We were lucky to catch up with Paris Scobie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Paris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

The craziest thing that happened to my business was the origin story of it’s creation. Before I could launch Live Well Bipolar, I had to first overcome my own internalized fear and self-stigma. I spent over a decade telling myself two things – I don’t know anyone else living with bipolar and I can never publicly share this. I thought I experienced my “full circle moment” when I went back to work at the same hospital I received my diagnosis at. I thought I would finally be able to make a difference and help others struggling with their mental health but the entire time I felt like an imposter. I felt like I could never be my true authentic self and viewed my diagnosis as something that took away my credibility. I knew the only way to overcome these feelings of shame, fear and isolation was to release it. So in February of 2020 I was still scared but knew if I could share my experiences it would help me break free from this. Little did I expect speaking out on my story to help thousands of people in over 130 countries with the podcast blossoming into a community and top 1% globally ranked show. It all started with sharing my story that is now my memoir, Crooked Illness: Lessons From Inside & Outside Hospital Walls. The craziest thing that happened to my business was being brave enough to starrt with myself to build it into a successful podcast and speaking business to inspire thousands around the world. Whether I am reaching others living with bipolar, loving those who do or working in the field from my episodes, the pages of my book or from the stage… it all came down to me overcoming myself.

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.

My name is Paris Scobie and I am a Mental Health Speaker, Host of the Top 1% Globally Ranked Podcast, Live Well Bipolar, & Best-Selling Author of my memoir, Crooked Illness: Lessons From Inside & Outside Hospital Walls. I launched Live Well Bipolar to use my lived experience to help others overcome the shame, fear and isolation that can so often accompany living with bipolar. 10 years ago I was a patient struggling from inside the walls of a psychiatric hospital, newly diagnosed with bipolar. A few years later, I returned to work at this same hospital. This unique perspective has allowed me to share my experiences on what truly made a difference for me to help others. Everything I told myself I could never have or be is everything I have become today. Stay connected with me and learn more about my work here: https://parisscobie.com/

My business consists of the podcast, Live Well Bipolar, which is a free resource along with my memoir, Crooked Illness: Lessons From Inside & Outside Hospital Walls, that can be purchased on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, kindle and audiobook format. In addition to these resources, I am also available to be booked to deliver keynote presentations and workshops on the topics highlighted on my website: https://parisscobie.com/

The problem I solve for my clients is delivering a keynote/workshop to help them walk away with tools catered to their needs. What sets me apart from others is I have a dual perspective having been both a patient and provider prior to stepping into advocacy. This perspective allows me to serve those working in the field of mental health along with those eager to learn tools to prioritize it.

I am most proud of the fact that in overcoming self-stigma, I have been able to foster a community for others to feel seen and understood. The main thing I want potential clients, followers and/or fans to know about my work is that I do it because I live it. As someone who used to be crippled with shame, I want you to know that you are never alone. If it isn’t my story that resonates for you, I have 200+ others featured on my podcast to put a face to what it means to Live Well Bipolar. I would love to stay connected with you via my website (https://parisscobie.com/) or social (https://www.instagram.com/paris.scobie/). Make sure to snag a copy of the free self-care guide I put together as well (https://livewellbipolar.substack.com/p/free-self-care-guide).

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was feeling like I needed to know everything to be an entrepreneur. What I mean by this is – start before you are ready. There have been many times I wanted to give up, quit, delete my social media and never speak on another stage again. What has kept me going is holding onto my why and why I even launched Live Well Bipolar to begin with. I used to always tell myself…

Who am I to think I can host a podcast?
Who am I to think I can be an author?
Who am I to think I can be a speaker?

Until I did each and every one.

The point is…. I had no clue what I was doing, didn’t feel good or qualified enough and almost let my inner critic stop me.

But I knew the reason I wanted to do and be all of those things was to help people. No matter what I did this desire to serve never went away… it began to outweigh my fear of “what would people think.”

So the lesson I had to unlearn was thinking I needed to be further ahead than I was to go after my dreams. The message to take away from this is if you have something living inside of you that you know can help others then start that podcast, write that book and become a speaker. You don’t need to be perfect to be a business owner, you just have to start and build as you go.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, some of my favorite books (besides writing my own) that have impacted my entrepreneurial thinking are the following:

1. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
2. The School of Intentional Living by Sean Rosensteel
3. Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
4. It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn
5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Contact Info:

• Website: https://parisscobie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paris.scobie/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-scobie-mba-a006931b/

Image Credits

Carolina Takahashi