Empathy: Healing Yourself Post Betrayal in Business

If you have ever been betrayed in business, you know it is a total gut punch, right? Maybe your partner threw you under the bus, a co-worker swiped your spotlight, or a client flipped the script on trust. Whatever it was, it stings, and it’s okay to admit that. I’ve been there, and I can tell you: you can heal from this. It’s not a snap-of-the-fingers fix, sometimes it’s messy and zigzaggy, but with a little grit and grace, you’ll come out tougher and smarter. Let’s walk through this together, step by step, and get you ready to rise again!

1. Feel It, Don’t Fake It

First things first: let’s not pretend it doesn’t hurt. Anger? Check. Embarrassment? Yep. A little “what did I do to deserve this” funk? Totally normal. Don’t shove it down to look “professional,” that’s just a ticket to Emotional Baggage Town. Grab a notebook, vent to a trusted friend (or me, I’m listening!), or just sit with it. Naming what you feel? That’s your superpower kicking in.

2. Facts vs. Drama Llama

Betrayal loves to mess with your head. Suddenly, you’re thinking, “I’m an idiot for not seeing this,” or “Everyone’s a snake.” Whoa, slow down, drama llama! Let’s sort it out. Fact: “They took my pitch.” Story: “I’m doomed to be betrayed forever.” See the difference? Strip it down to what actually happened, and you’ll stop beating yourself up for their shady moves.

3. Take the Wheel Back

Feeling powerless? Nope, not on my watch! You’ve still got the keys to your life. Start small, drop that toxic tie, journal on the experience, or pour your heart into something you love. Every move says, “Hey, betrayal, you don’t own me, I’ve got this.” And you do.

4. Lessons, Not Grudges

Okay, I get it, it’s tempting to swear off people forever. But let’s not let one jerk turn us into the Grinch of business. What’d you learn? Missed a red flag? Need tighter boundaries? That’s gold, not gloom. Keep your heart open but your eyes sharper, you’re too fabulous to let cynicism win.

5. Trust You Again (You’re Worth It)

Trust takes a hit after this, and not just with others, with yourself too. “How’d I miss this?” you wonder. Go easy, on yourself, you worked with what you knew then. Start rebuilding by keeping promises to yourself, tuning into your gut, and cheering every little win. You’re not just trustworthy, you’re a shining light.

6. Squad Up, Don’t Solo It

Post-betrayal vibes can make you want to hide in a cave. Don’t do it! Call up a mentor, grab coffee with a peer, or chat with a therapist (no shame in that game). You need people who’ve got your back and remind you not everyone’s a double-crosser. We’re stronger together, I promise.

7. Turn Pain into Rocket Fuel

Here’s my favourite twist: what if this betrayal lights a fire under you? Some of the biggest wins come from the biggest “ouch” moments. Take that anger, that hustle, and build something epic. Stole your idea? Outshine them. Stabbed you in the back? Outwork them. Their mess-up? Your glow-up.

8. Give Yourself a Break

Healing’s not a sprint, okay? Some days you’re crushing it, others you’re stinging again, that’s real life. Be kind to yourself as you sort it out. Time won’t zap the memory, but it’ll soften the edges and show you just how tough you are. You’ve got all the time you need.

Final Thoughts

Look, betrayal’s a curveball, but it’s not game over, it’s a plot twist. You’re not what they did, you’re how you bounce back. Grab the wisdom, own your power, and build something untouchable. I’m rooting for you, because healing’s not just surviving, it’s thriving. Let’s do this!

Want to turn hurt into growth? Join me at the Strategize Your Biz workshop on April 27th, let’s heal and build together.

From my soul to yours with love,

Sara x