Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

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.

Meet Diego. It’s late evening in Madrid, and the glow of his laptop is the only light in the room. He’s a senior leader at a global firm, known for his sharp insights and cool demeanor. But lately, behind closed doors, he feels stuck. The pressure is mounting, not from his boss or his team, but from a persistent inner voice.  He's consumed by fear: fear of not having the right answers, fear of failure, and fear of not being enough. Even as his children laugh in the next room and his wife checks in with a kind message, he can’t shake the weight in his chest.  In this episode, Jay is joined by Chad E. Foster, a resilience expert, author, and keynote speaker who turned a life-altering challenge—going blind in his early twenties—into a life of purpose, performance, and passion. Chad shares how leaders like Diego can break free from paralyzing fear by developing a new relationship with discomfort, prioritizing self-care, and reframing fear as a guide rather than a threat. Notable Quotes “Fear is the direction of travel.” — Chad E. Foster “You can’t grow inside your comfort zone.” — Chad E. Foster “Comfort leads to complacency. Discomfort leads to growth.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Chad E. Foster is a keynote speaker and the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development. After losing his sight in his early twenties, Chad went on to thrive in the corporate world, author best-selling books, and deliver keynotes to Fortune 500 companies. He is a black diamond skier, Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor, and passionate advocate for helping others transform adversity into advantage through his work as a speaker, author, and workshop facilitator. Resources and Links Chad E. Foster Website: https://chadefoster.com/ Blind Ambition: How to Go from Victim to Visionary: https://a.co/d/6iPHrpS Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadfoster/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindChadEFoster/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FindChadEFoster X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/ChadEFoster Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chadefoster 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 guide listeners through a transformational shift—how to stop fighting fear and instead reshape your relationship to it. You’ll learn how to sit with discomfort, reframe your internal dialogue, and turn fear into fuel for growth. This approach has helped Jay and his clients take bold risks and show up more powerfully in every area of life. Don’t miss it. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Dylan, a high-achieving professional facing uncertainty at work and indecisiveness about his future. Jay was joined by Nick Tasler, an expert in change and decision-making, who offered valuable tools for navigating transitions with clarity and courage. In this solo episode, Jay builds on that conversation by exploring the deeper concept of impermanence—the reality that everything in life is in a constant state of change. Drawing from Eastern philosophy, meditation practice, and personal insights, Jay introduces a three-step framework to help listeners accept, navigate, and even embrace change with peace of mind. Jay explains how resistance to change is what causes unnecessary suffering. We suffer not because things change, but because we expect them to stay the same. Whether it’s a job, relationship, or moment of happiness, clinging to permanence creates stress when the natural flow of life shifts. Through this episode, Jay helps listeners align with reality and see change not as something to fear—but something to trust. Listeners will learn how to: Accept the truth of constant change by observing it in nature and themselves. Notice when the mind tries to fix or control what’s impermanent, and interrupt the pattern. Lean in to the unknown with excitement, recognizing life as a meaningful and ever-evolving journey. If you’ve ever felt unsettled by uncertainty or stuck in your attempts to control the uncontrollable, this episode offers a fresh perspective and practical tools to find calm in the chaos and freedom in the flux. Notable Quotes “It is not impermanence that makes us suffer. What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not.” — Thich Nhat Hanh “You suffer when your mind tries to fix something that is, by its very nature, impermanent.” — 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 Diego, a high-performing professional in the tech industry, overwhelmed by anxiety and paralyzed by self-imposed pressure. Diego’s drive to succeed is impacting his health and productivity, leaving him stuck in a cycle of chronic stress. Jay is joined by Chad E. Foster, a keynote speaker and resilience expert who lost his eyesight as a young adult but built billion-dollar businesses, competed in jiu-jitsu, and became the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School’s leadership program. Together, they explore how to break free from self-sabotage and transform adversity into advantage. Don’t miss this inspiring and transformational episode.

Meet Dylan. It’s past midnight, and he’s still awake, staring at the TV while his thoughts spiral. In just a few days, he’ll start a new job—a fresh opportunity—but instead of feeling excited, doubt creeps in. What if I mess up again? What if this job is just like the last one? He left his previous role because of a toxic manager, but now he wonders—was it just the company, or is he the problem? His mind replays every past mistake, convincing him that history will repeat itself. The stress lingers into the morning, leaving him drained before the day even begins. Dylan wants to break this cycle. He wants to navigate change with confidence instead of fear. But how? In this episode, Jay is joined by Nick Tasler, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author who helps leaders like Dylan embrace change and make better decisions. Nick has worked with major companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan, and General Electric, and his research has been featured in the Harvard Business Review and The New York Times. Notable Quotes "Your brain will naturally focus three times more on what could go wrong than on what could go right." — Nick Tasler "Change isn’t just something to endure—it’s the springboard to every great thing you’ve ever accomplished." — Nick Tasler "No decision is forever. You can always make a second decision, and that’s the one that counts." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Nick Tasler is an organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author specializing in decision-making and change leadership. His research has been featured in major publications, and he has worked with global organizations to help leaders navigate uncertainty and make bold decisions. His latest book, Your Year of Wonders, explores how embracing change leads to personal and professional breakthroughs.   Resources and Links Nick Tasler Website: https://www.nicktasler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick_tasler/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicktasler/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NickTasler Your Year of Wonders: https://a.co/d/dB9cybl Ricochet: What to Do When Change Happens to You: https://a.co/d/iJLaV62 Domino: The Simplest Way to Inspire Change: https://a.co/d/6z6yZfB The Impulse Factor: An Innovative Approach to Better Decision Making: https://a.co/d/0628SVP 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 explore the power of impermanence—how embracing the reality of constant change can help you navigate uncertainty with ease. He’ll break down practical strategies for handling the unknown, drawing from Eastern philosophy and modern psychology. If you've ever felt anxious about the future or struggled with letting go, this episode will provide the mindset shifts and tools to help you stay grounded and move forward with confidence. Don’t miss it! Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Laura, who was feeling lost in her career, unsure how to regain her excitement and direction. Jay spoke with Dean Craig to share insights on career fulfillment and the power of mentorship. This inspired today’s discussion—how to find the right mentor and build a meaningful relationship with them. Many people recognize the value of mentorship but struggle with where to start. The process can feel overwhelming, leading them to give up before they even begin. In this episode, Jay outlines five simple steps to finding a mentor who can accelerate your growth, provide guidance, and help you achieve your goals. Drawing from personal experience, Jay shares how mentorship transformed his own career, from multiple promotions at Tesla to launching a successful business. He discusses the importance of identifying the right mentor, engaging with curiosity, and making an authentic connection. If you've ever felt like you're navigating your career alone or unsure how to seek guidance from experienced professionals, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action. Notable Quotes "Nobody makes it alone. The right mentor will help you hit the fast-forward button on your growth." — Oprah Winfrey. "One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and help them navigate a course to their destination." — John C. Maxwell "A mentor’s wisdom saves you years of trial and error. Why go 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, Jay introduces Dylan, who is starting a new job after leaving a toxic workplace. But he's worried about falling into the same patterns—overworking, people-pleasing, and struggling to set boundaries. Jay meets with Nick Tasler, an organizational psychologist and expert on the science of embracing change, to explore how leaders like Dylan can embrace change, make better decisions, and break free from overthinking. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or adjusting to change, this episode will equip you with practical strategies to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

Meet Laura. She’s successful, respected, and good at her job, yet every Sunday night, a familiar sense of dread creeps in. After six years at the same company, she feels uninspired, going through the motions without fulfillment. She wonders if she’s outgrown her role or if she’s simply stuck in a rut. The idea of change excites her—but also terrifies her. One evening, scrolling through LinkedIn, she sees a post from a former colleague celebrating a bold career leap. Why can’t I do that? she wonders. The fear of regret begins to outweigh the fear of making a move. But where should she start? In this episode, Jay is joined by Dean Craig, a workforce strategist and podcast host focused on helping professionals create careers they love. Dean shares his expertise on identifying career misalignment, reframing perspectives, and taking intentional steps toward fulfillment. Together, they discuss the biggest myths about job satisfaction, the power of mindset shifts, and why small, deliberate actions can lead to lasting career happiness. If you’ve ever felt stuck, questioned your career path, or wondered how to reignite your passion for work, this conversation is packed with insights to help you take control. Notable Quotes “Before you change jobs, change your mindset. A new role won’t fix a lack of alignment.” — Dean Craig "Leadership is not always connected to a title. You can lead from any seat you sit in if you want to." — Dean Craig "Being a leader isn’t about the title, it’s about how you show up and take responsibility." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Dean Craig is a workforce strategist and podcast host specializing in career transitions and professional development. With extensive experience in workforce training and leadership, he has helped professionals identify purpose, overcome stagnation, and create meaningful careers. His mission is to equip individuals with practical tools to take control of their career paths and find long-term fulfillment. Resources and Links Dean Craig Website: https://willwp.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-craig-a458097/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12KDSbLjZNy/ Podcast (All in a Day’s Work): https://open.spotify.com/show/0mGoT8oA4eMwJtneVFFZ7P?si=beb2f4185f6d4d0b  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 the specifics of how to find a mentor and initiate that first conversation. Many professionals recognize the value of mentorship but struggle with how to approach potential mentors, what to say, and how to foster a meaningful connection. In this upcoming episode, Jay will break down the exact steps to confidently reach out, engage in productive conversations, and build lasting mentorship relationships. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask someone to be your mentor, this episode will give you the practical framework to make it happen.