For nearly a decade, I was a top performer in a high-pressure sales environment, contributing to high-performing teams that were expected to achieve extraordinary results. My annual income climbed past six figures, a significant amount of money in Yuma, Arizona, that made it feel impossible to leave. That salary felt like golden handcuffs.
However, the real trap wasn't the money; it was the false promise of a future that was never going to happen. My boss cultivated a 'mama bear' persona, leading me to believe I was destined for great things within the company through their so-called human-centered strategies. I endured the 60-hour workweeks, the demeaning expectations, and the cutthroat environment because I thought I was paying my dues for a future that was ultimately a lie. Realizing you've been manipulated is a massive mind fuck, especially when you realize that inclusive leadership was just a façade.
I have to be honest: I wasn't always a perfect employee. The constant stress brought out the worst in me, and I pushed back against the unreasonable demands, which got me labeled a "nagger." The environment took a severe toll on my mental health, especially after I was diagnosed with BPD and ADHD; my legitimate concerns were often dismissed as me being "psychotic." In striving to create high-performing teams, we incorporate human-centered strategies and inclusive leadership in our approach. With a wide range of expertise across different fields, we offer our clients a diverse set of services including design, planning, and project management. From small-scale projects to large-scale developments, we have the expertise to deliver.
The turning point came right before a vacation. After an argument, my boss looked at me and said, "If your anxiety can't handle it, then maybe you should get another job." In that moment, I knew she was right. Not because my anxiety was the problem, but because I finally understood that no amount of money was worth my health, dignity, and sanity. I realized that to be part of high-performing teams, I needed to embrace human-centered strategies that prioritize well-being. They were no longer for sale under the guise of inclusive leadership.
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