Masks Off: Inner Freedom For People-Pleasers and Perfectionists

In this episode of 'Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' host Kim Gross welcomes Andrea Olson, an entrepreneur and coach for female entrepreneurs. Andrea discusses her journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of aligning inner success with outer achievements. They explore topics like overcoming the fear of failure, the value of consistent effort, microquitting, and understanding life’s seasons. Andrea shares insights on how to design a life that integrates personal and professional goals while acknowledging that motivation will dip and that’s okay. They also provide valuable advice for high achievers and perfectionists on maintaining balance and fulfillment.

About Andrea:

Andrea Olson is a highly influential HR leadership expert, 7-figure entrepreneur with a brand

 featured in Forbes magazine, thought leader + revered top 5% Globally recognized podcaster, and highly sought after life & business coach for successful female entrepreneurs. She uses adynamic approach, harnessing the intersection of professional achievement and personal fulfillment to help her clients find true clarity, alignment, and accelerated results.

Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge enhanced by over nearly a decade in Human Resources, where she coached executives and leaders on their journey to excellence. Alongside building her multi-7-figure business and cultivating ultra-elite teams within it, she has extended her passion and skills to generate breakthroughs with her 1:1 coaching clients. Over the course of her career, she has trained tens of thousands of business owners and directly coached thousands on leadership, communication through persuasion and influence, healthy rhythms of business, prioritization, mindset and reframing success to help them to tap into more of what matters to them.

Connect with Andrea: 

@andreaolsoncoaching and @moreofwhatmatterspodcast on IG and https://stan.store/andreaolsoncoaching for working together!

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

Join us in this episode as we dive deep into the inspiring story of Jeff Pearson, diagnosed with hydrocephalus at just two weeks old. Despite multiple brain surgeries and significant challenges, Jeff's positive attitude and adaptive mindset have led him to thrive. He shares his journey, the impact of his condition on his life, his advocacy through his nonprofit 'Hydro with Hope', and his work hosting 'Invisible Condition,' a TV show highlighting people living with invisible conditions. Listen in for insights on resilience, the importance of adaptability, and maintaining a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances.

About Jeff: 

Jeff Pearson is a speaker, author, business owner and TV host.

When Jeff was two weeks old, it was confirmed that he had hydrocephalus and underwent his first brain and abdominal surgery. Over the years he has had many similar surgeries, each with its own set of challenges and victories. Despite the challenges of surgery, he traveled the world with Up with People, got married, raised three children, worked as a private investigator, and is now the owner of Hydro with Hope, and the host of a TV show called “Invisible Condition” that airs LIVE twice a week on e360tv.  Invisible Condition is a show that brings awareness to all the medical conditions millions of people deal with that aren’t visible from the outside.  Through Hydro with Hope and his TV show, Jeff spreads the message that FIRST: you are not alone. SECOND: There is HOPE, and THIRD: There is a community of HELP and resources out there for you. Jeff and his wife, Catherine, live in Colorado Springs, CO with their 3 children: Elizabeth, Nick, and Kacia.

Connect with Jeff: 

Hydro with Hope:

www.hydrowithhope.com

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/hydrowithhope

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/hydrowithhope/

Invisible Condition:

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091481468419

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@InvisibleCondition

www.e360tv.com (AchieveTV channel)

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, host Kim Gross delves into the often misunderstood concept of self-care with guest Holly Swenson, an author and advocate for integrating self-care into parenting and beyond. They debunk the limited perception of self-care as merely indulging in bubble baths or massages, emphasizing its deeper significance in cultivating mental wellness, setting boundaries, and maintaining balance. Through personal stories and practical advice, this discussion highlights the importance of self-care routines, mindfulness, and allowing oneself to dream as pivotal for not just personal well-being, but also in enhancing parental roles. Key takeaways include embracing small, daily acts of self-care, the impact of environmental factors like aromatherapy and calming music, and the broader implications of self-care in nurturing compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and sustaining joy in one's life.

About Holly:

Holly Swenson is an award-winning author, BSN, RN, wellness blogger, mother to four incredible sons, and perpetual student of life. She is on a mission to raise the bar for parents and is working hard to promote more wellness, joy, and intention for parenting and beyond. She believes learning how to tend to "you" before tackling life's tasks and demands is the key to opening the door to thriving in life, and not just merely surviving. Holly will teach you how to balance the demand of parenthood with more consciousness, grace and gentility, not just for your own benefit, but for the lives you are responsible for shaping.

Connect with Holly:

Website: www.liveyourglow.live

Instagram: @hollyswenson_liveyourglow

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

In this enlightening episode of 'Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' host Kim Gross engages in a deep dive with guest Daniela Stevens, a renowned sex and trauma-informed coach, on the complexities of intimacy, particularly for individuals grappling with people-pleasing and perfectionist tendencies. They explore the four different types of intimacy—mental, physical, emotional, and sexual—highlighting the importance of each in cultivating authentic connections with oneself and others. Daniela shares her personal journey to discovering sexual pleasure and offers actionable advice for listeners to develop a more fulfilling intimate life. The discussion also addresses common challenges faced by people pleasers and perfectionists in achieving intimacy, offering strategies to overcome these obstacles and embrace vulnerability. Listeners are encouraged to focus on what feels good, taking small steps towards expressing their needs and desires in relationships.

About Daniela: 

Daniela Stevens (she/they) is a trauma- and attachment-informed certified Sex and Intimacy Coach for couples and individuals of all bodies, all expressions, and all relationship dynamics.

She supports people to experience deep sexual connection and intimacy with themselves and their partner by naming and addressing the intersections of personal experience with multiple systems of oppression and by guiding them to co-create their Sex Practice to clarify, connect, communicate, and heal to ripen into the best sex of their lives.

For her, nothing is more important than connection.

Connect with Daniela:

danielastevens.com; https://

www.instagram.com/danielastevensnow; https://

www.facebook.com/danielastevensnow; https://

www.linkedin.com/in/danielastevensnow/; [email protected]

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

In this episode of 'Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' host Kim Gross discusses the concept of living authentically and breaking away from people-pleasing behaviors with guest Megan Walrod. They delve into what it means to 'live your yes,' the challenges of overcoming societal conditioning and fears that prevent individuals from living a life of joy, fulfillment, and authenticity. Megan Walrod shares her personal journey of transformation from living in a 'safe harbor' to embracing her true self, highlighting the role of journaling as a tool for self-discovery and empowerment. The episode includes insights on navigating midlife reckonings, understanding the roots of people-pleasing tendencies, and actionable tips for listeners to explore what brings them joy and how to incorporate more of it into their lives.

About Megan Walrod

Megan Walrod, Founder of Live Your Yes, LLC, is an author, copywriter, authentic marketing coach and brave living mentor. She’s dedicated to helping women break free from codependent patterns and cultural conditioning so they can follow their hearts and prioritize their dreams. Her personal journey inspired the “Live Your Yes” philosophy, which is grounded in the belief that when women prioritize their joy, they become more magnetic and create greater success and fulfillment in all areas of their lives. Over the past 15+ years, she’s supported thousands of women to create profitable and purposeful businesses, and authentic, audacious lives that light them up. Her debut novel will be published in June, 2025. She lives in Portland, Oregon, and is in love with ferns, waterfalls and the Oregon Coast. Her current obsession? Cupcakes. (She thanks her inner little girl for that.)

Connect with Megan:

https://www.meganwalrod.com/

https://www.facebook.com/megan.walrod

https://www.instagram.com/meganwalrod/

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_walrod

Summit on coming home to yourself in June: www.meganwalrod.com/homecoming

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

In this episode of 'Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' host Kim Gross engages in a profound conversation with self-love coach Elizabeth Foster. They delve into the common yet challenging experience of losing oneself in roles determined by relationships and social expectations, such as being a parent, spouse, or child. Elizabeth shares her personal story of transformation, from feeling lost and disconnected within her 20-year marriage to making the brave decision to prioritize her happiness and embark on a journey of self-love and discovery. The discussion extends to the pressures and conditioning that lead individuals, especially women, to people-please and suppress their true selves. Elizabeth also offers insights into her work with clients, emphasizing the importance of realigning thoughts, beliefs, and actions to one's true self. The episode is peppered with practical advice for listeners on how to unhook from old patterns and embrace authenticity, as well as considerations on conscious parenting and creating space for children to explore their identities without fear of judgment. Highlighting the significance of self-compassion and allowing oneself to fail and learn, this episode serves as a guide for listeners to navigate their path to self-discovery and living an authentic life.

Connect with Elizabeth: 

Website: https://fortheloveofself.coach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethfortheloveofself

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_fortheloveofself/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizfoster2/

Youtube: @fortheLoveofselfcoaching

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

This podcast episode delves into the pervasive fear of failure that hinders many from pursuing their dreams and stepping out of their comfort zones. Drawing on the stories of notable personalities like Oprah, Abraham Lincoln, and Eminem, who were once doubted yet achieved remarkable success, the host emphasizes the detrimental impact of fear on personal growth and fulfillment. The episode examines the psychological reasons behind fear, notably the instinctual tendency to stick to the familiar as a safety mechanism, and how this ancient survival instinct negatively influences modern aspirations. The host, a self-described recovering people pleaser and perfectionist, shares a personal anecdote from childhood to illustrate how early experiences of failure or rejection can shape our self-perception and limit our potential. The narrative further explores the importance of reflecting on past experiences that might have seeded the fear of failure, offering strategies for individuals to confront and overcome these fears. The host encourages taking small, manageable steps towards goals, practicing self-compassion, and understanding that progress, not perfection, is the key to overcoming the paralysis caused by the fear of failing. The episode aims to guide listeners towards recognizing and dismantling the barriers that fear erects around their aspirations, advocating for a life lived fully and boldly beyond the confines of comfort zones.

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

In this episode, the host, a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, discusses the challenging mindset of feeling like one's efforts and accomplishments are never enough, attributing this often to perfectionism rooted in childhood experiences. They delve into the harmful patterns of self-pressure and unrealistic expectations, emphasizing the significance of awareness, taking responsibility, and nurturing self-compassion for healing. Through personal anecdotes and step-by-step guidance, the episode aims to help listeners shift from a focus on perfection to valuing progress, offering strategies for practicing gentleness and self-compassion. The episode encourages listeners to reframe their approach to tasks and life goals, suggesting that embracing progress over perfection can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. The host also mentions their upcoming book and invites feedback and interaction from the audience, along with a quiz on their website for those identifying with people-pleasing and perfectionist tendencies.

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

In this episode of 'Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' host Kim Gross reintroduces herself and shares the origin story of the podcast, which began in May 2020 amid the pandemic. Initially inspired by her conversations on personal growth and conscious parenting, Kim and a friend decided to launch the podcast, intriguingly named 'Masks Off' during a time when physical masks were ubiquitous due to COVID-19. However, the podcast's focus is on metaphorical masks, such as the roles and behaviors people adopt, like people-pleasing and perfectionism. Kim delves into her personal journey of overcoming these tendencies, highlighting her evolution from seeking external validation for her accomplishments to recognizing and embracing her true self. The episode emphasizes the importance of healing from emotional and mental wounds inflicted by societal and parental expectations, advocating for inner work and mindset shifts to achieve authentic living. Kim also teases an upcoming book and invites listeners to explore whether they exhibit perfectionistic or people-pleasing patterns through a quiz on her website.

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠

In this episode of 'Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists,' host Kim Gross discusses the journey from codependency and people-pleasing to achieving freedom and self-sufficiency. She opens up about her own experiences of using food for comfort and relying on others for happiness, and how she realized these were forms of neediness. By sharing excerpts from her book, Kim explores the difference between neediness and desire, emphasizing the empowerment that comes from being able to ask boldly for what we want without feeling entitled to it. The episode highlights the significance of having a solid sense of self, being able to handle disappointment, and the process of self-reparenting to fulfill our own needs. Kim also introduces her five-step power pathway to help listeners move from a mindset of victimhood to one of freedom and liberation. Additionally, she encourages listeners to reach out, take a quiz on her website to identify people-pleasing and perfectionist tendencies, and join her email list for weekly tips and tools to further this journey from prison to paradise.

Connect with Kim:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimgross24

Website: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com

Masks Off Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masksoffcommunity/

Take the People-Pleasing & Perfectionist Quiz: https://www.kimgrosscoaching.com/quiz.php

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Facebook Masks Off Community:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/masksoffcommunity⁠

Masks Off email: [email protected]

YouTube:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q⁠

Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2Et9BMqdFriIQ9bUxcfQeg⁠

Apple podcast:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/masks-off/id1513846583⁠