On first glance, Aaron Shields looks like he has it all—rocket scientist turned software leader, gifted musician, dad of six, thriving career. But behind the resume is a man who hit a wall in 2012 that blew up his self-image and set him on a new path: connection coaching and what he calls emotional hygiene.
We talk growing up poor with parents who taught “you can do anything—if you’ll do the work,” the pivot from aerospace to serving people directly, and practical ways men can stop stuffing emotions until they explode. Aaron shares the hardest moment that cracked him open, how he leads at home while a child faces a mysterious illness, and simple release practices (two journals—one to remember, one to burn; throwing a rock loaded with anger across the yard). It’s leadership vs. management, venting vs. processing, and why success = the number of people you serve.
Episode Highlights
If this helped you
Join the Manalizing tribe—lift and be lifted: manalizing.com
men’s mental health, emotional hygiene, connection coach, masculinity, leadership vs management, journaling practice, anger release, family under stress, autism parenting, chronic illness, career pivot, rocket scientist, Aaron Shields, Manalizing
