So many high achievers feel like their anxiety or depression will hold them back, but what if those challenges are actually your edge? In this episode, I sit down with Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founder of Beekman 1802 and Amazing Race winner, to talk about how living with anxiety and depression can shape your leadership, your creativity, and your approach to risk. Josh shares the mindset shifts, practical tools, and partnership strategies that helped him build a $150M brand without ignoring mental health. We also dive into empathy as a business strength, using “nightmare boards” to manage risk, and why kindness is a measurable business advantage. Get ready to use your anxiety as your superpower!

In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 Meet Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founder of Beekman 1802.

05:00 Risk and mental health in entrepreneurship and leadership.

08:30 Anxiety as a superpower and depression as a source of empathy.

16:30 How to use anxiety as a strategic advantage in your business.

20:30 The 51% rule for making tough business and relationship decisions.

26:45 Tools to manage depression and build resilience.

32:30 What is a nightmare board?

34:45 How to reframe envy into growth and perspective.

40:00 What chickens and “crone hens” teach us about aging, purpose, and enoughness.

47:15 Why sticking to your success goalpost builds lasting contentment.

54:00 How to know if you belong among people or in nature.

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 me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Follow Josh on LinkedIn: @joshkilmerpurcell

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