#11 Navigating Toxic Work Environments, Reinventing Careers, and Stand-Up Comedy Insights with Bassam Shawl

In this episode of "Business Savages," Olya Grovel catches up with Bassam Shawl, a comedian and former communications professional, to discuss the highs and lows of working in Washington, D.C.'s cutthroat public affairs scene. They explore how toxic work environments can affect your confidence, the importance of perseverance in pursuing your passion, and the surprising lessons learned from stand-up comedy. Bassam shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in a corporate shark tank to finding his true calling on stage, providing valuable insights on resilience, authenticity, and the power of knowing your audience.

Learning Takeaways

1. Recognize Toxic Work Environments: Learn how to identify a toxic work culture and understand its impact on your mental health and career growth.

2. Importance of Self-Awareness and Authenticity: Discover how being true to oneself and finding the unique aspects that only you can bring to your work or performance can set you apart.

3. Resilience in the Face of Rejection: Understand the importance of perseverance, especially in creative fields like comedy, where rejection is part of the process.

4. Leveraging Unconventional Opportunities: Gain insight into how unconventional paths and opportunities can lead to significant breakthroughs in one’s career.

5. Networking with Intention: Learn the value of building a network that supports your growth, both professionally and personally, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can propel you forward.

   Homework

1. Audit Your Environment: Take time to reflect on your current work or social environment. Identify any toxic elements and plan actionable steps to create a healthier atmosphere, whether through setting boundaries or seeking new opportunities.

2. Personal SWOT Analysis: Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis on yourself. Focus particularly on what makes you unique in your field or what unique perspectives you can offer.

3. Take the Stage: If you’re interested in public speaking or performance, challenge yourself to an open mic night or a similar speaking engagement. Use this experience to learn more about how you present yourself and receive feedback.

4. Build Your Resilience Routine: Identify one small action you can take daily that helps build resilience. This could be a writing exercise, a stand-up practice, or even a daily reflection.

5. Reach Out with Kindness: Inspired by Tony Robbins' practice mentioned in the episode, reach out to someone in your network with a mindful message, acknowledging their strengths or achievements. This will help build a more supportive community around you.