What if the performance issues you’re seeing are really signs of trauma?

In this episode of Pulse by HRBench, Dr. John King shares his powerful story, from surviving childhood trafficking and losing everything at age 45, to building a framework for growth, healing, and leadership in high-performance environments.

This isn’t just John’s personal story. It’s a roadmap for HR.

We explore:

• Why trauma isn’t just something that happens to you, it lives in you

• Small physiological shifts that can spark recovery and performance: from cold showers to grounding mats

• The “second question” leaders must ask to build trust and safety

• How HR can walk with employees through life’s hardest seasons, and why doing so drives long-term loyalty and growth

If you want to create a workplace that supports growth, this conversation is your starting point.

Episode chapters:

• 00:00 | Intro: Dr. John King’s Turning Point at Age 45
• 04:33 | It Started with a Snickers Bar: The Moment He Realized Trauma Lives in the Body
• 07:03 | Tree Hugging, Sunlight & Cold Showers: Tools from the Trauma Toolbox
• 10:30 | The 1% Rule: Why Micro-Habits Matter More Than Big Fixes
• 13:24 | Daily Tactics for Leaders: Helping Teams Stay Clear, Calm, and Productive
• 15:50 | Culture vs. Policy: How to Build a Trauma-Aware Workplace That Works
• 18:07 | Grace in Action: Authentic Leadership, Missed Meetings, and Halloween Costumes
• 20:04 | The Authenticity Check: When to Call It Out and When to Coach Through
• 23:02 | Late Shifts and Childcare: What HR Misses When We Don’t Ask “Why?”
• 25:12 | Walking with the Wounded: Supporting Grief, Divorce, and Life’s Disruptions
• 29:31 | Trading Health for Hustle: Why HR Must Help Teams Re-Evaluate Success
• 32:04 | Choosing Authenticity Over Gordon Gekko: A Lesson in Self-Awareness
• 33:05 | Soft Skills Aren’t Soft: Why HR Needs More Training in Human Tools
• 35:53 | Care for the Caregivers: The Hidden Burnout Inside HR
• 36:56 | Final Word: You Can’t Heal What You Ignore

🔗 Connect with Dr. John A. King on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnaking/

🔗 Visit Dr. John A. King’s website: https://drjohnaking.com/

🔗 Learn more at HRBench.com