We recently connected with Julie De Jesus and have shared our conversation below.

Julie, appreciate you joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

I was working with a team of employees to improve the level of human connection they experienced in their day-to-day interactions with each other, to help improve employee & culture moral. At the time, I was also watching my sister die from cancer.

One day I opened the door to find my client standing their with a bouquet of flowers. He explained that he and his staff new I was going through a lot in my personal life and wanted to make sure I felt seen.

It was a beautiful moment where these people put into action everything I was coaching them on, and I was lucky enough to be the beneficiary.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I had a mental breakdown during an internship in my last semester of college. I was just 21 years old. From that point, I spent years getting on and off medications, trying different types of therapy, and finding resources for healing.

There were countless people who took the time to stay present with me in the midst of my struggle during this challenging time, and they inspired me to start a podcast called I See You. From there, I received a book contract with a publisher, and in 2020, my first book, I See You; How Compassion and Connection Save Lives was published. My second book, an I See You message for kids, was published in 2022 entitled, Broccolipunzle; A Girl With Extraordinary Hair.

I began speaking more and more at conferences and gatherings to help people understand exactly how to infuse human connection into their culture and community to improve the mental health of those around them.

I host events with my company, I See You Living, to provide the opportunity for members of the community to become educated, experienced, and empowered in using human connection as a means to improve mental health.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I used to believe that in order to reach my greatest potential as a business owner and professional, I needed to be harder on myself and less proud of my small accomplishments. I thought this would push me to be better.

While it still feels counter intuitive, I’ve learned that extending self compassion to myself and celebrating every win no matter the size, actually gives me the momentum to work harder.

I have tried both ways. Being overly critical of my self paralyzes my growth and self compassion unleashes it.

Any advice for managing a team?

To improve the morale of your team, I recommend focusing on three specific pillars: I See You, I Appreciate You & I Trust You.

Here’s why:

When you see me, I want to follow you.
Gratitude begets momentum.
Giving and receiving build trust.

When people feel seen, appreciated, and trusted, we unlock their potential to raise to greater heights.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julie-dejesus.com
• Instagram: @heyjuliedejesus
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyjuliedejesus/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-dejesus/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyjuliedejesus
• Other: https://www.iseeyouliving.com