In this powerful MAD Extra connected to The Insiders Episode 3: Shadow in the Limelight, we meet Ash Williams—a mid-level manager whose technical brilliance is constantly undermined by emotional outbursts that sabotage his leadership potential. Just as Bran wrestled with the gap between who he wanted to be and his automatic reactions under pressure, Ash faces the universal struggle Paul described: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

This story, inspired by a real coaching experience, follows Ash through a critical three-day period before his performance review—a crucible that reveals why change feels so impossibly difficult and uncomfortable. As workplace pressures mount and old triggers resurface, Ash discovers that the battle isn't about eliminating emotions or achieving perfection, but about learning to respond rather than react.

Through Ash's journey, we explore the neuroscience of emotional hijacking, the gap between knowledge and application, and why growth only happens when we're willing to step beyond our comfort zone. Whether you're struggling with anger, defensiveness, or any pattern that undermines your best intentions, this story offers hope: you're not alone in this battle, and transformation is possible.

Featuring practical tools like the PCPCR framework and the beginner-friendly Pause-Breathe-Choose technique, this MAD Extra provides both story and strategy for winning the war between knowing and doing.

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The difference isn't in what happened.

The difference is what you do with it.