The Anxious Achiever

Congressman Adam Smith opens up about his personal struggles with anxiety, the impact of mental health on his job, and how he hopes to change the conversation. He shares his journey back from chronic pain and anxiety, emphasizing the need to manage anxiety without being consumed by it. The speaker discusses their role in Congress, problem-solving approach, and strategies for making a positive impact. They explore the concept of ego and its impact on their desire to help others, and discuss the power of empathy for those with chronic pain. The chapter also highlights muscle activation therapy and its benefits, and the importance of controlling reactions to stress through meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy.

A leadership professor discusses recognizing, handling, and preventing micromanaging in the workplace. The negative impacts of micromanagement on mental health are explored, along with techniques for addressing micromanagement with a manager. The significance of empathy, caring for others, and treating yourself with grace is emphasized.

Digital transformation expert Charlene Li discusses finding motivation for personal transformations, letting go of perfectionism and guilt, AI's impact on personal growth, battling guilt and reliance on medication, prioritizing sleep for cognitive health, and embracing discomfort and taking on challenges.

Sports and performance psychologist Alex Auerbach, who works with the Toronto Raptors, discusses managing emotions in high-stakes scenarios and the concept of adaptive perfectionism. Former NFL star Ryan Mundy explores motivation, legacy, imposter syndrome in professional athletics, and navigating mental health challenges after leaving a football career. They also discuss the importance of teamwork and Alkeme Health's efforts to improve mental health in underserved black communities.

Veterinarian Molly McAllister and hematologist Dr. Ariela Marshall discuss the challenges faced by medical professionals, including compassion fatigue, the impact of the pandemic, setting boundaries, trauma-informed leadership, pressure and perfectionism in the medical system, and navigating the path to success and happiness.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy talks about the loneliness epidemic in the US, its impact on mental health, and how to improve the situation. They discuss the importance of work friends and social connection, the significance of belonging in the workplace, the impact of connection on mental health, and simple ways to foster more connection.

This podcast explores the influence of class in everyday life, particularly in terms of work and mental health. It discusses how class affects access to opportunities and cultural experiences. The speakers share personal anecdotes about anxieties and social class in the workplace. They also discuss the power of creativity and imagination in realizing dreams. The concept of class shame and the importance of building awareness in the workplace are explored. The speakers emphasize the need for inclusive conversations and avoiding exclusivity at work.

Dan Simons, cofounder of Farmers Restaurant Group, and Amy Gallo, cohost of the HBR podcast Women at Work, discuss the importance of understanding and addressing menopause in the workplace. They share personal experiences, highlight the stigma and biases surrounding menopause, and explore ways to improve women's healthcare benefits. Practical advice is given for managing symptoms and communicating needs effectively.

In this episode, Kathleen Smith discusses how family dynamics impact behavior and performance at work. Family Systems Theory, overfunctioning as anxious leadership, mindfulness, differentiation, and curiosity as an antidote to anxiety are explored.

Bryce Seto, SVP of Business Strategy and Business Development, discusses managing borderline personality disorder in his career. Topics include navigating intense emotions, pursuing an MBA, career challenges, and understanding BPD.