The Anxious Achiever

Zsombor Szabo is a breathwork coach and former software sales executive dedicated to teaching breath techniques for better workplace performance. In their discussion, Zsombor explores how our daily breathing patterns can be detrimental, often keeping us in a state of stress. He introduces practical exercises like physiological sighs and box breathing to enhance focus and calmness. They delve into the impact of chronic stress on health, the benefits of nose and belly breathing, and strategies for making breathwork a lasting habit.

Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist known for his work with elite athletes, shares transformative insights on mastering focus and motivation. He emphasizes that peak performance stems from understanding one’s inner world rather than grinding harder. The discussion covers reframing anxiety as a tool, the importance of intrinsic motivation, and how training attention can optimize performance. Michael also delves into managing activation levels, the impact of mindfulness, and practical strategies for anxiety regulation, all crucial for thriving under pressure.

Jordana Confino, a former Yale-trained lawyer turned coach and researcher, dives into the complex world of maladaptive perfectionism. She shares her own journey from overachiever to advocate for self-compassion and well-being. Discover why self-criticism often backfires and impairs performance, and how law culture fuels perfectionism. Jordana highlights the difference between sustainable excellence and fear-driven striving, offering practical shifts and micro-boundaries to enhance well-being without sacrificing ambition.

In this engaging discussion, Stew Friedman, a leading organizational psychologist and creator of the Total Leadership model, shares insights on asking for workplace needs as a crucial leadership skill. He emphasizes the importance of integrating work, home, community, and self for improved performance. Stew also introduces the concept of 'four-way wins' and advocates for harmony over balance in life. Through innovative experiments and dialogue, he explores building a culture of mutual support and accountability for both personal and organizational success.

Benish Shah, a workplace-culture expert and advice columnist, breaks down the nuances of toxic work environments. She explains the difference between genuine toxicity and discomfort, emphasizing the role of leadership in shaping culture. Benish shares practical self-assessment tools to identify toxic patterns and the importance of psychological safety. She also discusses the risks of vulnerability for marginalized employees and offers strategies for making thoughtful exit plans when necessary. Tune in for valuable insights on reclaiming your workplace well-being!

In this conversation, Kevin Evers, an editor at Harvard Business Review Press and author, delves into Taylor Swift's extraordinary career through the lens of anxiety and ambition. He discusses how her emotional vulnerability fuels her creative process and the relentless work ethic that drives her success. They explore themes like the cost of performance, the power of authenticity in her songwriting, and how anxiety can lead to strategic pivots. Kevin highlights Taylor's journey from country roots to pop stardom and her profound connection with fans.

Annie Lowrey, a journalist with keen insights into economics, and Cody Hoyt, an early-career professional with firsthand experience of economic disruptions, explore the harsh realities facing millennials and Gen Z. They discuss how graduating into recessions shapes career aspirations and the psychological toll of student debt. The conversation highlights delayed milestones like homeownership and entrepreneurship due to financial instability. Together, they reveal the structural factors at play in creating generational anxiety and mistrust in institutions.

Jessica Neal, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix and now a venture investor, delves into the complexities of workplace burnout. She reveals that burnout is not just about overwork, but also a lack of clarity and acknowledgment of successes. Neal emphasizes the need for honesty and clear expectations in leadership. They discuss the unique challenges women face in leadership, including balancing career and caregiving roles. The conversation underscores the importance of celebrating wins and building a supportive culture to combat stress.

Maggie Jackson, an author and expert on uncertainty, dives into how embracing the unknown can enhance creativity and resilience. She explores how our brains react to uncertainty and redefines it from a threat to an opportunity for growth. The discussion reveals the power of 'good stress' and the benefits of curiosity in reducing anxiety. Listeners will learn practical strategies to foster an environment that welcomes uncertainty, encourages exploration, and strengthens collaboration, ultimately transforming decision-making for leaders and teams alike.

Patrick Lencioni, a bestselling author and founder of Working Genius, unpacks how embracing your 'weaknesses' can reveal your true strengths. He discusses his six types of genius—wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity—and how recognizing these can transform team dynamics. Lencioni shares his personal journey through burnout and the importance of aligning work with natural strengths. He encourages listeners to lean into their gifts, utilize vulnerability for trust, and reframe their relationship with work.