The Anxious Achiever

In this discussion, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and founder of 38TERA, delves into the critical links between mental health and gut health. He shares his personal journey of transforming his diet and its positive mental impacts. The conversation highlights the gut-brain connection, particularly how anxiety relates to IBS. Dr. Bulsiewicz advocates for a fiber-rich, plant-based diet, points out the pitfalls of food labeling, and emphasizes the importance of gradual changes for holistic well-being.

Dr. James Kustow, a London psychiatrist specializing in adult ADHD, shares groundbreaking insights into the condition. He discusses how ADHD is often misunderstood, particularly in women, and emphasizes its connection to emotional health. Kustow explores ADHD as a dysregulation disorder, affecting both mental and physical well-being. He advocates for a holistic approach, highlighting links to dysautonomia and hypermobility. The conversation also delves into effective trauma treatments and emotional regulation techniques, affirming the need for integrated care in managing ADHD.

Want to learn more about neurodivergence and navigating career success? Check out Morra’s recent appearance on the We Too Are One podcast, where host Martin Gale aims to celebrate the power of individuals with ADHD and autism - and what it looks like in their work and lives. Check out more about the show here: https://www.wetooareonepodcast.com/about

Susan Schmitt Winchester, an author and former Fortune 500 CHRO, shares her insights on perfectionism's impact on careers and mental health. She discusses the toxic influence of demanding bosses that can fuel perfectionist behavior. With practical strategies, she encourages reframing thoughts and managing workloads to alleviate anxiety. Additionally, Susan emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and understanding emotional triggers. Listeners are provided with actionable tools to foster healthier mindsets and improve their professional lives.

In this engaging discussion, leadership consultant Steve Cuss and Present Voices founder Leah Bonvissuto delve into the intricacies of leadership anxiety. They explore how emotional intelligence and self-awareness can empower leaders in high-pressure environments. The conversation highlights the striking link between anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism. Leah shares insights on managing performance anxiety, while Steve emphasizes the significance of effective communication strategies. Together, they offer valuable tools for leaders to navigate their own anxieties and support their teams.

Vlad Gheorghiu, CEO of Kyan Health and former McKinsey consultant, shares his transformative journey from a high-pressure role to advocating for mental wellness in the workplace. He emphasizes the direct link between employee mental health and organizational success. Discussions include actionable steps for creating supportive work environments, the benefits of athletic principles for well-being, and the importance of effective communication. Gheorghiu also highlights innovative, AI-driven solutions to improve mental health engagement and productivity.

Elle Clark, a leadership development expert with firsthand experience of anxiety, discusses the transformative power of radical transparency in leadership. She opens up about the challenges of disclosing mental health struggles, advocating for a workplace culture that embraces vulnerability. Clark shares her personal journey through anxiety and its impact on her leadership style, emphasizing community support and the importance of authenticity. She reveals how embracing anxiety has led to personal growth, showing that challenges can foster deeper connections and resilience.

David Bedrick, an author and founder of the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-Based Studies, dives into the often-unseen burden of shame we carry daily. He discusses its detrimental effects on mental and physical health, from stifling relationships to preventing personal growth. Bedrick shares strategies for addressing past traumas, the importance of empathy in healing, and how shame manifests in professional settings and financial pressures, particularly for men. He emphasizes the necessity of open dialogues to combat shame and transform our emotional well-being.

Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO of Mental Health America, shares her journey through trauma and addiction, emphasizing the need for vulnerability in leadership. Bobby Hoffman, Chief Deputy at the Hampden Sheriff’s Office, discusses his innovative use of therapy dogs to promote mental health among officers. Together, they tackle the challenges of emotional expression in the workplace, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the importance of compassion in law enforcement. Their insights highlight the power of supportive relationships in fostering healing and connection.

Heather Hansen, an expert on accent bias in the workplace, shares insights on the overlooked impacts of accent perception. She discusses how bias affects individual careers and mental health, especially in multicultural settings. The conversation highlights the ramifications of recent DEI initiative rollbacks and the colonial legacy of language privilege. Hansen also emphasizes the importance of inclusive communication training for leaders to combat these biases and improve workplace dynamics.