Hey Trailblazers! It’s another day with another amazing guest here on Women in Tech Trailblazers! Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are thrilled to bring you Ashley Cerda—a mental health professional, CEO, and a master at helping people rediscover themselves. Buckle up because we’re diving into what it means to truly prioritize mental wellness.
We start with a conversation about burnout. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt drained and thought, “Maybe this isn’t for me.” Ashley’s been there and gets it. “I thought I didn’t love being a therapist. Turns out, I just didn’t love it while burned out,” she shares. Her story of stepping back and rediscovering her passion will resonate with anyone who’s ever needed to hit pause.
And let’s talk authenticity—Ashley’s got wisdom for days on this. “Unapologetically, authentically you,” she says, is the ultimate goal. She explains how being yourself can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections with others, and let’s just say we’re here for it!
But it’s not all theory—Ashley shares practical tips for making your mental health a priority. From finding small moments of joy to embracing gratitude and trying new things, her approach is both refreshing and actionable. Oh, and we learned that even writing a to-do list can release as much dopamine as...well, you’ll have to tune in to find out.
Here are the key takeaways:
(2:00) The secret to unlocking your authentic self
(3:00) Are you the black sheep, or just in the wrong crowd?
(5:26) How do you know when you’re burned out?
(8:14) How do dopamine sparks prevent burnout?
(9:23) What happens when you let go of the “perfect life”?
(10:43) How do you find your core values?
(11:36) The checklist hack that makes goal-setting a breeze
(12:56) Why women struggle to move beyond relational roles
(16:02) How to get a Dopamine Boost
(18:36) How do you figure out what really matters in life?
(19:13) The Power of Boundaries in Building Deeper Connections
(21:33) Why does finding your tribe matters for mental health?
(23:07) How does self-discovery unlock your full potential?
(23:59) How Tiny Habits Spark Big Mental Health Benefits
Take a moment today to reflect on your own mental health journey. How are you filling your cup? Join us for this powerful conversation and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and spread the word. We’ve got more trailblazing guests on the way!
About Ashley Cerda
Ashley Cerda, PhD, is the Chief Executive Officer at Curated Health and a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment. She specializes in addiction, eating disorders, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnotherapy. Ashley focuses on helping clients create meaningful changes through a collaborative therapeutic process. She emphasizes the importance of a strong therapist-client connection in fostering growth and healing.
Connect with Ashley:
Linkedin
About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin
Tiffany Benitez leads IT Applications at Tyson Foods, focusing on Product & Agile methodologies and promoting the advancement of women in tech and STEM areas.
Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.
Connect with Hosts:
Tiffany’s LinkedIn
Jordan’s LinkedIn
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.
