Mental Health in the Hustle: Harvard Law, Corporate Life with Derek Manners

What does it really take to succeed, and stay mentally well, when you’re grinding through some of the most high-pressure environments in the world?

In this powerful episode of The Speak Your Vision Podcast, host Tarik Williams sits down with corporate lawyer and Harvard Law graduate Derek Manners for a raw, real, and timely conversation during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Derek opens up about his journey from growing up poor to walking the halls of Harvard Law and navigating life now as a high-achieving corporate attorney. But this isn’t just a story about hard work—it’s about what it costs and how we care for ourselves along the way.

In this episode, we explore:

• The pressure of elite academic spaces and its effect on mental health
• What it means to stay grounded in high-stakes corporate life
• The truth about burnout, overworking, and how to set internal boundaries
• Why mental health isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a survival tool
• How Derek’s background shaped his mindset, discipline, and values
• Real strategies for prioritizing yourself without losing your ambition

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, or professional navigating long hours and big dreams, this episode reminds you: you don’t have to sacrifice your mental well-being to succeed.

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