The Oxygen Mask Mindset Revealed - With Calissa Ngozi
- Tony Chapman
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Behind the Oxygen Mask Mindset – Healing, Resilience, and Leading with Purpose
Discover the riveting story of Calissa Ngozi in this episode of Chatter That Matters, hosted by Tony Chapman. Calissa’s life unfolds across pages of adversity, hope, and heroism. From being placed into foster care as an infant, facing the complexities of race and identity as a Black child adopted by a white family, enduring sexual abuse, and coping with generational mental illness, her journey is a testament to extraordinary resilience.
Now a celebrated mental health educator, community advocate, and creator of the "Oxygen Mask Mindset," Calissa’s philosophy centers on self-care as the foundation for purposeful leadership and healing. As she shares, “We need to learn to take care of ourselves before we take care of other people.” Her mindset and story empower audiences to rethink how they approach wellness, adversity, and transformation.
Inspiring Moments and Powerful Lessons
In the podcast, Calissa reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her strength, including the courage it took to speak up about abuse and the support that anchored her healing. Her adoptive mother’s affirmation—“I didn’t grow in my mummy’s tummy. I grew with love.”—serves as a guiding light, showing how love can overcome the darkest of experiences. Through reconnections with her biological family and immense personal loss, including the passing of her twin sons, Calissa continually finds meaning, purpose, and hope beyond suffering.
Practical Wisdom: The Oxygen Mask Mindset
Listeners will learn actionable strategies for self-care, with Calissa’s challenge to “find five minutes, even if it’s in the bathroom or before your head hits the pillow, every day for yourself.” She unpacks tips for building habits around positive affirmations and daily reflection—small yet powerful changes that lay the groundwork for resilience and leadership.
Why This Episode Matters
The conversation touches on pressing social themes—mental health, diversity, self-worth, and the power of supportive communities. If you’re searching for inspiration, tools to nurture your mental health, or insight on overcoming hardship, Calissa’s story will not only move you but provide a roadmap for transformation.
Join us for this unforgettable episode of Chatter That Matters and witness how one woman’s journey from “victim to valor” can spark change in ourselves and our communities.
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
Featuring insights for aspiring founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone craving inspiration with actionable strategies.
Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated podcasts, showcasing stories and lessons from a diverse range of guests, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and everyday change-makers. Each episode illustrates how individuals transform challenges into triumphs through mindset and resilience.
Hosted by Tony Chapman—a renowned marketing strategist and three-time inductee into the Marketing Hall of Fame—this acclaimed show ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally. Tune in weekly as Tony converses with guests who share invaluable wisdom on living a meaningful life.
🔥 Authentic voices. Remarkable journeys. Real strategies for success.
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