About this episode

This episode explores the impact of failing systems on personal and public health, emphasizing resilience and reclaiming one's voice amidst betrayal.

What happens when the systems built to protect you… fail you? In this powerful episode of Wellness Wahala, we take a deep dive into Chapter 7: Standing in Truth When Systems Break You Down—a raw and unfiltered conversation about betrayal, resilience, and reclaiming your voice when everything you trusted collapses. This episode is both personal and global. After nearly two decades of service at the CDC—from fellow to consultant contractor to full-time employee—this year marks a full-circle moment. As the CDC celebrates its 80-year anniversary, I share my lived experience navigating purpose, public health, and the painful reality of being impacted by a mass federal layoff (RIF). This is more than a career story. This is a truth-telling moment about systems, service, and survival. We also unpack: ✨ The emotional and spiritual lessons from Chapter 7 ✨ What it means to stand in truth during betrayal and breakdown ✨ The paradox of serving systems that don’t always protect their own ✨ Frontline insights from Ebola outbreak responses ✨ Ongoing domestic and global public health crises ✨ How to maintain your identity, purpose, and wellness in the face of institutional failure From personal…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Tomi-Omo Oba

Topics covered

• system failure
• betrayal
• resilience
• public health
• identity
• wellness

Keywords

• system failure
• public health
• betrayal
• resilience
• identity
• wellness
• CDC
• Ebola outbreak
• mass layoff

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CDC

Books & works: Chapter 7: Standing in Truth When Systems Break You Down

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