Ep 41 - Overcoming Perfectionism with Self-Development Coaching with Jessica Manca

Apr 17, 2025

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In this episode of Thinkydoers, host Sara Lobkovich welcomes self-development and executive career coach Jessica Manca to discuss perfectionism, overthinking, and intrinsic motivation. Jessica shares her journey from management consultant to coach and offers practical tools for overcoming limiting beliefs. We discuss the difference between professional coaching versus advising, the impact of negative self-talk, and how to shift from an over-focus on external (or extrinsic) to internal (or intrinsic) motivation. This conversation provides valuable insights for Thinkydoers who struggle with perfectionism and overthinking, who need some professional development support to unblock their potential and get unstuck.

Key Points

Jessica's transition from management consultant to self-development coach
The difference between professional coaching and advising
Jessica's four inner limits that block perfectionists: stories, excuses, limiting beliefs, and fears
How to recognize and shift negative self-talk patterns
The importance of intrinsic motivation and "motivational buoyancy"
How challenging career setbacks can become opportunities for growth

Key Quotables

"I help perfectionists and introverts unlock their best self without overthinking. My superpower is really helping match people with the work that they do to the person that they want to be." - Jessica Manca

"In ICF coaching... you're truly partnering with somebody. It's not a hierarchical relationship. You are seeing eye to eye with your client." - Jessica Manca

"The language that you say to yourself and out loud, it reveals your beliefs, it reveals your values to some degree." - Jessica Manca

"Those things that happen in your life that you think are terrible and horrible are actually huge gifts. In my career, I needed it to get that bad in order for me to wake up." - Jessica Manca

Episode Chapters with Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Thinkydoers podcast and Jessica Manca

[00:02:00] - Jessica introduces herself and her work with perfectionists and introverts

[00:03:00] - Jessica's journey from management consultant to coach

[00:05:00] - Early signs of Jessica's coaching abilities within her consulting firm

[00:07:00] - Discussion about professional coaching vs. disciplinary coaching

[00:08:00] - The difference between ICF certified coaching and other forms of coaching

[00:12:00] - The importance of active listening in coaching

[00:13:00] - Jessica's goal setting workshop approach with three columns

[00:14:00] - The four inner limits: stories, excuses, limiting beliefs, and fears

[00:17:00] - How mindfulness helps notice your stories and patterns

[00:19:00] - How language reveals mindset and creates barriers

[00:20:00] - Example of how the word "but" can sabotage ideas

[00:22:00] - Discussion of Jessica's ebook "Self-Motivation is Your New Superpower"

[00:24:00] - How setbacks can be valuable for personal growth

[00:25:00] - Where to find Jessica's resources and upcoming workshops

[00:27:00] - Announcement about Sara's new book "You Are a Strategist: Use No BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done"

About Jessica

Jessica Manca is a self-development coach, executive career coach, speaker, and author of "Finding Passion" who helps perfectionists and introverts unlock their best selves without overthinking. With a background as a former management consultant on the partner track, Jessica experienced burnout firsthand and discovered coaching as a path to personal transformation. She specializes in helping people align their work with the person they want to be, addressing limiting beliefs and negative self-talk patterns. Jessica is ICF certified and works toward helping clients develop the tools and resilience to continue growing beyond their coaching relationship.

Guest Links & Resources

Jessica's Website: JessicaManca.com
Jessica's Free Download: JessicaManca.com/thinkydoers
Jessica's Book: "Finding Passion"
Jessica's Ebook: "Self-Motivation is Your New Superpower"

For More Information about Sara Lobkovich and Thinkydoers

Sara’s Links and Resources:

Join Sara’s Email List: Get updates on OKRs, strategy, and workplace wellbeing and performance at ck.redcurrantco.com
Sara's book is ow available! Learn more about You Are a Strategist at youareastrategist.com
Book launch squad: f indrc.co/launchsquad
Connect with Sara via LinkedIn, Bluesky, Threads, or Mastodon
Podcast Home Page: Thinkydoers Podcast

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !

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