Episode Details

In this episode of the podcast, Priya Sudarsanam speaks with Dr. Kimberly Key, founder of Soul Resilience, where evidence meets essence. Dr. Key shares her unconventional journey from engineering and chemical research to psychology and trauma-informed work, exploring how her experiences shaped a deeper inquiry into the human “soul” in both life and work.

The conversation dives into the concept of soul resilience and how burnout in modern organizations may extend beyond physical and mental fatigue into what Dr. Key describes as “soul fatigue.” She examines the impact of compartmentalization, external validation, and performance-driven cultures on well-being, and how these patterns show up in leadership, workplaces, and society.

Dr. Key also discusses the importance of integrating mind, body, and soul in order to foster healthier systems, stronger leadership, and more authentic human connection. Through metaphors of nature, trauma-informed insights, and research on awe and joy, she highlights how reconnecting to essence can support both individual resilience and organizational transformation.