E.203 Rock Bottom and Rebound: The Cocktail That Nearly Killed Me

Resilience Development in Action

Send us a text

The journey from outward success to inner collapse—and the path back to authentic living—takes center stage in this compelling conversation with Nick Jonsson, international bestselling author and executive coach.
Nick's story begins with transformation through adversity when a motorcycle accident in his twenties forced him from construction work to academia, eventually propelling him up the corporate ladder in Southeast Asia. Yet reaching the executive summit—complete with five-story house, drivers, and staff—marked not fulfillment but the beginning of his fall. "That was when I was the most ungrateful and sort of unhappy ever in my life," Nick reveals with striking candor.
What followed was a three-year spiral into alcoholism, isolation, and despair as Nick traded his gym membership for a bar stool and healthy habits for fast food. His powerful description of addiction as "slow, gradual suicide" highlights how corporate culture often enables destructive behaviors while simultaneously isolating those suffering. As Nick explains, executives—particularly expatriates—face unique challenges navigating cultural differences while maintaining authentic connections.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when Nick shares how vulnerability became his salvation. Opening up to his now-second wife began his recovery journey, while losing a friend to suicide in 2019 inspired his book "Executive Loneliness." Today, seven years sober, Nick leads support groups for men and senior executives, creating safe spaces where vulnerability becomes strength rather than weakness.
Most compelling is Nick's transformation from success-driven executive to authentic human being. Now pursuing therapy credentials to specialize in addiction recovery, he shares how sports replaced alcohol as his connection medium—allowing this self-described introvert to build genuine relationships through side-by-side activities rather than face-to-face confrontation.
Whether you're navigating leadership challenges, questioning conventional success metrics, or supporting someone through addiction, this episode offers profound insights into the power of authentic connection and the courage to show up as your true self.

To reach Nick, go to his website: http://www.nickjonsson.com

You can also find all his links at http://podfol.io/profile/nick-jonsson

His book "Executive Loneliness" can be purchased at http://www.nickjonsson.com/executive-loneliness-book
Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes!
Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Support the show

YouTube Channel For The Podcast

פרקים

1. Introduction to Resilience and Nick Johnson (00:00:00)

2. From Construction to Corporate: Nick's Journey (00:06:49)

3. Success, Crash, and Addiction (00:15:31)

4. The Isolation of Executive Life (00:21:37)

5. Finding Authenticity After Rock Bottom (00:28:37)

6. Suicide, Connection, and Support Groups (00:35:16)

7. Closing Thoughts on Recovery and Resources (00:39:39)