Muzzammil Riaz is a registered nurse, wellness advocate, and founder of Trust The Process, a platform dedicated to mental health, resilience, and holistic growth. Blending clinical experience with deep empathy, Muzzammil shares powerful insights from the front lines of healthcare and his healing journey. His work speaks to anyone navigating burnout, self-doubt, or emotional overload, especially men who feel pressured to stay silent in a world that often discourages vulnerability. Known for his grounded, relatable voice, Muzzammil uses writing and digital content to challenge stigma, promote self-compassion, and encourage honest dialogue about mental health. His mantra, “healing isn’t linear,” resonates across blog posts, podcasts, and social platforms where he connects with thousands seeking support and strength through real, unfiltered stories. A consistent academic achiever with multiple Dean’s List honors, Muzzammil balances his demanding nursing career with creative outreach, fitness, and philanthropy. He has helped fund over seven clean water wells through the Paani Project and regularly organizes community-driven fundraising efforts that uplift marginalized voices and build hope. Whether caring for patients, journaling at sunrise, or lifting weights at the gym, Muzzammil shows authenticity and purpose. His mission is simple but powerful: to help others keep going, one step, one story, one breath at a time.
What made you want to do the work you do? What motivates you when things get tough?
My journey into nursing and mental health advocacy began with personal pain. I saw loved ones struggle silently, and I knew I couldn’t stand on the sidelines. Becoming a nurse gave me the chance to heal others, both physically and emotionally. Remembering why I started motivates me when things get tough: to be the kind of support I wish existed during my most challenging moments. Every message from someone who says my words helped them keep going reminds me that purpose outweighs pressure. Healing isn’t linear, but service keeps me grounded through every twist and turn.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your business.
Surprisingly easy: 1) Creating honest content. Sharing my truth flows naturally. 2) Connecting with like-minded people. Authenticity attracts. 3) Maintaining passion. I genuinely love what I do.
Surprisingly difficult: 1) Managing time between hospital shifts and content creation. It’s a constant juggle. 2) Facing vulnerability backlash. Being open isn’t always met with kindness. 3) Fundraising for causes. People support, but sustaining momentum is tough.
While some parts feel effortless because they’re rooted in purpose, others demand resilience. Balancing the duality of being both a healthcare professional and an advocate requires navigating unpredictability daily, but it’s always worth it.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
- Helping people heal. Witnessing someone find peace or progress, whether at the bedside or through my words, is deeply fulfilling.
- Breaking stigma. I love challenging outdated narratives about mental health and masculinity. Shifting perspectives empowers me.
- Creating impact through storytelling. Sharing my experiences and hearing others say “I felt that” reminds me that vulnerability is strength.
These aspects connect deeply with my values: service, authenticity, and growth. They keep my work meaningful and grounded. Every moment of connection, every message that says “thank you,” reinforces that I’m walking the right path.
What are your greatest 3 skills and how have they helped you succeed?
- Empathy. It helps me connect with patients and readers on a fundamental level. People open up when they feel seen.
- Consistency. I show up in the gym, at work, or online, even when motivation fades. Progress comes from discipline.
- Communication. Sharing complex emotional and medical topics in relatable ways has helped me build trust with a broad audience.
These skills allow me to bridge clinical knowledge with human connection. They’ve shaped my nursing practice and advocacy platform, making everything I do feel more intentional and impactful.
Tell us about a time you were dead wrong about something.
Early in my career, I believed burnout was a sign of weakness. I thought I’d be fine if I just worked harder and pushed through. I was dead wrong. That mindset nearly broke me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It wasn’t until I hit a wall and sought therapy that I realized self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to unlearning toxic hustle culture and encouraging others to rest and heal without guilt. That experience taught me humility and changed my approach to nursing and life. Now I lead with compassion, especially for myself.
What is the biggest challenge you face each day, and how do you handle it?
Balancing my roles as a nurse, writer, advocate, and human is a daily challenge. The work is emotionally intense, and some days I feel stretched too thin. To manage this, I stick to a grounding routine: prayer, journaling, movement, and setting clear boundaries. I remind myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Delegating tasks and permitting myself to rest are vital. I’ve also built a strong support network. People who check in and hold me accountable for my well-being. Handling burnout isn’t about avoiding stress. It’s about cultivating tools to navigate it with grace and perspective.
What habit do you try to stick to, and how has it helped you?
One habit I’ve stayed committed to is daily movement, whether a workout, a walk, or a few minutes of stretching. It’s more than physical. It’s mental clarity. Movement helps me process emotions, manage stress, and stay connected to my body. As someone who works in high-stress environments, fitness keeps me grounded and reminds me of my strength, both inside and out. It’s also been key in my healing journey. Showing up for myself physically often leads to showing up emotionally, professionally, and spiritually. Consistency in this habit has shaped my mindset: discipline over motivation.
What are 3 of your goals (could be a mix of personal and professional)?
- Expand Trust The Process into a community wellness platform offering resources, workshops, and mentorship for healthcare professionals and young men.
- Write a book blending my journey with mental health strategies, something raw, honest, and practical.
- Run a marathon. A personal challenge that reflects my mantra of persistence and progress.
Each goal reflects a different part of me: service, storytelling, and self-discipline. They’re rooted in the desire to grow, contribute, and evolve. Setting goals that stretch you emotionally, intellectually, and physically helps create a fuller, more meaningful life.
What is your favorite book and why?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is my favorite book because it mirrors the essence of my life philosophy: trust the journey, even when it doesn’t make sense. The story’s message that the universe conspires to help you when you pursue your true purpose has stayed with me through every career shift, every challenge, and every moment of self-doubt. It reminds me that obstacles are not detours but part of the path. I return to it often when I need clarity or courage. It’s a book that finds new meaning every time I read it.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I’d tell my younger self: “You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.” I spent years trying to prove myself, academically, physically, emotionally, believing worth came from perfection. But true strength lies in honesty, owning your story, even the messy parts. I’d remind him to give himself grace, to rest without guilt, and to stop measuring success by external standards. Healing is not a straight line, and that’s okay. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s where connection begins. Trust your timing, protect your peace, and keep going. Everything will come together in its way.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If yes, what is the best way to reach you?
Absolutely. Mentorship is one of the most potent ways to create real change. I’m always open to connecting if my journey or insights can help someone else navigate their own. Whether it’s a student nurse, a mental health advocate, or someone simply trying to find their voice, I’m here. The best way to reach me is through my website, Trust The Process, or Instagram. I also respond to thoughtful DMs and emails and occasionally open one-on-one sessions through my Substack. Community is everything, and I’m honored to be part of it.
Just for fun, what is your favorite dessert?
Easy. Warm chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect balance of rich and cool, soft and sweet. There’s something nostalgic and comforting about it, like a reward after a tough day or a celebration of small wins. It’s also symbolic in a way. The molten center reminds me that even when things look solid on the outside, a lot is happening underneath, and that’s beautiful. Plus, let’s be real, it’s just delicious. Whether at a nice dinner or just treating myself after a shift, it’s always my go-to indulgence.