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
4 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 49min
Think Your Family Background Doesn’t Affect You At Work? Think Again
Professor Deborah Ancona discusses how family dynamics influence workplace behaviors, calling these behaviors 'ghosts.' She explores the impact of these 'ghosts' on leadership, personal growth, and professional behavior. Ancona emphasizes the importance of understanding past influences and transforming them for improved work relationships and self-growth.
6 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 46min
Are You Harnessing Your Anxiety for Good?
Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki discusses how anxiety can be harnessed for peak performance, financial well-being, and managing emotions through movement. She explores the brain's attention network, the power of empathy in transforming anxiety, and redefining anxiety towards a positive mindset.
Mar 20, 2024 • 53min
Trauma-Informed Leadership: Is it Right For You?
Explore the concept of trauma-informed leadership and how it can create a safe environment at work. Learn about internal family systems work, emotional regulation resources, and navigating collective trauma in the workplace. Discover the importance of setting boundaries and managing agreements across life dimensions to prevent burnout.
5 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 42min
Accent Bias: How It Impacts You and Your Work
Heather Hansen challenges language stereotypes and the notion of 'good' English. She discusses the impacts of accent bias in the workplace and how to combat it. The podcast explores the importance of effective communication regardless of accent and provides strategies to address and overcome accent bias.
4 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 47min
Are You Good at Embracing Uncertainty?
Author Maggie Jackson discusses the connection between uncertainty and anxiety, and how reframing uncertainty can lead to success. The podcast explores strategies for embracing uncertainty, the benefits it can bring for personal growth and innovation, and the importance of timing and tolerance when faced with the unknown. Tips are shared on managing anxiety and enhancing focus through cue words.
15 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 50min
Dan Harris: 10 Percent Happier, 10 Years Later
Dan Harris discusses his journey from a panic attack on air to mindfulness, reflecting on career shifts and mental health. The podcast explores workplace dynamics, meditation for anxiety, and coping with toxic bosses through loving-kindness meditation.
34 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 46min
Toxic Bosses, Mean Girls, and Trusting Yourself
Navigate toxic work environments with insights from Benish Shah. Discuss the impact of toxic managers on organizations. Explore toxicity in workplace dynamics and the challenges employees face. Learn how to handle toxic bosses and create a healthier workplace culture.
Feb 14, 2024 • 52min
The Toll of Selling Your Business: Two Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories
Bob Glazer, founder of Acceleration Partners, and Michael Kaplan, former CEO of Fashion to Figure, share their experiences of selling their businesses, discussing the emotional toll, physical ailments, and struggle to find new purpose. They also reflect on growing up in a family business, choosing entrepreneurship, and overcoming anxiety. Therapy and time allowed them to process emotions, find empowerment, and appreciate moments of calm.
16 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 58min
Is Your Anxiety a Habit You Need to Break?
Learn how anxiety can be reframed as a habit that can be broken. Discover the habit loop of anxiety and the role of curiosity in overcoming it. Get tips for managing anxiety in the moment and breaking the anxious habit loop. Explore the relationship between rumination, depression, and anxiety. Understand the power of instant rewards and the benefits of replacing habits and building new ones. Discover how habitualizing tasks can help manage ADHD.
Jan 31, 2024 • 53min
Former Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Google on Why Teams and Culture Matter
Former Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Google discusses workplace structures around mental health, the mistaken idea of mental health being only the individual’s responsibility, and how we separate our jobs from our core sense of self and value.
