Podcasts about achiever

What if achievement doesn't have to come from suffering? I sit down with Congressman Adam Smith to talk about the complicated relationship between anxiety, achievement, and self-worth. Adam shares his journey through panic attacks, psychotherapy, chronic pain recovery, and the difficult work of building self-worth that isn't tied to performance. We also dive into why so many high achievers believe anxiety is the price of success, how trauma and stress shape the way we lead, and what happens when you stop using fear and self-criticism as your primary source of motivation. Get ready to discover a healthier path to high achievement. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl's limited-time offer before it's gone. Visit hipebl.ai today In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Can anxiety make you a better leader? 04:30 Why ambitious people often struggle with fear and insecurity. 06:15 How can you give your anxiety a productive job to do? 08:45 What's the difference between feeling anxious and having clinical anxiety? 10:45 How Adam navigated years of panic attacks, chronic pain, and mental health challenges. 12:15 Why a lack of self-worth can fuel anxiety and achievement. 16:30 How ambition can remain strong even after anxiety is no longer the primary motivator. 28:45 Meditation techniques that help stop the cycle of chasing anxious thoughts. 31:15 What does it mean to demystify trauma? 33:30 New approaches that help people reprocess and heal from trauma. 35:30 The leadership skills that create healthier teams and workplaces. 37:15 How mental health struggles can become a source of empathy, patience, and stronger leadership. Resources + Links Get a copy of Adam Smith's book, Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Adam on LinkedIn @​​adamsmith

Achiever syndrome affects more entrepreneurs and high performers than most people realize. Outwardly, many business leaders appear confident, driven, and successful, yet internally they often carry persistent stress, self-doubt, anxiety, and the constant pressure to prove themselves. The challenge is that these struggles are frequently hidden beneath productivity, ambition, and professional accomplishments. For many high achievers, success becomes tied to identity. Instead of feeling fulfilled by accomplishments, there is often a lingering fear that success could disappear, that mistakes will expose weaknesses, or that slowing down could cause everything to fall apart. This creates a cycle where achievement no longer feels rewarding because the pressure to maintain it never truly ends. Achiever syndrome is not simply about working hard. It is rooted in the unconscious beliefs people develop over time about worthiness, safety, success, and failure. These beliefs often begin early in life and continue operating beneath the surface long into adulthood, influencing decision-making, confidence, relationships, leadership, and personal well-being. Many entrepreneurs and executives attempt to solve these struggles by focusing only on mindset strategies. They read books, attend conferences, hire coaches, and consume motivational content in hopes of overcoming internal resistance. While these tools can be valuable, they often address surface-level thinking without resolving the deeper emotional patterns driving the behavior. That is why many high performers continue feeling stuck despite outward success. Mental barriers are rarely logical. They are emotional patterns reinforced over years of experiences, beliefs, and internal narratives. People may consciously want growth, confidence, financial success, or healthier relationships while subconsciously carrying fears connected to rejection, failure, abandonment, or not feeling "good enough." These hidden beliefs create internal conflict. One part of the mind pushes toward growth and opportunity, while another part quietly resists change because it associates uncertainty with emotional discomfort or danger. This is why many successful individuals repeatedly encounter the same struggles in different forms throughout their lives. The circumstances may change, but the underlying emotional patterns remain the same. Achiever syndrome often shows up through overworking, perfectionism, procrastination, burnout, imposter syndrome, or difficulty enjoying success. Some people become addicted to proving themselves. Others become trapped in comparison, constantly measuring their progress against others instead of focusing on their own growth. The pressure can become exhausting. Many high achievers operate as though rest must be earned and self-worth must be constantly validated through performance. Even after reaching significant milestones, there is often another target, another challenge, or another level of success required before they feel "enough." Over time, this mindset creates emotional fatigue and chronic stress. Stress itself is not always the problem. In many cases, it is the ongoing internal tension created by unresolved beliefs and emotional patterns. The mind and body remain in a heightened state of alert because success feels fragile and identity feels attached to outcomes. Breaking through mental barriers requires more than positive thinking. Real transformation often begins by identifying the beliefs operating beneath conscious awareness. These beliefs shape how people interpret experiences, respond to setbacks, evaluate opportunities, and perceive themselves. Without recognizing these patterns, individuals may continue repeating behaviors that no longer serve them. One of the most important shifts involves moving from self-protection to self-trust. When people operate from fear, they tend to avoid discomfort, hesitate during opportunities, or emotionally punish themselves after setbacks. This creates a cycle of tension that limits creativity, confidence, and long-term fulfillment. In contrast, individuals who develop stronger self-trust become more resilient, adaptable, and capable of navigating uncertainty without constant emotional strain. Another important factor is the quality of internal questions people ask themselves each day. Questions focused on fear, limitation, or self-criticism often reinforce negative emotional states. Questions focused on growth, possibility, and learning can gradually shift perspective and behavior. Over time, these internal patterns influence how people approach leadership, relationships, health, business decisions, and personal development. Entrepreneurs and executives frequently invest heavily in business systems, marketing strategies, and operational improvements while neglecting the internal systems driving their own behavior. Yet leadership effectiveness is deeply connected to emotional resilience, self-awareness, and mental clarity. The most sustainable growth often occurs when people strengthen both external strategy and internal alignment. Achiever syndrome does not mean someone lacks ambition or capability. In many cases, highly driven individuals developed their work ethic and determination as coping mechanisms designed to create safety, approval, or validation. While those patterns may initially fuel achievement, they can eventually become barriers to peace, fulfillment, and authentic confidence. Breaking through mental barriers requires awareness, honesty, and a willingness to examine the beliefs shaping daily behavior. Growth becomes more sustainable when success is no longer driven solely by fear, pressure, or the need to constantly prove worth. The strongest leaders are not necessarily the ones who avoid struggle. They are often the ones willing to confront the internal patterns limiting their growth, challenge outdated beliefs, and create healthier foundations for success moving forward. Watch the full episode on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/live/xjDJD5er1oE?si=nNiET_v93dJuRRyg Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Tim Shurr Tim Shurr is a Mind Architect, speaker, and expert in human behavior, subconscious transformation, and performance psychology. For more than three decades, Tim has helped entrepreneurs, executives, and high achievers overcome limiting beliefs, emotional barriers, and subconscious patterns that impact confidence, leadership, and long-term success. Through his coaching, speaking, and transformational programs, Tim specializes in helping individuals break free from achiever syndrome, imposter syndrome, burnout, and self-sabotaging behaviors so they can perform at higher levels both personally and professionally. He is the founder of Indy Hypnosis and creator of transformational tools designed to help leaders strengthen clarity, resilience, and emotional well-being. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has generated more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide by helping companies attract loyal customers, expand brand visibility, and drive innovation. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, earned three U.S. patents, and advised organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 brands. His expertise spans business growth strategy, customer acquisition, leadership, franchising, and AI-driven content systems that help businesses improve performance in rapidly changing markets. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch Fordify LIVE at Fordify.tv.

If you've ever wondered why certain goals feel harder than they should, why you keep repeating the same cycles, or why success sometimes still feels unsatisfying, this episode will help you connect the dots. ✅ ‌ FREE CLASS! LEARN HOW TO STOP CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK ‌ Don't forget to sign up for our free “How to Stop Caring What People Think” webinar masterclass at https://www.trishblackwell.com/stopcaring ‌ ✅‌ GET ACCELERATED RESULTS: Our next-level coaching happens at: http://www.collegeofconfidence.com ✅ STAY CONNECTED.

Why does modern work feel impossible for so many families? In this episode, I talk with sociologist, former Navy pilot, and workplace researcher Dr. David Smith about why so many modern couples feel trapped in work-life conflict, how to navigate the structural stress of dual-career life, and the realities of modern caregiving. David breaks down the "Lead-Follow" relationship strategy used by highly successful couples. We also dive into the anxieties men face surrounding workplace allyship, why traditional mentorship scripts are broken, and how organizations must design work for a cross-generational workforce. Tune in to learn about the pressures modern families face and what needs to change. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl's limited-time offer before it's gone. Visit hipebl.ai today In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why the traditional "breadwinner" corporate model is completely broken. 03:15 How repetition and exposure help build confidence under pressure. 06:15 What can military families teach us about work-life conflict? 08:45 Why women were leaving the military at much higher rates than men. 11:15 The 4 strategies dual-career couples use to navigate work and family stress. 16:45 Why constant renegotiation is essential in long-term partnerships. 22:00 What does work-life conflict mean? 25:00 How outdated workplace structures create burnout for both women and men. 27:30 Why millennial fathers are demanding flexibility and shifts in family culture. 35:00 Why many men now feel anxious about mentoring women at work. 37:15 How avoidance and fear damage workplace culture. 41:45 Can workplaces support women without men feeling left behind? 44:15 How device reliance and isolation are reshaping the incoming Gen Z workforce. 51:15 What can leaders do to better support modern families? 54:45 How organizations can better support career breaks and re-entry. Resources + Links Get a copy of David Smith's new book, Fair Share HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Dr. David on LinkedIn: @davidgsmithphd

How much of your life is being driven by fear without you even realizing it? In this episode, I sit down with Harvard Business School lecturer, entrepreneur, and former executive Martin Sinozich to talk about the pressure high achievers carry to prove themselves, stay successful, and never disappoint anyone. Martin shares about divorce, identity, workplace culture, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection and learning to trust yourself instead. We also break down the imposter feelings in elite environments, the anxiety of always needing to be “right,” and why so many ambitious people feel like they don't belong. Get ready to rethink achievement and self-worth. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Martin Sinozich on achievement pressure and mental health. 03:00 What happens when high achievers lose their identity at work? 06:30 What do psychologically healthy workplaces look like? 09:30 Why asking better questions matters more than having answers. 11:45 How achievement culture affects relationships at home. 17:30 How divorce forced Martin to confront the fear driving his life. 20:00 What changed after you stopped living for other people's approval? 24:15 Living with imposter feelings at Harvard Business School. 27:30 How fear and achievement pressure affect marriage, parenting, and identity. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Martin on LinkedIn: @sinozich

Have you started expecting therapy to do too much? In this episode, I sit down with therapist and writer Megan Cornish to talk about the pressure we place on therapy to solve problems that may actually stem from isolation, lack of community, and modern life itself. Megan shares that many of the struggles we now label as “mental health problems” were once held by friends, neighbors, faith communities, and everyday human relationships. She also breaks down ACT therapy exercises that can help you hold painful thoughts more lightly and reconnect to your values instead of chasing constant happiness. Get ready to rethink therapy, connection, and what makes a meaningful life. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 How capitalism and work culture affect mental health. 04:15 Megan's viral experiment with AI, LinkedIn, and gender bias. 10:00 Can therapy really work in the workplace? 14:30 How therapists became substitutes for friendship and community. 21:00 How therapy evolved beyond treating severe mental illness. 25:00 Did people cope better emotionally before therapy existed? 29:15 How AI relationships remove friction from connection. 33:30 The ACT therapy exercise that changed how Megan approaches friendship. 36:30 Why discomfort doesn't always mean something is wrong. 45:30 Why non-attachment to suffering exists across many traditions. 47:45 Do we actually need life to make perfect sense? 49:00 The “80-year-old self” exercise for perspective and gratitude. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Megan Cornish on LinkedIn: @megan-cornish

In this episode of The Better Life, Dr. Pinkston sits down with Dr. Stephanie Byerly—an anesthesiologist, TedX speaker, and certified life and leadership coach—for a profound and eye-opening conversation about the hidden epidemics affecting women's health: unprocessed trauma, emotional numbness, and the exhausting treadmill of the "achiever identity." Dr. Byerly shares her powerful personal journey, from surviving a chaotic childhood and a traumatic marriage to a life-changing epiphany during a psychodrama workshop. She realized that she had spent her life emotionally numb, a trait that directly mirrored her career in anesthesia. Key Topics Discussed: The "UnNUM" Method: How Dr. Byerly helps high-achieving women move out of survival mode and reclaim their agency using cognitive thought models and somatic safety. The Midlife Awakening: Why women in their late 30s to 50s suddenly experience a "screaming soul" as hormonal shifts and self-actualization force them to confront years of shrinking to fit in. The Trapped Trauma & Autoimmunity Connection: A medical look at how chronic stress, high ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scores, and stuffed-down emotions manifest as chronic pain, fatigue, and autoimmune conditions, a reality that both Dr. Pinkston and Dr. Byerly have personally navigated. The Narcissist Magnet: Why highly successful, brilliant women are uniquely targeted by narcissistic personalities, and how to heal and become "unstoppable" after breaking free. Dismantling the Patriarchy's Playbook: Understanding the socialization, "likability clauses," and external validation traps that keep women overworking at the expense of their own well-being. https://www.stephaniebyerly.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people think over-functioning just means “doing too much.”But what I've realized — both personally and through working with clients — is that over-functioning doesn't actually look the same for everyone.Are you an Achiever, a Manager, a Harmonizer, or the Self-Reliant type?In this episode, I'm breaking down the 4 Over-Functioning Archetypes I most commonly see in women who feel exhausted, resentful, disconnected from themselves, and like everything falls on them.We talk about:the subconscious patterns underneath each archetypewhat each one is trying to protecthow these patterns shape relationships, work, emotions, and identitythe parts of ourselves we lose touch with along the waywhy over-functioning is about much more than simply “doing too much”how Human Design helps reconnect us to who we actually are underneath the conditioningOne important thing to understand:You will probably relate to ALL of these archetypes to some degree.These are not rigid personality boxes.They're adaptive patterns — ways we learn to move through the world in order to feel safe, loved, successful, needed, or in control.Most people have one primary archetype that tends to lead, with secondary patterns that show up depending on the environment, relationship, or season of life they're in.The goal of this work isn't to shame these patterns.It's to finally see them clearly — so we can stop mistaking conditioned behaviors for our personalities.✨ Take the Over-Functioning Archetypes Quiz✨ Ready to explore your patterns on a deeper level?Pattern Readings help uncover the subconscious beliefs and relational dynamics shaping the way you move through life, work, and relationships.Learn more or book here: Pattern Reading.Any questions? You can always email me at nicole@nicoleguenaconsulting.com

Why do so many capable, high-performing people end up exhausted, and emotionally drained even when they're doing everything “right”? In this episode, I sit with psychologist Dr. Thomas Greenspon to talk about perfectionism, shame, and self-worth. Thomas breaks down why perfectionism isn't actually about excellence, then entrepreneur Eleanor Beaton shares how perfectionism shaped her leadership, ambition, and identity and what changed when she stopped chasing perfection and started embracing wholeness instead. Get ready to rethink the way you work, care for others, and define success. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What is perfectionism? 08:30 What's the difference between perfectionism and the pursuit of excellence? 10:00 How perfectionism becomes a coping mechanism for anxiety. 14:30 What's the connection between perfectionism, depression, and hopelessness? 17:00 How childhood experiences shape perfectionism. 20:45 Why humans are wired for connection and belonging. 22:45 How modern culture rewards perfectionism and overachievement. 23:30 What can parents do to help perfectionistic kids? 25:45 The 4 things that help people overcome perfectionism. 32:45 Why perfectionism disconnects you from our wholeness. 35:30 How perfectionism delays growth and keeps people stuck. 41:00 Why entrepreneurship becomes personal development work. 44:00 How perfectionism shows up as avoidance and overwork. 46:30 What are the signs that perfectionism is running your life? Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

What if the problem isn't your brain, but the systems you've spent your life trying to fit into? In this episode, I sit down with David Flink, founder of the Neurodiversity Alliance. We talk about what it means to navigate work, leadership, and identity as a neurodivergent person. David shares how he learned to stop forcing himself into systems that didn't fit, how metacognition changed his life, and why today's younger workers are approaching neurodivergence differently. Get ready to build your life around your strengths instead of constantly trying to fix your weaknesses.  Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 How do you define leadership? 04:00 What became easier for you as you got older as a neurodivergent leader? 08:00 The strengths David has come to love about his dyslexic ADHD brain. 11:15 Why neurodivergent adults spend years unlearning shame. 17:15 Why kids need to become detectives of their own learning styles. 19:00 What metacognition means and why it matters so much. 24:00 Don't let your current environment define your potential. 27:45 Why neurodivergent people often develop extraordinary resilience. 31:15 Can workplaces change for neurodivergent employees? 37:15 How remote work transformed David's company culture. 41:30 Why Gen Z approaches disability and neurodivergence differently. 45:15 How focusing on deficits causes companies to miss great talent. 47:30 What happens to neurodivergence in midlife. 51:45 What is inter-able relationship? 54:15 Why the best teams are built around complementary strengths. Resources + Links Pre-order your copy of David Flink's book, 20% Smarter HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow David on LinkedIn @dflink

What happens when a powerhouse music industry executive who spent 35 years breaking global icons is forced to pause, look back, and ask what truly matters? Today on Jrodconcerts The Podcast, we sit down with legendary music executive, talent booker, and experiential strategist Bobbii Hach-Jacobs. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Bobbii opens up about her incredible energy, her career driving national radio promotion for superstars like Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz, and the profound story behind her debut book, Lessons From a Shoebox: The Importance of Faith, Family, and Leaving a Legacy. Born from the heavy moment she was handed a simple shoebox containing the entirety of her late mother's remaining belongings, the book is a masterclass on navigating loss, finding clarity, and staying grounded in your values. Bobbii also shares how early parental loss frequently shapes the world's highest achievers, honors the fierce resilience of her late father—a WWII veteran who survived the Great Depression—and gives us an exclusive inside look at her latest venture with Wildflower Entertainment Group: the epic Backstage Access Napa Valley destination experience. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SHOW The Heart of Hustle: Where Bobbii finds her relentless, unstoppable daily energy. Lessons From a Shoebox: The transformative moment of grief that sparked a mission to explore identity, memory, and legacy. The Achiever's Edge: Why losing a parent at a young age so frequently drives high-performing innovators. Grit and Heritage: Paying tribute to a resilient father who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in WWII. The True Measure of Success: Why leading your life with intention and showing up for others matters far more than what you accumulate. Backstage Access Napa Valley: How her new destination-driven VIP events remove corporate barriers to build authentic collaborations between artists, brands, and music tastemakers. A Musical Legacy: The unique original song collaborations accompanying the book from artists like Allie Colleen, Morgan Myles, Erin Grand, and more. RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED Buy the Book: Find Lessons From a Shoebox exclusively on Amazon (via Nobleer Media). Follow the Book on Instagram: @lessonsfromshoeboxbook Explore Wildflower Entertainment Group: Join the insider list at www.wildflowerentertainmentgroup.com Discover More Music Journalism: Check out more episodes and interviews at Jrodconcerts Media. Enjoyed this episode? Hit subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of what truly matters today! Support the show: CVS Health: Download the app at https://CVS.com/app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does AI feel so personal to so many professionals right now? In this episode, I talk with Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of The Verge, about the emotional side of artificial intelligence and why so much of the fear around AI may actually be about work itself. We dive into how layoffs, shrinking trust in employers, “good enough” automation, and constant technological change are reshaping the way ambitious people think about stability, creativity, and their future careers. Nilay shares why humans naturally form emotional relationships with technology, why AI companions and chatbots can feel strangely comforting, and why today's AI hype may be running ahead of reality. Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping work, identity, and ambition. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why AI feels emotionally threatening at work right now. 03:15 Why humans form emotional relationships with technology. 05:15 How social media is engineered to shape emotions and behavior. 10:00 Why the media frames AI as an existential threat. 12:15 What are the jobs already being affected by generative AI? 16:30 Can AI become a better therapist, mentor, or manager than humans? 21:30 Why constructive criticism and “teeth” matter in management. 24:00 The fear that AI will devalue expertise and creativity. 27:45 Why large language models can't actually create original ideas. 30:13 How to think about expertise and career growth in the age of AI. 32:30 Why democratizing creative tools changes entire industries. 37:30 What happens when the middle of the labor market disappears? 40:30 Is AI actually as transformative as people claim? 43:45 Why tech companies are failing to help workers emotionally adapt. 45:30 Nilay's advice for CEOs and billionaires building AI products. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Nilay: on LinkedIn @nilaypatel + Instagram @reckless1280

What happens when a leader realizes the traits they spent years hiding are actually their greatest strengths? In this episode, I talk with Amy Streater Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, who was diagnosed later in life with ADHD and autism. Amy shares the shame and confusion that can come with a late diagnosis, from struggling with “boring” tasks to feeling overwhelmed by sensory input and social dynamics at work. We also dive into negotiation and selling through a neurodivergent lens, why many neurodivergent people struggle with traditional power dynamics, and how understanding neurodivergence can transform the way you lead, negotiate, communicate, and work with others.  Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 The shame many neurodivergent adults carry before diagnosis. 05:30 What is neurodivergence? 07:45 What does leadership mean to you? 10:45 Why neurodivergent people often struggle with dishonesty and mixed signals. 13:30 What's the difference between internal anxiety and external performance? 19:45 How reading body language can be a negotiation superpower. 25:15 The pressure neurodivergent women feel to make everyone comfortable. 31:30 How BATNA reduces anxiety in difficult negotiations. 35:45 How to sell without pretending to be someone else. 39:30 How to spot manipulation and dishonesty quickly. 45:15 The downside of being “too direct” at work. 48:30 Why autonomy and agency matter to neurodivergent people. 55:00 What's your advice for neurodivergent people trying to advocate for themselves? Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Amy on LinkedIn: @amywilson24601

When Quiet Burnout Takes Over — A Somatic Practice to Reset→ Start to transform your nervous system regulationYou're the one everyone relies on. The one who holds it together, keeps the plates spinning, makes the call when there's no clear answer. And somewhere underneath all of that competence, your nervous system is running on fumes.But there's something else too — something people rarely talk about. You're caught in the middle.Pressure from executives above you. The weight of the teams you manage below you. And a quiet, specific kind of alienation that comes from being the person who has to absorb stress from both directions while having no one above you who truly understands what you're carrying.This isn't mindset coaching. This isn't about thinking differently or reframing your stress. This is somatic coaching — working directly with your nervous system to shift the state your body is actually living in.Because here's what most professionals don't realise: the exhaustion, the brain fog, the sense that you're perpetually one step behind — that's not a time management problem. That's a nervous system that's been in overdrive for so long it's forgotten how to power down.In this series, you'll find guided somatic sessions designed specifically for the pressures professionals carry — quiet burnout, decision fatigue, the inability to switch off, the weight of constant responsibility, and that particular isolation of being the one in the middle with no one to pass it to.Each episode is a real practice, not a lecture. You'll feel the shift in your body, not just hear about it.What you'll find here:• Guided somatic resets for the challenges professionals face• Nervous system practices you can use between meetings, before high-stakes conversations, or when you can't switch off at night• A different way to work with stress — from the body up, not the mind down

What happens when stress, uncertainty, and lack of control start to take over your brain? In this episode, I sit down with renowned behavioral economist Dan Ariely to talk about resilience, learned helplessness, anxiety, and why so many people feel overwhelmed right now. Dan shares how surviving severe burns, years in the hospital, and later facing conspiracy theories and death threats shaped his understanding of stress, resilience, and human behavior. We also dive into why uncertainty at work feels so psychologically destabilizing, how scarcity and anxiety reduce our mental capacity, why humans look for villains during stressful times, and what actually helps us build resilience. Tune in to learn ways to regain agency when life feels chaotic. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why starting something new can help you feel unstuck. 03:45 The mental health benefits of walking with friends. 08:35 Why invisible mental health struggles feel more isolating. 11:00 What workplaces still misunderstand about neurodiversity. 16:15 How physical limitations forced Dan to think more creatively. 19:15 Why uncertainty and unpredictability increase anxiety at work. 22:30 Why does modern life making you less resilient? 24:15 How layoffs and workplace uncertainty create learned helplessness. 29:15 The strategy performers use to stay engaged and motivated. 33:30 Why anxiety consumes your brain's “CPU.” 36:45 Why humans look for villains during stressful times. 38:15 How negative narratives reshape the way you see people. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

What happens when the version of success you built your life around suddenly stops working? In this episode, I sit down with Meredith Arthur to talk about ego death, anxiety, nervous system healing, and what it means to let go of the need to prove yourself. We talk about career humiliation, social media comparison, identity, chronic pain, and the process of realizing that the things that once made you feel successful or special no longer fit who you are becoming. Meredith shares how ego death is about surrendering control and accepting that your worth cannot come from achievement, productivity, attention, or external validation. Tune in to learn the healing practices to reconnect with yourself. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician's Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why success, validation, and recognition can become your identity. 06:15 What does ego death mean to you? 10:00 Solutions for letting go of control and external validation. 16:30 Why ego death happens in layers over time. 18:30 How anxiety fuels the need to feel special or secure. 25:30 What is nervous system regulation? 29:15 How chronic pain led Meredith into mind-body healing work. 36:00 How to process emotional pain without shutting down. 41:45 Using symbols, imagery, and intuition to understand emotional healing. 45:00 Spirituality, energy, and finding support beyond achievement. 51:45 Why surrender is central to ego death. 55:45 How to think differently about work in midlife. Resources + Links Learn more about Meredith Arthur's work HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Meredith: @bevoya

Think imposter syndrome means something is wrong with you? Think again. In this episode, Basima Tewfik shares research on anxiety, self-doubt, and the traits high achievers often try to “fix.” She breaks down how workplace imposter thoughts can actually make you more effective, especially when it comes to how you show up with others. We also talk about why people who experience imposter thoughts are often better listeners, more thoughtful collaborators, and more attuned in conversations. Remember, not everything you label as a flaw is actually holding you back. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to Quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why the traits you think are “bad” might actually be strengths. 04:15 What are the cognitive advantages of anxiety and neuroticism? 06:15 What is imposter syndrome? 10:15 Why imposter thoughts might mean you're doing something right. 12:00 The surprising link between self-doubt and interpersonal effectiveness. 14:30 How imposter thoughts make you a better listener and collaborator. 19:45 The “I'm a banana” technique to defuse intrusive thoughts. 24:00 How anxiety can actually fuel creativity. 28:30 Why you're probably harder on yourself than anyone else is. 32:00 How to work with anxiety instead of fighting it. 35:00 What's the difference between feeling like an imposter and not belonging? 41:00 Why imposter syndrome isn't just personal. Resources + Links Learn more about Basima Tufek's research at MIT Sloan HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.comTo rise to the leadership ranks, you need to work with critical stakeholders. And the key to doing that effectively, says leadership expert Rebecca Zucker, is to form deeper relationships.How do most high performers get relationships wrong – and stall their rise? In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth and Rebecca Zucker go deep on how to deepen relationships, so you not only get to the leadership ranks, but thrive there. They discuss tasks vs relationship balance —and the connection between trauma, trust and overturning our immunity to change. Rebecca draws from decades coaching senior leaders and her training as a trauma informed coach. If you approach building relationships as a checklist, this episode will help you see the more important layer you've been missing.SHOW NOTESWhy deepening relationships is criticalHow we are hurt by a myopic focus on tasks and “getting shit done”Thinking about relationships as “the channel through which things happen”The importance of being attuned to your task vs relationship balance Helping leaders deepen relationshipsManaging the trap of being in the weeds and the limiting belief that “I have to do it”Doing vs being: how do you see and view relationships?The bamboo finger cuff challenge: why you need to let go and just be present and attuned Trauma, distrust and overcoming deeply held beliefs and behaviors“Moving fast is a trauma response: we move fast so we don't feel… which results in people not feeling connected”The dynamic you create when you walk in the room with distrust“The antidote to distrust is not trust – it's being conscious of the distrust”How our beliefs and assumptions that served us in the past -- become our downfallHow Rebecca creates space for clients to open up and exploreThe big block for Type 3 Achievers: “When we can't feel our own feelings, we can't feel other people's feelings, which gets in the way of connection” Realizing changeDeveloping the skill to “slow the f down” and expand your container“If you're approaching building a relationship with a checklist, that's not going to work”How to control yourself and slow down – when everything in your company is whirling fast?The importance of not taking on other people's anxietiesCoping strategies vs healingEmotional boundaries and staying on your side of the net Noticing and FeedbackThe skills of “continuous double-clicking” to notice, getting real-time feedback, paying attention to self-protective reactionsInner vs outward defensivenessTips on getting real feedback from your reportsHow feedback can improve a relationship – when it is done wellHaving hard conversations but not making someone feel like a fool Lightning round: Hard truths, biggest influences, and 25 years of Next Step PartnersBIO AND LINKSRebecca Zucker is founding parter at Next Step Partners, which serves global clients based out of San Francisco, USA. An expert in executive coaching as well as leadership and career development, Rebecca coaches C-level executives and other senior leaders across the globe. She is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes.com and is frequently quoted in the press on career and leadership issues. Rebecca graduated as valedictorian from the Leonard N. Stern School of business at NYU and later received her MBA from Stanford. She then worked as an investment banker for Goldman Sachs in New York and held leadership positions at Disney EMEA in Paris and at Robertson Stephens. She received her coaching training and certification from the Coaches Training Institute and from Minds at Work. Rebecca is certified as a trauma-informed coach.Connect with RebeccaNext Step Partners: https://nextsteppartners.com/partner/rebecca-zucker/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-zucker-nsp/Organizations, People and Resources ReferencedWhat is a Mensch? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MenschTrauma-Informed Coaching with Thomas Hubl and Amy Fox: https://traumainformedcertificateprogram.comThe Enneagram Type 3: Achiever https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3/Ron Carucci interview on “Fixing Our Trust Recession” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/97-effective/id1646325886?i=1000602244842Immunity to Change (Lisa Lahey and Bob Keegan): https://www.gse.harvard.edu/hgse100/story/changing-betterRebecca's article in HBR: Facing the Fears Holding You Back https://rebeccazucker.com/thoughts/facing-the-fears-that-hold-you-back-at-workRebecca's article in HBR: Eliminating Fears and Limiting Beliefs: https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-deal-with-constantly-feeling-overwhelmedRebecca's article in HBR: Asking for Help at Work: https://hbr.org/2022/12/how-to-get-better-at-asking-for-help-at-workMore from 97% EffectiveMichael's Award-winning Book: Get Promoted: What You're Really Missing at Work That's Holding You Back: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffectiveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feeling unsure about your role in a world where AI seems to know more than you do? In this episode, Charlene Li is back to talk about how the most effective leaders today are letting go of the need to have all the answers and instead stepping into curiosity, experimentation, and honest leadership. Charlene shares her 90-day AI framework, why so many companies are stuck in pilot mode, and how to move your team from fear into confidence faster than you think. Get ready to lead through AI change without needing all the answers. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why does leadership today require letting go of certainty? 04:15 What can leaders realistically promise about jobs right now? 07:30 How to move forward without waiting for certainty. 12:00 Charlene's 90-day AI sprint framework for leaders and organizations. 16:30 Why you do not need to be technical to start using AI. 20:00 Ways to use AI as a second brain to improve performance. 28:00 The generational divide in how people see AI. 34:00 What's the gap between knowing, doing, and leading? 39:30 The shift from fear to adaptability. 42:00 Why leadership will define how AI shapes the future. Resources + Links Learn more about Charlene Li HERE! Get your copy of Charlene's book, Winning with AI, HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Charlene: on LinkedIn @charleneli + Youtube @CharleneLi

What if burnout isn't something you fix with better habits, but something built into the way we work? In this episode, I'm bringing back one of my favorite conversations because it gets at something I think we still don't talk about enough. I talk with Rita McGrath, Poornima Luthra & Andrew Barnes about what actually makes work feel sustainable and human, why getting people back into the office doesn't fix anything, how lack of control and fairness quietly drive stress, and why so many well-intentioned solutions miss the mark. Get ready to rethink burnout and see what actually needs to change at work. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What's the problem with scaling workplaces and losing humanity? 04:45 Ways to build a stronger team connection. 07:15 What actually defines a “good job”? 09:15 Why perks don't fix mental health at work. 13:00 What the 4-day workweek reveals about productivity. 17:45 Why time matters more than money for employees 22:30 How bias and inequity increase stress at work. 25:15 Why inclusion improves mental health and performance. 32:00 How better listening improves team culture. 37:30 How leaders can reduce uncertainty for their teams. 42:30 Why inclusive cultures create more resilient organizations. 44:15 Leadership habits that improve team wellbeing. 48:03 The leadership shift that changes how work feels. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

What if the difference between reacting and responding was just a few seconds? In this episode, I sit down with executive coach Dina Denham Smith to talk about what really happens when you get triggered at work and how to handle it. Dina breaks down a framework to help you understand what emotions actually are, how they show up in your body, and how to interrupt the automatic reaction cycle. Tune in to learn how to pause in the moment, regulate your nervous system, and respond with clarity instead of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why mastering your emotional reactions is the ultimate leadership skill. 03:45 The cost of masking emotions on your performance and energy. 06:30 The 3 parts of every emotion and why this changes how you manage them. 10:45 How to reframe stress into something useful. 13:30 Why do emotions feel unsafe for some people? 18:45 What's the impact of emotions on team performance? 22:00 What to do when someone gets emotional in a meeting. 23:45 The grounding technique every leader should know. 28:15 The “Notice, Name, Need” framework for emotional regulation. 33:00 A breathing technique to calm your nervous system fast. 39:00 What's the difference between coaching and therapy? 48:15 Why is leadership today emotionally exhausting? 54:00 How to disconnect from work and reset your brain. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Dina on LinkedIn @dinadenhamsmith

Tracy's Top % CliftonStrengths are:  Positivity, Responsibility, Maximizer, Achiever and Discipline  Tracy Curtis is a devoted wife and mother of five who lives in Omaha, Nebraska. As an event planner and active member of Coram Deo Church, she brings a heart for service into every area of her life. Tracy faithfully supports her family through hospitality and thoughtful organization, creating a warm and welcoming home. She loves staying active, exercising regularly, and being deeply involved in her children's activities. Her life reflects a strong love for Jesus and a commitment to serving others well. Link to take the CliftonStrengths Assessment Coaching and Workshops with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths      

What if better performance at work didn't come from pushing harder, but from being more honest? In this episode, Dan Simons shares how he built a $100M+ restaurant group by doing something most leaders still resist. Dan explains how honesty at work actually helps people show up more present, make better decisions, and perform at a higher level. We also talk about how you can get better results, stronger retention, and more focused teams by creating a workplace where people don't have to hide what's going on with them. Tune in to discover how to turn radical honesty into a competitive advantage. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why honesty matters more than “vulnerability” in leadership. 02:20 How did you build a $100M business? 06:00 Why leaders must learn to lead themselves before leading others. 12:00 Why every team member is operating below their full capacity. 17:00 How to introduce psychological safety without forcing people to open up. 20:00 What does a trauma-informed workplace actually look like? 23:00 Why mental health conversations require skill and training. 26:00 How Dan operationalizes mental health through training and systems. 34:00 What's the difference between intention and reality inside companies? 42:00 How honesty reduces defensiveness and improves performance. 47:00 How investing in people improves profit and reduces turnover. 51:00 The #1 metric that convinces CEOs this approach works. Resources + Links Learn more about Dan Simons HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Dan on Instagram: @dansimonssays

When Eddie Ndopu was two years old, his mother was told he wouldn't likely live past five.  Now in his early thirties, Eddie is an internationally-known and Oxford-educated advocate for the rights of the disabled.  In this interview, he shares how his optimistic single mother instilled in Eddie a love of learning and encouraged him to pursue a "life of the mind."  Today, Eddie is world-renowned and was hand-selected by the UN Secretary General to be one of 17 people selected as an SDG Advocate.  Reflecting on his new memoir, Eddie describes how he wrote his book, typing with his "one good finger on an iPhone," and why he hopes this book will inspire others to be more understanding and supportive of people living with disabilities.    Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Eddie Ndopu  This chapter introduces Eddie Ndopu, author of 'Sipping Dom Perignon Through a Straw.' Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at two, doctors predicted he wouldn't live past five, yet he's become an internationally acclaimed humanitarian and UN advocate, defying all odds.  03:29 Aspiration Beyond Accessibility  Eddie explains his book's provocative title, 'Sipping Dom Perignon Through a Straw,' as a metaphor for aspirations often denied to people with disabilities. He shares his incredible journey of surpassing a five-year life expectancy and attributes his resilience to his mother's unwavering support and the gift of education, which opened countless opportunities.  07:49 His Mother's Unyielding Dream  Eddie reflects on his mother's resilience and optimism, particularly during an emotional encounter with President Obama. He recounts her profound understanding that systemic injustice, like apartheid, robs people of their ability to dream, a lesson that fueled her determination for Eddie to have a life of limitless possibility.  13:12 Advocacy for Inclusive Education  Eddie discusses the shocking statistic that 90% of children with disabilities never see the inside of a classroom.   17:38 The African Leadership Academy  Eddie recounts a pivotal moment when he learned about the African Leadership Academy, seeing it as a crucial opportunity despite initial rejection. His defiance and a persuasive letter ultimately secured his admission, highlighting his remarkable drive even at 16.  22:24 The Embodied Oxford Experience Eddie delves into the challenging and deeply personal experience of writing his memoir with one finger, detailing the physical and emotional toll of navigating Oxford as a profoundly disabled student.   29:50 Defying the Post-Fairytale Challenges  Eddie describes Oxford as 'the day after the fairytale,' a period of relentless challenges despite achieving a dream. He explains that his memoir is an 'anti-grit' narrative, highlighting the exhaustion of constant struggle and the unfairness of society expecting individuals to always be strong, rather than institutions meeting them halfway.  35:09 Global Humanitarian Work and Future  Eddie details his post-Oxford career, serving as the youngest board member of the UN Foundation and an SDG advocate for the UN Secretary-General. He describes his work as pushing the boundaries of representation and using storytelling to envision a world where every person lives with dignity, with aspirations to pivot into film and television to further this mission.  40:20 Disability as an Offering to Humanity  Eddie shares his extraordinary goal of becoming the first wheelchair-bound person in outer space, symbolizing possibility for all humanity. He reflects on his quote, 'imperfection is more intrinsic to us all than perfection is,' viewing disability as an offering that teaches new ways of being and ultimately leads to a profound sense of liberation and freedom when embraced. 

Episode Type: Fireside ChatWatch on YouTube >>>Wondering what separates struggling freelancers from those earning six figures while working part-time? After earning over $1.5 million in 11 years as a freelancer, I can tell you it comes down to one foundational principle: being fully committed. In this video, I break down the first and most important of the eight achievements from my book, Path of the Freelancer. I'll walk you through the four stages of commitment—from Survivor to Achiever—and give you a practical framework to build the unshakable mindset required to overcome challenges and achieve true time and financial freedom.Click here for the written version with links

Yes, it’s Good Friday but we’re being bad and bringing you a show anyway. First point of business is Clare Stephens’ elitist Easter egg power ranking Do you agree with her controversial Number One? Plus, we’re deep-diving into the Enneagram personality type obsession currently ruining our lives. It seems every A-lister and podcaster is sharing their 'number', so hold our beer. Holly is grumpy about being a 'Peacemaker' 9, Clare is proudly an 'Investigator' 5, and Emily Vernem is a Type 3 Achiever — which apparently means she’s one bad day away from becoming a psychopath. But are Enneagrams just star signs for the self-optimisation era? Also, Em has a very strict list of things you must never do in the hour before a date (hint: checking social media is a dopamine-killing trap). From 'gambling with dairy' to the peril of last-minute eyebrow tints, we’re sharing chaotic pre-date disasters. And, we’re asking the very important question: What would you queue for? To find out your Enneagram, take the test here; https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media Recommendations Em recommends Young Sherlock on Prime Video. Clare recommends The Gambler: A Vince Reid PI Thriller by J.P. Pomare. Holly recommends The Nocturnals by Frances Whiting. What To Listen To Next: Listen to our latest episode: Mia’s Babble: The Questions YOU Want Answered Listen: The Worst Person You Know Just Made A Good Point Listen: Love Story Part 3: The ‘Prince’ Problem & That Plane Scene Listen: The Co-stars Refusing To Fake It & The Hell Of Organised Fun Listen: Ghost Stories, Celebrity Facelifts & The Real iPad Babies Listen: Mia's Babble: The Very Best Bit About Bum Checks Listen: The Great Petrol Panic & Royal Reality TV Rumours Listen: Three Very Different Opinions On Lindy West’s Throuple Listen: Polyamory, Cheating & The Marriage No One Wants To Believe Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see Mamamia Out Loud on Apple What to read: Why everyone suddenly wants to know their Enneagram personality number. From Helper to Loyalist: Your reaction to this simple scenario determines your parenting style. 'These 6 first-date rules shouldn't be controversial, but apparently are.' A definitive ranking of mini Easter eggs from bloody incredible to downright disgusting. THE END BITS: Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud CREDITS: Hosts: Emily Vernem, Clare Stephens & Holly Wainwright Group Executive Producer: Ruth Devine Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Video Producer: Josh Green Junior Content Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you actually more productive when you work longer hours or just more exhausted? In this episode, I talk with Christopher Barnes, Professor of Management and the Michael G. Foster Endowed Professor at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, about the ingrained belief that sacrificing sleep is the price of success and why that belief is costing you more than you think. Chris shares how leaders create “sleep-deprived cultures” through their behavior, from late-night emails to rewarding constant responsiveness. We break down what really happens to your brain when you're sleep-deprived, the vicious cycle between anxiety and insomnia, and why being tired makes everything feel bigger, harder, and more urgent than it actually is. Tune in to learn how better sleep can make you sharper, calmer, and more effective. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree⁠ Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to ⁠http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever⁠ Talkiatry - Head to ⁠http://talkiatry.com/achiever⁠ and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working ⁠http://workinggenius.com⁠ Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with  customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to ⁠brevo.com/achiever⁠ and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  Notion - Notion is an AI powered, connected workspace for teams. Try custom agents now at ⁠https://notion.com/achiever In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why working more hours doesn't mean better performance. 02:15 Are leaders unintentionally rewarding sleep deprivation? 08:00 The tradeoff between working more hours vs. doing better work. 11:00 Why anxiety and insomnia reinforce each other. 12:30 Why everything feels more stressful when you're sleep-deprived. 14:00 The cycle that keeps high achievers stuck in poor sleep habits. 17:00 What can you do when your boss expects you to overwork? 22:00 Ways leaders can encourage healthier sleep habits. 25:30 The long-term performance cost of sleep deprivation. 26:30 How circadian rhythms affect when you do your best work. 27:30 How flexible schedules improve performance. 28:30 The bias against people who don't start early. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

What if the problem isn't your focus, your discipline, or your productivity, but the way you've been taught to work? In this episode, I talk with Ennis Olson, Global Innovation Lead at Google, about what changes when you truly understand how your brain operates. Ennis shares how his late diagnosis of ADHD and autism helped him make sense of a career built on creativity, curiosity, and constant reinvention and why those same traits can create friction in traditional work environments. We break down how to navigate days when your brain won't cooperate, how to design your work around your energy, and why self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools you can build. Tune in to learn how to reduce anxiety, work more effectively, and lead in a way that honors how you're wired. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiatry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://workinggenius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with  customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  Notion - Notion is an AI powered, connected workspace for teams. Try custom agents now at https://notion.com/achiever In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why understanding your brain changes how you work. 05:15 How “seeing what others don't” can drive success and anxiety. 12:00 Why great ideas aren't enough without follow-through. 17:15 Tools for shifting focus when your brain won't cooperate. 20:00 Why does your brain just not work some days? 28:45 How to advocate for what you need without overexplaining. 31:30 Tips to manage your energy when your schedule isn't flexible. 34:15 How self-awareness and feedback build emotional flexibility. 37:30 Ways anxiety can become a tool for reflection. 45:45 The impact of a late diagnosis on self-understanding. 52:00 What does “neuroconvergence” mean? 58:45 What happens when you let go of what you're bad at. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Ennis on LinkedIn: @ennisolson

Is entrepreneurship making your anxiety worse, or is it actually revealing something deeper about how you work and cope? In this episode, I talk with entrepreneur Chris Brogan and writer Ada Calhoun about the complicated relationship between freelancing, mental health, and the illusion of stability. Chris shares what it's really like to build a career while living with depression, why success and struggle can coexist, and how he's learned to “negotiate” with his mental health instead of letting it define him. Ada also breaks down the emotional and financial realities of freelance life, and the fears many of us carry about money and security. Tune in to rethink stability, understand your patterns, and build a way of working that supports your life. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiatry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://workinggenius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Can you be successful while living with depression? 05:00 What it really feels like to work through depression day-to-day. 08:00 Why performance can feel easier than personal connection. 12:00 How to “negotiate” with your inner critic instead of fighting it. 16:45 How depression shows up in everyday work tasks. 18:45 What radical transparency about mental health looks like at work. 23:45 Is freelancing really riskier than having one employer? 26:15 What to do when your income drops or disappears. 30:15 Why freelance success doesn't eliminate financial anxiety. 34:00 How freelancers manage mental health care. 38:00 How childhood experiences shape your fear around money. 42:45 Why does “enough” never feel like enough? Resources + Links Get a copy of Ada Calhoun's book, Why We Can't Sleep HERE! Learn more about Chris Brogan's work HERE! Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Chris on LinkedIn: @cbrogan Follow Ada on Instagram: @adacalhoun

What if happiness isn't something you feel, but something you learn? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Arthur Brooks about why anxious achievers often struggle with happiness, and how emotions are data we can use to build better lives. Arthur shares how our emotional “profiles” shape leadership, why anxiety is really unfocused fear, and how to turn late-night spirals into something actionable. We also dive into what's broken about how we live today and why that's making it harder to find meaning. Get ready to rethink happiness, understand your anxiety, and learn how to build a life that actually feels meaningful. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://workinggenius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why happiness doesn't come naturally. 03:15 Why high achievers often choose “being special” over being happy. 06:00 How smartphones quietly drain your attention and fulfillment. 08:00 How the science of happiness supports therapy. 13:30 Why people who feel more negative emotions often have creative advantages. 18:00 The “mad scientist” profile and why many leaders fall into it. 24:00 How different emotional styles shape leadership strengths and blind spots. 28:00 Why struggle is required for satisfaction and confidence. 32:00 What's the difference between joy and happiness? 34:30 Why most self-help advice doesn't work. 41:00 What is anxiety? 44:45 A step-by-step tool to calm anxiety and think clearly. 49:15 How to talk about emotions at work without losing credibility. 52:30 The 3-part framework for building a meaningful life. 55:45 Why boredom is essential for meaning and creativity. 58:30 How constant distraction is blocking your ability to find meaning. Resources + Links Pre-order a copy of Arthur Brooks' book, The Meaning of Your Life HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Arthur on Instagram: @arthurcbrooks

There's a moment that doesn't get talked about enough. A moment where everything still looks right… But something inside you quietly knows that it no longer feels true. In this episode, we explore what I've come to recognize as one of the most pivotal transitions in a successful person's life: the experience of being "Successfully Stuck." This isn't burnout. It isn't failure. And it's not something to fix. It's something to notice. Because when the identity that built your success begins to feel misaligned, it's not a breakdown—it's a signal. A subtle, steady invitation toward something more honest, more aligned, and more you. And if you've been feeling that quiet shift… you're not alone. Key Takeaways Success can continue working externally while feeling misaligned internally The identity that built your life may not be the one meant to lead your next chapter Feeling "stuck" is often a sign of evolution—not failure High achievers often confuse misalignment with burnout The Achiever identity has limits—even when it's been effective Internal shifts often show up before external change happens Recognizing misalignment is the first step toward clarity Two identities can coexist temporarily, creating confusion You don't need to fix this moment—you need to understand it LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mcguire/  WEBSITE: https://lisamcguire.com Beyond the Transaction Mastermind -  Apply to join the group: https://beyondthetransactionmm.com/register Sign up for Lisa's "so much more" newsletter: https://www.thediyframework.com/so-much-more-subscribe  Freedom Reset: Your Next Steps to Realignment  Register: https://go.lisamcguire.com/freedom-reset  Human Design Masterclass Waitlist: https://go.lisamcguire.com/human-design-masterclass-waitlist  Ideal Client Workshop Waitlist: https://go.lisamcguire.com/ideal-client-workshop-waitlist-icww785155  Get your free Human Design Bodygraph: https://lisamcguire.com/get-your-free-chart/ 

Is your anxiety something you need to eliminate or something you need to understand better? In this episode, I talk with psychologist Alice Boyes about the everyday patterns that can make anxiety worse. Alice shares why trying to control anxiety often backfires and how common traps like perfectionism, rumination, avoidance, and impulsive decision-making keep anxious high achievers stuck. We also break down ways to create distance from anxious thoughts, handle feedback without spiraling, and make better decisions. Tune in to learn how to work with your anxiety instead of constantly fighting it. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why does trying to control anxiety make it worse? 03:00 How can overthinking trap you in decision paralysis? 06:45 How anxiety pushes people to rush decisions to escape uncertainty. 12:30 Tips to prevent overpreparing from taking over your life. 16:00 How to make feedback less threatening and more useful. 18:30 Why not all feedback is worth accepting. 21:30 Ways to stop shame spirals after mistakes. 27:00 Why becoming a “self-expert” on your anxiety helps you manage it. 30:15 A strategy for creating distance from anxious thoughts. 34:45 How email and social media can amplify anxiety traps. 39:00 Why you don't need to be exceptional at everything. Resources + Links Get a copy of Alice Boyes' book, The Anxiety Toolkit HERE Learn more about Dr. Alice Boyes HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Alice: on LinkedIn @aliceboyes + Instagram @draliceboyes

Today's podcast is a conversation between Eric Triplett, a high-drive "Challenger" personality, and Mike Garvey, a strategic "Achiever." The two entrepreneurs discuss how their distinct Enneagram personality types led to the accidental formation of 38 Special Productions, a media company focused on the contracting industry. They detail the origin of their partnership, explaining how they combine their unique strengths to host Podhouse, a mobile content creation space for trade shows. The episode emphasizes the importance of professional branding and the "LEO vibe" they incorporate into their marketing to project authority and precision. Ultimately, their mission is to move beyond standard industry networking by building a collaborative media legacy for contractors and brands. Through their shared journey, they illustrate how aligned visions between different personality types can spark rapid business growth and innovation. Key Takeaways: Take a personality assessment like the Enneagram to gain deeper self-awareness and improve how you collaborate with different working styles. Partner with individuals who possess complementary personality types to drive significant forward momentum in your professional ventures. Develop a professional and cohesive brand identity to build authority and ensure your business stands out in a crowded market. Intentionally surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire you and reflect the version of yourself you aspire to become. Challenge your initial judgments of others to remain open to unexpected and highly productive creative partnerships.

Are today's college students really in a mental health crisis, or are you misunderstanding what it's always been like to grow up? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Alexis Redding, a Harvard developmental psychologist and editor of Mental Health in College. Dr. Redding shares that feelings like anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty are often normal parts of growing up, especially during major transitions like starting college or entering the workforce. We also talk about what has actually changed for young people, from rising college costs and financial stress to the complexity of modern career paths and what hasn't changed at all. Tune in to discover how you can better support young people today. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 The normal developmental experiences during young adulthood. 05:00 What motivated you to research the transition from high school to college? 08:30 Why normalizing struggles can help parents support their children. 13:30 Are rising mental health diagnoses actually a positive sign? 20:15 College isn't always the “best 4 years of your life.” 23:00 Why the idea of the “typical college student” is outdated. 27:00 What's the difference between “warm” and “cold” policies? 30:30 How does financial support improve student well-being? 41:00 Why students often believe they are the only ones feeling lonely. 46:00 The “tangle of pressures” shaping student life today. 52:00 The 3 types of mentors young people need. 55:30 Why young employees may feel pressure to succeed quickly. 01:00:00 How to respond when a young person says, “I feel lonely”. Resources + Links Get a copy of the book Mental Health in College: What Research Tells Us About Supporting Students by Alexis Redding HERE Learn more about Dr. Alexis Redding and her work HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Alexis: on LinkedIn @alexisredding + Instagram @dralexisredding

What if the anxiety you feel walking into a meeting, networking event, or conference isn't a personal flaw, but social anxiety? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen talks about the psychology behind social anxiety and why avoidance keeps it alive. She breaks down the belief at the core of social anxiety and tools to challenge anxious thoughts, manage shame, and build confidence even when anxiety is still present. Then, entrepreneur and former LinkedIn executive Arvind Rajan shares what it's like to build a successful career while living with social anxiety. Tune in to learn how to manage social anxiety, build confidence, and show up fully. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why social anxiety is the most common type of anxiety. 02:00 The 2 types of avoidance that keep social anxiety alive. 05:00 What's the difference between generalized anxiety and social anxiety? 07:45 How social anxiety shows up in the workplace. 09:45 The strengths that often come with social anxiety. 14:00 How shame and fear of judgment affect leadership. 18:00 A framework for managing social anxiety. 22:45 When did you realize that you have social anxiety? 24:30 Why forcing yourself through anxiety doesn't always work. 28:30 Why authenticity makes leaders more effective. 31:45 How leaders can build teams that support different personalities. Resources + Links Get Dr. Ellen Hendriksen's book How to Be Yourself HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Ellen on LinkedIn @ellenhendriksen Follow Arvind on LinkedIn @arvindrajan

What if the skill that makes you a stronger leader is the same skill that protects free speech? In this episode, I'm joined by Greg Lukianoff, First Amendment attorney, to talk about emotional reasoning, why discomfort isn't the same as danger, and what happens when we start treating speech as violence. Greg shares how his own battle with depression and suicidal thoughts led him to CBT and how learning to question his thoughts transformed both his mental health and his leadership. Get ready to rethink what makes us mentally strong and why protecting speech may also mean protecting our resilience. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 How cognitive distortions shape modern mental health. 07:30 Why Gen X values free speech differently. 13:15 Why words can hurt and still must be protected. 17:45 When does harmful speech cross the line? 21:00 What we lose when speech is treated as violence. 27:00 What does the First Amendment actually protect? 32:00 The emotional cost of defending unpopular speech. 37:00 How depression reshaped Greg's life and leadership. 41:30 Why CBT works for anxious achievers. 44:30 What is the connection between CBT and the mental health crisis among young people? 48:30 The 3 “great untruths” shaping modern anxiety. 51:45 Why great leaders stay intellectually humble. 55:00 Why meaningful work can stabilize mental health. 59:00 How to protect yourself from social media manipulation. 01:01:30 A CBT technique to challenge negative thoughts. Resources + Links Learn more about the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) HERE Get your copy of The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Greg: on LinkedIn @greglukianoff + Instagram @glukianoff

What if the stress you feel at work isn't just about deadlines or difficult bosses, but about your attachment style? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jack Hinman, founder and executive director of Engage Young Adult Transitions, to talk about how the patterns you develop in early childhood show up in your leadership, ambition, anxiety, and burnout. We break down secure, preoccupied, and avoidant attachment styles, how they influence the way you handle feedback and uncertainty, and why your “relationship operating system” doesn't stop at home. Tune in to understand your patterns and learn how to lead from connection instead of fear. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 The heartbreaking monkey experiment that shaped attachment theory. 06:30 What's the difference among secure, preoccupied, avoidant, and disorganized styles? 10:00 What happens when a preoccupied employee has an avoidant boss. 11:15 How does avoidant attachment show up in leadership? 15:45 What “secure” actually looks like at work. 18:45 How to “own the dynamic” in difficult workplace relationships. 20:30 Self-awareness is the foundation of good leadership. 23:00 Why uncertainty and change activate attachment patterns. 25:15 Why connection is both the outcome and the intervention. 28:45 What happens when two anxious leaders feed each other's stress. 31:15 Why “anchors” are essential for healing attachment patterns. 34:45 Tools to regulate attachment triggers. Resources + Links Learn more about Dr. Jack Hinman and Engage Young Adult Transitions HERE! Learn more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and resources HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

In this Leading With Strengths interview, Russell Cox, president and CEO of Norton Healthcare, discusses how he leads with purpose and authentic optimism. Guided by his top CliftonStrengths — Woo®, Positivity®, Achiever®, Futuristic® and Learner® — Cox demonstrates how leaders who consistently focus on purpose can sustain engagement, navigate pressure and develop people through times of change. Discover how Cox's 38+ years of executive experience in healthcare has shaped his leadership style and why listening, learning and leading with strengths changes everything. The world needs great leaders who know their strengths and use them to create lasting impact. Leading With Strengths, Gallup's global leadership study, explores how the world's most influential leaders use their strengths to change the world. Subscribe to receive new Leading With Strengths interviews and learn more at www.gallup.com/leading-with-strengths. #leadingwithstrengths #leadershipdevelopment #strengthsbasedleadership #cliftonstrengths #leadership #leadershipskills 

What if the biggest obstacle to your performance isn't your workload or your leadership challenges, but your own mind? In this episode, I sit down with Shirzad Chamine, founder and CEO of Positive Intelligence, to talk about the habits many anxious achievers rely on to succeed (i.e. hypervigilance, perfectionism, control, and constant striving), but that can drain energy, clarity, and confidence over time. Shirzad breaks down how overused strengths turn into self-sabotage, and the 10-second practice that helps you shift from stress and reactivity into calm, focused leadership. Get ready to learn how to work with your mind instead of against it. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why your mind can feel like your greatest ally and your biggest obstacle. 06:15 The 3 ways you judge yourself, others, and circumstances. 12:00 What's the difference between helpful emotions and self-sabotage? 14:15 Can anger and stress ever be productive? 18:00 The biological reason stress creates tunnel vision in high-stakes decisions. 20:00 What's the real cost of overusing your strengths as a leader? 26:15 The shift that turns a leader's vigilance from a strength into a liability. 31:15 The 5 Sage powers that improve wellbeing and results. 38:30 A 10-second PQ rep to calm anxiety fast. 41:00 Active grounding practices for restless or anxious minds. 48:00 How the Sage perspective turns any circumstance into a gift or opportunity. 56:45 Why hyper-achievement disconnects self-worth from success. 1:00:30 The shift from conditional to unconditional self-acceptance. Resources + Links Take the FREE Positive Intelligence assessment HERE Get your copy of Shirzad Chamine's book Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours HERE Learn more about Positive Intelligence programs HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Shirzad on LinkedIn @shirzadchamine

Do difficult conversations keep you up at night, or do they make you want to avoid conflict altogether? In this episode, I sit down with workplace conflict expert Amy Gallo, author of Getting Along, to talk about how healthy conflict actually strengthens trust, decision-making, and leadership confidence. We dive into how our brains get emotionally hijacked during difficult conversations, how avoidance creates “conflict debt,” and why learning to stay grounded in discomfort may be one of the most important leadership skills we can build. Tune in to learn how to face conflict calmly to reduce anxiety and make you a more confident leader. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand, and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why conflict feels especially hard for anxious achievers. 04:30 How avoiding conflict increases anxiety. 06:15 What happens during an emotional “amygdala hijack”? 08:00 The cost of conflict avoidance and conflict debt. 10:30 How difficult conversations build confidence over time. 12:30 What is the role of shame and fear in workplace conflict? 17:00 How to practice conflict safely in low-stakes situations. 22:30 The 4-step framework for handling conflict better. 27:30 Finding shared goals during disagreement. 32:15 What to do when conflict keeps you up at night. 34:15 How to repair conversations that went badly. Resources + Links Get your copy of Amy's book Getting Along HERE Learn more about Amy Gallo HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Amy: on LinkedIn @amyegallo + Instagram @amyegallo

For years, leadership has been associated with charisma, confidence, and speaking the loudest in the room. But what if some of the most powerful leadership traits are actually quiet ones? In this episode, I'm joined by leadership expert and author Jennifer Kahnweiler to talk about the strengths of introverted leaders. We break down the misconceptions around introversion, why many successful leaders are secretly introverted, and how preparation, listening, and thoughtful presence can become leadership superpowers. Tune in to rethink what effective leadership looks like and learn how quiet strengths can create lasting influence. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree⁠ Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to ⁠http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever⁠ Talkiatry - Head to ⁠http://talkiaitry.com/achiever⁠ and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working ⁠http://genius.com⁠ Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to ⁠brevo.com/achiever⁠ and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why introverted leadership is often misunderstood. 03:45 What is an introverted leader? 06:00 What has changed and what hasn't for introverts at work. 10:30 Are you adapting or just exhausted? 14:45 The 4 P's of introverted leadership. 18:30 Why telling your team you're an introvert is a leadership hack. 21:30 Why quiet men face unique workplace bias. 27:15 The connection between introversion, anxiety, and performance. 33:00 How introverted leaders prepare for high-stakes meetings. 35:15 Techniques to make meetings more introvert-friendly. 39:15 How giving teammates a heads-up increases participation. 44:30 How to show presence in meetings without talking more. 47:45 The introvert's guide to not burning out in a hybrid world. Resources + Links Learn more about Jennifer Kahnweiler ⁠HERE⁠ Listen to Jennifer's podcast: ⁠The Introvert Ally Podcast⁠ Get a copy of my book - ⁠The Anxious Achiever⁠ Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠  Find more resources on our website ⁠morraam.com⁠ Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn ⁠@morraaronsmele⁠ + Instagram ⁠@morraam⁠ Follow Jennifer: on LinkedIn ⁠@jenniferkahnweiler⁠ + Instagram ⁠@jenniferkahnweiler

If you lead through the CliftonStrengths talent theme of Achiever, (or you know someone who does), this is the episode for you!     Today's Strength Snapshot is Achiever The Achiever talent theme is all about drive, productivity, and forward motion. People with this strength are naturally diligent, ambitious, and self-motivated. At their core, Achievers are wired to accomplish. They're energized by doing, finishing, and progressing. Their internal engine runs on goals, tasks, and measurable movement. They don't wait for motivation. They generate it from within. Achievers often describe themselves as driven, intense, productive, independent, and diligent. What fuels them most is the opportunity to work toward something meaningful. Completion is satisfying. Progress is energizing. And the next goal is always calling their name.     When This Strength Is Thriving When Achiever is operating at full power, it brings remarkable value to any environment. This strength delivers stamina, pace, follow-through, and energy. Achievers often become the pacesetters on a team. Their natural rhythm pulls projects forward. Their diligence keeps things moving. And their consistent output builds trust because others know they'll finish what they start. They often step into roles like producer, doer, completer, or finisher. You can count on them when momentum matters. When there's work to be done, Achievers don't hesitate. They lean in.     To close, here's a simple 5-minute experiment to try in the next 24 hours… Pick one task you've been postponing. Set a five-minute timer. Work on it with full focus until the timer ends. Notice what happens internally. Does your energy rise once you begin? Do you feel momentum kick in? Achievers often unlock motivation through action, not before it.     Well, that's a wrap for today's episode. What small action can you take to show up at your best, given where you're starting today? --- PS: where are Lisa and Brea? Well, Lisa wrote this and Andy did the voiceover. Lisa is on break with her rock band, Spiral Mischief. So Andy will be hosting your CliftonStrengths 34 series.

Negotiation isn't just about boardrooms and big deals. It's every time you ask for what you need that brings up fear, self-doubt, and a rush of emotion that can derail the whole conversation. In this episode, I talk with former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss and negotiation expert Moshe Cohen about why so many of us dread conflict, how curiosity can quiet anxiety, and how to use tactical empathy as a strategic tool. We also share the tools to slow down emotional hijack and manage rejection. Tune in to learn how to regulate your emotions and negotiate with clarity instead of fear. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with  customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why negotiation is happening in almost every interaction. 04:45 What are the 3 types of handling conflict? 09:15 How curiosity shuts down fear in your brain. 12:15 Is asking questions in general a good technique in a negotiation? 16:30 What empathy really means in negotiation. 23:15 How bonding and trust influence negotiation outcomes. 26:15 Why you should talk less and listen more in negotiation. 32:00 How naming your emotions reduces their intensity. 38:00 How often does that anxiety show up during a negotiation exercise? 41:00 Tips to slow down time when you feel emotionally hijacked. 46:15 What is the listening triangle? 50:30 How much advice is too much in a negotiation? 57:00 How to build your rejection muscle. 01:00:00 The stories you tell yourself before and during a negotiation 01:02:00 How knowing your BATNA lowers the stakes and raises confidence. Resources + Links Get the Anxious Achiever Healthy High Achieving App - studio.com/morra Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Chris: on LinkedIn @christophervoss + Instagram @thefbinegotiator Follow Moshe: on LinkedIn @moshecohen

Work is making people sick, and quick fixes are not enough. In this episode, I'm joined by Jen Fisher, former Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte, to talk about why wellbeing isn't a perk but a business imperative. We break down why burnout is often rooted in systemic issues and hopelessness, how middle managers shape our daily mental health, and why hope and an understanding of the human nervous system may be the most underrated leadership skills of all. Tune in to rethink what wellbeing means and what it takes to lead with hope right now. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why wellbeing is more than mental health benefits. 06:00 How burnout led Jen to pioneer the Chief Wellbeing Officer role. 13:00 What does “wellbeing at work” mean? 19:30 The ROI of fixing workplace culture. 23:00 Why does AI make us so anxious?  26:00 Why wellbeing must be part of organizational strategy. 30:00 How constant disruption dysregulates employees. 33:15 What is the definition of a successful leader? 37:15 What workplace data misses about human outcomes. 40:30 The #1 thing employees want from leaders. 46:00 Why middle management is the make-or-break layer. 51:00 Incentives drive culture more than values. 58:15 How to build a wellbeing role inside your organization. Resources + Links Get your copy of Jen's book - Hope Is The Strategy Read Jen's article: “The Wellbeing Imperative: What I Learned Pioneering the Chief Wellbeing Officer Role” Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Jen: on LinkedIn @jenfisher + Instagram @jenfish23

You're not trying to control people. You're trying to help. But what if your “help” is quietly draining your team's confidence, creativity, and trust? In this episode, I sit down with Professor Julia Milner of EDHEC Business School to talk about the psychology of micromanagement, especially the kind that comes from anxiety, care, and good intentions. We dive into the difference between constructive feedback and control disguised as questions, the “advice trap” that keeps leaders stuck, and why micromanaging often feels safer in the moment but costs you long-term trust, dialogue, and time. Tune in to learn how to replace fixing with serving, advice with curiosity, and control with empowerment. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com Brevo - Meet brevo, the all in one marketing and CRM platform built to help you connect with customers, boost engagement and grow your business smarter. Go to brevo.com/achiever and use code ACHIEVER50 for 50% off.  In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why micromanagers often act from anxiety. 04:15 How to spot motivational micromanagement. 06:30 Why do you hate being micromanaged? 12:00 How micromanagement increases anxiety on both sides. 14:15 The subtle way “questions” can shut down dialogue. 18:00 How to give upward feedback without triggering defensiveness. 20:45 What it means to adopt a coaching mindset. 22:00 Phrases you can use to reset a micromanaging dynamic. 28:45 What's the difference between feedback and feed forward? 30:30 How do you treat yourself with grace? 33:00 What the best empowering leaders all have in common. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Prof. Julia on LinkedIn @drjuliamilner

Self-understanding is the foundation of great leadership. In this episode, I sit down with Margaret Andrews, leadership educator, former executive director of the MBA program at MIT Sloan, and author, to talk about why leadership begins as an inside job. Margaret shares the 6 self-understanding questions, the best boss exercise that shows what people value in leadership, and why interpersonal skills aren't about being affable. Tune in to rethink what it really means to manage yourself to lead others effectively. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to http://cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off. Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit http://expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months. Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What to do when you're triggered before you have to show up. 05:00 What is the best way to lead? 10:00 The “best boss” exercise and what 20 years of data reveal. 14:15 The 3 traits that separate good bosses from great ones. 18:15 What is managing yourself to lead others? 22:30 How moments of “hot shame” shape your leadership patterns. 25:00 Why you can't manage what you don't understand. 29:00 Should you improve weaknesses or maximize strengths? 33:30 The most common reasons leaders derail. 38:00 How to grow without losing credibility. 42:00 Why telling people what you're working on can build trust. 45:00 Ways to practice self-management without losing status. 49:00 How do you get unscared of heart emotions? Resources + Links Learn more about Margaret Andrews HERE Get your copy of Margaret's book, Manage Yourself to Lead Others HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Margaret on LinkedIn @margaretcandrews

We're told to “bring our whole selves to work.” But what if that advice is burning you out, especially if you're anxious, neurodivergent, or wired differently? In this episode, I'm joined by psychologist and author Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to talk about why radical authenticity can actually harm your career, your relationships, and your energy. We dive into the difference between feeling authentic and being perceived as authentic, why emotional intelligence is really impression management in disguise, and how leaders who seem “real” are often the most curated of all. Tune in to rethink what authenticity really means and discover how to show up at work in a way that's true to you and sustainable. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to http://cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off. Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit http://expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months. Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Should you ever be your whole self at work? 04:00 Why “just be yourself” is bad career advice. 07:15 What's the difference between feeling authentic and being seen as authentic? 09:45 How over-identifying with work fuels burnout. 12:15 Why the leaders we trust most are often the most curated. 14:15 What impression management really means. 16:45 Why every role calls for a different version of you. 19:00 The cost of “bring your whole self” for neurodivergent people. 22:00 Where does the authenticity movement come from? 25:15 How modern work became a soft cult. 29:00 Can you belong without over-sharing? 33:45 Why engagement and performance aren't the same thing. 36:15 The generational shift toward radical honesty. 39:00 When does being “real” harm your team? 42:15 The rules that actually create psychological safety. 44:30 Why reputation matters more than intention. 47:00 How to learn how you're really seen. 50:00 The truest definition of self-awareness. Resources + Links Get Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic's book Don't Be Yourself Learn more about Tomas's work on leadership, personality, and potential HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Tomas on LinkedIn @drtomaschamorro

We've never talked more about mental health at work and yet, burnout is rising, disengagement is everywhere, and leaders still feel stuck. In this episode, I'm joined by strategy coach and former PwC partner David Lancefield to talk about why the current approach isn't working and what actually creates change. David shares why “mental health” has a bad brand in corporate life, how leaders can engage even the most skeptical executives, and why the real leverage point isn't awareness campaigns, but better questions. We also dive into why small pilots beat big programs, and how leaders can design environments where people do their best work. Tune in to know what it means to treat mental health as a business solution. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to http://cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off. Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit http://expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months. Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why the mental health conversation at work isn't working. 07:00 The fear and freedom of leaving a prestigious role. 13:15 The mistake we make when trying to persuade leaders. 17:45 Why business results are the bridge to mental health. 21:15 How to reframe burnout as a performance problem. 25:00 Why storytelling can backfire without resolution. 30:45 What leaders should leave people feeling after sharing. 34:45 ​​The “motherhood penalty” and its parallels at work. 39:00 2 questions every leader should ask. 43:00 How do you move from drifting to designing your life? 47:00 3 questions that reset your day. 49:00 How do you help people shape roles around their strengths? Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow David: on LinkedIn @davidclancefield

For so many high-achievers, food becomes the one thing we can control when everything else feels uncertain. In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Gerson, founder of the Columbus Park Treatment Center for Eating Disorders, to talk about the relationship between anxiety, perfectionism, and the way we eat. We dive into why disordered eating serves a purpose, how restriction and overeating can both feel like relief, and what happens in your brain when anxiety and food become entangled. Tune in to rethink your relationship with food, anxiety, and control. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to http://cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off. Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit http://expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months. Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What's the relationship between anxiety and eating disorders? 02:00 How disordered eating creates a sense of control and safety. 05:30 What starvation does to the brain. 09:15 Why anxious people often turn to rigid food control. 11:30 The unspoken rules about eating at work (especially for women). 17:00 The perfectionist profile behind many eating disorders. 19:45 Signs your relationship with food may need support. 22:00 The gold-standard treatment for eating disorders. 23:15 When exercise becomes another form of control. 25:15 What leaders can do to build a food-safe workplace. 28:00 Why high achievers self-medicate with food, alcohol, and control. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Melissa: on LinkedIn @melissagerson

Work becomes the place where we pour everything we can't face elsewhere. In this episode, I'm joined by Jane Chen, founder of Embrace, to talk about burnout, identity, and what happens when your worth becomes tied to what you produce. Jane shares how building a world-changing company nearly broke her, why healing can become another form of overachievement, and how childhood trauma shapes your drive to succeed. Tune in to rethink ambition, resilience, and what it really means to choose yourself. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to http://cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off. Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit http://expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months. Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What happens when your dream company starts destroying you? 03:00 Why “self-work” can become a form of escapism. 06:15 How childhood trauma fuels the need to succeed. 10:45 Why so many changemakers are driven by unresolved pain. 14:30 Why you never give yourself credit for your own resilience. 20:15 How Embrace was born in a Stanford classroom. 27:00 The country where 40% of the world's premature babies are born. 34:30 When identity collapses with your company. 38:00 Hitting rock bottom after 10 years of overwork. 49:00 How does trauma live in your body? 52:00 How achievement becomes a way to earn love. 56:30 Why you can't think your way out of pain. 1:00:45 What Internal Family Systems teaches about your “parts.” 1:05:00 Why achievement becomes a survival strategy. 1:13:45 Why your worth can't live outside you. Resources + Links Get your copy of Jane's book, Like a Wave We Break HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Jane on Instagram @janemarie.chen