You Have to Earn Your Spot: Challenging the Silence Around Worth

In the first episode of Ore-atory’s Mental Health Month series, host Lindsey Schultz sits down with Stephen Dummit, founder of Tradewinds Leadership, to explore one of the most damaging myths in workplace culture: “You have to earn your spot.” This belief suggests that respect, support, and even a sense of belonging must be proven through suffering, overperformance, or silence. However, Stephen and Lindsey dive deep into why this myth is harmful and contributes to isolation, burnout, and avoidance of mental health support in high-demand industries.

Stephen begins the conversation by reframing stigma—not just as something taboo, but as the fear of consequences. This fear prevents many employees from seeking the mental health resources they need, whether it’s counseling, coaching, or simply reaching out to peers. Lindsey shares her personal experiences in coaching and how seeking external support helped her step into leadership and public speaking roles with greater confidence.

The episode delves into the complexities of coping mechanisms—both positive and negative. From alcohol abuse to creative outlets like long walks, Stephen recalls the COVID-era moments when neighborhoods came to life with music, games, and spontaneous connections, offering a beautiful example of our shared need for joy and community.

Stephen also breaks down the science of mental wellness, explaining the roles of dopamine (anticipation) and oxytocin (connection). He discusses how small actions like expressing gratitude and checking in on colleagues can make a big impact on mental health. Lindsey even shares her personal “good things are always happening to me” practice, offering listeners a simple, actionable way to shift their mindset each day.

One of the most powerful insights from the episode comes from Stephen’s model of team influence. In any group, 70% of members tend to sit in the middle, waiting to see what the loudest voices will do. This “permission dynamic” highlights the critical role leaders and informal influencers play in normalizing openness and creating a sense of belonging within teams.

The key takeaway? Worth is not something that needs to be earned—it is intrinsic. From day one, every employee deserves to feel like they belong, not only for their own mental health, but for the health, safety, and performance of the entire team.