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
Oct 28, 2025 • 42min
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 • 36min
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.
Oct 9, 2025 • 35min
Morra x Fixable: How to feel less awkward, stay strong during a job search, and build your team's confidence
Morra Aarons-Mele, author and host focused on workplace anxiety, joins Anne and Frances to explore the surprising connection between anxiety and confidence. They discuss how feeling awkward is a natural part of work life and share tips for rebuilding in-person confidence after remote work. Listeners learn to view anxiety as a growth signal and discover practical strategies like the 'Snack Week' experiment for fostering connection. The conversation also offers advice on maintaining confidence during job rejections, turning setbacks into strengths.
6 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 58min
Beekman 1802's Josh Kilmer-Purcell: Anxiety Is My Superpower
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.
33 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 55min
Great Leaders Have Anxiety– And They Know How To Manage It
Morra Aarons-Mele, author and mental health advocate, shares insights from her extensive research on leadership and anxiety. She emphasizes that anxiety is valuable data rather than a flaw, arguing that leaders often experience higher levels of mental health challenges. Morra discusses the importance of self-compassion, grounding techniques for anxiety management, and practical tools to combat procrastination. She also highlights how organizations can better support neurodiverse employees and the necessity of 'banking joy' to draw on during tough times.
Sep 30, 2025 • 38min
Leading for Inclusive Excellence with Dr. Keivan Stassun
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Keivan Stassun, a MacArthur Fellow and renowned astrophysicist, shares his journey towards fostering inclusive excellence in science. He reveals how changing communication norms in his lab, inspired by his son's autism, enhances focus for neurodiverse talent. Dr. Stassun emphasizes the value of structured meetings, respecting individual strengths like hyperfocus, and normalizing remote participation. He encourages managers to view every employee as a potential genius, unlocking creativity and innovation in diverse teams.
36 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 40min
Conflict Is Necessary At Work... Really with Amy Gallo
Amy Gallo, a conflict expert and author, shares valuable insights on navigating tough conversations. She discusses why avoiding conflict can backfire, leading to heightened anxiety and unresolved issues. Listeners learn about her four-step framework for handling disputes effectively and why reframing conflict as an opportunity rather than a threat can strengthen relationships. Amy also tackles how emotions can derail discussions and offers practical tips on practicing conflict resolution in everyday situations.
