Meet Lorenzo. The apartment door slams behind him. His girlfriend’s words—“You’re never present.”—echo in his mind. He slumps onto the couch, takeout bag still in hand, jazz from the street outside barely cuts through the silence in his head. Once a star athlete known for his discipline and drive, Lorenzo is now the director of employee health services at a New Orleans hospital. He used to feel fulfilled. Now, most days feel like a blur of meetings, reports, and unacknowledged efforts. He’s gained weight, sleeps for hours, yet wakes up exhausted. He’s the go-to for everyone else—but has no idea how to ask for help himself. In this episode, Jay is joined by Caleb Campbell, West Point graduate, former NFL linebacker, and global keynote speaker. Caleb shares how high achievers like Lorenzo can move beyond burnout and performance-based identity to reconnect with purpose, emotional well-being, and authentic leadership. Through his personal story of expectation, identity crisis, and breakthrough, Caleb offers a roadmap for getting unstuck. If you’ve ever felt like your success came at the cost of your inner peace—or wondered how to reclaim your sense of self—this conversation is for you. Notable Quotes “Externally succeeding at the cost of internal wholeness is not winning.” — Caleb Campbell  “What if the pressure you feel isn’t a sign of failure, but an invitation to grow?” — Caleb Campbell “We have to learn how to allow ourselves to feel goodness in our life.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Caleb Campbell is a keynote speaker, resilience coach, and former NFL linebacker who helps leaders embrace uncertainty and unlock their "inner advantage." A graduate of West Point, Caleb was drafted by the Detroit Lions, becoming the first Army player permitted to serve and play simultaneously. But behind his achievements was a heavy burden of expectation. After navigating identity loss and panic attacks, Caleb transformed his experience into a message of hope and empowerment for others. Today, he speaks globally on how to lead with authenticity, courage, and inner clarity. Resources and Links Caleb Campbell Website – https://www.calebcampbell.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcalebcampbell Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/caleb_campbell Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday’s solo episode, Jay will take a deeper dive into the Rumi poem "The Guest House"—the one Caleb mentioned during this interview. Jay will unpack its themes and explain how this centuries-old piece of poetry offers a surprisingly practical lens for dealing with disruptive emotions in daily life. If you’ve ever struggled with how to meet fear, frustration, or grief without being overtaken by it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Veronica, who felt like she’d lost her spark for the work she once loved. She struggled to get buy-in for her ideas and found herself hitting walls when trying to lead with impact. In this solo episode, Jay builds on that story by unpacking the practical art of influence. Drawing from his experience at Tesla and years of coaching leaders, Jay shares how to use the DISC personality framework to better understand the people around you—and tailor your communication to win trust, gain alignment, and create real momentum. Whether you're trying to get your boss on board with a new idea, shift a teammate’s mindset, or simply connect more deeply with others, this episode walks you through how to speak their language. You’ll learn the unique motivators behind each DISC profile—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and how to use that awareness to communicate more effectively, avoid friction, and create greater impact. If you’ve ever felt like you’re saying all the right things but still not being heard, this episode reveals how to stop pushing and start aligning—so your ideas finally land. Notable Quotes “Treat people how they want to be treated. That’s how you truly influence others.” — Jay Abbasi “The way I want to be treated may not be the way you want to be treated.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Lorenzo, the Director of Employee Health Services at a hospital in New Orleans. Despite his dedication, he’s feeling overlooked and under immense pressure—so much so that it’s starting to impact his health, his relationship, and his drive. Jay is joined by Caleb Campbell, a former NFL linebacker and global keynote speaker who shares how he rebuilt his identity after burnout. Together, they explore how high performers can move from surviving the weight of expectations to leading from within. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on reclaiming your purpose and unlocking your inner advantage.

Meet Veronica. Her heart sinks as her CEO once again shelves her latest initiative to rebuild trust and boost morale. Though she pours her energy into her team's engagement and growth, the wider organization feels drained, skeptical, and detached. With each rejection, Veronica questions if her work even matters anymore. The spark that once fueled her is flickering — and she is desperate to reignite her sense of purpose, not just for herself, but for everyone quietly losing faith in what work could be. In this episode, Jay is joined by Amanda Gore, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and workplace culture expert with over 25 years of experience helping companies like Google, Disney, and Cisco reintroduce joy, emotional intelligence, and human connection into the workplace. Together, they explore Veronica’s struggles and discuss how to reconnect with a deeper source of joy, lead more effectively, and transform not only your own mindset but also the environment around you. Amanda shares her personal journey of rediscovering joy after profound personal loss and change, and how true joy stems not from external success, but from clearing the inner “malware” of fear and self-doubt. She reveals how leaders can shift culture by focusing on feelings, cultivating gratitude, and meeting the real emotional needs of the people they lead. Notable Quotes “Joy is not something outside of you. It’s the essence of who you are — love, peace, and joy.” — Amanda Gore “When you’re trying to influence change, don’t be fancy. Be human.” — Amanda Gore "We overcomplicate things. But if we understand the fundamentals of human behavior, it's actually quite simple." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Amanda Gore is a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, author, and workplace culture expert. She has helped some of the world's biggest organizations — including Google, Disney, and Cisco — transform their teams through the power of joy, emotional intelligence, and heart-centered leadership. Author of Joy Is an Inside Job, Amanda combines science, humor, and storytelling to help professionals reconnect to what matters most. She believes that true transformation starts from within — by clearing fear, choosing joy, and leading with authenticity. Resources and Links Amanda Gore Website: https://amandagore.com/ Book (Joy Is an Inside Job): https://a.co/d/j5V19lF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalgore Facebook: https://facebook.com/thejoyproject.amandagore/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/amandagore_joy Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandagorejoy/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amandagoretv Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday's episode, Jay will dive into how to speak someone else's language, including a quick rundown of DISC personality profiles. Drawing from his experience at Tesla and as a coach, Jay will explain the four different personality types, how to recognize them, and how to communicate effectively with each one. If you want to sharpen your ability to influence and connect with others, you won’t want to miss it. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Andy, a capable leader struggling in silence. Despite the pressure of high performance, Andy avoided asking for help—afraid it would make him look weak or incompetent. Like many professionals, he believed he had to carry the burden alone, unsure how to reach out without risking his credibility. In this solo episode, Jay shares a practical and empowering seven-step formula for asking for help effectively—without fear, guilt, or misperception. Through this framework, you'll learn how to lead with curiosity, build rapport, and communicate your request in a way that invites connection and trust. Jay explains why help-seeking is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of strength, emotional intelligence, and high-performance thinking. He offers clear examples of how to approach these conversations with authenticity and intention—whether you're navigating team challenges, personal overwhelm, or just need a new perspective. If you've ever hesitated to ask for support or worried about being a burden, this episode provides the tools to shift your mindset, ask with confidence, and build deeper, more collaborative relationships. Notable Quotes “Ask for help, not because you are weak, but because you want to remain strong.” — Les Brown “You’re not asking because you’re incompetent. You’re asking because you’re curious.” — Jay Abbasi “People who achieve great things never do it alone.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Veronica, the Head of Learning & Development at a company where joy and connection have all but disappeared. Despite her efforts to shift the culture, she’s feeling defeated and out of alignment with leadership. Jay is joined by Amanda Gore—Hall of Fame speaker and workplace culture expert—to explore science-based strategies for reigniting purpose and joy in the workplace. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your work, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

Meet Andy. He’s a software program manager with years of experience and a team that counts on him. But lately, he feels like he’s barely holding it together. His mornings are chaotic, he isolates himself at work, and he keeps important thoughts to himself—afraid to speak up, afraid to ask for help. Andy is smart, capable, and well-read, but his confidence is waning. He’s stuck in the rhythm of just getting by, and his default mode has become managing everything alone. What he really wants is to lead with confidence, communicate more clearly, and engage meaningfully—but he doesn't know how to break the cycle. In this episode, Jay is joined by Henna Pryor, a workplace performance expert, global keynote speaker, and author of Good Awkward. Together, they explore how leaders like Andy can stop waiting for comfort to arrive and start conditioning for discomfort instead. From asking for help to building meaningful relationships and showing up with authenticity, Henna offers science-backed strategies to navigate awkwardness and strengthen the social muscles needed to thrive in today’s disconnected world. Notable Quotes “People aren’t necessarily lonely. They’re just comfortable in their aloneness.” — Henna Pryor “The world isn’t short on ideas. It’s short on execution.” — Henna Pryor “We have to be intentional about social strength the same way we are about physical strength.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Henna Pryor is a two-time TEDx speaker, global keynote presenter, and workplace performance expert. Her bestselling book Good Awkward highlights how embracing discomfort can unlock growth, resilience, and leadership potential. As founder of The Pryority Group, Henna helps leaders build mental and social fitness so they can communicate effectively, take smart risks, and elevate their performance. Her work has been featured on NBC, Forbes, and Fast Company, and her research-backed programs help clients stretch outside their comfort zones—and succeed because of it. Resources and Links Henna Pryor Website: https://pryoritygroup.com/ Book (Good Awkward): https://a.co/d/fZjyHpo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hennapryorcoach/ Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will walk you through a simple framework for asking for help—without feeling desperate, inferior, or awkward. If you’re someone who hesitates to reach out, this episode will give you the structure and mindset you need to make asking for help a habit that strengthens—not weakens—your leadership. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Gary, a CFO navigating organizational change and uncertainty. Alongside guest Rachel Burr, we explored how to chart a new course during transformation and how to release the habit of comparing one’s journey to others. This solo episode builds on that theme with a powerful mindset shift inspired by a lyric from hip-hop artist J. Cole: “No such thing as a life that’s better than yours.” Jay shares how this line helped him process grief after his father’s passing and offers a compelling analogy that challenges the impulse to compare your progress with someone else’s. Jay breaks down how comparison robs us of presence and peace, and instead introduces a fresh way to look at your career and life path. Using the metaphor of a road trip, he explains why trying to measure your journey against others is not only unhelpful—it’s impossible. You are in your car, on your route, and the best thing you can do is love where you are and keep driving forward. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I should be further along by now,” this episode offers the reminder you didn’t know you needed. Notable Quotes “There is no such thing as being in a different car on this trip. There's no such thing as being in a different place than you are right now.” — Jay Abbasi “Your life is your life, and it's amazing that you have it. It's a miracle that you get to live your life.” — Jay Abbasi “You're never gonna be happy until you love yours.” — J. Cole (quoted in the episode) Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Monday, you’ll meet Andy, a seasoned software project manager who feels like he’s just barely holding it all together. Jay is joined by Hannah Pryor, global keynote speaker and author of Good Awkward, to explore how to help leaders like Andy move from disorganized and overwhelmed to confident and effective. Backed by science, Hannah shares how discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for growth and peak performance. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

Meet Gary. He’s rinsing dishes in the kitchen while his mind can’t let go of what’s going on at work. A new CEO, major structural shifts, and an overwhelming sense that everything he once knew is rapidly changing. As CFO, Gary’s job is to be a steady hand, but he feels anything but steady. He’s tired. Disconnected. Unsure of how to lead his team through the chaos when he’s questioning everything himself. In this episode, Jay is joined by Rachel Burr, transformation coach and author of Butterfly Goo: The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation. Rachel brings over 20 years of experience helping leaders navigate change with courage and emotional intelligence. Together, they unpack Gary’s story and explore how seasoned professionals can rediscover agency, shift from resistance to intention, and lead through disruption without losing themselves in the process. Rachel reveals why transformation rarely begins with a grand gesture but often starts with a whisper—one we’re often too distracted or too scared to hear. She discusses the “cast iron skillet of change,” the illusion of safety that keeps us stuck, and why creating your own path often means embracing uncertainty with humor, humility, and heart. Notable Quotes “Change happens when fear of the unknown is dwarfed by a looming dread of the same.” — Rachel Burr “The path isn’t something you find. It’s something you build.” — Rachel Burr  ““When you take the steps forward, the path then reveals itself.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Rachel Burr is a transformation coach, speaker, and author of Butterfly Goo: The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation. With two decades of experience helping leaders navigate disruption, Rachel empowers her clients to embrace change with clarity, emotional intelligence, and humor. Her work blends storytelling, practical frameworks, and neuroscience to support professionals in building meaningful, values-aligned careers—even when the path forward feels unclear. Resources and Links Rachel Burr Website – https://catamentum.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmburr/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/catamentum/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Catamentum-103683172004444 X (formerly Twitter) – https://twitter.com/Catamentum Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday’s episode, Jay will share a powerful lesson he learned from one of the most influential rappers of our generation. It’s about how embracing your unique journey—without comparison or apology—can unlock resilience, creativity, and purpose in your career. If you’re feeling pulled to live more authentically, this one’s for you. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Anita, who felt torn between launching her own venture and staying stuck in familiar thought patterns. Jay chatted with Kaya Stanley, who spoke about surrounding yourself with people who reflect the growth you seek. But what happens when the people around you—those you can’t easily distance yourself from—seem to pull you down? In this solo episode, Jay explores a common but difficult question: How do you handle the negative voices in your life, especially when they come from people you love? Instead of labeling relationships as simply “good” or “bad,” Jay introduces a new perspective rooted in the analogy of a symphony—an approach inspired by the teachings of Anthony de Mello. This analogy helps you reframe those interactions with grace, compassion, and intention. You’ll learn how to stay centered around people who don’t share your mindset, avoid resentment, and remain connected to your goals without unnecessary conflict. If you've ever struggled to protect your energy while still caring for others, this episode offers a calm and thoughtful path forward. Notable Quotes “Can you listen to a song you no longer want to hear and still appreciate the singer?” — Jay Abbasi “You don’t need to be angry or resist them. Just recognize the song has changed, and you’re choosing a new one.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Monday, you'll meet Gary, a CFO struggling to adapt to sweeping organizational changes brought by a new CEO. Jay is joined by leadership coach Rachel Burr, author of Butterfly Goo and founder of Catamentum Leadership Coaching. With over 20 years of experience, Rachel shares how to guide teams through uncertainty with clarity, emotional intelligence, and courage. If you’re navigating change and want to lead with intention—even when the path ahead feels unclear—this conversation is for you. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

Meet Anita. The warmth of Jamaica lingers on her skin as she boards the flight back to London, but the dread of returning to work tightens its grip. Her role in agile transformation feels increasingly stagnant. She's tired of the office politics, the clients who don’t listen, and leadership that doesn’t lead. Mid-flight, an article catches her eye—how a woman just like her walked away from corporate life to start a successful consultancy. Anita is inspired, but one thought won’t leave her: What if I fail? In this episode, Jay is joined by Kaya Stanley, a growth strategist, CEO, and TEDx organizer who helps high achievers expand their network and unlock exponential growth. Kaya is the creator of the Singularity Circle, a framework built around building the right community to elevate your capacity, overcome doubt, and step into the next chapter of your career or business. Together, they explore Anita’s story and the fears that keep talented professionals from making bold career moves. Kaya shares how expanding your “capacity” by surrounding yourself with aligned, ambitious people can create transformational breakthroughs. She also offers simple, actionable steps to start building your own circle of influence and intention. Notable Quotes “We’re never actually stuck. We’re just at the extent of our current capacity.” — Kaya Stanley “You don’t have to know the goal. You just have to focus on expanding your capacity.” — Kaya Stanley “Surrounding yourself with people who don’t take risks or live abundantly will tune your energy to match theirs.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Kaya Stanley is a growth strategist, author, TEDx organizer, and founder of the Singularity Circle—a transformational framework designed to help professionals create exponential growth by expanding their networks and unlocking new possibilities. Formerly an attorney, Kaya left the golden handcuffs of her legal career to pursue a life of freedom, purpose, and community. Today, she splits her time between Reno and Florida, coaching leaders and entrepreneurs who are ready to level up. Resources and Links Kaya Stanley Website: https://www.kayastanley.com/#about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayastanley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaya.b.stanley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaya_stanley_nv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KayaStanley Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will dive into how to navigate the negative energy of difficult people—whether at work, with family, or in your circle of friends. He’ll introduce a powerful analogy called “The Symphony” to help reframe the way you see those around you and how to set boundaries without losing compassion. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Diego, a marketing director who finds himself frozen by fear whenever he’s expected to step into high-stakes situations. The physical toll of stress and fear weighs heavily on him, limiting his growth and eroding his confidence. Despite his desire to lead boldly, Diego feels stuck—and unsure how to break through. In this solo episode, Jay shares a five-step process to help reframe fear and use it as a catalyst for growth. Drawing inspiration from last week’s guest Chad E. Foster, who built a wildly successful life and career after losing his eyesight, Jay walks through a simple yet powerful framework that anyone can use to shift their relationship with fear. This isn’t about overcoming fear—it’s about transforming it. Jay challenges the conventional wisdom that fear is something to eliminate, instead offering a new lens: fear as a guidepost for growth. He explains how to identify fear in the body, replace limiting narratives with empowering ones, and take action with self-compassion. Through relatable metaphors and clear, actionable steps, this episode equips listeners with the tools to become unstoppable in the face of discomfort. If fear has ever held you back—from launching a new venture to speaking up or taking a leap—this episode will help you shift from hesitation to empowered action. Notable Quotes “When you choose to view your stress response as helpful, you create the biology of courage.” — Kelly McGonigal “Fear doesn’t mean stop. It means pay attention. It means opportunity is near.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Anita, a corporate high-achiever who’s always dreamed of building something of her own. But the voices in her head—and the people around her—keep telling her to play it safe. Jay is joined by Kaya Stanley, a growth strategist, CEO, and TEDx organizer, to explore how Anita can shift her environment, build a network of support, and finally bring her vision to life. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about finding courage through community.