Balancing your career with bipolar

At university, James experienced mood swings that could go on for weeks. He’d go from avoiding everyone and everything, to organising copious parties. When he found himself stripping on the roof of his car on Oxford High Street, the police stepped in. He soon found himself in a mental hospital, diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

But the challenges haven’t held James back. He’s continued to build a successful career, and spending time in hospital every few years hasn’t stopped him from progressing—or supporting others as Founder and CEO of Sales Confidence.

You’ll hear how James manages bipolar disorder alongside his career, why we need to challenge misconceptions of the condition, and how his HR Lead knew just how to offer the right support when he was struggling.

As Founder and CEO of Sales Confidence, James Ski has built an open and honest community of salespeople—encouraging professional and personal development alike.

He previously held senior sales roles at LinkedIn, Opogo, and Drift.

Oliva is the employee mental wellbeing platform for companies who want to properly care for their people, and help them grow.

By combining proper therapy courses, coaching (the good kind), dedicated support for managers, and mental fitness classes—all led by a curated team of top professionals—Oliva helps employees respond to whatever hurdles life throws at them: big or small, at work and beyond.