EP320 Beneath the Armor, With Dr. Bernadette Atanga
I recently had the distinct pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Bernadette Atanga to discuss her powerful new book, Beneath the Armor: Eight Practical Strategies for Men to Embrace Vulnerability and Lead with Authentic Strength.
Dr. Atanga is a highly experienced physician with over 30 years in internal medicine and pediatrics, a leadership coach, speaker, and author. Her global perspective, honed by living in multiple countries and leading international workshops on emotional mastery and conflict resolution, makes her insights truly unique.
Dr. Atanga shared her motivation for writing this book, explaining that her extensive experience, particularly working with male patients at the VA and conducting workshops in Cameroon, revealed a pervasive issue: men’s struggles in their personal and home lives, often despite professional success.
We delved into the profound impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships and emotional well-being, highlighting how repressed pain can manifest in various behavioral issues. A key takeaway was the importance of understanding the “empty cup” concept – the idea that if our emotional needs weren’t met in childhood, it affects our ability to give and receive love and trust as adults. Dr. Atanga also shed light on why men often shy away from vulnerability, emphasizing that societal conditioning, not inherent weakness, teaches them to suppress emotions. She passionately argued that true strength lies in embracing vulnerability and authenticity, allowing for healthier relationships and more effective leadership in all aspects of life.
Her insights are invaluable not just for men, but for anyone seeking to understand and break cycles of generational trauma. To learn more from Dr. Atanga, such as on LinkedIn or Facebook, or purchase her book, Beneath the Armor, please visit atangamd.com or find it on Amazon. You can also join the “Beneath the Armor” Facebook group for ongoing discussions and support.
