In this episode, Kay Suthar sits down with Charmian Johnson, a former global law firm partner who made a powerful career pivot into somatic trauma-informed coaching. After nearly three decades in high-pressure legal environments, Charmian opens up about living with self-doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome, and how personal loss and family trauma became the catalyst for deep inner work. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind confidence, the mind-body connection, why anxiety is felt in the body rather than the mind, and how nervous system regulation can transform leadership, visibility, public speaking, and business growth.

What to expect in this episode:
(00:00) – From global law firm partner to somatic trauma-informed coach
(02:30) – Living with self-doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome in corporate life
(03:00) – Grief, addiction, and family trauma during lockdown
(05:00) – Discovering somatic trauma-informed coaching
(06:00) – Why anxiety lives in the body, not the mind
(07:30) – The brain-body connection and nervous system safety
(09:00) – Grounding techniques and nervous system regulation
(11:30) – Why healing is a journey, not a destination
(12:00) – Common mistakes people make when trying to self-heal
(14:30) – Leaving corporate and building a business with confidence
(16:00) – Nervous system safety as a strategic advantage
(17:00) – Practical somatic tools for confidence and visibility
(19:00) – How to work with Charmian and access her free resources

About Charmian Johnson
Charmian Johnson is a former global law firm partner turned somatic trauma-informed coach and narcissistic abuse specialist. After nearly 30 years in the legal profession, she retrained in neuroscience-based, body-focused coaching to help high-achieving women move out of survival mode, reclaim confidence, and step fully into their leadership. Her work supports women in regulating their nervous systems, overcoming self-doubt, and showing up visibly and confidently in their careers and businesses.

Connect with Charmian Johnson

FREE Gift:
Five Nervous System Secrets to Help You Show Up Confidently for Speaking and Visibility
Plus a free 30-minute consultation call Freebie: https://charmjohnson.thementalwellbeingcompany.com/public-speaking-tips/optin

Website: https://charmjohnson.thementalwellbeingcompany.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Charmian%20Johnson

Connect with Kay Suthar

Business Website: https://makeyourmarkagency.com/
Podcast Website: https://www.makeyourmarkpodcast.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-suthar-make-your-mark/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/482037820744114
Email: kay@makeyourmarkagency.com

FREE Gifts from Kay Suthar:
3 Ultimate Secrets to Getting Booked on Podcasts: https://getbookedonpodcast.com
5 Simple Steps to Launch Your Podcast in 14 Days: https://14daystolaunch.com

MYM 238 | Charmian Johnson on Nervous System Safety, Confidence & Leading Beyond Survival Mode