Season Two | Episode #34
Don’t Deny Your Genius for People’s Performative Insecurities
If this episode feels like a message or mirror, feel free to share it with someone who is looking to think about rest differently.
Do you live alive?
What if you navigated the world knowing you have a genius?
In this episode of The Rest of Us, host Dana Tenille Weekes holds space for listeners to (1) let them know they have a genius; and (2) identify and live in their genius. Dana admits that “genius” can feel like a strong, strong word to wear in a society where performative insecurities and, in turn, performative power reign. But Dana offers reflection questions to help listeners understand that owning their genius is necessary to living alive.
Dana also explores the relationship between humbleness and genius, asking listeners, “Do you humble to hide or humble to hold your genius?”
What You’ll Settle Into
- Dana’s definition of genius and its connection to living alive
- Three reflection questions to help identify your genius
- The difference between ego and genius
- Humble to hide vs. humble to hold your genius
Key Quotes & Insights
“We must live to feel alive.” — Ariana Brown, Poet
“Nowadays, there is this corrupt idea that the more money you make, the more innovative and genius you are. This is a fallacy.”
“You act from your ego when you command attention because you don’t trust yourself.”
“You are humble to hide your genius when you foreclose opportunities for people to decide on you.”
LENGTH: 24 minutes
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Until next time, rest, my friends.
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LinkedIn: Dana Tenille Weekes
Meet the Host:
Dana Tenille Weekes
Dana Tenille Weekes made the conscious decision to live in a mindset of rest as self-liberation after nearly 15 years as a lawyer-lobbyist in Washington, DC. In 2020, Dana faced the darkest period of her life, which eventually led her to resign from a top global law firm and take a year-long journey of rest in 2022.
In 2023, Dana launched Thrive Architects, a strategic advising and professional development firm building advocacy, organizational health, and well-being platforms for organizations, communities, and people to thrive.
The Rest of Us podcast is one way Dana is building community for professionals and advocates on the brink of burnout to think about rest differently. If you’re interested in embracing rest as liberation, especially after the podcast episode ends, join our community where we converse, connect, cultivate, and lean into our creativity.