The Anxious Achiever
Morra Aarons-Mele
Host Morra Aarons-Mele is on a mission to reframe how we think about anxiety and mental health in the workplace. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. We desperately need better models for leadership and a more holistic view of mental health. Our culture tells those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression that we can’t succeed, but we tell a different story — without sugarcoating the tough stuff. We feature stories from people who’ve been there and experts who can help you thrive.Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 14, 2024 • 32min
You Can’t Change the World If You’re Unhappy At Work
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.
Aug 7, 2024 • 59min
Adapting Your Career to Your Neurodivergent Needs
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.
Jul 31, 2024 • 40min
When Your Job Revolves Around The Tumultuous U.S. Election
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!
Jul 24, 2024 • 43min
A Former Olympic Rower on Grit, Heartache and Success
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.
15 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 39min
ADHD Expert (and Diagnosee) Dr. Ned Hallowell on Unwrapping Our Gifts and Changing Labels
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.
8 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 42min
Dan Ariely on Resilience as the Antidote to Stress
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.
16 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 40min
Is People Pleasing Hurting Your Career?
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.
Jun 26, 2024 • 41min
More Than Breadwinners: The Mental Health of Working Fathers
Professor Brad Harrington and former TV anchor Liam Martin discuss the mental health struggles of working fathers, highlighting the lack of support and societal expectations. They share personal stories of balancing work and family life, managing role conflict, and prioritizing mental health. The podcast explores the challenges faced by working dads in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the importance of open communication and support from partners.
15 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 48min
Tools and Tricks for Neurodivergent Leaders
Clayton Lord, a neurodivergent leader, shares his journey of leveraging strengths to solve complex problems while navigating interpersonal issues at work. He discusses tools like Post-it notes and the importance of developing leadership skills. Topics include adapting to work life with an autism diagnosis, fostering interpersonal relationships, embracing neurodivergence, and navigating LGBTQ+ identity in a Stepford-like environment.
22 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 42min
Burnout, Balance, and Why Work From Home Isn’t Working
Shirley Leung, columnist at the Boston Globe, discusses how working from home is no longer effective post-pandemic, the mental health challenges we still face, and the importance of setting realistic priorities. The podcast explores strategies for preventing burnout, navigating work-life balance, and setting boundaries for a healthy lifestyle.
