As a psychologist, executive coach, and keynote speaker, Carylynn’s message is clear: Workplaces can and should be places of healing.

On the Hello Moxie podcast, Carylynn joined host Nicole Donnelly for a raw and courageous conversation that dove deep into vulnerability, community, and the transformative power of safe spaces—both in recovery and in the professional world.

The Moment of Moxie

Carylynn’s personal journey through eating disorder recovery is at the core of her message. She opened up about the life-altering experience of entering a residential treatment facility—a decision that required immense courage.

“To me, moxie means having guts,” she said. “The most moxie I’ve ever had was admitting to my husband and close friends that I needed help. Saying out loud that I couldn’t trust myself anymore—that was terrifying.”

That moment of truth became a turning point. It wasn’t just about seeking treatment—it was about stepping into authenticity, asking for help, and committing to real change.

The Power of Peer Challenge

While in treatment, Carylynn expected professional therapy—but she didn’t expect to be transformed by the community of women who were also in recovery.

“They were full of grace and full of love,” she reflected. “But they also challenged me. They reminded me that none of us were there to stay stuck.”

This group, Carylynn explained, wasn’t about wallowing in shared struggle. It was about building a shared belief system—one that said: you are not your disorder, and you can get better. Their solidarity wasn’t passive—it was active, driven by accountability, support, and a fierce commitment to wellness.

Healing Communities in the Workplace

Carylynn now brings that same vision to her work with organizations, where she speaks and coaches on the topic of mental health and healing at work.

“A healing community,” she says, “is one that nudges you toward delight. It’s not about promotions or paychecks. It’s about helping people become better versions of themselves.”

But workplaces rarely operate that way. Too often, the culture prioritizes productivity over people, leaving team members disconnected and unsupported. Even in mission-driven organizations, Carylynn notes, the passion for the cause can overshadow the care for colleagues.

“People care deeply about the work—but not enough about one another. And that’s a recipe for isolation.”

Her keynote and coaching work focus on helping leaders and teams rewrite that narrative. She believes that healing cultures can be intentionally cultivated through vulnerability, listening, and growth-minded leadership.

How to Support a Colleague in Struggle

What if you’re not a leader, but you notice a coworker seems different—checked out, distant, or irritable? Carylynn offered a three-part framework:

1. Adopt a Growth Mindset

“Start by changing your mindset,” she said. “Don’t assume that’s just how they are. Assume that’s not their best. Believe they can change.”

This reframes judgment as compassion and positions you as an ally rather than a critic.

2. Lead with Vulnerability

“Vulnerability is an invitation,” Carylynn shared. “You don’t have to share everything, but offer something real. That openness creates safety.”

For example, you might open up about your own challenges or rough days as a way of signaling it’s safe to not have it all together.

3. Practice Candor and Care

When the time is right, speak up—with love.

“Say what you’ve noticed. Then link it to what they’ve said they want,” Carylynn advised. “If they’ve said they want to feel less overwhelmed, but they skip breaks, reflect that back. That’s caring, not criticism.”

Remote Work and Connection

With more teams working remotely, Carylynn acknowledges the challenge of noticing mental health struggles—but insists connection is still possible.

“You don’t need to be in the same room. You just need to care. Slow down, ask questions, and prioritize connecting as people—not just on projects.”

She emphasized that coaching skills—especially deep listening and curiosity—are powerful tools anyone can use, regardless of role.

You Can Break Free

Perhaps the most powerful message Carylynn shared was this:

“You don’t have to be defined by your struggles. You can break free. You can be well.”

She knows this firsthand—not only through her personal story, but through the hundreds of lives she’s touched via her nonprofit, Rock Recovery, and her coaching and speaking work at Creating Open Space.

Final Takeaway

The next time you think of work as “just a job,” consider Carylynn’s challenge: What if work could be a place where people come alive? What if your office, team, or Zoom room could be a healing community?

“It starts with believing better is possible,” she said. “And then showing up every day as someone who helps others get there.”

Join the Hello Moxie community to get access to bonus content, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and member-only updates. It’s free, and it’s where the boldest conversations continue.