In this deeply personal episode of Courageous Leaders, Connected Teams, I’m opening up about the unconscious patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that shaped my journey as an Enneagram Type 3 (The Competitive Achiever).

For much of my life, achievement felt like oxygen. Productivity, performance, and pushing through were the standards—not just for success but for worthiness. But behind the drive was an unspoken fear:
“If I’m not working, I’m not valuable.”

This episode is an invitation into the stories, struggles, and turning points that helped me shift from overdrive to alignment—and begin restoring a sense of worth that isn’t tied to output.

The relentless pursuit of achievement and the belief that value comes from what you do—not who you are.

How productivity became a measure of identity, and the subtle ways leaders can lose themselves in external validation.

The cost of ignoring the body’s signals, emotional needs, and limits in the name of “just getting it done.”

What shifted when I finally slowed down enough to recognize the deeper fear fueling all the action.

The moment I realized I was running on empty—and how discovering my Enneagram type illuminated patterns I could finally name (and change).

How redefining success has helped me move toward more presence, alignment, and courage in leadership.

Leaders who feel stuck on the hamster wheel of achievement

Enneagram Type 3s (or those who love/work with them)

High-achievers experiencing burnout or overwhelm

Anyone exploring healthier, more authentic ways of leading

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube

Learn more about leadership coaching & the Enneagram Stephaniefreeth.com

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