Life Fulfilled Podcast — Rethinking Leadership for Sustainable Performance
Hosted by Bernie Borges | Founder, Fulfilled@Work Academy
Most people think of fulfillment as a feeling. But we treat it as a strategy—a powerful driver of performance, loyalty, and leadership impact.
Whether you lead in the workplace, at home, or in your community, host Bernie Borges helps you harness the five life pillars—health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy—to lead with both head and heart.
If your team’s performance is slipping and you can’t see why, this podcast helps you uncover the silent costs of disengagement.
You can’t lead high-performing teams with outdated tools. This podcast gives you the upgrade.
You’ll hear no-fluff solo episodes and guest conversations on modern leadership, workplace culture, disengagement, and the evolving role of AI, always grounded in actionable insights that help you create traction where it matters most.
Bernie is the creator of the Fulfillment-Centric Leadership™ Framework and founder of the Fulfilled@Work Academy, equipping leaders to build energized, high-performing teams without sacrificing what matters most.
If you’re ready to align performance with purpose, starting where you spend most of your time, subscribe to the Life Fulfilled Podcast. Because fulfillment isn’t just a feeling. It’s your performance strategy.
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Life Fulfilled Podcast — Rethinking Leadership for Sustainable Performance
Ep 243 From Trauma to HR Leadership: Michele A. Mathews on Finding Career Purpose
This week on the podcast, Bernie sits down with Michele A. Mathews, a powerhouse in HR, safety, and risk management, and the president of HR Tampa. Michele’s story is a testament to how unexpected life events can reshape not only our personal journeys but also how we strive to make a difference for others.
Here are three key highlights from our conversation:
1️⃣ Turning Trauma into Purpose
At just 10 years old, Michele suffered a freak accident resulting in temporary paralysis. Forced to step back from her original ambitions, she watched her father’s construction business up close, sparking her lifelong dedication to worker wellness, safety, and listening to those who often go unheard.
2️⃣ The Superpower of Active Listening
Michele credits her ability to tune in deeply, not just to words, but the intent behind them, as her “superpower” that shapes her leadership. She’s known for truly hearing people’s stories and concerns, making those around her feel valued and seen, which are traits that set her apart in both HR and life.
3️⃣ Impact Over Titles
Though she reached her goal as a chief HR and safety officer for a business, Michele found greater fulfillment running her own consultancy. By working with multiple organizations and directly impacting real people’s lives (sometimes life-savingly so), she pursues what she calls the “second paycheck,” the internal satisfaction of meaningful work.
Main Takeaway:
Michele’s journey is a powerful reminder that fulfillment isn’t just about titles or ticking off career boxes, it’s about purpose-driven impact, kindness, and using your unique story to lift others up.
Want to connect with Michele? All her links are in the show notes below!
Connect with Michele A. Mathews
Connect with Bernie Borges
Email: bernie@fulfilledatworkacademy.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter
Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring Bernie as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.
Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube
Music attribution:
Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno
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