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What drives someone with a seemingly perfect life to take their own life? This raw, unfiltered conversation explores the devastating impact of unaddressed mental health issues, particularly in high-pressure professional environments.

The episode opens with a deeply personal story about a friend who, despite all outward appearances of success—family, career, stability—died by suicide. This tragedy serves as a powerful launching point to examine how we often miss the warning signs in those around us, and perhaps more importantly, how we might fail to recognize them in ourselves.

Physical and mental wellbeing emerge as inseparable companions throughout the discussion. One host shares his journey of addressing hypertension through consistent exercise and lifestyle changes, losing 35 pounds while maintaining a demanding business schedule. This practical example illustrates how prioritizing physical health creates the resilience needed to withstand professional stressors—making yourself "better prepared to handle all the crap," as they candidly put it.

The conversation takes a critical turn when addressing the gender disparity in seeking help. At a recent industry mental health panel, approximately 90% of attendees were women, highlighting how men often avoid these crucial conversations due to perceived weakness. As one host confesses, "I may be one of the biggest bears in the room as far as being the tough guy, but I have problems and issues, and I need this stuff as much as the next person." This vulnerability creates space for listeners to acknowledge their own struggles.

The power of community emerges as perhaps the most actionable takeaway. From simple check-ins to physically showing up during someone's crisis, these small acts of connection can make the difference between someone spiraling or finding their way through difficulty. Have you reached out to a colleague who seems distant lately? Your call might be exactly what they need today.

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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A virus named after Mountain Dew became the unlikely catalyst for a cybersecurity career that would eventually spawn a successful managed service provider during one of the worst economic downturns in modern history.

The founder of Triada takes us through their fascinating journey from corporate IT professional to entrepreneur, describing how a 2003 "Code Red" virus attack sparked deep curiosity about cybersecurity. When malicious code rapidly spread through their investment firm's network, questions emerged that would shape their future: Why did someone create this? How did they do it? How could we stop it? This intrigue ultimately led them down a path toward deeper cybersecurity expertise.

By 2008, after building infrastructure from scratch at a small investment firm and developing crucial Silicon Valley connections, an opportunity emerged amid financial chaos. As professionals fled large firms to launch their own funds, they needed expert help with infrastructure, compliance, and security. With four young children at home and as the family's sole breadwinner, the founder made the bold decision—fully supported by their spouse—to launch Triada instead of returning to corporate safety. Their vision extended beyond themselves to creating a business that could support future generations.

The challenges of competing in New York City's dense marketplace, where potential clients and competitors exist in equal measure, required strategic differentiation. By offering unique experiences that professionals couldn't find at financial giants, Triada carved its niche. From its humble beginnings as a "fractional IT manager" splitting time between clients to becoming an established managed service provider, Triada's story demonstrates how entrepreneurial courage, family support, and long-term vision can transform crisis into enduring opportunity. Ready to secure and elevate your business? Reach out today and let's build something that lasts.

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Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

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• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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One moment you're celebrating Christmas Eve with family, the next you're being told you'll never walk again. In this powerful conversation, we hear a firsthand account of what happens when life changes in an instant.

The story begins on a snowy Christmas Eve in 2007, with an unexplainable urge to go running despite the weather. Hours later, a 90-year-old driver ran a stop sign, causing a collision that would permanently alter the course of a life. What followed was an 8.5-hour surgery, the devastating news of less than 1% chance of walking again, and the simultaneous grief of learning that a father had died in the same accident.

The psychological journey through this trauma reveals the daily battle between hope and despair. "Each morning I'd tell myself I would overcome this," our guest shares. "By nighttime, reality would set in that this was my life now." What makes this story remarkable isn't just survival, but how recovery happened through unexpected channels – from brothers working double shifts to be present at the hospital, to strangers sending drawings that provided focus during long, painful nights. Even small gestures, like basketball referees bringing a Frosted Flakes-themed gift package, created lifelines during the darkest moments.

This conversation offers profound insight into human resilience, showing that strength rarely comes solely from within. It's built through connections, through community, and through finding meaning in suffering. Whether you're facing your own life-changing challenge or supporting someone who is, this episode will transform how you think about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. Listen now and discover how we find strength we never knew we had.

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

• https://linktr.ee/empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.instagram.com/EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.threads.net/@EmpowerElevatePodcast
• https://www.twitter.com/EmpowerElevateP
• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowerelevatepodcast

Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com