LEVEL ONE: A Forensic Scientist Explains Why Your Job Is Traumatizing You

Send us Fan MailLEVEL ONE: $0 to $1M: STARTUP & SURVIVAL STAGE In today’s episode of The Business Game, we’re sitting down with Lori Ana Valentin, analytical chemist, former forensic scientist... and Founder of Radiant Journey, where she helps scientists, engineers, and high-performing professionals navigate burnout, leadership pressure, and the hidden psychological cost of high-stress work. After years working inside the State Police Crime Lab analysing homicide and criminal cases, Lori began noticing the emotional toll that exposure to trauma was having on professionals behind the scenes – and decided to do something about it. Now building a business while balancing full-time work and single motherhood, Lori shares what vicarious trauma actually looks like, why high performers silently carry emotional pressure for years, and how emotional intelligence became the unexpected skill that transformed both her leadership and her business. If you’re building a business, carrying pressure behind the scenes, or trying to perform at a high level without burning yourself into the ground… This episode is for you. Let’s dive in,  with Lori Ana Valentin: • what vicarious trauma actually is — and why most people miss it • how working homicide cases affects people behind the scenes • why burnout often isn’t the real problem • the hidden psychological cost of high performance • how COVID exposed emotional pressure people were already carrying • building a business while working full-time • balancing entrepreneurship and single motherhood • why emotional intelligence became her biggest advantage • the leadership side of stress nobody talks about • how to recognise when pressure is silently affecting your life Support the showThank you for listening to The Business Game, where real founders break down the real levels of business.Whether you're building at Level 1 ($0–$1M) or scaling through Level 6 and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand exactly where you are, and what it takes to level up.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review. It helps more founders find the roadmap.For full episodes, level breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.Want to identify your level or learn more about The Business Game framework?Visit www.thebusinessgamegroup.comIt's time to Level Up!We’ll see you at the next level.