Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

As we step into the new year, Jay reflects on the concept of equanimity—a state of calm acceptance, regardless of life’s uncertainties. Building on lessons from the previous episode with Julie Hruska, Jay explores how equanimity can help us navigate the highs and lows of daily life with greater ease and resilience. In this solo episode, Jay shares the timeless parable of the Chinese farmer, illustrating how events often defy immediate judgment of being “good” or “bad.” He highlights the importance of staying grounded in the present moment, accepting life’s unpredictability without attaching rigid expectations. Jay also introduces two powerful practices for cultivating equanimity: a formal morning meditation practice and a practical question to interrupt reactive thought patterns during challenging moments. These tools will help you accept what is, release resistance, and find peace even amidst chaos. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by uncertainty or stuck in a cycle of worry, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you embrace life with grace and clarity. Notable Quotes “Equanimity is the ability to be okay with whatever happens.” — Jay Abbasi “Breathe in acceptance, breathe out resistance.” — Jay Abbasi “What do I know to be true? This question disrupts the cycle of assumptions and grounds you in the present moment.” — 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 Megan, the COO of a fast-growing tech company, whose team’s performance has plummeted despite her relentless efforts to turn things around. Jay meets with Susan Drumm, CEO advisor, leadership coach, and author of The Leader’s Playlist, to uncover how neuroscience and the power of music can help leaders and teams break unhealthy patterns and reignite success. Don’t miss this transformative conversation!

Meet Edward, the CFO of one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S. As a single father raising a son with developmental challenges, Edward feels the pressure of balancing personal responsibilities with his demanding professional role. Recent changes in leadership and mounting workplace expectations have left Edward feeling stretched thin and struggling to maintain clarity and focus. In this episode, Jay is joined by Julie Hruska, elite high-performance coach and founder of Powerful Leaders. Julie shares her insights on how leaders like Edward can reconnect with their sense of necessity, purpose, and equanimity to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Drawing on her personal journey and years of experience coaching executives, Julie provides actionable strategies for taking radical responsibility, creating harmony, and finding resilience amidst life’s challenges. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by competing priorities or unsure how to step into your full potential, this episode offers the tools and mindset shifts you need to navigate life with intention and purpose. Notable Quotes “Equanimity is learning to stay grounded no matter what life throws at you.” — Julie Hruska “Necessity is the engine that drives us—it’s why we do what we do.” — Julie Hruska “If you want different results, you must take radical responsibility for your actions.” — Julie Hruska About Our Guest Julie Hruska is a certified high-performance coach and the founder of Powerful Leaders. Named Holistic Life Magazine’s High Performance Coach of the Year in 2024, Julie specializes in helping executives and entrepreneurs create clarity, purpose, and balance in their lives. Combining her expertise in high-performance principles with her own story of overcoming adversity, Julie empowers her clients to take radical responsibility and achieve lasting success in all areas of life. Resources and Links Julie Hruska Website: https://powerfulleaders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hruska/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehruska1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.hruska1/ 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 Friday’s episode, Jay will share the story of a transformative parable and guide listeners through practical exercises to cultivate equanimity in their daily lives. If you’ve ever struggled to find balance and maintain peace amidst life’s challenges, this episode is for you. Stay connected, stay inspired, and stay resilient!

As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on 2024 and set meaningful goals for 2025. In this solo episode, Jay discusses a common mistake people make when setting goals: focusing solely on outcomes rather than the experiences they wish to create. Jay introduces a three-step framework to help you reflect on the past year, identify the experiences you want in the coming year, and align your goals with those desired experiences. This approach emphasizes life as a series of enriching moments rather than a checklist of accomplishments. Jay also outlines seven key life categories—career / business, finances, personal growth, relationships, hobbies / free time, health / well-being, and community—that serve as a foundation for reflection and planning. With practical insights and a clear process, this episode equips you to set intentional, fulfilling goals for the new year. Notable Quotes “Life is a series of experiences. It’s not a series of outcomes.” — Jay Abbasi “Start with the experiences you want to have, and then set the goals that will allow you to create those moments.” — 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 Edward, the CFO of one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S. Edward is a single father caring for a son with developmental challenges, and the pressures at home have begun to affect his leadership at work. Jay is joined by Julie Hruska, Holistic Life Magazine’s High-Performance Coach of the Year, to explore how Edward can find balance, clarity, and strength in both his personal and professional life. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Meet Helen, a dedicated chief HR officer at a financial services company in Chicago. Helen is stuck, grappling with low employee engagement, high turnover, and a tired workplace culture. Despite her deep commitment to her team, Helen struggles to reconnect her organization to a sense of energy and purpose. In this episode, Jay welcomes Gregory Offner, an award-winning speaker, workplace strategist, and author of Tip Jar Culture: How to Reengage and Reignite Your Workforce. Greg shares his unique insights on how to transform workplace experiences by fostering collaboration, creating meaningful connections, and infusing purpose into daily work. Drawing from his inspiring personal journey—from losing his voice to undergoing 15 surgeries and finding a new career path—Greg provides practical strategies for leaders to cultivate cultures where employees feel valued and energized. Greg introduces concepts like the “joy at being the cause” and the power of “keepers, leapers, and sleepers” in workforce dynamics. He also emphasizes the importance of creating “Encore Experiences” at work, where employees look forward to showing up every day. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to build a workplace culture that attracts, engages, and retains top talent. Notable Quotes “Work is both a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread.” — Gregory Offner “Great leadership is not power over but power with.” — Gregory Offner “Savor the small moments—those are the ones that truly make an impact.” — Jay Abbasi About Our GuestGregory Offner is an award-winning speaker, workplace strategist, and author of Tip Jar Culture: How to Reengage and Reignite Your Workforce. Recognized by Leadercast as one of the most inspirational people on the planet, Greg combines his background as a dueling piano performer and corporate sales leader to help organizations foster dynamic workplace cultures. Through his keynote presentations and consulting, Greg helps leaders create meaningful employee experiences that drive engagement and reduce turnover. Resources and Links Gregory Offner Website: https://www.gregoryoffner.com/ The Tip Jar Culture: https://a.co/d/9V5Y4ZO  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryoffnerjr/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregoryoffnerjr/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gregoryoffnerjr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GregoryOffnerJr 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 TimeIn our next episode, Jay will guide you through an exercise to reflect on 2024 and set intentions for 2025. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, this workshop will explore how to create meaningful experiences and embody the person you aspire to be in the new year. Don’t miss this transformative episode! Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to purpose.

In our last episode, we met Steven, a newly appointed CEO struggling with self-doubt and team dynamics, alongside guest Eva Minkoff, who shared insights on vulnerability, authenticity, and managing fears about the future. In this solo episode, Jay explores the deceptive nature of worries and how they often lead to unnecessary stress. Highlighting findings from a 2019 Penn State University study titled The Realization of Worries, Jay reveals that over 91% of our worries never materialize, and even when they do, the outcomes are often better than expected. Jay introduces a simple yet powerful mental tool called ATW (And Then What) to help navigate worries as they arise. This technique empowers you to mentally deconstruct worst-case scenarios, helping you realize that even in challenging situations, you'll be able to adapt, learn, and move forward. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by endless "what ifs," this episode offers practical steps to reframe your worries and find calm in the face of uncertainty. Notable Quotes “Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.” — Mark Twain “Remind yourself that most of what you’re worrying about will never come true. And if it does, you’ll be okay.” — 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 Helen, the Chief HR Officer at a financial services company facing low morale, high turnover, and disengaged employees. Jay will meet with Gregory Offner, author of Tip Jar Culture and a renowned workplace strategist, to explore how leaders can build thriving workplace cultures that inspire both employees and leaders alike. Don’t miss this inspiring and actionable discussion!

Meet Steven. A newly appointed CEO at a healthcare organization in North Carolina, Steven is full of visionary ideas but feels stuck and disconnected. His attempts to gain team buy-in and overcome his self-doubt leave him drained and overwhelmed. Despite his determination, Steven struggles with the challenge of inspiring others to embrace change. In this episode, Jay sits down with Eva Minkoff, founder of Bold Being, TEDx speaker, and executive coach, whose mission is to help leaders cultivate empowering relationships with themselves and others. Eva shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming self-doubt, chronic illness, and societal expectations to embrace boldness and authenticity. She offers insightful guidance on how Steven—and leaders like him—can reconnect with their core values, align with their teams, and lead with vulnerability. From unlocking the power of self-connection to navigating bold, authentic leadership, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you thrive as a leader and in life. Notable Quotes  “You can only connect with others when you're connected to yourself.” — Eva Minkoff “Being bold requires authenticity and vulnerability. It’s not about eliminating fear but showing up despite it.” — Eva Minkoff About Our Guest Eva Minkoff is the founder of Bold Being, a TEDx speaker, and an executive coach passionate about helping leaders unlock their bold potential. Eva’s unique approach combines her lived experiences with chronic illness, her study of ontological coaching, and her expertise in building empowering relationships. Through her work, she guides high-performing leaders in creating authentic connections with themselves, their teams, and their purposes. Resources and Links Eva Minkoff Website: https://boldbeing.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evaminkoff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_of_eves/ TedX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFDYf0dFgs0 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

In our last episode, we met Carlos, a high-performing professional grappling with anxiety and panic attacks stemming from workplace stress. With the help of guest Jeff Salzenstein, we explored practical tools to manage chronic stress and reframe limiting beliefs. As we approach the end of the year—a time for reflection and goal-setting—Jay dives deeper into the transformative power of beliefs. In this solo episode, he outlines an 8-step process to help you identify, challenge, and replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. This method, inspired by thought leaders like Tony Robbins and refined through Jay’s work with clients, equips you with a clear formula to master your beliefs and unlock your full potential. Grab a notebook or take mental notes, and follow along as Jay guides you through this process, emphasizing the importance of daily intentionality, action, and self-affirmation. If you’ve ever felt held back by doubts or self-limiting narratives, this episode will give you the tools to break free and build a more empowering belief system. Notable Quotes “What we consider possible or impossible is rarely a function of our true capability. It’s more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.” — Tony Robbins “Take intentional action every day to align your beliefs with the life you want. Pair your affirmations with bold, consistent steps, and watch your reality transform.” — 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 Steven, a newly appointed CEO struggling to balance his visionary ideas with team buy-in and personal well-being. Guest Eva Minkoff, TEDx speaker and executive coach, shares strategies to help Steven lead boldly, connect deeply with his team, and maintain his health. Stay tuned for an inspiring discussion packed with actionable insights for ambitious leaders!

Meet Carlos, a high-performing senior manager at a motor vehicle manufacturer in Michigan. The relentless pressure at work recently culminated in a terrifying moment—a late-night panic attack that sent him to the ER. Carlos is stuck, grappling with anxiety and disconnection from purpose. In this episode, Jay is joined by Jeff Salzenstein, a world-class athlete turned performance coach, speaker, and entrepreneur. Together, they dive into Carlos’s story and explore strategies to manage stress, reframe limiting beliefs, and rekindle resilience. Jeff draws from his personal journey as a professional tennis player, sharing pivotal lessons learned from competing on the global stage, including a memorable match against world #2 Michael Chang at the U.S. Open. Jeff reveals powerful tools like coherence breathing and tapping to regulate stress, boost emotional alignment, and improve performance. He also discusses the profound impact of addressing limiting beliefs and why reconnecting the mind, body, and heart is key to thriving under pressure. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by high expectations or stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you break through and perform at your best. Notable Quotes “The best tennis players in the world win just 53% of points. Life’s challenges are much the same—it’s not about perfection, but resilience.” — Jeff Salzenstein “Your zone of excellence happens when your mind, body, and heart are in sync.” — Jeff Salzenstein “If 5 minutes a day could reduce your stress and anxiety by 67%, would you do it?” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Jeff Salzenstein is a former top 100 ATP singles and doubles player, two-time All-American, and national champion at Stanford University. After retiring from professional tennis, he founded Tennis Evolution, an online platform offering tennis instruction to players worldwide. Transitioning into performance coaching and professional speaking, Jeff now helps high achievers unlock their potential, manage pressure, and access their zone of excellence. His holistic approach emphasizes mental health, stress reduction, and emotional regulation, aiming to optimize performance and well-being in both personal and professional spheres. Resources and Links Jeff Salzenstein Website: https://jeffsalzenstein.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsalzenstein/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsalzenstein/ 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 our next episode, Jay will guide listeners through a hands-on workshop to master limiting beliefs and step into their full potential. Tune in for practical strategies to reframe your thinking and take control of your personal and professional growth. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to purpose!

In our last episode, we explored Rachel’s story—feeling disconnected from purpose in her role—and heard from executive coach Jennifer Hill on how to navigate those challenges. Today, Jay dives deeper into the concept of purpose-driven work, breaking down a fascinating 2019 University of Michigan study on the impact of purpose on job satisfaction and productivity. This episode highlights how a sense of purpose boosts happiness and engagement in work, offering insights for both employees and employers. Jay also shares a practical, reflective question you can use to stay connected to purpose—even in high-pressure environments. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or uninspired in your career, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you reclaim fulfillment and reignite your connection to purpose. Timestamps [00:01] Recap of Rachel’s story and key takeaways from the last episode [00:45] Introduction to the importance of purpose-driven work [02:12] A 2019 University of Michigan study on purpose and productivity [04:10] Key findings: The link between purpose, engagement, and job satisfaction [05:45] Two perspectives: How employers and employees can foster purpose [07:30] Reflective question: “What is my role right now?” [09:10] How this practice drives purpose in work and life [10:15] Teaser for the next episode featuring Jeff Salzenstein Notable Quotes [00:04:30] “Employees connected to a purpose beyond personal success are 64% more engaged and 32% more productive.” — Jay Abbasi [00:08:15] “What is my role right now? This simple question shifts your focus from self-centered interests to how you can serve others.” — 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 our next episode, meet Carlos, a senior manager at a motor vehicle manufacturer in Michigan, struggling with chronic stress and panic attacks due to workplace pressures. Jay will sit down with Jeff Salzenstein, a former professional tennis player turned performance coach, to discuss strategies for managing stress and maintaining peak performance. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways!

Meet Rachel. When her husband asks, “How was your day?” she hesitates, replying, “It was fine,” though she knows it’s not. As a senior director at a software company, Rachel once loved her role. However, recent leadership changes have replaced creativity and collaboration with a focus on profits, leaving her uninspired and questioning her future. Jay sits down with keynote speaker and executive coach Jennifer Hill to dive into Rachel’s career dilemma. They discuss the frustrations of feeling stuck, the struggle between staying in a comfortable role and pursuing something new, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating these crossroads. Jennifer introduces practical techniques for managing triggers, including heart-focused breathing to help take control in moments of stress. Jennifer also shares her insights on the “Golden Triangle of Connection,” which emphasizes the need for alignment between self, others, and purpose. She introduces Human Design as a unique approach to decision-making, offering a deeper understanding of how we’re each wired to make choices.  Feeling stuck too? Tune in for actionable advice to reclaim fulfillment and take control of your journey! Notable Quotes [00:34:30] "One of the things my clients hear, and I've said it here on this podcast a few times, is to tell yourself anytime you're feeling triggered, 'It's here to help.' Whatever this is, it's here to help." — Jay Abbasi [00:45:47] "Are you happy within yourself? Because if you're happy within yourself, then that's going to always inform whoever and whomever and whatever you do." — Jennifer Hill About Our Guest Jennifer K. Hill, a seasoned entrepreneur and speaker, co-founded MetaBizics and OptiMatch (Om.app), leveraging AI to connect businesses with coaches and consultants. Featured on major media outlets and a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle, she combines her expertise with a passion for giving back and building schools in Nepal and Senegal. Resources and Link 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 Jennifer Hill Website: https://om.app/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenhillspeaker/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jenniferkhill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkhill/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferkhill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenhillspeaker/ Twitter X: https://x.com/jenhillspeaker