Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

In our last episode, we met Daniela, a passionate leader trying to fix the toxic culture in her workplace. Jay met with Dr. Sherene McHenry, who emphasized the importance of leaders setting the tone by being aware of what they tolerate. That sparked a bigger question: how do we communicate clearly and respectfully when performance is slipping? In this solo episode, Jay challenges the common urge to be “nice” at work and instead encourages leaders to embrace honesty as the highest form of kindness. Drawing from experience coaching leaders at Tesla, Google, and Amazon, Jay introduces a simple yet powerful mindset shift that transforms the way we approach feedback. Jay walks through a direct, respectful, and research-backed process using the EIC framework; Example, Impact, Change, to guide feedback conversations that build trust and accountability. He also explains how to avoid two common traps: sugarcoating to maintain likability or micromanaging through criticism. If you’ve ever avoided hard conversations or struggled to hold your team accountable without damaging relationships, this episode offers a clear roadmap to lead with clarity, care, and courage. Notable Quotes “Being nice is about being liked. Being kind is about being honest.” — Jay Abbasi “Honest leaders give feedback because they care. Avoiding the conversation doesn’t serve anyone.” — 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 Nico, a pharmaceutical professional who struggles with comparison and emotional suppression. Jay will meet with Allan Kehler, global keynote speaker and bestselling author, to explore how leaders can navigate emotional bottlenecks and support mental well-being, especially for those hiding behind a mask. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on healing, authenticity, and mental health.

Meet Daniela. As the Director of HR and Risk Management for the City of Orlando, she’s staring at a survey that confirms her worst fears: disengaged employees, toxic leadership, and rising turnover. She's spent her career helping people thrive at work, but now she’s burnt out, disconnected at home, and wondering if she can really turn things around. In this episode, Jay is joined by Sherene McHenry, a former counselor education professor turned international keynote speaker. With a PhD, decades of leadership expertise, and firsthand experience with burnout, Sherene helps organizations fix what’s broken from the inside out. Together, they unpack why culture change starts with courageous leadership, what most workplaces are tolerating that they shouldn't, and the daily habits that protect your energy and impact. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one holding it all together, or if you’re ready to stop tolerating what drains you, this episode offers a powerful reset. Notable Quotes “What are you cultivating, and what are you tolerating?” — Sherene McHenry “People may be complex, but they don’t have to be confusing.” — Sherene McHenry “Every single listener is a leader. What you do matters.” — Sherene McHenry About Our Guest Dr. Sherene McHenry is a former professor with a PhD in counselor education who now speaks globally on leadership, burnout prevention, and team engagement. She’s been featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur, authored several books, and helps organizations elevate their culture by boosting morale and improving human connection in the workplace. Resources and Links Sherene McHenry Website – https://sherenemchenry.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherenemchenrypeopleiqadvantage/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrShereneMcHenry YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@sherenemchenry Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sherenemchenry/ X – https://x.com/sherenemchenry 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 shares the exact framework he uses to help leaders deliver honest, respectful feedback, even when it's uncomfortable. You’ll learn how to hold performance conversations that people actually appreciate and walk away from feeling respected. If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation because you didn’t know how to say it, this episode is for you. Stay honest, stay empowered, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Wendy, a professional drained by constant giving with little in return. Alongside guest Sharon Weinstein, we explored the “disease to please” and its impact on well-being. In this solo episode, Jay opens up about his own journey as a recovering people pleaser, offering a clear 4-step framework for breaking free from self-sacrifice and approval-seeking. With real talk and grounded strategies, he challenges the hidden motivations behind people pleasing and provides empowering ways to meet your needs without guilt. Jay shares how to spot people-pleasing patterns in real time, uncover the emotional gaps that drive this behavior, and shift from outsourcing your needs to meeting them within. He also explains how you can still support others, just not at the expense of your own well-being. If you’ve ever felt torn between being liked and being true to yourself, this episode will help you set boundaries, build confidence, and reconnect with your worth. Notable Quotes “You’re reaching for the approval of others to fill a hole that’s within you.” — Jay Abbasi “Still be of service. Help them in any way you can. Just do so without sacrificing yourself in the process.” — 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 Daniela, the Director of HR and Risk Management for the City of Orlando. As turnover rises and engagement drops, Daniela is doing everything she can to shift culture with limited resources. Jay will be joined by global keynote speaker Sherene McHenry to unpack what it takes to help exhausted leaders reignite their teams and lead cultural change in tough environments. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on leadership, motivation, and sustainable transformation.

Meet Wendy. After another busy shift where she had worked so hard yet felt unseen and undervalued, she leaves, tears in her eyes, questioning her worth. She’s an RN case manager in Austin, Texas, who is extremely empathetic, but also exhausted. Between missed follow-ups, passive-aggressive emails, and being excluded by coworkers, she’s lost sight of her value. She doesn’t want to leave healthcare. She just wants to stop feeling like it’s killing her. In this episode, Jay sits down with Sharon Weinstein, a global keynote speaker, best-selling author, and resilience expert with four decades of experience transforming high-stress workplaces. Sharon shares the life-changing mindset shifts that helped her escape her own toxic upbringing and how she now helps nurses, leaders, and professionals reclaim agency, advocate for themselves, and build healthier systems from the inside out. Together, they explore the roots of the “disease to please,” the cost of staying silent, and how professionals can build confidence and speak up without guilt. If you’ve ever felt unseen, overextended, or stuck in a cycle of self-sacrifice, this conversation will offer practical tools and deep reassurance that you are not broken, and you’re not alone. Notable Quotes “Healing starts when we stop gaslighting ourselves.” — Sharon Weinstein “You can’t drink from an empty cup. And yet so many of us try.” — Sharon Weinstein “Strategic self-advocacy is a skill. And nurses, and all professionals, need to learn how to use it.” — Sharon Weinstein About Our Guest Sharon Weinstein is a global speaker, consultant, and author specializing in burnout prevention, workforce well-being, and resilience. Her book Healing Healthcare provides a blueprint for transforming toxic systems and restoring purpose in high-demand environments. With decades of experience in healthcare and international consulting, Sharon helps organizations and individuals move from fatigue to fulfillment. Resources and Links Sharon Weinstein SMW Group, LLC – https://smwgroupllc.com/ Website –https://sharonmweinstein.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonweinstein/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SMW-Group-LLC-Sharon-M-Weinstein/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/SharonMWeinsteinCSP X – https://x.com/SMWGroupLLC 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 takes a deeper dive into the “disease to please” and why so many people fall into people-pleasing patterns without even realizing it. He’ll break down five powerful steps to help you stop sacrificing yourself to keep others happy, and start setting boundaries without guilt. Stay aware, stay courageous, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Billy, a high-energy leader struggling to connect with his team, alongside guest Dr. Nicole Lipkin, who shared insights on emotional intelligence and leading with empathy. In this solo episode, Jay reflects on a pivotal moment from early in his leadership journey, a piece of feedback from his top-performing rep that completely changed how he managed and connected with his team. What seemed like positivity at the time was actually unintentionally invalidating others’ struggles. That feedback, though difficult to hear, became a turning point. Jay breaks down two critical leadership lessons from this experience: the importance of creating safe space for honest feedback, and the need to acknowledge others' pain before shifting into problem-solving mode. These shifts not only transformed his relationships at work but helped him become a more empathetic and effective leader. If you’ve ever wondered how to build trust and psychological safety without losing your edge as a leader, this episode is for you. Notable Quotes “Let them feel heard. Let them feel understood. Then shift into coaching.” — Jay Abbasi “While being positive is a wonderful thing, it can backfire when people are struggling and you’re not acknowledging them.” — 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 Wendy, an RN Case Manager at a busy medical center in Austin, Texas. Wendy’s struggling with self-doubt, feeling unrecognized and emotionally drained from her high-stress role. Jay will be joined by Sharon Weinstein, global keynote speaker and award-winning author, to explore how someone like Wendy can regain confidence and emotional stability while continuing to serve with heart and purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring and actionable discussion!

Meet Billy. Four months into his new role as Director of Operations at a fast-growing EV charging company, he replays a recent one-on-one with his senior manager, and winces. He dominated the conversation. His passion was palpable, but it didn’t land. His team, many of whom were passed over for the promotion he received, seem distant and disengaged. What’s missing? Connection. Trust. Real leadership. In this episode, Jay is joined by Dr. Nicole Lipkin, organizational psychologist, executive coach, and CEO of Equilibria Leadership Consulting. Drawing from two decades of experience, Nicole explores how leaders like Billy can move beyond good intentions and start creating impact by getting curious, listening more than speaking, and learning how to lead from the inside out. Nicole shares what it takes to shift from autopilot to intentional influence, why labeling people (like “narcissist” or “empath”) limits growth, and how our upbringing and inner narratives shape how we show up at work. It’s a powerful conversation that challenges assumptions and invites us to look in the mirror, because real leadership starts there. Notable Quotes “Until the robots take over, we’re humans working with humans.” – Nicole Lipkin “People don’t intend to be harmful, but impact is what matters most.” – Jay Abbasi “Managing people isn’t for everyone. But personal leadership is.” – Nicole Lipkin About Our Guest Dr. Nicole Lipkin is a clinical and organizational psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Equilibria Leadership Consulting. She helps leaders transform the way they think, communicate, and influence through a mix of neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and practical leadership tools. Nicole is also the creator of Hey Kiddo, a platform that equips parenting adults with tools to foster mental, emotional, and social health in kids. Her work has been featured on NPR, NBC, Forbes, and CBS. Resources and Links Nicole Lipkin Equilibria Leadership Consulting – https://equilibrialeadership.com/ Website – https://nicolelipkin.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelipkin/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drnicolelipkin/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrNicoleLipkin/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@drnicolelipkin X – https://x.com/drnicolelipkin 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 shares a personal story about asking his team for feedback, including the discomfort, the insight, and the growth that followed. He’ll walk through how to ask for honest input, how to receive it without getting defensive, and how to apply it to grow as a leader. If you've ever hesitated to seek feedback or weren’t sure what to do with it once you got it, this episode is your playbook. Stay open, stay courageous, and stay committed to growth.

In our last episode, we met Sunny, a seasoned risk manager navigating a high-stakes merger and feeling deeply undervalued. Cassandra Worthy joined us to explore how emotional agility and curiosity can turn frustration into forward momentum. In this solo episode, Jay explores the hidden trap of assuming we have things figured out and the powerful shift that happens when we adopt a mindset of curiosity. Drawing inspiration from Albert Einstein’s quote, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious,” Jay breaks down the two key areas where curiosity matters most: self and others. Jay introduces a clear, actionable framework to become more curious in both inner reflection and interpersonal communication. Whether it's through morning mindfulness, moment-to-moment self-observation, or end-of-day reflection, this practice can build self-awareness and emotional regulation. He also offers simple strategies to bring curiosity into conversations, helping you listen more deeply, let go of rigid assumptions, and connect more meaningfully with others. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own perspective, this episode offers practical tools to unlock fresh insight and become a more intentional, effective leader. Notable Quotes “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” — Albert Einstein “The truth is, we don’t know nearly as much as we think we do.” — Jay Abbasi “When you’re that passionately curious, you break through the mold of what you may be fixed into.” — 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 Billy, the Director of Operations at an EV charging company. While Billy is driven and enthusiastic, his leadership style is falling flat, and even creating disengagement among his team. Jay will be joined by Dr. Nicole Lipkin, organizational psychologist and CEO of Equilibria Leadership Consulting, to explore how leaders can blend drive with emotional intelligence to connect more effectively and lead with impact. Don’t miss this powerful and practical conversation!

Meet Sunny. After years of high performance, he’s blindsided by a performance review that praises his results but flags his stakeholder relationships. As his company prepares for a merger, the uncertainty leaves him frustrated and unsure of his future. He doesn’t just want recognition; he wants to feel seen, respected, and valued. In this episode, Jay is joined by Cassandra Worthy, keynote speaker and founder of Change Enthusiasm, to explore how emotional agility transforms how we navigate change. Cassandra shares how a challenging acquisition in her own corporate career led to the breakthrough insight that emotions are not barriers to overcome but signals to engage with. Together, they unpack how feedback can be reframed as data and how authenticity and influence can coexist, even in high-stakes environments. Whether you're in the midst of workplace change or leading others through it, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to rise with resilience. Notable Quotes “You can either get bitter, or you can get better. It’s your choice.” – Cassandra Worthy “Your emotions are signals. They’re not something to fight, but something to work with.” – Cassandra Worthy “Feedback is data. You don’t have to take it personally—but you do have to consider it.” – Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Cassandra Worthy is the founder of Change Enthusiasm Global, a keynote speaker, and the author of Change Enthusiasm: How to Harness the Power of Emotion for Leadership and Success. Drawing from her engineering background and executive experience, Cassandra helps organizations build cultures that thrive during change by embracing emotional intelligence as a core leadership competency. Resources and Links Cassandra Worthy Change Enthusiasm – https://a.co/d/6uvuvzg Website – https://cassandraworthy.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-worthy-802ab623/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cassandra_worthy_speaker/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wearechangeenthusiasts/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSgcTNQnQPCTF_0ydJdZvw 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 breaks down how to strengthen the skill of curiosity, both inward and outward. If you want to connect more deeply, influence more effectively, and understand others with greater empathy, this episode will help you cultivate the mindset that makes it possible. Stay present, stay empowered, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Omar, a Director of Talent Acquisition struggling with self-doubt and uncertainty. Julian Placino joined to unpack how to lead with curiosity and build inner resilience. That conversation inspired Jay to share a practical mental model based on a story he told at Columbia University, one that starts with a young girl named Aria, standing alone in the rain. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down a four-step framework for cultivating resilience in the face of adversity. Using Aria as a metaphor, Jay walks through how to: Accept what’s happening without resistance. Reflect on your past resilience. Inspect the situation from new angles. Act with small, intentional steps forward. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a storm of frustration, change, or stress, this episode gives you a roadmap for responding with strength, clarity, and growth. Notable Quotes “Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. It just means recognizing what’s already here.” — Jay Abbasi “You’ve overcome so much more than whatever adversity you’re facing right now.” — Jay Abbasi “When you ask better questions, you see better possibilities.” — 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 Sunny, a senior risk manager facing major organizational change after a merger. Sunny’s intensity and blunt communication style are causing friction and making change even harder. Jay is joined by Cassandra Worthy, founder of Change Enthusiasm and one of the world’s leading experts on emotional intelligence during transformation. Together, they explore how to stop resisting change and instead work with it, emotionally, strategically, and humanely. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on how to not just survive change but thrive through it.

Meet Omar. He’s sitting in his car during lunch, engine off, sandwich in one hand, doom-scrolling through reels of everyone else winning. Once passionate about recruiting, Omar now feels disconnected, discouraged, and uncertain about what’s next. He’s the Director of Talent Acquisition at a mid-sized tech firm and recently found himself placed on a performance improvement plan. But the expectations are unclear, the support is missing, and the silence between meetings is deafening. His confidence is fading, and the bigger fear isn't just losing his job, it’s losing himself. In this episode, Jay sits down with Julian Placino, a recruiting leader, keynote speaker, and founder of a media production company, to explore what ambitious professionals often get wrong about success. Drawing from his own career setbacks and personal reinvention, Julian shares a powerful three-part framework for getting unstuck: find meaning in the struggle, follow curiosity before clarity, and take action, even if it’s just one step. Together, they unpack how failure can become fuel, why many professionals overthink rather than act, and how reconnecting with purpose starts with play, not pressure. Notable Quotes “Only through the fire of rejection, failure, and setback did I begin to have confidence in my ability.” – Julian Placino “Go play. Follow your curiosity. The clarity will come later.” – Julian Placino“ You don’t need to see the full path. You just need to see the next step.” – Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Julian Placino is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and former head of recruiting at a top tech consulting firm. With two decades of experience in talent strategy, Julian now helps professionals and organizations develop leadership through storytelling, content creation, and intentional career design. He’s the host of the Pathways to Success podcast and the founder of a media agency that supports mission-driven brands. Resources and Links Julian Placino Website – https://julianplacino.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianplacino/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/julianplacino/?hl=en Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/julian.placino TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@julianplacino YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@julianplacino/featured The Pathways To Success Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pathways-to-success-with-julian-placino/id1090694563 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 shares a four-step resilience framework inspired by his keynote at Columbia University. Through the story of Arya, you’ll learn how to process challenges, reframe setbacks, and rebuild momentum with clarity and confidence. Stay curious, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.