259. Trauma as a Catalyst with Carrie Rickert

Update: 2025-06-10

Description

"People want to be seen, heard, and valued—for who they are and what they bring to the table. That's true in business and in life, especially after trauma."
— Carrie Ricker, Author of Trauma is a Catalyst

In this powerful episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Carrie Rickert—author, trauma survivor, management consultant, and founder of Nomis Advisors. Together, they explore how personal trauma can become a profound catalyst for professional and personal transformation.

Carrie shares her journey through a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how it redefined her approach to leadership, empathy, and business strategy. From founding a consulting firm to co-authoring "Trauma to Triumph," Carrie is proof that resilience fuels reinvention.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, coach, or just someone trying to navigate life after hardship, this episode will empower you with insights on post-traumatic growth, mindful leadership, and the power of authentic storytelling in both life and work.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Turmeric & Tequila™
01:00 – Sponsor shout-outs: Luxe Neuro & Colorado Clownfish Swim School
02:00 – Introducing Carrie Ricker: Author, Consultant, Podcaster, Trauma Survivor
04:30 – Growing up around adults: early leadership development
06:30 – Clinical psychology and curiosity: a foundation for consulting
08:30 – The rise of mental health in the workplace
10:00 – Listening with purpose: leadership through curiosity
12:00 – Authentic connection in business and healing
13:00 – Carrie's traumatic accident and its ripple effect
15:30 – Returning to work after trauma: what support is missing
18:00 – The gap in post-acute care and why it matters
20:00 – Why Carrie wrote Trauma is a Catalyst
22:00 – Empathy, listening, and leading with vulnerability
25:00 – From TBI to purpose-driven coaching and consulting
27:30 – The first team experience: how orchestra taught leadership
29:00 – Championing brain health and invisible injuries
31:00 – The universal need for empowerment and being heard
35:00 – How leaders can empower without needing all the answers
38:00 – What success means to Carrie now
39:00 – Where to connect with Carrie and grab her books

Carrie Rickert is a trauma survivor, author, speaker, podcaster, and founder of Nomis Advisors, where she offers organizational consulting and trauma-informed coaching. After surviving a life-altering car accident and traumatic brain injury, she became passionate about helping others rebuild both personally and professionally. Carrie is the author of Trauma is a Catalyst and co-author of Trauma to Triumph: Stories of TBI Survivors. She helps individuals and teams find clarity, foster empowerment, and lead with authenticity.

Books: Trauma is a Catalyst | Trauma to Triumph

https://www.nomisadvisors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/carrie.root1/

https://www.instagram.com/nomisadvisors/?hl=en

Connect with T&T:

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Host: Kristen Olson

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Tik Tok: @Madonnashero

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