Super Clinic Project Podcast

Why Smart Leaders Miss the Obvious Warning Signs

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Host Jennifer Gligoric sits down with Clay Moffat, ex-Navy weapons tech, coach, and author of The Trust Trap, to explore the neuroscience behind trust, betrayal, and resilience. Clay shares his deeply personal journey—from facing potential permanent blindness to distilling 15 years of research into a powerful, practical guide for anyone who’s ever felt blindsided or betrayed in business or life. This episode is packed with real-world insights for clinic owners on how to spot red flags, reclaim agency, and transform painful experiences into opportunities for growth.

Key Topics & Takeaways

The Neuroscience of Betrayal: Why We Miss Red Flags

  • Clay explains why our brains are wired to ignore warning signs—even when they’re obvious in hindsight.
  • Most people discount the “annoying fly” (our subconscious) that tries to alert us to danger, only connecting the dots after the fact.

    • Agency: Moving from Victim to CEO

    • Both Clay and Jennifer discuss the shift from blaming others to taking radical responsibility for outcomes in business and personal relationships.
    • True power comes from accepting your role in every situation—no matter how painful.

      • Not All Betrayal Is Malicious

      • Betrayal is often a result of people acting in their own best interest—not because they’re “bad.”
      • Recognizing this helps clinic owners and leaders have more honest, less defensive conversations and make better decisions.

        • Healing Trauma and Letting Go

        • Betrayal is a real trauma, but it doesn’t have to define you.
        • Clay’s book includes practical exercises (including QR codes for guided techniques) to help readers process, release, and move on from betrayal.

          • The Trust Trap: What It Is and How to Escape

          • The “trust trap” is the product of evolution, language, and habit—once someone is familiar, our brains stop paying close attention, making us vulnerable.
          • Trust, for Clay, is not a fairytale—it’s a mutually beneficial outcome, and it’s healthy to reassess when interests diverge.

            • Practical Tools for Clinic Owners

            • Notice when you’re rationalizing or ignoring bad behavior from staff, partners, or loved ones.
            • Don’t default to hypervigilance, but do pay attention when you spot a red flag.
            • Use honest, direct conversations—track changes in behavior, ask questions, and observe both language and nonverbals.
            • Accept that every relationship has a lifespan; let it end naturally when interests no longer align.
              • Actionable Insights for Clinic Owners
              • Spot the Pattern: Learn the signals of betrayal—don’t ignore your gut or rationalize away bad behavior.
              • Have the Conversation: When you notice changes, address them directly and compassionately.
              • Own Your Part: Agency and self-responsibility are key to breaking free from the trust trap and building a happier, more successful life.
              • Release the Pain: Use guided exercises to process and release betrayal trauma.
              • Redefine Trust: See trust as a living, mutually beneficial agreement—not a permanent state.
                • Memorable Quotes

                ““Forgiveness is a process. When you can step into that, it breaks apart the cognitive dissonance and lets you move forward.” — Clay Moffat

                “Once you get over that initial slap in the face—‘Okay, I’m responsible for this’—you step into a sense of power you’ve never experienced before.” — Clay Moffat

                “Trust issues are really pattern recognition problems. You just missed the signals and it cost you, but you don’t have to keep repeating that.” — Jennifer Gligoric

                “Every relationship you will ever have has a lifespan. Let it end when it’s supposed to end.” — Clay Moffat

                Exclusive Resources for Listeners

                Bonus Content & Downloads: Visit superclinicproject.com and join the free Skool community for handouts, guided exercises, and more.

                How to Support the Show
                • Like, follow, share, and leave a 5-star review—your support helps us bring on more world-class guests and deliver actionable strategies for clinic growth.
                • Want a handout or quick consult? Visit superclinicproject.com and click on the host’s picture.
                  • About Our Guest

                  Clay Moffat is an ex-Navy weapons tech, coach, and author specializing in the neuroscience of trust and betrayal. After facing the possibility of permanent blindness, he distilled his life’s work into The Trust Trap, a practical, empowering guide for anyone ready to break free from old patterns and build stronger, more resilient relationships in business and life. 

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