nicole bensen

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Let's create your best life.

The tools you’ll learn are proven, simple, practical, and FUN, and every practice is based on research and science—no mediation chimes, sage, or crystals needed. We’ll talk about mindfulness, gratitude, Imposter Syndrome, overthinking, self-compassion, values, and self-worth. The videos are available to watch on-demand, so you can do the practices when it’s convenient for you.

Next Level You:
happier, more resilient, confident, and calm

I’ve taught hundreds of Googlers and Fortune 500 leaders, and my workshops have 5-star reviews.

You don’t have to trade success for happiness, or your career for wellbeing. Learn how to uncover and change core beliefs, shed expectations, and feel worthy while IMPROVING your success rates!

self-paced wellbeing program

JOIN now

Go through a “choose-your-own-adventure” style of learning. During the program you will be handed so (so!) many tools, and YOU have the power to select the one to try that week. You know your life, your motivations, responsibilities, and goals, so you’re the best one to choose the experiment that sounds fun, easy, doable and exciting.

next level you

introducing...

Learn why sharing accomplishments is helpful for your career and personal life; then we’ll flip it around to talk about failure, values, and uncovering core beliefs and fears to understand drivers behind seeking accomplishments.

The practices in this module are especially helpful for those who fall into perfectionism and lean on external rewards or accolades to determine self-worth. 

worthy beyond accomplishments

Imposter Syndrome, or having an Imposter Experience, is one of the most common challenges I hear from friends, clients, peers, and participants. We’ll dig into this topic, talking about how and when this tends to show up, and learn different practices to overcome those moments.

We’ll also spend time examining some of the thoughts that hold us back, so we can raise awareness, and learn how to develop more objective and realistic thoughts.

overcoming
imposter syndrome

One of the most powerful ways we can build resilience is by offering ourselves compassion. You might be wondering, “What does compassion have to do with resilience?” Self-compassion is strongly-associated with emotional wellbeing, ability to cope with challenges and lower levels of anxiety and depression.

We’ll also spend time on overthinking and ruminating thoughts, and various ways to stop those spirals to view things more objectively. One participant said using these tools to get out of an over-analyzing loop has helped her sleep better!

building resilience

Increasing happiness with mindfulness and gratitude is intentionally the foundation for this six-module course. The tools we’ll practice are simple yet powerful, and the benefits continue to grow over time, so I want you to have these first. We’ll do an exercise to boost your mood in one minute, and we’ll talk about things to do to increase your level of happiness for the rest of your life.

If you’re hesitating at the words “mindfulness and gratitude,” that’s great because you’re leaning into the uncomfortable, but I also want you to know there are no healing crystals or meditation cushions needed here. The things I share are super practical and simple.  

Increasing happiness

Here’s What You’ll Learn

LET’S BREAK it DOWN

Whether joining one of my corporate workshops, Next Level You, an #IamRemarkable session, or 1:1 coaching, most of my clients work in a corporate environment. I’ve had the honor of supporting people who work in tech, entertainment, real estate, education, and consulting—in companies including Google, YouTube, Apple, Netflix, Cisco, KPMG, Dropbox, CBRE, Align Technology, San Jose State University, and start-ups.

RECENT
CLIENTS

are you Ready to change your life?

This program is for you if you are feeling overwhelmed and want someone to kindly hand you step-by-step instructions of ways to be happier and less stressed. Maybe the strain of the pandemic, working from home, missing your friends (and social hours!) have added even more to your already full plate. You’re doing your best to juggle work and home, with little to no capacity for your wellbeing needs. You may not feel you have the time or mind space to add yet another thing to your to-do list, but you know “nothing is going to change if nothing changes,” and you want help now.

NEXT LEVEL YOU:
happier, more resilient, confident and calm

Learning from someone who was a professional for many years in the corporate world immediately provides common language and understanding. (Perf, OKRs, KPIs, P0s, anyone?)

02

By providing you with a wide variety of tools to try. No wellbeing practice is one-size-fits-all, so you get to experiment with several, then narrow down to a few that really work for you.

01

top answers from previous participants

How can “Next Level You” help you?

Product Support Manager at Google, Non-profit President for the Junior League of San Jose, Wife and Mother

– Victoria Kroll

“If you're feeling overwhelmed with no time for yourself (like I was), you're going to benefit even more by signing up for Next Level You. The workbook is still something I pull out. It’s been helpful to look at the things I was trying as part of the workshop homework and realizing six weeks later I’m naturally doing some of these things week-over-week. I want to say it’s been life-changing, and I know that sounds silly, but it brings me immeasurable joy to practice some of the things I learned. I now write gratitude letters every single week!”

“I want to say it’s been life-changing, and I know that sounds silly...”

I’m bringing my expertise as someone who worked for nearly a decade at a fast-paced, tech giant in Silicon Valley, who knows what it’s like to spend all day in strategy and planning meetings, to put out fires, to go through performance reviews, to hire the right people, to manage a team, then play email catch-up and do a fair share of my core work at night.

My last corporate role was managing a wellbeing program for executives, while I juggled life with two school-aged kids—and I ended up experiencing burn-out myself (and I loved my job!). Ironic, no? 

I agree these tools are life-changing, because they changed mine.

but guess what...

Your future self is going to thank you.

— Ashley Mills, Management Consultant in Healthcare Technology

“Next Level You is a way to connect...learning how to take on life’s challenges, or even your own, personal, internal challenges, and from a research perspective hear, ‘This is why this may work for you,’ or ‘This is why THIS one might work for you.’

It’s a course that is grounded in facts and research.”


I’m on a mission to spread sprinkles of happiness around the world, and I would be honored to share these accessible practices with you because you deserve to live your happiest, most-fulfilling life too. 

I’m taking my lived experiences, my corporate knowledge, my research, my training background, my passion for positive psychology, and I’m sharing the tools I personally used to get to a healthier mental and emotional place, so you can have my blueprint to living a more meaningful, connected and happy life too. 

We all deserve the chance to pursue our best life. I’m not saying I’m perfect, or that I have it all figured out, but I know these practices create continual improvement in my wellbeing, as well as for others who’ve learned them, so I’m passionate about teaching these science-backed, simple ways to be happier, more resilient, confident and calm.

I used to wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. My hands would shake, and my heart rate would increase when I thought about work (a job I loved!), or my ever-growing, never-ending to do list in life. I chipped two teeth, and my dentist told me I was too stressed out! I went to a therapist, a psychiatrist, and then to another therapist. I read books; I went to retreats; I took courses.

I know how you feel...

My research and science-backed exercises and tools helped me get to a healthier mental place, and now I’ve had the honor of supporting people who work in tech, real estate, entertainment, education and consulting, in companies including Google, Apple, Netflix, Cisco, KPMG, Dropbox, Signifyd, and San Jose State University. I want to share these practices and insights with you too.

“The most valuable thing you presented for me today was actually the thing you said about, if ruminating/over-thinking was actually working, you would have solved the problem by now. That was such a simple concept, but my mind was blown. The overall value I think your program offers is showing how, as humans, we are very much alike. We are biologically wired and have evolved to perceive certain things as a danger to us even if it really is not something life-threatening. And that even the highest achieving people can feel like frauds and make mistakes. So much good stuff that your program puts out.”

sabrina was already experienced in MBSR and still “learned so much.”

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend your sessions. The information, practical tools, and connection with the other ladies [live cohort] was exactly what I needed at this point in my life. Thank you.”

michelle called the sessions “a gift.”

“I am a senior program manager for a large Bay Area tech company. That means that I live in meetings, and finding time to dedicate to this program felt impossible. I took the leap and made the commitment, and although I had some busy days while taking the training, the reward was worth the time investment for sure!

In Next Level You you'll learn why your brain does some of the things it does and how to stop it from doing some of the things that make it harder to enjoy yourself, your job, and your loved ones.”

erin is falling alseep easier by implementing some of the tools she learned.

“I’ve picked up so many tools to level up my self-confidence! I loved being a part of this. This couldn’t have come at a better time. Also learned different practices on how to stay calm—which I need because school starts next week!”

JUNE’s RELATIONSHIP WITH HER KIDS IMPROVED BECAUSE SHE’S MORE PRESENT.

Yes, It Really Works

take my hand.
Let’s do it together.

Everything you know has gotten you this far, and let’s be real—you have gotten far! You’re a successful person who has overcome challenges and celebrated career wins. And if you’re anything like me, you’d welcome learning proven best practices to support you getting to the next level without losing yourself.

The next level for you might be a promotion, or spending more time with your family. It might be a career change or picking up that hobby you used to love.

When I think of next level, I think of enjoying whatever it is I’m doing. Being present, being grateful, and yes, still being driven. My program helps you with those core life goals, so you can pursue whatever comes after.

You just want someone to tell you what works. To hand you some proven ways to thrive, to get space to breathe and make intentional decisions.

You’re ahead of the game by even being on this page. You’ve taken the first step. It would be my privilege to hold your hand on the next step.

You’re in the right place.

tools in your pocket

25+

lessons

18

modules

6

Have more skills to help you do your day-to-day job more effectively, while preparing you for the next opportunity.

Be a better leader by increasing your risk tolerance and ability to move through challenges with more ease.

Use mindfulness to build your ability to see things from new perspectives.

Have a simple, actionable plan in place for getting over an Imposter Syndrome experience.

Be more aware of when you fall into an overthinking trap and be able to quickly get to productive thoughts.

Uncover core beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your goals.

By the end of the program, you will...

Senior Program Manager, Bay Area

– Erin Watson

“Nicole is amazing. She is well-researched and experienced and besides being an absolute delight of a human being, she really offers so much. Treat yourself to some long-term strategies. One of the most notable impacts is my ability to break out of spirals. I am a chronic overthinker and over-analyzer. The workshop helped me to stop the spiral and move out of it with several different methods—I’ve used a bunch of them at different times. I fall asleep easier by shutting these spirals down!

“Nicole is amazing...an absolute delight of a human being.”

– Brené Brown

“To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”

“We don’t have to do all of it alone.
We were never meant to.”

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband, two daughters, baby boy, and two cats. I love animals, the sound of rain, red lipstick, baking (especially macarons), Redwood trees, and rocking a dress with pockets, and I’m thrilled to support you in becoming the Next Level You.

YOUR NEW HAPPINESS AND WELLBEING COACH, SUPPORTER, AND FRIEND

I'm Nicole

This program will give you easy-to-use tools to increase your happiness and wellbeing.

I am so confident you will see improvement in your happiness and wellbeing by implementing these tools, that if you don't see results, I am happy to offer a full refund within 7 days of your purchase. Just email hello@tentaclesandtea.com with your experiment and results, and I’ll send your money back, no questions asked.

money back 
guarantee

100%

You’ll go through a “choose-your-own-adventure” style of learning. In each module you’ll learn about a few tools, and then YOU have the power to decide which one to try that week.

Participants have raved about the number of options and have loved the freedom to choose. You know yourself, your motivations, your obligations for the week, and your life the best; you’re the best person to choose the experiment that sounds fun, easy and exciting.

The program works if you do the work, and you’re more likely to do the work if it’s something you think you’ll enjoy. If writing in a gratitude journal isn’t your thing, maybe taking a walk in the woods is. You might choose to spend 5 minutes once that week, 5 minutes per day, or 1 hour once during the week; again, it’s all your choice.

I’m here to be your guide, to give you the choices and the research, and to support you in getting happier, more resilient, confident, and calm.

IT’s a “tasting menu” of wellbeing activities

What makes the Next Level You program special?

In Next Level You, you’ll learn about many (25+) science-backed tools and exercises, so you’ll have a variety of items to choose from, experiment with and incorporate into your life for mental and emotional wellbeing. It can partner well with both therapy and coaching, or stand alone.

Adding a coaching package is a great way to include accountability and a chance to ask live questions one-on-one.

Example: “Here are 12 ways to increase happiness. Which one sounds like the most fun for you to try this week? 

Example: “Here are common filters we might unconsciously use as we view the world. Do you recognize any you have used? You can use this STAR worksheet  to help you examine and challenge those thoughts.”

Coaching is a personalized approach, where we may acknowledge your past stories (especially looking at moments of strength), but it’s predominantly about looking at your present state, your desired future, and having a coach ask pointed questions (and at times offer ideas) for you to create your own next steps and path forward. We’ll work together on what’s most important to you that session.

Example: “What is a goal you’re working toward? What strengths do you have to help you get there? What action will you take this week?”

Therapy is when a licensed therapist works with you to examine and break down your past events to heal trauma, clear the way, and support you to take a positive path forward. 

Example: “Can you think of a moment from childhood where you felt this same way? How did your relationship with your mother influence the way you raise your own children?”

How is this different from Therapy or Coaching?

This is for you if...

YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SPIRITUAL OR MEDITATION-focused PROGRAM.

yOU'RE NOT WILLING TO EXPERIMENT WITH TOOLS THAT SOUND SILLY OR TOO EASY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

YOU WANT TO GO DEEP ON ONE TOOL/AREA. (NEXT LEVEL YOU IS A “TASTING MENU” OF WELLBEING RESOURCES.) 

It’s probably not for you if...

YOU’re committed to showing up for yourself and trying new wellbeing strategies.

YOU’RE TIRED OF SPINNING IN OVERWHELM AND STRESS.

YOU’RE driven, ambitious, AND READY TO PUT YOUR WELLBEING AT THE TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST.

YOU want a program that includes one-on-one or group support. (next level you is online, on-demand, and self-paced.)

next level you is not for you if YOU want to learn from someone who has reached spiritual enlightenment while living in a yurt and eschewing technology and modern comforts—someone who lives off the land and meditates 2 hours a day. (this person sounds amazing, but this definitely isn’t me!)

You want to climb the corporate ladder and think hustling is the way to do it.

next level you is for you if you want to Learn from someone who was a professional in the corporate world—someone who isn’t perfect but understands what it’s like to toggle between “okrs” and “kpis” to “bath time” and “what are we ordering/making for dinner?”

you don’t have a lot of time, so you need the “Cliffsnotes version” aka, lessons that can be done over your lunch break.

YOU WANT TO LEARN BEST PRACTICES TO HELP YOU ACCOMPLISH GOALS without burning out.

YOU want to learn “the one way to be happy/have peace/have it all.”

you want options. you feel boxed in when someone tells you, “this way is the only way to get x.”

YOU’LL LEARN SEVERAL TOOLS EACH LESSON; THEN YOU GET TO CHOOSE THE EXPERIMENT THAT SOUNDS FUN AND EASILY DOABLE TO YOU. THERE IS NO “ONE SIZE FITS ALL” FOR WELLBEING.

And finally,

How different could your life be?

How to feel worthy outside accomplishments

How to change your mindset about “failure”

How to beat Imposter Syndrome

Best practices that help you grow in your role today, make you a more inspiring leader, and prepare you for the next opportunity

How to stop over-thinking and over-analyzing

What subconscious fear is holding you back from accomplishing your goals

What *actually* makes you happy (it’s probably not what you think)

What *actually* makes you happy (it’s probably not what you think)

What subconscious fear is holding you back from accomplishing your goals

How to stop over-thinking and over-analyzing

Best practices that help you grow in your role today, make you a more inspiring leader, and prepare you for the next opportunity

How to beat Imposter Syndrome

How to feel worthy outside accomplishments

How to change your mindset about “failure”

What if this is your opportunity
to finally figure out:

i’m ready to change my life