CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains candid discussions about themes of abuse, and self-harm / suicide attempts. While this is ultimately a story of incredible survival, strength, and overcoming, we understand that these subjects can be distressing. Please take care of your mental well-being while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if you are not in a safe space to hear it today. We share this story with the interviewee's permission as an example of resilience and hope. If you need support, please see the resources listed below.
Today we are joined by Dori Dunai, founder of Miracle Magnet Studios, storyteller, creative thinker and unapologetic NFL super fan.
Dori’s working background includes Amazon, Disney, Viasat.
She’s a podcaster, coach and recently has launched her own YouTube channel too! - https://www.youtube.com/@DoriDunai
Behind the professional success? A woman that shows resilience, creativity and kindness.
Welcome to C is for change Dori!
During our conversation we spoke about:
1. Squiggly careers: Dori’s journey began in the sports world, but due to an injury she had to re-think and make a u-turn, that ultimately led her into creative industries, working at Disney, Amazon, Viasat… and founding her own business, Miracle Magnet Studios, creating her own YouTube Channel and podcast!
2. Endurance: as a professional runner whose career was halted turned to marathon runner. We talk about the resilience this sport builds and the parallelism with life.
3. Seeking help: As flagged, Dori shared a very difficult part of her journey, as a victim of abuse that led her to mental health decline. Seeking help wasn’t easy and took time, but Dori reflected on how this now helps her see anything that happens in life as solvable, reversible and possible to overcome.
4. Creativity: not just professionally, Dori’s creative journey spans to all areas of her life. From professional pathways to living. Dori always sees the other side, a different perspective, an idea waiting to be turned into reality.
5. Failure and giving it a go: Dori shared how she left her job to start her own company, with no money and no fall back. Putting her flat on Airbnb, trying, failing and trying again. She highlighted the importance of being compassionate and kind to ourselves and understanding that we are giving it our best, and that is what matters. We spoke about James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, and how that perspective can help in taking the steps needed to get us closer to where we want to be: https://amzn.eu/d/b6LP71O
Thanks Dori for being with us. That was the incredibly powerful and brave story and we are so grateful for your courage in sharing your journey of survival and strength with us.
If anything you heard today has affected you, please know that you are not alone, and help is available:
999. For confidential support regarding mental health or abuse, several dedicated UK helplines are available 24/7.
Samaritans: Offers a confidential, non-judgmental listening service for anyone experiencing distress or despair. Call: 116 123 (free from any phone, 24/7) https://www.samaritans.org/
NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline: Call 111 and select option 2 to speak to a trained mental health professional for urgent support 24/7.
Mind: The mental health charity offers an information and support line. Call: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, except bank holidays). https://www.mind.org.uk
If you want to connect with Dori:
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DoriDunai
https://www.instagram.com/dori.dunai/
To connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-paredes-suanzes/
https://www.coachingwithlucia.com
https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithlucia/
Follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/c_is_for_change/
Music from Soundstripe: Our Way, by Luke Bergs and Markvards.