Sharing MENTAL HEALTH STORIES for a MORE EMPATHIC world.
My Bipolar diagnosis story and struggles with mental health – and those of others – can change how society and companies react to and approach those struggling with theirs.
founder of Bipolar Empath
I share an unfiltered version of my struggles with being diagnosed with a mental illness during one of the most productive times of my career. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder months before being nominated to become a partner at PwC, and my diagnosis changed my life and career path as I knew it. My story serves to fill the void of millions of stories like mine, particularly amongst professionals.
I am Shak,
DON’T LET IT DEFINE YOU.
"I am not afraid to speak my truth, and I am determined to be myself, no matter the ramifications that could come with that."— Shak from Bipolar Empath
I am contributing to a future where mental illnesses don't define a person's worth or abilities. I am doing it by preaching and cultivating empathy in the simplest way: sharing my unfiltered stories of my Bipolar Diagnosis.
My biggest suffering was not my bipolar disorder but the struggle and insecurity I faced in meeting old expectations at work. I believe that empathy is the tool that can change any person's outcome when managing mental health challenges in life and the workplace, which is why I am committed to transforming how society and companies react to those challenged by mental illness and see insecurity as a weakness.
Don't let your mental illness or mental health struggles DEFINE WHO YOU ARE.
Bipolar Empath is how I channel my voice to speak up for those who are not ready to open up and share details about their mental health struggles.
You may have seen me:
Insecurity is not a weakness; it is a symptom of uncertainty and anxiety.
Those who get the support to embrace it become resilient and can successfully manage adversity in life.
This is what makes my commitment so important, especially in the workplace, as empathy in leadership will positively impact an employee's path to mental health recovery.
Don’t let it define you.
You deserve to live authentically, and that means embracing your struggles.
Your Mental Illness Doesn’t Define Who You Are
Join me as I break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and inspire people to lead with empathy.
No matter what stage you are at in your mental health journey, you can find encouragement and motivation in Bipolar Empath to help you navigate it.
Join the Bipolar Empath Community
Don’t navigate your mental health journey alone. Subscribe to my newsletter where I share powerful narratives that remind you you're not alone, tips and tools for navigating mental health challenges, and strategies to foster compassion –delivered right to your inbox!
Together, we can create a more empathic world.
the kindest words:
to Motivate and guide
“Shahrukh’s ability to hit the ground running from day one, paired with his ability to motivate, mentor and guide a new team, is a valuable asset for any team looking to drive change.“
— Kim-Li Phu, CPA, CA, CPA(IL) VP, Finance at Notch
vulnerability and bravery
“I love your warm & fuzzy takeaways, Shak! I so appreciate your vulnerability and bravery! We crossed the 1000+ chats during your talk! Sending you much love and good vibes!”
— Diana YK Chan, MBA
helping countless others
“Shak, your openness about your experience will continue to help countless others who are not yet able to talk about their struggles openly. Thank you so much for sharing your story.”
— Christina Fox, Partner, PwC Canada
foundation of trust
“Shak takes a hands-off approach to manage people and takes the time to build a foundation of trust so that he can help his team feel valued and motivated to do their best work. Shak’s support allowed me to take on more responsibility and accelerate my personal and professional growth. Thank you for the encouragement and support you’ve provided to me over the years, which have helped me progress to where I am in my career.”
— Jessica Woods, CPA, CA Director, External Reporting at LifeWorks
A role model who’s sharing with the whole world
“Shak’s words are packed with intent and reflect the strength that he has built in a tough situation. He not only made lemonade with life’s lemons, but you made a damn good one, and you are sharing it with the whole world to benefit from it. Thanks for spreading your learnings and for being an amazing role model to all of us.”
— Pınar Doğruer, Partner, Retail & Consumer | GTA Consulting Leader
In 2016, Shak's life was heading toward success. He was in a committed relationship, and his career path was so straightforward that he was weeks away from having his partnership case interview.
However, his journey took a dramatic turn after he experienced his first manic episode at a PwC leadership conference that was taking place in France.
Shak had to be rushed back to Toronto on an emergency flight, where he was admitted to a hospital and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
