Welcome to Episode 22, Season 7 of "P.S.A the Mental Health Podcast," a unique and engaging platform tailored for young millennial men at the crossroads of life. Host Izzy Baker and guest public health expert & creative mind behind Pathway Coach Writing Venchele Saint Dic bring you a conversation that interweaves personal experiences, cultural insights, and mental health strategies.

In this episode, Venchele shares her enriching experiences living in Haiti, vividly depicting the island's beauty and complexities. The conversation then turns towards the digital world, discussing the pitfalls of AI and fake sources and the importance of discerning in the age of information overload.

Anchoring the discussion is the theme of authenticity, inspired by Brené Brown's quote on making daily choices to be real and honest. This aligns with the scriptural wisdom from James 1:22 about being doers of the word, not just listeners. Venchele, with her extensive public health and leadership background, explores how these principles intersect with mental health and professional networking for young men. She addresses common challenges in maintaining authentic relationships while advancing in their careers.

The episode delves into mental health issues and the role of technology in help-seeking behaviors among young men. It's revealed that while young men are heavy technology users, they often prefer self-help and action-oriented strategies over professional help. Venchele advises staying true to one's values in the business world, considering the societal and cultural pressures young men face.

Further, the discussion covers online help-seeking behaviors and preferences for mental health support, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in professional settings. Venchele and Izzy discuss the delicate balance between emotional intelligence and mental health needs in professional networking and when it might be necessary to recalibrate this balance.

As the conversation unfolds, Venchele references Dave Chappelle's skit "When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong" and discusses the importance of watching what you say in professional events, having different friends for different aspects of life, and dealing with workplace challenges like persecution and haters, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Daniel.
In a segment titled "I Challenge That," Venchele shares strategies for young men to manage stress and maintain mental well-being while striving for career success. She emphasizes combining authenticity with emotional intelligence, viewing authenticity as a personalized journey, basing it on core values, evaluating the functionality of these values, and determining one's threshold of authenticity.

Following the insightful segment "I Challenge That," the episode transitions into a deep dive into professional networking dynamics and authenticity's significance in these settings. Venchele offers nuanced perspectives on how young men can navigate professional spaces while maintaining their mental health and staying true to their values. She discusses the challenges faced by introverts and socially anxious individuals in networking, emphasizing the need for strategies that align with personal comfort levels.

Venchele also tackles the common pitfall of overemphasizing oneself in conversations. She advises young men to focus on listening more and speaking less, fostering meaningful connections rather than dominating the dialogue. This approach not only aids in establishing authentic relationships but also in understanding diverse perspectives, which is crucial in professional growth.

The conversation then shifts to the importance of shared interests in forming authentic connections. Venchele suggests that young men should not force connections in networking situations lacking common ground. Instead, they should seek groups or individuals with similar interests, passions, or skills, making networking more effective and enjoyable.
Moreover, Venchele touches upon the tendency to conform in business settings, emphasizing the value of building connections and cultivating relationships before diving into business discussions. This balanced approach between personal authenticity and professional networking can lead to more significant and fulfilling professional interactions.

Lastly, she discusses the importance of not focusing solely on personal gain in networking. Authentic connections, she asserts, are built on mutual support and exchange. Young men can develop more genuine and lasting professional relationships by emphasizing giving rather than just getting.




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Venchele's Social Media
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Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venchele-saint-dic-drph-candidate-mph-baph-70480811