Description

What happens when high achievement collides with unresolved trauma?

In this powerful episode of Unlock Your Blocks, Elyssa Smith sits down with Caitlin LoCascio King—a business attorney turned social media strategist—to unpack a deeply personal and transformative journey. From her unexpected pivot out of Navy ROTC to building a successful career in branding and marketing, Caitlin shares her raw, real experience navigating trauma, perfectionism, and self-sabotage.

Together, they explore how medical trauma, imposter syndrome, and an unrelenting inner critic can derail even the most driven women—and how self-compassion, support systems, and tiny acts of self-care can help rebuild from the inside out. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing is not linear, and that vulnerability can be your greatest strength.

✅ What You’ll Learn:

• How Caitlin’s career path shifted from Navy ROTC to law to social media strategy

• Why perfectionism and high achievement can become coping mechanisms

• The role of trauma in shaping our beliefs, behaviors, and boundaries

• The hidden toll of self-sabotage and how to break the cycle

• Why having a support system is critical to both healing and business growth

• The power of acknowledging “I can’t keep doing this” as a turning point

• How joy, hobbies, and rest are essential—not optional—for recovery

• Practical ways to begin showing compassion to yourself right now

🕒 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Caitlin LoCascio King
02:19 – Caitlin's Journey: From Navy ROTC to Law School
07:33 – Transitioning to Social Media Marketing
10:06 – Overcoming Trauma and the Importance of Support
13:27 – The Struggles of Perfectionism and Self-Sabotage
20:19 – Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Procrastination
21:36 – Caitlin's Medical Journey and Its Impact on Life
29:26 – Reflections on Self-Care and Replenishment
30:38 – Navigating Vulnerability and Coping Mechanisms
33:54 – The Impact of Trauma on Daily Life
39:44 – Finding the Path to Healing
45:03 – Taking the First Steps Towards Self-Care
51:29 – Embracing Joy and Self-Care in Everyday Life

Get a free call with Elyssa:
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Book here: https://elyssasmith.com/focus

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