Good Work with Barrett Brooks

In this conversation, Dr. Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and founder of COA, dives into the hidden grief often carried by high achievers. She reveals how growing up in Silicon Valley shaped her understanding of success and emotion, and she reframes ADHD as a strength rather than a stigma. Emily discusses why traditional therapy may not suffice for high performers and explores the intersection of unresolved grief and ambition. She emphasizes the importance of emotional fitness, therapy’s role in growth, and building supportive communities amidst the pressures of success.

Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***, shares insights from his journey through success, loneliness, and personal fulfillment. He discusses the value of community and faith in combating feelings of isolation, and how deep friendships require sincerity over status. Mark reflects on the burnout of traditional media and his decision to focus on genuine creativity. He also highlights the importance of enjoying one's work and pursuing what truly matters in life, even when facing societal pressures.

In this engaging chat, National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale shares her incredible journey from a shy kid to a renowned visual storyteller. She reveals how embracing photography gave her a voice and transformed her approach to life. Ami discusses the emotional weight of conflict reporting and her pivotal decision to shift towards wildlife and hope. With captivating stories from her travels, she highlights the importance of community and dignity in storytelling, reminding us that wildlife narratives are deeply connected to humanity.

Mike Macdonald, the youngest head coach in the NFL, shares his journey from high school coach to leading the Seattle Seahawks. He discusses the importance of servant leadership, emphasizing that coaching is about serving players' growth. Macdonald highlights the balance between tradition and innovation, and how trust is built through humor and a 'loose but focused' culture. He reflects on lessons learned from coaching icons and the significance of mental training, aiming to redefine the Seahawks as the NFL's standard in culture and performance.

In a heartfelt conversation, Barrett Brooks opens up to his friend James Clear, bestselling author of *Atomic Habits*. They explore pivotal moments from Barrett's life, discussing his childhood patterns, the emotional growth he's achieved, and the impact of baseball on his resilience. Barrett shares insights on processing change through unique exercises and emphasizes the importance of self-worth beyond external validation. Together, they delve into fatherhood, the balance of ambition and family life, and the psychology that fuels successful entrepreneurs.

This season kicks off with a dive into the deeper meaning of work, emphasizing purpose over title or wealth. The host explores how a fulfilling career should call us higher, focusing on inner journeys rather than surface-level tactics. Big questions about personal purpose, service, and our unique contributions to the world take center stage. It’s not just about doing more, but about becoming more, as Barrett encourages us to seek authentic success rooted in our values.

Matt D. Smith, a world-class designer and founder of Shift Nudge, discusses the deeper journey behind his career success. He reflects on pivotal life moments, like the impact of his supportive marriage, and shares lessons from his childhood working as a crop duster. The conversation explores his transition from seeking external validation to finding joy in his work, the challenges of launching online education, and the emotional complexities that accompany success. Smith's journey emphasizes resilience, community, and personal growth.

This week, I talk with Tina Tower, founder of Her Empire Builder, a membership community helping women start and scale online course businesses. Tina’s journey to success has been anything but straightforward. She launched a tutoring center at 20, built a franchise that nearly broke her, and sold it in a deal that taught her some tough lessons about business and burnout. We dive into what she learned from scaling too fast, how to avoid the potential pitfalls of selling a company, and how she transitioned from a high-stress business to running a wildly profitable $2 million-a-year company—with less stress and more joy than ever before. If you’ve ever wrestled with balancing wealth, meaning, and a lifestyle you truly love, this conversation is for you. Let’s get to it!In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:52) - How a toy bear became a symbol of Tina's entrepreneurial journey (04:29) - Tina's chaotic childhood and leaving home at 14 (06:58) - Discovering Tony Robbins and rewriting her story (13:00) - Tina's mindset shift from survival to entrepreneurship (16:05) - “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”—or can you?  (19:00) - Hustling to stay afloat (22:19) - Hitting rock bottom and facing failure (31:00) - Scaling too fast—when growth becomes a trap (36:00) - When success feels like a burden (39:43) - Selling the business—a deal that was too good to be true (46:10) - Running away to find herself again (52:05) - Accidentally starting a seven-figure business (01:01:00) - What it’s like running a $2M/year business without burning out (01:04:20) - Letting go of overworking (01:09:00) - Choosing success without sacrifice (01:13:00) - When ambition clashes with contentment (01:18:00) - Realizing success doesn't mean burnout (01:23:45) - Barrett's approach to coaching (01:34:36) - What makes Tina world-class? (01:34:54) - Tina's most beautiful future (01:35:47) - Who Tina is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs, discusses her new book, 'Tiny Experiments,' revealing how small, intentional actions can unlock creativity and personal growth. She explores the importance of navigating life's crossroads and following intuition in decision-making. Anne-Laure shares insights on embracing vulnerability through psychoactive journeys and the significance of cultural identity. Her reflections on healing generational wounds and fostering authenticity encourage listeners to embrace their true selves for transformative growth.

Bonnie Wan, a trailblazing strategist with 30 years in advertising, shares her inspiring journey from a bullied immigrant to a leading figure in brand strategy. She discusses her transformative tool, The Life Brief, and how storytelling can drive social change, including a national campaign against child pornography. Bonnie reflects on embracing vulnerability as a leader, navigating the complexities of gender dynamics in personal growth, and the importance of confronting trauma to foster empowerment. Her insights challenge us to redefine what truly matters in our lives.