Nick Holton, a performance coach for elite athletes and executives, and Adam Wright, director of mental performance for the Washington Nationals, dive into the transformative power of anti-fragility. They explore how embracing adversity can foster growth and mental agility. Their conversation highlights the importance of mental health in the workplace and discusses innovative strategies for managing performance anxiety. They emphasize enjoying the journey towards goals and utilizing vulnerability as a strength, redefining success beyond mere resilience.

Basima Tewfik, Assistant Professor at MIT Sloan, dives into the unexpected silver linings of impostor syndrome and anxiety in the workplace. She reveals how these feelings can actually enhance creativity and foster professional growth. Tewfik highlights the 'banana exercise' from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a tool for overcoming self-doubt. She also discusses the complex interplay between neuroticism and personal success, challenging the stigma surrounding these emotions and emphasizing their potential as motivational catalysts.

Christine Runyon, a professor at UMass Medical School and co-founder of Tend Health, dives into the intricate relationship between anxiety and our nervous system. She explains how perceived threats can trigger physiological responses, impacting our mental state. Listeners learn effective self-care techniques, like practical breathing methods, to regulate stress and enhance well-being. Runyon also discusses the role of scent and rituals in managing stress, offering insights on how to connect mind and body for better performance, especially in challenging times.

Sanyin Siang, an advisor and coach at Duke University, shares her insights on transforming negative self-talk into a celebration of personal strengths. She encourages embracing vulnerability to foster belonging and combat imposter syndrome. The discussion highlights the importance of self-reflection in discovering unique gifts and the value of emotional intelligence in both personal and professional settings. Sanyin also emphasizes finding the right environment to thrive and encourages high-achievers to rethink traditional definitions of success.

Tim Shriver, a filmmaker and chairman of the Special Olympics, dives deep into the power of emotional intelligence. He shares his insights on the critical role emotional awareness plays in education and its influence on children's well-being. Shriver emphasizes the importance of confession and reconciliation for healing, drawing on cultural traditions. He also tackles the challenges of leadership, advocating for vulnerability as a strength. Personal stories of anxiety reveal how community can foster healing, making conversations about mental health essential.

Yowei Shaw, a former host of NPR's Invisibilia and now the voice behind Proxy, shares her poignant journey through the emotional chaos of layoffs. She discusses how job loss can drastically alter one's identity and self-worth. Shaw delves into the shame and stigma often attached to being laid off and the necessity for open dialogues about workplace emotions. Her insights on embracing vulnerability and finding authenticity in storytelling resonate deeply, offering hope and wisdom for those navigating similar challenges.

Dr. Fallon Goodman, a clinical psychologist and professor at George Washington University, discusses the intricate dynamics of social anxiety in the workplace. She highlights the struggle many, particularly Gen Z, face during networking events. The conversation delves into the efficacy of exposure therapy, with a gripping personal tale of climbing Mount Fuji amid panic. They also tackle the role of therapy in boosting mental health and the careful navigation of social media connections at work, emphasizing the need for genuine interactions and boundaries.

Nihar Chhaya, an executive coach and president of PartnerExec, dives into the complex feelings of envy in the workplace. He discusses how envy can motivate but also lead to misery, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these emotions. Personal anecdotes reveal how leaders struggle with self-doubt and authenticity. Chhaya offers strategies to reframe envy and embrace emotional resilience, encouraging self-awareness as a means to transform negativity into opportunity for growth.

Laurie Ruettimann, a former HR leader and insightful author on workplace culture, discusses the inherent flaws of capitalism and its detrimental effects on well-being. She shares her own journey through corporate life, highlighting unhealthy habits and the impact of societal pressures. The conversation covers mental health challenges in modern workplaces and critiques the hustle culture in America, while advocating for transformative solutions like universal basic income. Laurie also emphasizes the importance of separating personal identity from professional roles, urging listeners to rediscover joy beyond work.

Jack Hinman, Founder and Executive Director of Engage Transitions, delves into the fascinating world of attachment styles and their impact on workplace dynamics. He explains how childhood experiences shape our professional interactions and highlights the significance of self-awareness in leadership. Hinman discusses the challenges that different attachment styles present, especially in managing relationships with avoidant colleagues. He also shares practical grounding techniques to help regulate emotions and boost job satisfaction, turning attachment styles into a superpower.