We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Glenda Lezeau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Glenda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
My defining moment happened in 2011 when I had a psychotic breakdown and had to be hospitalized in the psychiatric unit. While I was hospitalized, I was diagnosed with bipolar. The symptoms included visual hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, intense anxiety, and more. I lost all perception of reality.
In the psychiatric unit, I had a lot of time to self-reflect. I realized how much I’ve been neglecting my mental health and underestimated the power of my mind. So, I made a pact with myself that I would go on a mental wellness and self-love journey. This whole experience led me into being interested in sharing my story, speaking on mental wellness, and coaching others to use their mind to become the best version of themselves.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The foundation of my business is based on my transformation, so I know that what I coach clients on works. I have gotten through a lot over the past 10 years and can relate well with my clients. Currently, I host various interactive workshops for groups that incorporate activities for the mind and my signature letter writing activity based on my book, “Letters to My Bipolar Self.” “Letters to My Bipolar Self’ consists of 50 loving letters that I wrote to myself despite any challenges that I faced. These letters give readers an example of how they can develop a healthy, loving relationship with themselves. I felt rejuvenated after writing these letters and started wondering if I can guide others into writing similar letters that can spark healing. I, then, created my signature letter writing activity. Fast forward to now and people are raving about this activity!
I am working on adding more services like 1:1 coaching and group coaching. Follow me on Instagram (@glendalezeau) for any updates!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I build my reputation based on honesty and transparency. I also show up as authentically as possible.
When it comes to any products and services that I offer, I focus more on creating them from my heart instead of focusing so much on what society is pushing me to create. My business is an extension of myself, so I don’t have to pretend to be someone else or try to fit into a trend.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I have a lot of dreams, goals, and visions for my business. It’s really important to allow ourselves to dream our biggest dreams, but we also have to be a little detached from the outcome. I used to focus specifically on achieving visions in a certain way. Now, I am unlearning because some achievements happen in ways that I didn’t envision. Sometimes we achieve goals that look different than what we anticipated. If we are not open to a different outcome (that still benefits us), we may miss an achievement that is happening in front of us or we may block it from happening.
Here’s an example of what happened to me:
When I published “Letters to My Bipolar Self”, I envisioned having various book signings at different locations, such as bookstores. Over time, I was focused on other aspects of my business and never coordinated a book signing. One day, I was exploring a new neighborhood in Washington, DC. I just moved to the area. It was a beautiful Saturday. I was treating myself to a nice stroll and pizza. As I was waiting for my pizza, I saw someone eating ice cream. Instead of making it simple and asking her where she got it from, I decided to explore to find it on my own. I found it as I walked about two blocks down! I looked at the flavors and saw some vegan flavors. Yum! There was also outdoor seating. My goal was to go pick up my pizza, eat it in front of the ice cream shop, and get ice cream afterward.
As I am walking back, right next door was Bitter Grace, a GORGEOUS sustainable clothing boutique with greenery and beautiful decor. I couldn’t help but walk in. The next thing I know, I am talking to the owner and her husband. They were sharing how they do interviews and events for the community. I asked them if they ever cover mental health. They said, yes! The owner was excited and said that I should do a book signing here while she interviews me!! She came up with that idea on her own. Of course, I said, YES! Weeks later, we had a great time at my book signing. Who would have thought of the idea to collaborate with a clothing store for a book signing?!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glendalezeau.com
- Instagram: glendalezeau
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glendalezeau/
- Other: “Letters to My Bipolar Self” on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Bipolar-Self-Glenda-Lezeau/dp/1734188804/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=letters+to+my+bipolar+self&qid=1673660269&sr=8-1
Image Credits
Alisa Bannerjee Gaëtane Bastien