We recently connected with Cristi Bundukamara and have shared our conversation below.

Cristi, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

Reflecting on the journey that led to the creation of my business, I genuinely feel that the timing was exactly right. I started by business three years following the heartbreaking loss of my first biological son, who bravely battled a rare neurological condition. Over a decade, I devoted myself to his care, an experience that was both profoundly challenging and transformative. Through this period of intense adversity, I discovered a resilience within myself, a strength I hadn’t fully recognized before. It was this pain and resilience that inspired me to help others find their own mental strength. The process of developing what is now recognized as the Mentally STRONG Method took ten years of thoughtful reflection, learning, and personal growth. This method is a culmination of my experiences, both personal and professional, and represents a comprehensive approach to mental wellness and resilience. The loss of my daughter to the same disease, 2 years after starting my business, increased not only my grief, trauma and pain, but also my determination to turn that pain into purpose. My journey, with its timing and challenges, was essential in shaping the philosophy and strategies that underlie my business today. It’s through this journey that I’ve been able to guide others in discovering how to be Mentally STRONG, just as I had to learn in the face of life’s most daunting challenges.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, EdD PMHNP, and my journey into the realm of mental health and resilience has been both a professional path and a deeply personal one. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over two decades of clinical experience. However, my interest in mental strength isn’t just academic; it’s also born from my own experiences of profound personal challenges and losses, including the heartbreaking loss of my children. These experiences have shaped my understanding of mental health and resilience in ways that go far beyond theoretical knowledge.

My work focuses on the concept of mental strength, a term that encompasses resilience, emotional regulation, and the capacity to navigate life’s challenges effectively. I offer a range of services and resources designed to help individuals build their mental strength. This includes the Mentally STRONG Method, an approach I developed to teach people how to gain control over their thoughts, organize them, and make confident decisions. This method is particularly unique because it’s not just about coping with the present; it’s about understanding one’s past and preparing for the future. It intertwines cognitive behavioral principles with practical, actionable strategies that individuals can apply in their daily lives.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the mental health and wellness market has been a journey that’s been deeply intertwined with both my professional expertise and personal experiences. My extensive experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, with over 20 years in the field, has been fundamental. This background not only provided me with a deep understanding of mental health but also lent credibility to my work and methods. My personal experiences have not only shaped my approach but also allowed me to connect with others on a very human level. This empathy and understanding resonate with those struggling with their mental health, making my advice and methods more relatable and authentic. I believe one of the key reasons for the success of my approach is its practicality and actionability. Instead of just offering theoretical knowledge, I provide tools and strategies that people can apply in their everyday lives. This practical aspect makes the methods more accessible and effective for a wide range of individuals.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale are critical aspects of any successful organization. It’s important to establish clear, open lines of communication. Transparency about the organization’s goals, challenges, and successes creates a sense of trust and belonging. Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and achievements of team members. Offer opportunities for professional development, such as training sessions, workshops, or attending conferences. This not only improves skills but also shows your investment in their future. Empower your team by delegating meaningful tasks and giving them autonomy to make decisions in their area of expertise. This fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Create a supportive and inclusive team environment. Encourage collaboration and teamwork. Be approachable and available to assist with challenges. A positive atmosphere can significantly boost morale and productivity. Demonstrate the values and behaviors you want to see in your team. Your attitude and actions set the tone for the entire team.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cristibundukamara.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/cristibundukamara
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentallystrongacademybyDr.B/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristi-bundukamara-ed-d-pmhnp-bc-dr-b-713432b0/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cristibundukama
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/drbmentallystrong