The Anxious Achiever

In a compelling discussion, psychologist David Bedrick, an expert in unshaming, reveals how shame distorts our experiences and self-worth. He explains shame isn't just a feeling but a lens that affects our entire lives. David shares insights on how childhood experiences shape our perceptions and contribute to chronic pain and hidden struggles in professional spaces. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and witnessing in unshaming ourselves and others, offering practical strategies to unpack and alleviate the shame that often surrounds job loss and personal failure.

In this engaging discussion, Lee Gonzales, an engineering leader at BetterUp and creator of AI Flight School, tackles the prevalent anxiety surrounding AI. He explains how to transform fear into agency and optimism. Lee emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and collective sensemaking in adapting to AI. Listeners will discover how to shift from being 'AI passengers' to 'AI pilots' and why overreliance on AI can weaken cognitive skills. He also shares inspiring stories of individuals gaining new capabilities through AI engagement.

In this discussion with Kate Woodsome, a former journalist turned civic resilience researcher, the focus shifts to America’s overloaded collective nervous system. Kate delves into the link between personal trauma and societal polarization, emphasizing how stress impacts civil discourse. She highlights the role of technology in amplifying perceived dangers and discusses tools for leaders to foster compassion and dialogue. With insights on nervous system literacy, Kate advocates for practices that can strengthen democracy and support civic engagement.

Yowei Shaw, an emotional investigative journalist known for exploring feelings in the workplace, shares her impactful journey of being laid off from NPR. She discusses the emotional upheaval it caused, touching on the shame and identity crises many face during such transitions. Yowei highlights the opaque nature of layoff decisions and how this impacts mental health. She offers strategies for recovery, emphasizing self-compassion and the unexpected liberation that can come from letting go of the past. Get ready for a fresh perspective on navigating post-layoff life!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, a psychology and neuroscience professor and co-founder of Arcade Therapeutics, delves into the nuances of AI anxiety and its varied manifestations. She critiques our tendency to anthropomorphize AI and highlights the lessons we should learn from the mental health impacts of social media. Tracy also explores the medicalization of mental health, advocating for a more holistic view and emphasizing that anxiety can actually signal creativity and proactive care. Tune in for insightful strategies on managing AI's role in our lives without losing our humanity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.