The Anxious Achiever

Nilay Patel, Editor-in-Chief of The Verge and host of The Decoder podcast, discusses the complicated relationship between AI, work, and mental health. He shares insights on how technology shapes our emotional connections and communication. The conversation delves into the ethical challenges of generative AI and its impact on creativity and job security. Patel urges tech leaders to foster empathy and adapt to evolving roles in various industries as AI transforms expertise and relationships in the workplace.

Jon Jachimowicz, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, discusses the intricate relationship between passion and burnout in the workplace. He reveals how high achievers can become victims of their own enthusiasm, leading to emotional exhaustion. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by introverts versus extroverts in professional settings, and the importance of balance and self-care. Jachimowicz emphasizes the need for effective management strategies to prevent burnout and the value of recognizing passion's fluctuating nature in one’s career.

Kathryn Goetzke, founder and chairman at The Shine Hope Company, passionately discusses how hope fundamentally shapes our mental health. She shares her journey through anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, emphasizing hope's role in resilience. The conversation digs into the importance of goal-setting, combating hopelessness, and the SHINE framework for positive habits. Kathryn also highlights the impact of workplace culture on mental well-being and advocates for intentional hope as a skill for success and personal growth.

Scott Stossel, National Editor of the Atlantic and author of a bestselling book on anxiety, shares his insights on mental health in the workplace. He discusses the challenges of workplace anxiety and how it can impact leadership and team dynamics. Stossel delves into the balance between ambition and anxiety, revealing how striving for external validation can hinder success. He advocates for embracing anxiety and radical acceptance as pathways to resilience, highlighting personal stories and historical examples to illustrate these points.

Aidy Smith, a pioneering TV presenter living with Tourette Syndrome, shares his inspiring journey of breaking barriers in British television. He discusses how he transformed his challenges into creative strengths and the societal stigmas he faced. Tara Lerman, from the media and advertising world, highlights her experiences navigating her neurodivergence. Together, they advocate for greater acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace, challenging misconceptions and emphasizing the unique contributions that individuals like them can make.

Shaniqua McClendon, Vice President of Politics at Crooked Media, shares her insights from the frontlines of a chaotic election landscape. She discusses the overwhelming stress that comes with navigating 24/7 news cycles while managing mental health. Shaniqua reflects on the fine line between passion and burnout, emphasizing the critical need for self-care. She also advocates for healthier workplace environments and illustrates how small actions can spark hope in turbulent times. Get ready to feel empowered to navigate your own challenges!

Former Olympic rower Michael DiSanto shares how he used anxiety and anger as motivators in his journey to the Olympics. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to a new career post-Olympics and the importance of empathy in good leadership.

Dr. Ned Hallowell, ADHD expert, challenges the stigma of ADHD, describing it as a Ferrari brain with bicycle brakes. He discusses embracing neurodivergence, finding joy in work, and shares insights on managing ADHD in the workforce. The podcast explores attention traits, embracing ADHD as an asset, navigating the digital age, and strategies for managing worry.

Renowned behavioral economist Dan Ariely discusses resilience in overcoming adversity and the importance of finding meaning and community. Topics include self-acceptance, combating learned helplessness, impact of AI recruitment practices, scarcity and trauma on decision-making, and changing perspectives in stressful times.

Therapist and author Kathleen Smith discusses how people-pleasing behaviors at work are influenced by relationships, family systems, and individual tendencies. She explores breaking out of people-pleasing patterns and transitioning to healthier professional relationships. The podcast delves into understanding systems, navigating relationship dynamics, seeking praise, embracing uncertainty, and exploring constructive questioning for personal growth.