Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

In our last episode, we explored Dimitri’s journey as a high-performing leader struggling with interpersonal anxiety, particularly around authority figures. Brett McDermott, host of the Persistence Playbook podcast, joined Jay to share actionable strategies for boosting confidence and charisma. Today, Jay dives into two essential books that have significantly impacted his communication skills: The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane and The Like Switch by Jack Schafer. These resources offer actionable techniques to help anyone build confidence, enhance charisma, and strengthen relationships. Jay breaks down key concepts like the three elements of charisma—Presence, Power, and Warmth—and introduces the PDFI framework for relationship-building. Listeners will also learn practical exercises to stay present and create meaningful connections in both personal and professional life. Don’t miss our next episode, where we meet Rachel, a senior director navigating organizational changes, and hear from Jennifer Hill, an executive coach, as they discuss strategies for finding fulfillment amidst workplace shifts. Timestamps [00:24] Recap of Dimitri’s story and Brett McDermott’s insights [01:05] Introducing two impactful books on communication [02:36] Exploring The Charisma Myth: Presence, Power, and Warmth [03:12] The toes technique: Staying present in conversations [06:04] Insights from The Like Switch: Building trust and connection [07:19] The PDFI framework: Proximity, Duration, Frequency, and Impact [08:46] Practical applications of the PDFI formula in relationships [10:22] Preview of the next episode featuring Rachel and Jennifer Hill Notable Quotes [00:03:43] "Presence is the foundation of charisma. Without it, you can’t connect authentically." — Jay Abbasi [00:07:19] "Relationships thrive on proximity, time, and meaningful conversations." — Jay Abbasi 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

Meet Dimitri. He leaves the company event thinking, Why can’t you just be normal? A talented Scrum Master, Dimitri excels in his leadership role, earning praise from his managers. But there’s one challenge he can’t seem to overcome—connecting with senior executives. He’d been preparing to meet Amir, the company’s COO, for weeks at the event. Dimitri admired Amir and saw this as a golden opportunity to make an impression. But when the moment came, anxiety took over. Standing at the bar, Amir glanced at Dimitri. Instead of seizing the chance, Dimitri looked away, his inner voice whispering, He doesn’t want to talk to you. You’re a nobody. Later, an introduction at dinner gave Dimitri a second chance, but fear struck again. His response was awkward, leaving him feeling defeated. By the night's end, Dimitri couldn’t stop thinking about his struggles and wondering why he found it so hard to connect. Jay sits down with Brett McDermott, entrepreneur and host of Persistence Playbook, to unpack Dimitri’s story. Brett, an expert in communication and charisma, shares actionable insights to help anyone facing similar challenges. They explore overcoming social anxiety, improving self-confidence, and building meaningful connections with others. If you’ve ever hesitated to start a conversation, felt held back by fear, or struggled to connect in professional settings, this episode is for you. Timestamps [01] Dimitri's story [02:31] Introduction to Brett McDermott [04:14] Brett’s personal development journey [06:36] Brett's trigger for personal growth [08:21] The impact of "Think and Grow Rich" [10:19] Influence of communication skills [12:54] Learning from great communicators [15:00] Fear of rejection in social situations [16:26] Practicing social skills [17:17] Setting goals for networking [18:07] Preparing icebreaker questions [19:25] Building confidence through mindset [20:25] Using fear as an ally [21:28] Unique perspectives in conversations [25:29] Posture and projecting power [29:43] The importance of presence [31:04] Building eye contact skills [33:05] The 50/70 rule of eye contact [36:00] Crafting engaging questions [37:44] Starting the conversation [39:24] Researching connections [40:03] Advice for Dimitri [42:55] Closing thoughts [43:37] Key insights [45:01] Actionable takeaways [46:08] Eye contact rule [47:33] Next episode teaser Notable Quotes [06:36] "The first personal development book I read was Think and Grow Rich. It made me realize I could improve myself and do great things if I committed to it." — Brett McDermott [40:45] "If there was one piece of advice, I would say to treat communication as a skill. This is a skill that you can build." — Brett McDermott [43:37] "Giving yourself grace, you're human. If you mess up, if your fear takes over, don't be so hard on yourself. Remember that you're going to keep trying." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Brett McDermott is a renowned expert on the fundamentals of powerful communication. His obsession is teasing out the habits and tactics that today's most charismatic communicators share and then breaking these down in an easily learnable way for his students. His mission is to help people build powerful communication skills so they can more effectively push their mission forward. 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 Brett McDermott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrettmcdermott/ Podcast: Persistence Playbook Charisma 25 Course: Charisma 25 Website: https://brettmcdermott.nyc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PersistencePlaybookwithBrett  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-brett-mcdermott/

In our last episode, we learned about Elliott’s struggles with emotional awareness and rigid expectations about his career and relationships. We featured Sara Westbrook, who brought incredible insights into managing workplace dynamics. Today, Jay explores the role of expectations in our happiness and resilience. By introducing his "Formula for Happiness," Jay explains how adjusting perception and setting realistic expectations can transform the way we navigate challenges. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, this episode equips you with tools to embrace uncertainty and thrive. Jay also dives into the concept of negative visualization, explaining how it can help you prepare for life’s curveballs and build emotional resilience. Don’t miss our next episode, where we meet Dimitri, a Scrum Master striving to connect with leadership, and Brett McDermott, a communication expert, who shares actionable advice for building charisma and fostering connections. Timestamps [00:43] Recap of Elliott’s story and Sara Westbrook’s insights [01:37] Exploring Stoic philosophy: A foundation for resilience [02:11] The dangers of unhealthy expectations [03:44] What are healthy expectations? [04:19] The practice of negative visualization [05:25] The Formula for Happiness: Perception - Expectation = Happiness [07:23] Real-world examples and metaphors for managing expectations [08:46] Upcoming episode teaser featuring Dimitri and Brett McDermott Notable Quotes [00:03:44] "Prepare yourself for chaos, not perfection. That's the foundation of healthy expectations." — Jay Abbasi [00:05:25] "Happiness isn’t about what happens—it’s about how you perceive it and what you expect from it." — Jay Abbasi [00:07:52] "Our expectations subconsciously rise with every new comfort we experience. Be mindful and brace for life’s twists." — Jay Abbasi 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

Meet Elliott. He puts his pen down and feels a sharp twist in his stomach. After a brief call with his director, Elliott, a top-performing account executive for three years, realizes the career advancement he’s been working for might never come. His director tells him there are no management openings, but Elliott’s been hearing that for months, while new managers are hired from outside the team. Frustrated, Elliott reflects on the last three years. He’s worked relentlessly—rising to the top of his team in his first year, pushing himself harder each year to stay at the top. But his drive for perfection began to create friction. He was at odds with colleagues like Kevin, the IT manager, whose slow responses to emails and attitude only fueled Elliott’s determination to work harder.  Now, as he reads through his journal, the painful realization hits him: his ambition may have cost him his reputation. His approach, while driven by a desire for success, has rubbed people the wrong way and may be the reason he’s not getting promoted. Jay sits down with Sara Westbrook, a professional speaker and emotional resilience strategist, to unpack Elliott’s situation. Sara, drawing from her own experience on Canadian Idol, shares how emotional awareness and the power of choice shaped her journey toward self-worth and resilience. She offers valuable advice on how Elliott—and anyone facing similar challenges—can rebuild their reputation, improve emotional awareness, and move toward career growth with confidence. If you’re struggling to break through career roadblocks, this conversation is for you. Tune in for Sara’s insightful take on how emotional intelligence and resilience can unlock the next step in your career. Timestamps [00:01] Elliott’s story [01:10] Elliott's work ethic [02:18] Reputation reflection [03:46] Introduction of Sarah Westbrook [04:14] Sarah's Canadian Idol story [09:31] The power of choice [12:21] Building emotional awareness [15:08] Defining character traits [19:25] Emotional vocabulary [22:21] Self-worth and enoughness [25:33] Validating emotions [26:22] The importance of community [28:20] Stress as a connection tool [29:36] Emotions as information [30:23] Acceptance of current feelings [34:35] Intent vs. impact [37:29] Ownership of impact [49:19] Self-compassion in relationships [50:31] Empathy and connection [52:18] Accolades and reflection [54:54] Insights on decision-making [55:05] Actionable takeaways [56:16] Upcoming episode preview Notable Quotes [05:53] "You’re so afraid of failure that you can’t just go for it. How will you ever know?" — Sara Westbrook [48:15] "All I really needed to do was shift my perception. That’s what I needed to do, and when I did that, I realized I was in the right job, working with the right manager." — Jay Abbasi [52:44] "I don’t believe life is about perfection, but I do believe it’s about reflection, redirection, and progress." — Sara Westbrook About Our Guest Sara Westbrook is a professional speaker, author, singer, and emotional resilience strategist with over 17 years of experience. She focuses on the impact of emotions on choices, well-being, and resilience, offering keynotes, presentations, and workshops tailored for companies, organizations, schools, and parents. Her work helps both adults and children navigate emotional challenges and build resilience through self-awareness and positive decision-making. 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 Sara Westbrook Website: https://sarawestbrook.com/ LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawestbrook/?originalSubdomain=ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsarawestbrook/ Mentioned  Canadian Idol Kelly McGonigal's TED Talk Dr. Dan Siegel

In our last episode, we followed Tara, an account manager at a critical career crossroads. Geoffrey Roche, a leader in workforce transformation, joined us to offer his insights. His advice? Trust your gut, but balance it with a thoughtful and objective approach. Today, Jay introduces a simple yet powerful framework to help you make career decisions with confidence. With four clear criteria, this episode equips you to navigate career choices effectively—whether you’re facing a decision now or preparing for the future. Jay explains how focusing on experience, leadership, culture, and compensation can guide you toward decisions that lead to a more fulfilling and impactful career. Drawing on his expertise as a coach, Jay breaks down the importance of each factor, encouraging listeners to go beyond financial rewards to prioritize long-term satisfaction and growth. Don’t miss our next episode, where we meet Elliott, a driven account executive navigating challenges with his reputation at work. Jay will sit down with emotional resilience strategist Sara Westbrook to explore how emotional intelligence can help Elliot and anyone looking to elevate their career. Timestamps [00:01] Recap of Tara’s story and Geoffrey Roche’s insights [01:10] Introducing the four criteria framework [02:03] Why trusting your gut isn’t enough [02:57] Criterion 1: Best experience [04:50] Criterion 2: Best leadership and support [05:46] Criterion 3: Best culture, growth, and vision [06:22] Criterion 4: Best compensation [07:52] Closing thoughts and full framework recap [08:42] Upcoming episode teaser Notable Quotes [00:02:03] "You’ll never be 100% sure about a career decision, but you can do the work to align it with your priorities." — Jay Abbasi [00:02:57] "Your life consists of experiences. You’re not just experiencing a title or a paycheck—you’re living the work every day." — Jay Abbasi [00:05:20] "Who you work for is more important than how much they pay you. Leadership shapes your growth and fulfillment." — Jay Abbasi [00:07:24] "Don’t let a $10,000 difference in salary lead you away from the opportunity that will make you happier long-term." — Jay Abbasi 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

Meet Tara. She feels the tension at the Christmas dinner table as her father repeatedly questions her about leaving her stable job of six years. With a hesitant laugh, she replies, “I’m still mulling it over.” Recently, Tara received an enticing offer from a startup as a senior account manager. The role excites her, promising the chance to build her team and step into a leadership position. Yet, leaving her well-established cloud services company feels daunting after so many years of dedication. Work has become frustrating for Tara, as she's been trying to address issues with inaccurate reporting that misrepresents account managers' performance. Despite raising her concerns, nothing changes, pushing her to explore new opportunities that inspire her. Jay sits down with workforce transformation expert Geoffrey Roche to dive into Tara's career dilemma. They explore loyalty, personal branding, and the importance of aligning career choices with personal values. Geoffrey offers insights on trusting one's instincts and making informed decisions while navigating transitions, highlighting the role of compassionate leadership and workplace culture. If you find yourself stuck in a similar situation, join Jay and Geoffrey in this enlightening conversation. Tune in now to gain practical advice that can help you navigate your career journey! Timestamps [00:01] Tara’s story   [01:26] Tara's exciting opportunity   [02:35] Discussion with Geoffrey Roche   [03:13] Importance of personal branding   [07:04] Finding balance in career   [09:39] Understanding job security   [13:30] Building a personal brand on LinkedIn   [15:55] Genuine connections on LinkedIn   [20:14] Impact of mentorship and leadership   [20:40] The importance of workplace value   [23:38] Supportive work environment   [24:37] Workplace support during tragedy   [26:41] Leadership and human connection   [27:07] Tara's dilemma and leadership vision   [28:17] The role of inspirational leaders   [29:52] Impact of poor leadership   [32:31] Generational perspectives on career decisions   [34:44] Trusting your instincts   [36:02] Courage to leave toxic situations   [37:22] Evaluating job opportunities   [38:17] Personal board of advisors   [39:15] Researching company culture   [40:15] Asking the right questions   [48:30] Personal branding insight   [49:05] Purpose in work   [50:30] Personal board of advisors   [51:18] Asking questions in interviews   [52:15] Next episode teaser  Notable Quotes [06:02] "I’m going to make sure that I go out and identify and develop my brand so that as I take on the next job, I’m not going to be beholden to them." — Geoffrey Roche [48:30] "You are your brand, not your company. Sure, you are contributing towards the organization, but you are offering a unique value contribution." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Geoffrey Roche, MPA, is the son of a nurse, future of work and education expert, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging advocate, champion for transforming health equity, and the host of the Ed Up Health Up podcast. Roche currently serves as the Executive Advisor, National Health Care Practice & Workforce Partnerships for Core Education PBC. He has been asked to regularly present on healthcare workforce topics at various national healthcare events including Becker’s Annual Meeting, HIMSS, ViVE, Becker’s HR Conference, among others. Roche was nominated in 2022 to the Forbes Business Council for his national level work. 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 Geoffrey Roche Website: https://marketscale.com/geoffrey-m-roche/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymroche/

In our last episode, we met Erica, the VP of Human Resources who faced challenges in articulating her ideas to executive leadership. We welcomed expert Brielle Woolhouse, who specializes in empowering leaders to become confident and articulate speakers, and she shared invaluable insights. Today, Jay dives into the critical role communication plays in shaping your career. It's not just about unlocking promotion opportunities—effective communication also enhances your job satisfaction and overall work experience. Jay references a pivotal study published in the Journal of Management, which found that professionals with strong communication skills are more likely to be promoted and build better relationships with peers and supervisors, ultimately leading to greater visibility and career advancement. Interestingly, another study from 1996 revealed a two-way relationship: those who communicate confidently report higher job satisfaction, highlighting the importance of honing these skills. He also introduces the Priming Effect, a two-minute exercise designed to boost your confidence before important interactions. This technique, typically reserved for his clients, is now available to you—just think of it as a powerful addition to your routine. Don't miss our next episode, where we meet Tara, a senior account manager at a career crossroads, and hear from Geoffrey Roche, a leader in workforce transformation, as they explore personal branding and offer insights to help Tara navigate her decision. Tune in and take your communication skills to the next level! Timestamps [00:01] Recap of the last episode with Erica [01:30] Study on assertive communication [03:08] Job satisfaction and communication [04:30] Introducing the priming effect [05:28] Step one: Get big [05:45] Step two: Mindful breathing [06:46] Step three: Visualization [07:53] Step four: Affirmation [09:11] Upcoming episode teaser Notable Quotes [00:00:01] "Communication is not just about unlocking promotion opportunities; it also affects your overall job satisfaction and how you feel about your work." — Jay Abbasi [00:03:08] "Assertive communication enhances visibility within organizations and fosters stronger relationships with peers and supervisors, leading to more opportunities for career advancement." — Jay Abbasi [00:03:57] "If you have effective communication, you will be happier at your job. It’s a two-way street." — Jay Abbasi [00:04:30] "The Priming Effect is a two-minute practice that can be integrated into your routine, especially before important interactions like meetings or interviews." — Jay Abbasi [00:05:28] "Get yourself into a physical, powerful posture, and you will feel more powerful and confident, which will show up in your communication." — Jay Abbasi [00:06:46] "Visualize the interaction, feel the emotion, and affirm your confidence—these steps can empower your communication." — Jay Abbasi 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 Mentioned  Study on Assertive Communication Amy Cuddy's TED Talk

Meet Erica. It’s the end of the quarterly budget meeting, and with a forced smile, she says goodbye to her peers and CEO. As she heads to her office, head down, she’s overwhelmed with a single thought: “Why can’t I just get my message across?” On paper, Erica’s role as VP of Human Resources looks successful. But today’s meeting felt like a failure. She struggled to present confidently despite preparing a detailed proposal to boost employee well-being and reduce attrition. Her nervousness took over, and Erica stumbled when the CEO questioned her ideas. Instead of making her case, she left feeling small and doubting her abilities. Jay sits down with Brielle Wohlenhaus, founder of CrossGen Media, a consulting company that empowers leaders to communicate with clarity and impact. Brielle’s journey—from overcoming her fear of public speaking to becoming a sought-after coach for confident communication—equips her with insights on how Erica, and others like her, can navigate self-doubt and strengthen executive presence. Join us as we discuss how Erica can transform her communication skills, connect with her audience, and own the room with confidence. Timestamps 02:52: Introduction to guest Brielle Wohlenhaus 05:58: Rehearsing and self-talk in developing communication skills 08:26: The importance of communication skills 11:19: Erica’s confidence and mindset issues 16:02: Improving through practice and investment in oneself 20:17: Recommended resources for improving communication skills 21:37: Importance of a transformative mindset 22:05: Overview of the book "Don't Believe Everything You Think" 22:36: Leading your thoughts with respect and compassion 23:02: Enhancing communication through mindset techniques 24:00: Role of prayer and affirmation in boosting confidence 25:21: Confidence in personal and professional interactions 27:28: Practicing confident communication in all aspects of life 28:08: Handling interruptions constructively 29:32: Gender dynamics in workplace communication 31:00: Accountability and self-responsibility 34:04: Importance of tonality over words 39:40: Encouraging connection with Brielle for further development Notable quote: [08:38] “When you think about sales, if you don't know how to effectively communicate, you're not going to excel... Communication is the biggest piece of all of that.” — Brielle Wohlenhaus [13:44] “When we make it all about ourselves, we’re in a state of self-absorption. But when we focus on serving others, that’s when our best self shows up.” — Jay Abbasi [16:43] “There is no greater investment than the one you make in yourself.” — Brielle Wohlenhaus About Our Guest Brielle Wohlenhaus is the Founder of CrossGen Media and a leading voice for Generation Z. Brielle works with businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, consultants, coaches, and any individual who wants to maximize their LinkedIn profile, presence, and authority in general. Every business faces unique challenges.  Brielle Wohlenhaus is extremely passionate about making content that helps others bridge generational gaps through effective communication skills and strategies, building utmost confidence while creating and sustaining a resilient mindset. Her background includes strong people and communication skills, sales, marketing, branding, and leadership. She also has a vast experience with social media, and content curation as well. 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 Brielle Wohlenhaus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brielle-wohlenhaus-83209821a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briellewohlenhaus/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Briellewohlenhaus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/brielle-wohlenhaus

In our last episode, we met Maria, who was struggling with negative self-talk and imposter syndrome. Jay spoke with author and TEDx speaker Kristel Bauer to explore how Maria—and so many others—can work through these challenges. Now, host Jay Abbasi dives deeper into the realities of imposter syndrome, which studies suggest impacts 70% of people, especially high achievers and leaders. Jay introduces findings from a 2016 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, which highlights how personalized coaching can reduce imposter syndrome and increase self-efficacy. He also shares how mindfulness meditation loosens the grip of perfectionism, helping individuals become more grounded and resilient. Drawing from his own experience as a coach and speaker, Jay explains how these two strategies—coaching and mindfulness—offer practical ways to overcome imposter syndrome and manage negative self-talk. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll meet Erica, a VP of human resources at a manufacturing company who struggled to present her ideas confidently to the executive team. Jay will sit down with Brielle Wohlenhaus, founder of CrossGen Media, to uncover how leaders can develop powerful communication skills and become more confident, articulate speakers. Timestamps 00:02: Recap of the last episode with Maria 00:12: Insights from Crystal Bauer on overcoming challenges 00:20: Expanding on imposter syndrome 01:15: Host introduction – Jay Abbasi and the podcast "Unstuck" 01:24: Overview of "Unstuck" podcast themes and goals 02:05: Personal experiences of imposter syndrome 02:25: Study on coaching and imposter syndrome (2016) 03:15: Benefits of personalized coaching for imposter syndrome 04:17: Study on mindfulness meditation and imposter syndrome 06:05: Benefits of mindfulness as a practice 06:22: Key takeaways from studies on overcoming imposter syndrome 06:46: Preview of the next episode with Erica and Brielle Wohlenhaus Notable Quotes [01:30] “Studies suggest that 70% of people experience [imposter syndrome] at some point in their lives, especially high achievers and professionals in leadership roles.” – Jay Abbasi [02:50] “Imposter syndrome leads to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress... It has a negative impact on overall job performance because people feel like they have to prove themselves, which leads to burnout.” – Jay Abbasi [05:00] “When an individual was coached by a leader who created psychological safety and encouraged self-reflection, it helped them manage through those thoughts of being an imposter.” – Jay Abbasi [07:10] “You need someone who can hold up a mirror and show you angles you couldn’t see on your own, giving you new perspectives.” – Jay Abbasi 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 Resources Mentioned Frontiers in Psychology: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology

Meet Maria. It’s 10 p.m. on a Tuesday, and as she stares at an empty wine bottle, she questions, “What am I doing with my life?” On the surface, her career seems perfect. Eight months ago, Maria became a sales manager at a SaaS company in San Francisco, consistently ranking as a top performer. However, she’s plagued by self-doubt. This week has been typical for Maria. After an early gym session and a busy day of meetings, she receives an email from an unhappy client about one of her team members, Toby. Although Toby insists he explained everything, the client remains frustrated, and Maria feels the weight of responsibility as her director inquires about the situation. Jay sits down with Kristel Bauer, a top keynote and TEDx speaker, focusing on corporate wellness and performance. After years in healthcare, she moved into speaking and media to share her ideas on happiness, leadership, mindset, peak performance, resilience, team building, and work/life balance. Kristel is also the host of the top-rated podcast Live Greatly, which offers insights on optimizing mental well-being and achieving success without self-sabotage.  Join us as we explore how Maria can reclaim her confidence and continue to excel in her role without the burden of harsh self-judgment. If you relate to Maria's struggles, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Let’s work together to shift that inner dialogue and cultivate a mindset of empowerment! Timestamps (00:01) Maria’s story (01:12) Maria's anxiety (02:28) Drained by self-criticism (03:39) Introduction to Kristel Bauer (04:41) Kristel's transition to speaking (08:04) Work-life balance misconception (12:12) Managing family and work (14:10) The importance of fluidity (14:58) Overcoming public speaking fear (18:51) Understanding negative self-talk (22:18) Body feedback and stress (23:28) Sitting with emotions (24:44) Future self-reflection (26:22) Imposter syndrome insights (28:26) Nurturing self-relationship (29:05) Identifying what matters (31:13) Building quality relationships (32:55) Actionable steps for Maria (34:32) Proactive intentional living (35:02) Seeking support (36:16) Healthy coping mechanisms (38:49) Creating new habits (42:42) Powerful questions (43:30) Building a support team (44:05) Imposter syndrome insights (45:21) Closing remarks Notable Quotes [17:10] "Just because I'm uncomfortable, it doesn't mean I'm bad at it; it means that it's new and that's okay." — Kristel Bauer [42:42] "Ask yourself powerful questions: How can I view this in a way that is more empowering for me? What is a response my future self will be proud of?" — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness expert, keynote speaker, and founder of Live Greatly. With a background as a physician assistant and in integrative medicine, Kristel helps organizations enhance well-being, leadership, and performance through mindset optimization. She is passionate about fostering resilience, balance, and sustainable success, working with top companies to create positive workplace cultures. Kristel is also the host of the Live Greatly podcast, where she explores holistic approaches to achieving personal and professional fulfillment. 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 Kristel Bauer Website: https://www.livegreatly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristel-bauer-4a93881a3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livegreatly_co/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livegreatlykristelbauer7846 Mentioned  Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work by Kristel Bauer Live Greatly Podcast Kristel Bauer's TED Talk