The Anxious Achiever
Morra Aarons-Mele
Host Morra Aarons-Mele is on a mission to reframe how we think about anxiety and mental health in the workplace. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. We desperately need better models for leadership and a more holistic view of mental health. Our culture tells those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression that we can’t succeed, but we tell a different story — without sugarcoating the tough stuff. We feature stories from people who’ve been there and experts who can help you thrive.Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 13, 2025 • 59min
Brad Feld on OCD, Depression, and the Courage to Be Honest
Join venture investor Brad Feld, a co-founder of Foundry and Techstars, as he opens up about his battles with OCD and depression. He discusses the importance of honesty in leadership and how shame perpetuates stigma. Brad shares insights from a decade of therapy, including the significance of internal consistency and the dangers of passive avoidance. He also highlights the value of recognizing anxiety triggers and maintaining a simple dashboard to monitor burnout. Get ready for a candid conversation on mental health and effective leadership.
Nov 11, 2025 • 60min
The “Losing-My-Sh**” Playlist And Other Tools For High Strivers With Dr. Diana Hill
Dr. Diana Hill, a psychologist and author of Wise Effort, shares insights for high achievers feeling burnt out. She introduces the concept of a 'Losing My Sh*t' playlist to regulate emotions and align energy with values. Diana emphasizes the wisdom of the body in decision-making and offers exercises to transform worries into clarity about what truly matters. Learn how to reframe struggles, challenge limiting beliefs, and prioritize your ‘genius energy’ for a more fulfilling life amidst chaos.
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 13min
Leading For Human Agency With SAP's V.R. Ferose
V.R. Ferose, a two-decade SAP leader and founder of the Autism at Work program, emphasizes the importance of leading with love in today's workplace. He argues that heart intelligence is our greatest asset against AI, highlighting how empathy shapes effective leadership. Ferose shares insights on how genuine in-person connections foster real learning and opposes the erosion of creativity by AI. He also discusses the impact of social comparison on anxiety and the significant transformation brought about by the Autism at Work initiative in enhancing workplace dignity.
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 18min
What Neurodistinct Professionals Really Think About Their Careers with Dr. Diane Biray Gregorio
Dr. Diane Biray Gregorio, a Harvard-trained PhD in organizational behavior and leadership coach, dives into the insights from the NeuroStrength survey, revealing the strengths and challenges faced by neurodistinct professionals. They discuss advantages like creativity and empathy, alongside friction points like emotional regulation. Diane shares practical tips for self-advocacy, job-crafting, and designing a fulfilling workday. Listeners gain valuable strategies to thrive in their careers and foster psychologically safe, high-performing teams.
11 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 40min
Self Compassion For Overachievers with Attorney Mark Goldstein & Dr. Kristin Neff
Mark Goldstein, a labor attorney candidly shares his journey through OCD, depression, and panic attacks, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion in overcoming perfectionism. Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading expert on self-compassion, offers practical tips for anxious achievers, including how to shift from self-criticism to authentic self-talk and cultivating a 'compassionate mess' mindset. They discuss the balance between fierce and tender compassion, strategies to combat rumination, and how to reframe mental health struggles as sources of strength.
32 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 44min
Muriel M Wilkins: Get Unblocked, Lead With More Ease
In this insightful discussion, Muriel M. Wilkins, an executive coach and founder of Paravis Partners, shares her expertise on transforming limiting beliefs. She delves into how performance-based thoughts can trap overachievers in cycles of perfectionism and micromanagement. Muriel introduces practical processes to identify these mental blockages and emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in leadership. She also presents effective strategies to shift from tactical to strategic thinking, helping leaders reclaim their agency and lead more effectively.
10 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 37min
Gabrielle Union on PTSD, Social Anxiety, and Navigating Fame
Gabrielle Union, a renowned actress, author, and activist, shares her journey through PTSD and social anxiety while navigating the complexities of fame. She discusses the realities of toxic workplaces in Hollywood and the emotional toll of speaking out against injustice. Gabrielle highlights coping strategies, from therapy to mindfulness, and emphasizes the importance of redefining success through truth and self-acceptance. She also explores the distinction between solitude and loneliness, shedding light on how intentional alone time fosters healing and clarity.
Oct 21, 2025 • 46min
He Built Coach Into a $5 Billion Company, But Feared Failure Every Day | Lew Frankfort
Lew Frankfort, the former CEO who turned Coach into a $24 billion brand, opens up about his lifelong fear of failure. He discusses how this anxiety drove his success but also led to depressive episodes. Frankfort shares valuable insights on using curiosity to combat fear and the importance of mental health practices like meditation and exercise. He emphasizes hiring for complementarity to build effective teams and reflects on the lessons learned from corporate politics. A candid look at the pressures of leadership and the strategies to overcome them.
Oct 16, 2025 • 51min
Why "the Worst Advice Ever" Taught Entrepreneur Robert Glazer To Play To His Strengths
In this engaging discussion, entrepreneur and author Robert Glazer explores the importance of aligning personal values with leadership. He shares insights on the pitfalls of fixing weaknesses and emphasizes the power of leveraging strengths instead. Robert delves into how childhood experiences shape our money values and the significance of authenticity in the age of AI. He also provides strategies for creating meaningful content while nurturing genuine connections in a digital world.
Oct 14, 2025 • 57min
ADHD, Anxiety, and the Challenge of Doing What You Know You Need to Do with J Russell Ramsay
Join Dr. J. Russell Ramsay, a clinical psychology professor and co-founder of the University of Pennsylvania's ADHD Treatment Program, as he delves into the complexities of ADHD and anxiety. He discusses how ADHD generates uncertainty, leading to anxiety and self-mistrust. Learn about practical tools like his three-part time management system and the S.A.P. Action Plan to help transform procrastination into productivity. Discover how to harness last-minute anxiety for focus and create supportive workplace environments to enhance motivation.
