765: How to See What’s Holding You Back, with Marty Dubin

Jan 12, 2026

Marty Dubin, a clinical psychologist and business coach, dives into how leaders often hinder their own progress due to identity blindspots. He discusses the critical mismatch between roles and identities that can trap many in outdated self-perceptions. Marty encourages leaders to reflect on their past activities and realign their motivations with new roles. Through practical examples, he illustrates how small, consistent changes can create significant shifts, guiding leaders to embody the identities that best suit their aspirations.

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ANECDOTE

Identity Cost A CEO His Company

Martin Dubin recounts signing a bad contract because his core identity remained a psychologist rather than a CEO.
That identity mismatch contributed to the company's financial losses despite earlier success.

INSIGHT

Identity Filters Attention

Identity acts as a filter that directs attention to some tasks and away from others.
When identity and role diverge, leaders miss critical elements of new responsibilities.

ADVICE

Treat Role Changes Like Trying On A Suit

Evaluate whether the role or your identity must change when they misalign and discuss options with your organization.
Treat role transitions like trying on a new suit and provide mutual support to test fit before declaring failure.

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Marty Dubin: Blindspotting

Martin Dubin is a clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, business coach, and adviser to C-suite executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. He has founded several companies, including a multimillion-dollar health-care company where he also served as CEO. He is the author of Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader (Amazon, Bookshop)*.

Whenever I ask leaders, “What’s getting in the way of you moving forward?” the most common answer I hear is, “Myself.” In this episode, Marty and I explore what’s likely holding you back and how you can take the first steps to get traction.

Key Points

Many leaders don’t recognize the need for change and succumb to an identity blindspot.
You don’t have to change your identity, but there’s a mismatch between role and identity, that’s a major problem.
Shifting your identity is not changing who you are. Identities help us to sort through people and situations so we know who we are in relation to them.
An identity that many have worked before can get in the way today. Common ones are: imposter, independent thinker, rule follower, unworthy, entitled, rebel, and peacemaker.
Look back through your calendar over the past three months and determine how well your activities match up with the identity your role demands.
Embody the new identity you are aiming to shift to, even if you’re not yet feeling it.

Resources Mentioned

Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader by Marty Dubin (Amazon, Bookshop)*

Interview Notes

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