The Anxious Achiever Beekman 1802's Josh Kilmer-Purcell: Anxiety Is My Superpower
5 snips
Oct 7, 2025 
Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founder of Beekman 1802 and Amazing Race winner, discusses how clinical anxiety and depression can become powerful assets. He shares his journey from job loss to building a $150M brand, emphasizing the importance of empathy and strategic partnerships in leadership. Josh introduces the 'nightmare board' concept to manage risks and explains the '51% rule' for decision-making. He also highlights kindness as a business advantage and the significance of defining 'enough' to achieve lasting contentment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Reframe Mental Differences As Strengths
- Josh reframed anxiety as a superpower and depression as a source of empathy that improved his marketing.
- That shift turned perceived limitations into creative and strategic strengths.
From Weekend Farm To National Brand
- Josh and Brent bought a farm, rescued 80 goats, lost their jobs in the 2008 recession, and started making goat milk soap.
- A New York Times piece and a cable show propelled their new business into public view.
Depression Can Heighten Empathy
- Depression can heighten empathy because seeking relief makes you attentive to others' needs.
- That empathy can be an asset in leadership, marketing, and product design.
