Anxiety at Work with Adrian Gostick & Chester Elton

In a world that tells us to hustle harder and keep on our game face, self-criticism has become endemic for many people. But what if that voice in our heads is making us more anxious and less effective?Key TakeawaysSelf-Compassion Fuels Sustainable SuccessDetach Productivity from Self-WorthMindfulness Doesn't Have to Be ComplicatedSpecial Thanks

In a world that tells us to hustle harder and keep on our game face, self-criticism has become endemic for many people. But what if that voice in our heads is making us more anxious and less effective?In today's fast-paced, perfection-driven world, self-criticism has become second nature—and for many, a barrier to mental health and professional growth. But what if self-compassion isn't weakness, but a secret superpower?This week, Chester and Adrian sit down with Matt Kovatchis, a certified coach, mindfulness facilitator, and founder of Purposely Present Coaching, to explore the real cost of negative self-talk—and the liberating shift toward self-acceptance.Matt shares his personal journey from corporate burnout to emotional breakthrough, offering powerful strategies for developing resilience, reducing anxiety, and building a fulfilling life based on authenticity—not approval.Key TakeawaysSelf-Compassion Fuels Sustainable SuccessDetach Productivity from Self-WorthMindfulness Doesn't Have to Be ComplicatedSpecial Thanks

These days, with everyone multitasking and constantly plugged in, real connection can feel rare. But what if the key to resilience and healthy relationships wasn't about talking more, but listening better? In a world filled with noise, distraction, and division, could the simple act of truly listening be the key to deeper connection, better mental health, and greater understanding—even across opposing viewpoints? In this powerful and timely episode, Chester and Adrian are joined by journalist and workplace mediator Emily Kasriel, whose upcoming book, Deep Listening, explores how we can transform our relationships by listening not just to others—but also to ourselves.Emily shares her 8-step method rooted in science and real-world examples—from Nelson Mandela's reconciliation efforts to Indigenous listening rituals—showing how active listening can ease anxiety, bridge divides, and foster psychological safety at work and at home.What You'll Learn:Why deep listening is a radical act in today's distracted worldHow leaders can balance empathy and efficiency in the workplaceThe surprising benefits of listening to your "foes"How self-reflection and curiosity make you a better listenerWhy listening ≠ agreement—and how to hold boundaries while staying presentA real-world story from Latvia that illustrates deep listening's power in divided communitiesNotable Quotes:“We rarely listen to understand. We listen to respond.” – Emily Kasriel “Listening does not signal agreement. It signals respect.” – Emily Kasriel “Being curious is the gateway to empathy and connection.” – Adrian GostickSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams. They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...

What if resilience wasn't about pushing harder, but about learning to bend without breaking?In this profoundly insightful episode, Chester and Adrian sit down with renowned self-awareness expert Dr. Tasha Eurich to explore her groundbreaking new book, Shatterproof. Together, they challenge conventional wisdom around resilience, revealing that pushing through adversity isn't always the smartest or most sustainable approach. Instead, Eurich offers a science-backed roadmap to building proactive, personalized strength—and why it's essential in today's high-pressure world.

Hosts: Chester Elton & Adrian Gostick Guest: Dr. Bob Rosen, Psychologist & Author of Detach: Ditch Your Baggage to Live a More Fulfilling Life Run Time: Approx. 45 minutes Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWith a world full of uncertainty—from global unrest to economic instability—it's no surprise that anxiety is on the rise. In this uplifting and enlightening conversation, Chester and Adrian welcome renowned psychologist Dr. Bob Rosen, who brings both deep expertise and personal vulnerability to the mic. Bob shares insights from his latest and most personal book, Detach, where he outlines the 10 unhealthy attachments that hold us back—and how to break free.Drawing on decades of coaching CEOs and working with global leaders, Bob introduces a transformational framework that helps people let go of fear-based behaviors and embrace a life filled with clarity, contentment, and connection.“Detach doesn't mean disconnect—it means freeing yourself to live with intention.” — Dr. Bob RosenSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams. They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...

In a world of complexity, purpose at work is still the clearest path to resilience and results.

In a world of complexity, purpose at work is still the clearest path to resilience and results.

Despite the growing investment in workplace wellness programs, employee morale and satisfaction continue to decline. What's going wrong? 

Despite the growing investment in workplace wellness programs, employee morale and satisfaction continue to decline. What's going wrong? 

Ever had a boss that drove you a little… bonkers?

Ever had a boss that drove you a little… bonkers?You're not alone. In this episode, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton sit down with visionary tech executive and new author Eric Charran to explore the fascinating world of dysfunctional leadership—and how to rise above it.Eric's new book Have You Ever Had a Boss That… breaks down nine archetypes of difficult managers—from the “Firefighter” to the “Amnesiac”—and offers real-world strategies for thriving, not just surviving, under imperfect leadership. It's a masterclass in navigating workplace anxiety, fostering self-awareness, and transforming chaos into clarity.

✅ Like

How can you restore hope and restore your vitality?

✅ Like

How can you restore hope and restore your vitality? 

✅ Like

With AI, our teams spread around the world, and major shifts occurring in the workplace, our guest today says humanity-first leadership is the last real differentiator!

✅ Like

Under pressure, even the most well-intentioned manager can become the boss nobody wants to work for. 

✅ Like

Ever feel like fear holds you back from stepping into your potential?

In 1962, there were only about 400,000 female business owners in the country. Today, there are more than 13 million women-owned businesses.✅ Like

When the U.S. Census Bureau first started tracking data on women-owned businesses in 1962, there were only about 400,000 female business owners in the country. Today, there are more than 13 million women-owned businesses.🔑 Top 3 Takeaways âœ… Why workplace fairness is not just a “nice-to-have” but a business necessity✅ How small, simple tweaks ( changing résumé formats) can lead to big impacts✅ Why perceived unfairness fuels workplace anxiety and burnout—and what leaders can do about it🚀 This week we welcome Siri Chilazi, Senior Researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School and co-author of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results. Siri's mission is to bring real, measurable fairness to the workplace using the same data-driven approach that businesses use for profits and performance. 🔥 Final Thought: If you want a better workplace, measure what matters—and act on it! 🚀📚 Resources & Links📖 Make Work Fair – [Available January 2025]🌐 Learn more: makeworkfair.com📌 Follow Siri Chilazi on LinkedIn📣 Love this episode? Share it with your network & leave us a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👥 Follow Chester & Adrian:🌍 Website: TheCultureWorks.com📖 Anxiety at Work – Available wherever books are sold! 📚🎤 Book Chester & Adrian for Your Next Event!✨ Keynotes on Culture, Leadership & Mental Wellness📩 Contact us at TheCultureWorks.comSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams. They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...

How can we work more collaboratively with our colleagues, vendors and others in business?

How can we work more collaboratively with our colleagues, vendors and others in business?In this episode of Anxiety at Work, Chester Elton and Adrian Gostick sit down with Kate Vitasek, international authority on collaborative business relationships, creator of the Vested business model, and leader of the University of Tennessee's research on strategic partnerships. Kate shares the groundbreaking principles of her "Vested" model, a framework that shifts business relationships from transactional to transformational. Learn how adopting a "What's in it for we?" mindset can reduce workplace anxiety, foster innovation, and build partnerships that thrive in challenging environments.What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Did you know that some 60% of the world's workers are employed by family businesses?

Some 60% of the world's workers are employed by family businesses. Family businesses not only survive but thrive during turbulent times—making it through market failures, environmental disasters and even wars. How?What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

In the very near future, are we headed to the end of the full-time job?

In the very near future, are we headed to the end of the full-time job?

✨ Tired of the constant division and anxiety in today's world? There's hope!

✨ Tired of the constant division and anxiety in today's world? There's hope!

✨ Ever feel lost or stuck despite being "successful"? You're not alone.

✨ Ever feel lost or stuck despite being "successful"? You're not alone.

✨ There are more pieces of digital data than there are stars in the universe.Ever wonder what your digital footprint reveals about you? In today's world, every online action builds a profile of who you are—and influences your choices more than you may realize.

✨ There are more pieces of digital data than there are stars in the universe.Ever wonder what your digital footprint reveals about you? In today's world, every online action builds a profile of who you are—and influences your choices more than you may realize.

Feeling election anxiety? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into why this election feels especially intense and how to keep calm as we approach November 5. From navigating the 24/7 news cycle to managing political conversations, we discuss strategies to keep your mind steady during this high-stakes time. Whether you're a news junkie or trying to avoid the media altogether, we offer tips for staying informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Our guest today says many of us blind ourselves to our true motivations!