From Pain to Power:My Unbreakable Journey
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
By Naseem Rochette
On May 21, 2018, my life changed dramatically when I was hit and run over by a car three times. Before that day, I was pretty sure I knew what it meant to be strong, successful, unstoppable. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
As a sales leader at Microsoft and a mother of three, my life was a just-in-time juggling act of professional achievement and personal chaos. I was a master problem-solver who prided myself on being self-sufficient, a person who never asked for help and even made the juggle look easy. Then, in a crosswalk on a beautiful sunny day, everything changed and that person was nowhere to be found.
I was hit and run over by a car three times - tires running over my body five times! It was an unimaginable trauma that left me with multiple complex injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. I could have guessed the physical pain would be excruciating, but it was the mental and emotional pain that was truly profound. I went from a woman who could thrive in complex projects to someone who couldn't get out of bed, hold a coffee cup, or even fill out a simple form. The person I had worked so hard to become was gone, and I felt completely broken. I felt lost and just wanted to hide from the world. Yet, people kept wanting to help, and every act of kindness from friends and family felt embarrassing, like a debt I could never repay.
Then, in the midst of this anguish, a new perspective began to take hold, a life altering shift in my mindset. My trauma therapist introduced me to the Japanese art of Kintsugi, the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold to highlight the cracks, making the piece more beautiful for having been broken. The philosophy gave me a way to think about my own struggles as my unique cracks—not something to hide in shame but a part of my journey. I made a conscious decision, with my family, to reframe the story. This accident did not just happen to me; it happened for me. We decided to transform the day of my trauma into a new holiday: “Unbreakable Day,” a celebration of resilience, life, and the people who helped me put the pieces back together.
This reframing of my narrative was the most powerful thing I could have done. I started sharing my story, not as a victim but as a journey. I learned that true strength wasn't about being perfectly together; it was about the courage to be vulnerable and to accept help. As I began to let people in and share my cracks, my relationships deepened and became more meaningful. This newfound vulnerability wasn't a weakness—it was a superpower. It allowed me to connect with others on a level I never had before and ultimately made my professional and personal life more impactful.
Today, my journey from pain to power has become my purpose. My book, The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over, and my work as a speaker and coach are all about helping others feel less alone in their struggles. I learned that breaking doesn't mean you are broken. Instead, it can be the catalyst for discovering a deeper, more resilient, and ultimately more joyful version of yourself. When we embrace our cracks, we reveal a strength we never knew we had, becoming the authors of our own unbreakable stories.
About the Author
Naseem Rochette is a force of nature, seamlessly blending resilience, intellect, and compassion. As the bestselling, award-winning author of The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over, she has captivated audiences with her extraordinary story of survival and transformation. Currently, she excels as a Strategic Account Executive at Databricks, having previously held similar roles at Google and Microsoft. Her motivational talks have inspired students and executives at prestigious institutions like Google, KPMG, Georgetown, and Rutgers.
Naseem’s thirst for self-improvement and knowledge is insatiable. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia University and an MBA from Rutgers, complemented by numerous certifications in leadership development, technology, and AI. Despite her demanding career, she is also a devoted mother to three children, four cats, and two dogs, and is cherished as an attentive and caring friend.
In May 2018, her journey took a dramatic turn when she was hit and run over by a car three times, resulting in life-altering changes, most notably a traumatic brain injury. This harrowing experience forced her to redefine her understanding of strength and resilience. Through her recovery, Naseem discovered a profound inner strength that has transformed her into an even more effective leader, colleague, and human being.
Naseem’s unique ability to turn adversity into opportunity sets her apart. She leads corporate presentations that weave together compelling narratives, leadership insights, and her powerful personal story, guiding teams towards authenticity, vulnerability, and a positive outlook on life and work. Her unparalleled journey and unwavering spirit make her a truly remarkable and inspiring figure.
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