The Anxious Achiever

Suzy Welch, a professor at NYU Stern and author of 'Becoming You,' dives deep into the significance of defining core values and how they diverge from virtues. She emphasizes that clarity in values can lead to greater resilience and focus in both personal and professional life. The conversation addresses the importance of self-awareness and effective communication, especially for introverts navigating anxiety. Suzy also offers tools to identify individual values, fostering authentic expressions that guide decision-making and leadership.

Thomas Greenspon, a psychologist and author, dives deep into the world of perfectionism, shedding light on its origins and effects on mental health. He discusses how perfectionism can both fuel success and lead to detrimental anxiety, revealing a complex relationship with self-esteem. Greenspon explores childhood influences that shape perfectionistic behaviors and critiques societal pressures that glorify this mindset. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a nurturing environment, especially for parents, to promote unconditional love and acceptance of mistakes.

Megan Reitz, a researcher and author specializing in spaciousness, joins the conversation to reveal the transformative power of slowing down. She explains how our relentless pursuit of productivity can stifle creativity and connection. Listeners learn about practical methods to cultivate mental spaciousness in their lives and work, fostering deeper relationships and enhancing team dynamics. Reitz also discusses navigating workplace anxiety through honest conversations and the AIM framework, encouraging leaders to create supportive environments.

Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Flex Your Feelings,' shares insights on emotional fitness as vital for leadership and team dynamics. She explains how emotional resilience and adaptability can enhance workplace performance. Anhalt likens emotional fitness to gym training, emphasizing ongoing practice through methods like 'emotional pushups.' She also discusses the transformative power of embracing discomfort, receiving feedback, and cultivating patience and playfulness as key skills for personal and professional growth.

Maggie Chery, a Health Equity Clinical Specialist at Google and COO at Not Just a Black Body, shares her profound journey after losing both parents to COVID-19. She emphasizes how this grief transformed her leadership style, making empathy and community connection central to her work. Maggie discusses redefining healing in leadership and navigating the complexities of emotional awareness. She also tackles the challenges of leading with compassion while managing anxiety, urging a supportive workplace culture that fosters growth and understanding.

Jason Rosario, CEO of The Lives of Men and advocate for healthy masculinity, is joined by Dom Kelly, CEO of New Disabled South, to discuss reshaping leadership. They challenge traditional views of masculinity in the workplace, promoting vulnerability and mental health awareness. The conversation dives into the intersection of disability rights and leadership, advocating for inclusive practices that empower diverse voices. They emphasize the importance of psychological safety and the need for systemic changes in disability advocacy across the Southern United States.

Michael Alcee, a psychotherapist and author of "The Upside of OCD," brings a fresh perspective on obsessive-compulsive disorder, illuminating its hidden advantages. He explores how OCD can enhance creativity and empathy, challenging common misconceptions. Alcee discusses the intricate relationship between anxiety and personal growth, urging listeners to view anxiety as a messenger. He also offers practical tips for managing OCD in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of open communication and embracing individuality in fostering strong connections.

Tanvi Gautam, an executive coach and managing director of Leadershift Inc., shares her insights on hypervigilance and its impact on high achievers. She discusses how this heightened alertness often stems from trauma and manifests in the workplace. Tanvi explores the detrimental effects on leadership and health, offering practical strategies for managing stress and improving interpersonal connections. She emphasizes self-compassion, adaptability, and the need for supportive environments to navigate anxiety and uncertainty effectively.

Join mindfulness expert Sharon Salzberg as she shares her transformative journey into meditation, revealing how it can help navigate anxiety and emotional distress. She discusses the vital role mindfulness plays in self-care for caregivers, emphasizing the need for compassion and boundary-setting. The conversation touches on the societal pressures surrounding happiness and self-worth, and Sharon offers practical breathing techniques to manage anxiety. Listeners also get a taste of mindfulness with a guided meditation session to enhance their practice.

Ludmila Praslova, a professor of psychology and business at Vanguard University and author of "The Canary Code," shares her insights on neurodiversity in the workplace. She discusses how recognizing neurodivergent strengths can enhance organizational culture and productivity. The effects of masking and burnout on high performers are also explored, revealing hidden costs for both individuals and organizations. Personal stories highlight the journey of neurodivergent leaders, emphasizing the need for inclusive, supportive work environments.