us to thrive against the odds
Hear candid reflections on trauma, mental health, and the wisdom that comes only from surviving the unimaginable
By the end of this episode, you’ll think differently about adversity, feel called to bring more empathy and joy into your circles, and act by creating more affirming, humane spaces for all—yourself included.
Key Takeaways & Actions:
Reframe your narrative: Shift “why me?” to “what now?” and unlock potential growth after adversity
Accept help: Recognise that allowing others to support you demonstrates strength, not weakness
Spread kindness: Intentional words and presence can transform someone’s experience of belonging
Curate your environment: Choose radiators, not drains, for a more joyful, resilient life
Share vulnerably: Authenticity builds trust and opens the door for connections and communal healing
Ready to ignite joyful change in yourself and others? Subscribe, share this episode, and join the #InclusionBites movement for bold conversations that challenge, inspire, and drive real inclusion.
#InclusionBites #UnbreakableSpirit #JoyfulEnergy #TraumaRecovery #Belonging #InclusiveLeadership #GrowthMindset #MentalHealthMatters #PositiveResilience #EmpathyInAction
Listen to more inspiring episodes at seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen
Connect or share your story: jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk
10 Question Quiz
Quiz: Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit — Host Reflections
1. What does Joanne Lockwood describe as the core mission of the Inclusion Bites Podcast?
A) Entertainment and humour
B) Deep exploration of inclusion and belonging
C) Celebrity interviews
D) Technical discussions about workplace technology
2. According to Joanne Lockwood, what is necessary for driving change and fostering inclusion?
A) Avoiding difficult conversations
B) Sharing untold stories and challenging the status quo
C) Relying only on personal experience
D) Focusing exclusively on policy changes
3. How does Joanne Lockwood encourage audience participation in the podcast?
A) Through online polls
B) By urging listeners to email insights or ask to join as guests
C) With text message requests
D) Through in-person workshops
4. In Joanne Lockwood's introduction, how does she invite listeners into the podcast experience?
A) By promising exclusive behind-the-scenes content
B) By creating a sanctuary for bold, inclusive conversations
C) By listing all upcoming guests every episode
D) By reciting motivational quotes only
5. When reflecting on the state of the world, Joanne Lockwood suggests what strategy for overcoming division?
A) Avoid confronting difficult topics
B) Throwing rocks at each other
C) Bringing people together at a table for conversation
D) Posting opinions on social media only
6. Which metaphor does Joanne Lockwood use when describing her own and Nassim Rochette’s approach to embracing joy?
A) "Happiness is a treasure chest"
B) "Turning up the volume on joy and down on anger"
C) "Life is a waiting game"
D) "Happiness is a lottery"
7. What is Joanne Lockwood's stance on dealing with individuals who drain one’s energy?
A) Confront them directly and aggressively
B) Completely ignore them in all settings
C) Turn down their volume and focus on radiators, not drains
D) Try to win them over at all costs
8. How does Joanne Lockwood view the concept of social media connection?
A) She believes in blocking anyone who disagrees
B) She values authentic connection and vulnerability over superficial perfection
C) Only positive, filtered portrayals should be shared
D) Social media is not important for inclusion
9. Which approach does Joanne Lockwood recommend for handling life’s accumulations and baggage?
A) Hold on to everything for security
B) Start from zero and intentionally choose what to carry forward
C) Focus only on accumulating more
D) Disregard reflection and intentionality
10. How does Joanne Lockwood sum up the lesson learned from Nassim Rochette’s experience regarding people’s reactions to trauma?
A) Everyone will respond with empathy
B) You should expect consistency from all relationships
C) Meet people where they are, as you cannot know their internal battles
D) Withdraw from anyone struggling to respond
Answer Key with Rationales
B – Joanne Lockwood explicitly outlines the podcast’s purpose as deep explorations into inclusion, belonging, and societal transformation.
B – She emphasises bold conversations, sharing untold stories, and challenging the status quo as drivers for change.
B – Joanne Lockwood urges listeners to actively participate by emailing their insights or requesting to join as guests.
B – She creates a welcoming space for “bold conversations that spark change,” referring to it as a sanctuary.
C – Joanne Lockwood uses the metaphor of “getting around the table,” advocating dialogue over division.
B – She describes centring joy as akin to “turning up the volume” on it, referencing “Inside Out” and how joy became the lead character.
C – Joanne Lockwood uses the phrase “turn the volume down” on drains and “hang out with radiators, not drains,” highlighting energy conservation.
B – She stresses the value of authentic vulnerability and warns against becoming ‘unsympathetic characters’ by only sharing superficial or filtered content.
B – Joanne Lockwood reflects on the power of starting “from nothing” and choosing with intention what to add back into life, rather than clinging to all accumulated baggage.
C – She and Nassim Rochette discuss the necessity of meeting people where they are, recognising unseen traumas and triggers.
Summary Paragraph
Throughout this episode, Joanne Lockwood anchors her hosting in the heart of inclusion, drawing listeners into deep explorations that challenge prevailing norms and foster true belonging. By inviting audience participation and emphasising the power of bold, courageous conversations, she creates a welcoming environment—what she calls a sanctuary—where untold stories can catalyse change. Her advocacy for dialogue over division is clear; real progress is made around the table, not across barriers. Joanne Lockwood highlights the potency of centring joy, turning up its “volume” to reframe adversity, while recommending a discerning approach to relationships: focus on those who radiate energy and gently turn down the influence of “drains.” Her perspective on social media underscores authentic vulnerability, warning that curated perfection can distance us from genuine connection. She also encourages intentionality, suggesting that we consciously choose the values and relationships we carry forward. Ultimately, Joanne Lockwood’s reflections reveal that inclusion requires meeting people where they are, appreciating that everyone’s internal battles are often invisible, and embracing the transformative force of truly listening and connecting.
Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm Podcast Poetry
Unbreakable Joy
On blinding days when hope is low,
And sorrow’s wind decides to blow,
There echoes still a lighter art—
The ageless spark that lifts the heart.
When difference weaves its silent thread,
And lonely thoughts invade the head,
Compassion forms a bridge anew,
Extending warmth from me to you.
In moments where our stories break,
Adrift upon the grief we make,
A joyful current pulses through,
Reviving faith—creating view.
Strength may seem an iron shield,
Yet true resilience is revealed
When letting others help, we learn:
In giving grace, the tides may turn.
Life’s cruel twists may fracture bone,
Or leave us gathering the unknown;
But gold on cracks proclaims the tale—
That living through it, we prevail.
Each day a gift, not just survived—
But cherished, felt, and truly lived.
Let joy become a guiding name
And kindness, always, shape the frame.
So meet the world with candid eyes,
Let burdens lessen—rise and rise.
For every story, joy can start—
With hope and openness of heart.
Discover more and share the light—
Bring others with you to insight.
with thanks to Nassim Rochette for a fascinating podcast episode
Key Learnings
Key Learning and Takeaway:
The central insight from this episode of Inclusion Bites Podcast is the transformative power of reframing adversity. Nassim Rochette’s experience—surviving an unimaginable traumatic event and emerging with a focus on joy—highlights how shifting perspective, embracing vulnerability, and choosing compassion over bitterness enables both deep healing and stronger human connections. Joy is not just a fleeting feeling, but a deliberate stance that shapes resilience, lifts others, and constructs true belonging in the face of hardship.
Point #1: The Strength of Reframing
By renaming her accident as "Unbreakable Day," Nassim Rochette demonstrates how powerful it is to reframe traumatic experiences. This act turns a narrative of survival into one of thriving and gratitude, reminding us that language and mindset can profoundly alter the trajectory of our recovery and growth.
Point #2: Vulnerability Enables Connection
Sharing struggles openly, rather than hiding them, builds bridges rather than barriers. Nassim Rochette learned that vulnerability is not weakness—it is the foundation of authentic connections and helps others feel seen, understood, and empowered to share their own stories.
Point #3: Acceptance and Letting Go
Not everyone will respond as we wish. Whether it’s the remorse we hope for or the support we expect, the actions of others are often shaped by their own trauma. Meeting people where they are—and letting go of judgement—frees us from resentment and allows more space for joy.
Point #4: Leading with Joy and Purpose
Joy can be a practice and a guiding principle. Choosing to focus on what brings joy, whilst having compassion for oneself and others, ensures that adverse events do not define us. Nassim Rochette shows that leading with joyful energy sustains optimism and resilience, both personally and in the wider community.
Maxims to live by…
Maxims for a Joyful, Unbreakable Life
Radiate Joyful Energy: Let positivity be your default, even in adversity. The energy you emit shapes the experience of others and yourself.
Live Every Day, Not Just Once: Embrace each moment. Life is not about a single existence, but about making every day count joyfully.
Seek Connection Over Division: Prioritise coming together, having open conversations, and building bridges rather than walls between people.
Acknowledge Difference as Strength: Value what makes you and others unique. Belonging arises when difference is embraced, not hidden.
Let Past Insecurity Fuel Compassion: Use your own experiences of feeling different or insecure to uplift and support others who feel the same.
Learn from Life’s Tough Moments: Treat adversity as a powerful teacher. Difficult events and trauma contain profound lessons that can lead to growth.
Reframe Your Story: The way you describe and think about life events—especially the hardest ones—shapes your reality. Call a traumatic day your “Unbreakable Day” and let it mark resilience, not defeat.
Presence Trumps Perfection: Showing up for people with sincerity is more valuable than always having the right words or gestures.
Express Appreciation Liberally: Don’t leave kindness or gratitude unsaid. Make it a habit to tell people their impact on your life.
Let Others Help You: Accepting support is a courageous act and allows others the grace and opportunity to contribute.
Kindness Over Judgement: Replace criticism with empathy, especially when you don’t know the full context of another’s behaviour.
Meet People Where They Are: Suspend judgement and aim to understand what may be going on in someone else’s life before reacting to their actions.
Celebrate Survival and Transformation: Mark the days you overcame hardship not as losses but as milestones of your unbreakable spirit.
Your Scars Are Gold: Reflect on the Japanese art of kintsugi—let your scars and cracks be filled with gold, making you more beautiful for your journey, not less.
Authenticity Builds Real Connection: Share your struggles and vulnerabilities. True inclusion and belonging come when the façade drops.
Choose the Baggage You Carry: After setbacks, consciously decide which lessons and relationships to keep, and which to let go.
Turn the Volume Down on Negativity: Conserve your energy by reducing exposure to people and influences that drain, not uplift.
Guide Your Actions by Joy: Let your decisions, relationships, and commitments be guided by what brings you genuine happiness.
Be Kind to Yourself: Grant yourself permission to heal, grow, and change without harsh self-judgement.
Recognise the Strength in Vulnerability: Your openness and ability to share pain and growth are hallmarks of true resilience.
Know That Everyone Has an Unbreakable Story: Everyone faces something. Approach others with curiosity, kindness, and the awareness that invisible battles shape us all.
Remain Intentional About Growth: Practise gratitude, reflection, and joyful living purposefully—these are continual choices, not permanent states.
Focus on What You Can Control: Let go of the rest. Drive change where you can, and don’t dwell where you cannot.
Carry these maxims as a toolkit—for yourself, your relationships, and your community—on the journey to building a more inclusive and joyful world.
Extended YouTube Description
Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit | Inclusion Bites Podcast EP.191 — Powerful Stories of Resilience & Belonging
Welcome to episode 191 of the Inclusion Bites Podcast—your go-to destination for bold conversations that ignite change and champion inclusive culture! Join host Joanne Lockwood and inspirational guest Nassim Rochette, an award-winning author and keynote speaker, as they share transformative insights drawn from Nassim's extraordinary journey of survival, joy, and unbreakable spirit.
Timestamps for Easy Navigation:
00:00 – Introduction: Why Inclusion Bites Matters
01:22 – Guest Welcome: Meet Nassim Rochette
04:45 – The Power of Joy: Childhood to Adulthood
09:00 – The Life-Changing Accident: Unbreakable Day Unveiled
21:16 – Navigating Trauma & Emotional Healing
31:00 – Reframing Stories: Creating Positive Energy
41:15 – Lessons in Acceptance, Vulnerability & Connection
47:30 – Harnessing Joy for Daily Life and Resilience
54:50 – Closing Reflections and Where to Connect
Key Topics & Episode Takeaways:
Resilience Through Adversity: Nassim Rochette shares her harrowing yet inspiring experience of being run over three times and how reframing this trauma became her "Unbreakable Day," transforming pain into growth and opportunity.
Joyful Energy & Positive Mindset: Discover how cultivating optimism, even in the darkest times, leads to personal empowerment and connection. Both Joanne Lockwood and Nassim Rochette illuminate practical strategies for seeking and radiating joy, fostering wellbeing and team cohesion.
Reframing Your Story: The episode demonstrates, with real-life examples, how language and perspective shape your narrative, impact your energy, and enhance belonging—vital for HR professionals, diversity advocates, and anyone driving cultural change.
Vulnerability & Authentic Connections: Learn why openly sharing struggles fosters deeper relationships and inclusivity, shattering the myth that perfection is prerequisite for leadership or influence.
Actionable Inclusion Strategies: Tackle challenging conversations, build empathetic workplaces, and boost resilience with specific advice rooted in lived experience. See how meeting people ‘where they are’ strengthens trust and productivity.
Why Watch?
Whether you’re leading a workplace, facilitating diversity initiatives, or simply seeking to enrich your own mindset, this episode offers invaluable guidance you can implement today. The insights here help you:
Boost mental resilience and wellbeing
Communicate more authentically with your teams
Transform adversity into growth (for yourself and others)
Make inclusion and belonging active elements of your daily strategy
Call to Action:
🔔 Subscribe for more actionable insights on workplace wellbeing, resilience, and inclusion!
🌏 Visit our website for resources and episodes: seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen
💬 Share your story or join the discussion: Email Joanne Lockwood at jo.lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk
▶️ Watch our related videos to deepen understanding on diversity, trauma recovery, and positive organisational culture.
Suggested Hashtags:
#InclusionBites #Resilience #JoyfulEnergy #UnbreakableSpirit #Belonging #InclusiveCulture #WorkplaceWellbeing #DiversityAndInclusion #ReframingStory #PositivePeopleExperiences #MentalHealth #LeadershipDevelopment
Your journey to transformative inclusion and resilience starts here—join the #InclusionBites community and be a catalyst for change!
Substack Post
Joyful Energy and Unbreakable Spirit: Reframing Resilience in Our Inclusive Cultures
Have you ever paused to consider what truly binds us together in our workplaces and wider communities? For all our talk of inclusion and belonging, many of us—at every level of the organisation—still wrestle with the reality of uncertainty, adversity, and the sometimes overwhelming sense that differences set us apart. What if the secret to workplace belonging lies not in hiding our vulnerabilities, but in embracing and sharing them with joyful honesty?
This week on the Inclusion Bites Podcast, I had the privilege of welcoming the remarkable Nassim Rochette to the mic. Nassim is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and—perhaps most notably—a self-described “joy seeker” who radiates optimism even in the face of life’s most daunting challenges. Our conversation, captured in episode 191, Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit, dives headfirst into what it means to build truly resilient, inclusive cultures by embracing both the light and shade of our personal journeys.
The Heart of the Matter: Joy, Trauma, and Inclusive Growth
In this episode, Nassim Rochette and I explore the messier side of belonging—how difference, pain, and even tragedy can become gold seams running through the tapestry of our organisational cultures. Nassim shares her story with a candour that left me moved and inspired: as someone of Indian heritage growing up in a predominantly white American suburb, she was acutely aware from an early age what it feels like to stand on the outside looking in.
But it wasn’t just her childhood that shaped her perspective. Seven years ago, Nassim survived a traumatic accident—being run over three times by a car. Rather than retreat into bitterness or rage, she reframed this profound moment of adversity as her “Unbreakable Day”, turning it into a springboard for joy, gratitude, and a deeper connection with those around her.
Nassim’s candidness about her vulnerabilities is especially relevant for HR professionals, D&I leaders, Talent and Recruitment heads, and those in Learning and Development. What if, instead of promoting relentless perfection, we taught our people the strength of reframing their toughest challenges? Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of joyous resilience—a principle at the heart of inclusive leadership.
Practical Wisdom You Can Carry: Lessons from Nassim's Story
It’s easy to talk about inclusion as an abstract; it’s far less comfortable to sit with the rawness of lived experience. Here are some key lessons from our discussion that can inform your practice and personal approach to inclusion:
Reframe Adversity as Growth
Nassim’s “Unbreakable Day” is a powerful metaphor. Instead of marking traumatic experiences as the days that almost broke us, why not choose to see them as the days we discovered our resilience? This mindset shift is invaluable for individuals, teams, and organisations facing change, uncertainty, or even failure.
Invite and Accept Help—It’s a Mark of Strength, Not Weakness
Too often, high achievers resist support, equating independence with capability. Nassim’s journey showed me that accepting help allows others to participate in our healing. In a DEI context, this invites shared ownership of culture. Inclusion is a collaborative act, not a solo mission.
Make Joy an Intentional Practice
As leaders, we set the tone. By checking in with ourselves—“Does this bring me joy or stress?”—we can steer our cultures towards lightness, enthusiasm, and purposeful energy, even in difficult moments. Small acts of joy become contagious, influencing team morale and psychological safety.
Turn Pain into Empathy and Connection
Traumatic experiences don’t have to harden us. Nassim spoke about how her struggles gave her a richer capacity for empathy. As the workplace grows ever more diverse, our ability to connect through shared adversity is a powerful catalyst for belonging and psychological safety.
Tell the Whole Story, Not Just the Highlights
Perfection is the enemy of authentic connection. On social media and in the office alike, we can build stronger cultures by sharing the messy, unfinished chapters of our stories—not just the “best bits”. Nassim’s honesty about ongoing vulnerabilities invites others to open up, too.
A Window Into Nassim’s World: [Audiogram Highlight]
I know many of us are short on time, so I’m delighted to share a brief audiogram that distils the energy and spirit of our conversation. Click here to watch a one-minute highlight and hear Nassim’s perspective on how vulnerability, joy, and gratitude intersect in the face of extraordinary challenge.
Watch the audiogram now—let it be the first drop in your ripple of joy today.
Hear the Full Conversation
There’s something uniquely powerful about hearing these stories in the speaker’s own words—the cadence, the laughter, the pauses for thought. Don’t miss the full episode, which I promise will leave you reevaluating what it means to nurture inclusion, resilience, and optimism in your organisation.
➡️ Listen to the complete episode
Whether you’re in HR, leading a team, or simply seeking a bit of optimism and authenticity in your working life, I encourage you to share this episode with your network. Let’s keep the conversation going—one story, one small act of connection at a time.
Where Will Joy Lead You?
Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes or glossing over the hard parts; it’s about finding the gold in our cracks and sharing those stories with one another. So I’ll leave you with this: How might you, your team, or your organisation shift the lens from perfection to joyful resilience? What would happen if we measured success not just by KPIs, but by the everyday acts of connection and honesty that strengthen our cultures from the inside out?
Chew on these questions, challenge your usual script, and let’s start rewriting the story of belonging together.
With optimism and resolve,
Joanne Lockwood
Host, Inclusion Bites Podcast
The Inclusive Culture Expert at SEE Change Happen
Ready to deepen your workplace inclusion journey? Follow me on LinkedIn, subscribe to Inclusion Bites, and explore further resources at seechangehappen.co.uk.
Let’s nurture cultures where joy isn’t just a lucky accident—it’s a deliberate, collective choice.
Who will you choose to include today?
1st Person Narrative Content
Unbreakable: The Power of Joyful Energy and Radical Reframing
“It’s not that we only live once; it’s that we only die once. We get to live every day. So why not chase joy—especially when the world tries its hardest to steal it?”
There’s always an inflection point—a moment that splits life into ‘before’ and ‘after’. For me, it happened under the grinding weight of an SUV, three gruelling passes of metal and rubber scraping a pedestrian’s crosswalk in New Jersey, and somehow, improbably, leaving me alive. Here’s the twist: What I learned from being run over was not the fragility of our bodies, nor the random brutality of fate, but the sheer, irrepressible force of joyful energy as a means of survival. The ‘Unbreakable Day’ reframed my existence, and it continues to shape how I lead, coach, and connect.
This journey isn’t just about trauma and recovery—it’s about activating radical optimism, reshaping the stories we tell ourselves, and opening up new dimensions of strength that set us free. That’s why, when I was invited by Joanne Lockwood to join her on the Inclusion Bites Podcast, I felt an electric sense of synchronicity. Inclusion, joy, and transformation are not parallel tracks—they converge on the same path.
Why Reframing Joy Matters—Professionally and Personally
Before that accident, my life was built on ambition, resilience, and the hustle of a high-performance executive. My heritage marked me as ‘different’, and for decades, I battled that internalised insecurity—the constant choreography of outward happiness against the inward tremors of anxiety and doubt. “I always felt different and like I didn’t belong,” I reflected to Joanne Lockwood. Yet, there was a natural inclination towards happiness, fostered by the festive energy of my Indian family and a soft impulse to help others feel good.
Why does this matter so deeply now? Because the pursuit of belonging and inclusion goes far beyond boardroom diversity metrics. When adversity strikes—and it will, whether in business or in life—the difference between those who flourish and those who flounder is rarely technical competence. It’s the capacity to reframe, to find meaning, even in the ruins. The ability to radiate joyful energy is not naïve optimism; it’s a form of leadership that transforms teams, cultures, and personal destinies.
The Inclusion Bites Podcast, led masterfully by Joanne Lockwood, is not a soft-forum for motivational platitudes. It’s where tough, honest explorations of belonging, culture, and change play out—with bold conversation as the catalyst. More than [INSERT_VIEW_COUNT] people have already watched our interview on YouTube, with many more tuning in via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If this conversation sparks something for you—questions, pushback, or agreement—I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I read every one.
The Engine of Joy: Personal Origins and Professional Consequence
At the heart of our conversation, Joanne Lockwood asked, “Where did that come from? What got you into doing what you do?” The answer demands more than surface-level introspection.
Joy was neither inherited nor accidental for me. As a child navigating 1970s New Jersey, the only Indian family in the neighbourhood, I learned the hard calculus of fitting in—oscillating between exuberance during weekend family gatherings and the paralysis of shyness during schooldays. “I was kind of a happy kid, but I was also a really, really insecure kid,” I told Joanne Lockwood. What kept me going was this subtle, stubborn thread of joy, cultivated by my parents’ relentless celebration—party animals in every sense—who made social connection resemble art.
It wasn’t until my twenties, years of self-discovery punctuated by the realisation that difference is not a deficit, that I began to accept who I was. But the journey didn’t stop with acceptance; it required years more to become someone I actually liked. That process—a relentless search for happiness, and an impulse to share it with others—became both shield and superpower.
The professional analogue is clear. Leaders who radiate joy create spaces where difference is celebrated and inclusion is not a function of policy, but the lived experience of every team member. The contagiousness of energy, and the ability to intentionally choose words and tone, is the foundation of high-performing cultures. “Energy feeds energy,” I explained. And as leaders, we hold the brush that paints the collective mood.
Trauma is Not Just Survival—It’s a Pivot Point for Growth
No one anticipates being run over not once, but three times. When it happened, there was no cinematic flashback or cliché montage about life’s regrets; it was raw, visceral fear. But as that car settled its weight over my body, my mind went elsewhere, tallying all the moments I’d shared with my family—the joy, the dancing around the kitchen, the love. I realised, at the brink of death, that my true legacy wouldn’t be letters left behind for my children, but the quality of presence I’d embedded in their daily lives. There was an overwhelming sense of peace: “Even though they’re going to lose their mum, they know who I am because we’ve had that joy.”
Such reflections were far from facile. “Why didn’t I write my kids letters? Why wasn’t I more effusive with friends?” These were the questions that surfaced as I lay pinned beneath the SUV. I felt gratitude for the abundant love given to my family, but recognised that the wider circle—friends, colleagues, acquaintances—often remain unaware of their impact. The accident made visible what busy modern life routinely conceals: human connection is the only currency that matters at life’s sharpest edges.
Professionally, this lesson is profound. Strength as a leader is not about avoiding vulnerability. It’s about transforming adversity into meaning, carrying others with you through the fire, and surfacing new purpose amid the ashes. In my case, the fracture became the forge—prompting an inventory of the relationships and legacies that truly matter.
The Power of Radical Reframing
After trauma, it’s easy to default to victimhood, to let bitterness set the contours of the wounded psyche. When Joanne Lockwood pressed me on whether the accident left me “angry,” I explained, “I just felt sad…what broke me was the absence of kindness from the driver, not the act itself.” There was no cathartic courtroom reckoning; just a 10-day loss of licence and a traffic ticket. But the real test was not in justice—it was in choosing how to narrate the event.
We called it ‘Unbreakable Day’, not the day I was almost killed, but the one I survived. That reframing set a new course for our family. The energy around the story changed, from tragedy to triumph, and so did our behaviour: celebration overtook sadness, gratitude replaced resentment. I discovered that letting others help—once viewed as weakness—was now a radical act of healing, both for me and for those around me. Accepting support became another dimension of strength.
Consider this in the corporate sphere. Companies are often quick to write ‘resilience’ into their values, but few teach the practical skill of narrative reframing—the deliberate choice to view setbacks as opportunities, not indictments. Leaders who master this art help their organisations outpace competitors, not simply through agility, but via an internal culture that refuses to be defined by defeat.
Inclusion Means Meeting People Where They Are
“There’s so much in the world that’s happening that could divide us further,” Joanne Lockwood observed. The challenge is not just to preach inclusion, but to radically practise it—especially when confronting those whose behaviour defies our understanding. The driver who hurt me showed no remorse. For months, this absence of empathy gnawed at me, eroding my sense of humanity itself.
But working through the aftermath, I realised something vital: We cannot know the traumas of those around us. Everyone’s triggers are hidden, and judging them from the distance of our own experience seldom brings resolution. Perhaps the driver’s denial was her means of survival; not excusable, but contextual. “Sometimes the people you think are going to show up for you in your times of need don’t, or don’t show up the way you expect them to,” I learned.
In business, this resonates deeply. We clash with colleagues, clients, employees, too easily forgetting that context is king. For truly inclusive cultures, it’s not enough simply to demand empathy; we must work at it, even when it feels undeserved. Turning up generosity and turning down judgement, as I now do both personally and professionally, sets a different tone—and invites a deeper kind of trust and psychological safety.
Vulnerability, Bravery, and the Currency of Authentic Connection
When Joanne Lockwood asked, “Are you brave?” my answer was sharp and honest: “I’m joyful.” Bravery is overrated, often misunderstood as a one-time act of daring. Joy, by contrast, is a sustained discipline—an intentional daily pursuit.
That discipline extends to the ways in which I share my story. Instead of hiding the scars—literal and emotional—I have embraced them as marks of growth, inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi: repairing broken pottery with gold so its cracks become a testament to beauty and strength. For months, I dabbed gold glitter on my visible scars. What could easily have been a sign of victimhood became a powerful lesson in self-acceptance and reframing. My journey was not one of coming undone, but of being transformed—and it’s a message I share with teams, coaching clients, and keynotes alike.
Inclusion and vulnerability are not luxuries for the rare, but core elements of sustainable leadership. People yearn for authentic connection, and sharing the full story—the mess, the struggle, the wins—opens doors for others to step forward with their own truth. In business, as in life, the more space we create for real stories, the stronger and more resilient our collective becomes.
The Mechanics of Transformation: Moving from Fear to “Can”
It’s a striking paradox: massive change takes root not in grand gestures, but in tiny acts of reframing. Joanne Lockwood reflected on how many people “get stuck down to fear of change, fear of the unknown.” My own transformation occurred precisely because I no longer had the luxury of staying stuck. “It’s just little things in the reframing…the words we use, the stories we tell ourselves, the way we talk about it to the people around us—all of those things have a huge, huge impact on how we will feel those things.”
The shift from fear to action is pragmatically simple—change the language, redefine the context, and begin again. Through this lens, lived adversity becomes an incredible toolkit for navigating future change, whether it’s acquisition, reorganisation, or unprecedented market disruption. The process is iterative: choose words and stories that empower, invite others in, and refuse to be shackled to ‘before’ when ‘after’ remains unwritten.
Choosing Your Luggage, Not Your Baggage
“You had a day zero sort of effect,” Joanne Lockwood remarked, describing how trauma paradoxically gives us the chance to start afresh. Most leaders, weighed down by accumulated baggage—old strategies, legacy hires, sunk cost fallacies—struggle to reinvent, clinging to what got them here, even as those tools decay. In both personal life and in scaling businesses, developing the discipline to shed what’s unhelpful and consciously select what to carry forward is the linchpin for growth.
My journey didn’t just wipe the slate; it gave me clarity on what matters. Every relationship, every pursuit now passes the joy test. If it brings stress, I interrogate its roots—is it fixable, is it necessary, is it worth the cost? If it fails the test, I quietly turn down its volume, choosing to invest my energy elsewhere. “Hang out with radiators, not drains,” Joanne Lockwood suggested. The power of curation—in the work we do, the teams we build, the values we honour—cannot be overstated.
Practical Tools: Joy as a Guiding Principle
Today, I run every key decision through the filter of joy. Is this new venture, partnership, or project enlivening or depleting? Am I tolerating relationships out of obligation or investing in connection for the right reasons? If stress emerges, is it an artefact of the circumstance, or a signal to change direction?
This approach is not sentimental, but executional. Genuine inclusion requires tolerance, but it also demands boundaries. “If I build a better connection, engagement or relationship might evolve and drastically improve,” I explained. But when energy runs dry, be prepared to step back, reinvest in those who truly matter, and allow others—even those who cannot yet meet you with empathy—to walk their own journey.
Another practical insight: Accept help, especially when your instinct says resist. In trauma, I learned that letting others contribute, even when I could physically do very little, was essential not just for my survival but for theirs. Inclusion, at its core, is about creating spaces for collective contribution—knowing when to lead and when to step back.
Relating to People in Their Toughest Moments
One of the greatest gifts of my journey has been a deep ability to relate to people during their lowest ebb. When someone faces a death, trauma, or significant setback, the usual polite queries (“How are you?”) land flat. People don’t know, and they don’t want to lie.
I now default to presence—“I’m thinking about you. I’m here.” Make it a statement, not a question. Remove the burden of response. If you lead teams, remember this in crisis management and coaching. The warmth of connection is felt most keenly when it requires the least effort to access.
Joyful Energy Is Unbreakable Energy
If I could distil my journey into a single insight, it is this: The pursuit of joyful energy, radical reframing, and intentional inclusion is not just a post-traumatic coping mechanism. It is the operating system for life, for business, for lasting impact. The Unbreakable Day was not the end of my professional ambition; it was its reorientation. My new normal might be quieter, less chaotic, but it is deeper and richer.
Building inclusive cultures, scaling organisations, and living fully all require uncompromising honesty about where you are, intentionality about where you’re going, and the discipline to choose joy and connection at every turn.
If what you’ve read resonates—or pushes back against your own experience—I invite you to share your thoughts below. Every story adds another ‘gold line’ to the collective kintsugi. And I, for one, am eager to see how your cracks illuminate our shared journey.
Connect with Me
For speaking, coaching, or to explore The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over, you can find me at NassimRochette.com or on LinkedIn. My book and Audible version are available on Amazon.
And if you’re ready to ignite your own inclusion journey, Joanne Lockwood and the Inclusion Bites Podcast community (seechangehappen.co.uk/inclusion-bites-listen) await.
Here’s to making every day unbreakable—and relentlessly, joyfully, yours.
Song Lyrics from Episode
[Title
Unbreakable Day]
[Synopsis
Episode 191 — Inspired by “Joyful Energy, Unbreakable Spirit,” these lyrics journey through self-acceptance, trauma, and the everyday pursuit of joy. Drawing from Nassim Rochette's real-life transformation, the song blends vulnerability with quiet strength, encouraging listeners to reframe adversity as fuel for connection and growth. Warm acoustic instrumentation and steady indie country-pop rhythms channel hope, inclusion, and resilient empathy.]
[Vibe
Empowering, reflective acoustic indie pop with country undertones. Female vocals centre the story; soft guitars, brushed drums, and atmospheric keys underpin vulnerable but confident delivery. The song builds from gentle introspection to uplifting affirmation, with the bridge introducing extra musical colour before an emotional final lift. Instrumental fade-out closes with sustained hope.]
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
In my attic with the sun pouring in,
Shadows flicker, scars on skin.
New Jersey mornings — feel the space I never fit in,
Closest friends don’t know the wars I hide within.
But laughter echoes from kitchen floors,
Dancing wild, despite the lack,
Still searching for the kind of joy
That fear and difference can’t hold back.
[Instrumental Section — gentle guitar motif, pad swells]
[Verse 2]
Sudden sunlight, then the tyre’s bite,
Moving from mastery to broken overnight.
Grief runs loud, remorse runs thin,
But I survived three times, found gold in every crack.
Letters unwritten, love unspoken,
Yet every day’s a chance to start,
To live, not die remembering,
With stubborn hope and open heart.
[Pre-Chorus]
There’s lessons in the fall,
Badges stitched through pain.
We live each day, not just survive —
We lose, we learn, we gain.
[Chorus]
So I’ll choose joy where shadows play,
Turn sorrow into ember,
Unbreakable day —
Raise my hands for kindness,
Let connection find a way,
Love feeds joy,
Unbreakable day.
[Instrumental Section — rhythmic lift, subtle drums, keys build]
[Verse 3]
Not every wound is visible,
Not every word feels safe;
Some days the noise is too much,
But I turn the volume down,
And greet the world with open grace,
Gold glitter on the scars — so they shine,
Sharing my story so yours can change,
You’re stronger than the headline.
[Bridge]
Let the cracks trace golden lines,
Vulnerable, but never small.
Kindness isn’t weakness —
Grace will outlast the fall.
Tell the truth, share the pain,
Let joy be your refrain.
[Final Chorus (Lifted)]
So I’ll choose joy where shadows play,
Turn sorrow into ember,
Unbreakable day —
Raise my hands for kindness,
Let connection find a way,
We live, we love,
Unbreakable day.
[Instrumental fade-out — sustained guitar chords, gentle vocal hums, soft percussion eases to stillness]
[Artistic Direction: maintain an Indie acoustic feel with plentiful space, dynamic builds into chorus, emotive female vocals, delicate harmonies on the bridge, and atmospheric closing. Vulnerability and hope should be palpable.]
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