Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD

Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Ryan Paugh, co-founder of Brazen Careerist, Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), and Community.co (the organization behind Forbes Councils), and co-author of Superconnector. Called "a cult legend in the online community building world" by Mashable, Ryan brings rare, hard-won wisdom on what it truly takes to build communities that last. This conversation is rich, candid, and deeply human. Ryan opens up about discovering his gift for community building organically, not through a master plan, but through listening, showing up, and embracing the mess. He and Dr. Shabbir explores perfectionism, failure, the Dunbar number, navigating the AI era authentically, and what success really means once you've built something meaningful. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an ambitious professional trying to build your network intentionally, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Episode Takeaways: Listen first. Genuine community starts with tuning into people's needs and creating psychological safety.Start before you're ready. You don't need a platform or a perfect plan, just grit and a willingness to lead by example.Stay human in the AI era. Use AI to refine your ideas, not replace your voice, your authenticity is your biggest competitive edge.Best Practices for Community Building - the Do’s and Don’ts Impostor Syndrome and how it showed up for Ryan early in his career tied together with failure.Guard your time. Never make blind introductions and be intentional about who and what gets your energy.Redefine success. The real win is freedom, balance, and doing work you love, not the unicorn exit.About the guest: Ryan Paugh is a pioneer in building curated, technology-enabled communities for ambitious professionals. He co-founded Brazen Careerist, a career platform for high-achieving young professionals recognized by Mashable as a top social network for Gen Y entrepreneurs, before partnering with Scott Gerber to launch Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), described by Entrepreneur as "one of the most elite organizations of its kind." Today, as Co-Founder, President & COO of Community.co, the organization behind Forbes Councils, Ryan continues building on that vision, creating membership experiences and business opportunities for thousands of executives, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs nationwide. Mashable has called him "a cult legend in the online-community building world. Connect with Ryan Paugh: Visit his website: https://ryanpaugh.com/Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpaugh/Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanpaugh Get his book: Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter : https://superconnectorbook.com/  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s   🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization? Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir? Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy   ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Dr. Zhen Chan is a pediatrician, entrepreneur, and the founder of Grapevyne, a digital community built to give physicians and medical students the professional development, networking, and resources that medical training never taught them. In this episode, Zhen takes us through his journey from a residency that left him questioning the purpose of modern medicine, to catching the startup bug through venture capital, to building and pivoting a company in real time. We get into the messy, honest truth about perfectionism in medicine, what it costs doctors to chase external validation, and what it actually looks like to redefine success on your own terms. Zhen also shares why vulnerability is a leadership skill, how to build emotional resilience as a physician entrepreneur, and his take on why AI will make better doctors, not fewer of them. If you are a doctor, a med student, or anyone navigating a non-traditional path, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Episode Takeaways: Career pivots as critical data pointsAI is not replacing doctors, it is raising the bar for what a great doctor looks like. Medical training is a perfectionism factory, and breaking out of it is the first step toward sustainable success. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and trying to be 100% at everything will burn you out fast. Vulnerability is not a weakness in leadership, it is your most powerful trust-building tool.  About the guest: Dr. Zhen Chan is a graduate of the University of Miami with his MD and MBA in Health Management and Policy. He completed his pediatrics residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, where his work in quality improvement and advocacy projects revealed a career path to impact healthcare at scale beyond the exam room. Currently, Dr. Zhen is a practicing pediatrician in Washington, DC, and the Founder of Grapevyne, a community dedicated to helping physicians and medical students network and find resources for professional development and personal well-being. Additionally, he advises and consults for startups in the healthcare industry looking to bridge innovation with patient care.  Connect with Dr. Zhen Chan: Visit his website: Https://grapevyne.healthConnect with him on LinkedIn: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenmdFollow him on Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/zhen_mdCheck out his TikTok: Https://www.tiktok.com/@zhenmd About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s   🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization? Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir? Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy   ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Dr. Frances Mei Hardin is an ENT surgeon, author, and co-founder of the Hippocratic Collective who is redefining success beyond traditional medicine. In this powerful conversation, she shares her decision to walk away from a surgical career, the mental health toll of medical training, and how reclaiming her life required deep self-awareness and courage. We explore perfectionism, cultural expectations, and the reality that disillusionment can happen at any stage of a career. Dr. Hardin also discusses her memoir Surgeon on the Edge, her mission to reshape physician culture, and why clinician well-being is deeply connected to patient care. Episode Takeaways: - Walking away can be an act of self-preservation- The hidden mental health crisis in medical training- Excellence vs perfectionism in high achievers- Disillusionment is more common than we think- Self-knowledge is key to reinvention- Why Surgeon On the Edge is a critical read for all- Physician well-being impacts patient care About the guest: Frances Mei Hardin, MD, is an ENT surgeon, writer, and startup CEO whose work examines identity, ambition, and the cost of reinvention. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, she is known for her unflinching commentary on medical training and her expertise in navigating the world of residency. Dr. Hardin speaks to a generation building lives defined not by a single path, but by possibility. Her debut memoir, Surgeon on the Edge (Hippocratic Press, February 24, 2026), follows a journey of katabasis in medical training and the uneven climb out through hypnosis as an attending. Connect with Dr. Frances Mei Hardin: Visit her website: http://francesmei.com/ http://hippocratic-collective.com/Get her book here - https://www.amazon.com/Surgeon-Edge-Frances-Mei-Hardin/dp/B0G3JWCCH4Follow her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/francesmeimdFollow her on Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@francesmeimdConnect with her on Linkedin - http://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-mei-hardin-md-aab8b6297About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s   🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization? Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir? Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy   ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Why is behavior change so hard, even when you know exactly what to do? In this solo episode, I break down the real reason change feels impossible and why it’s not a failure of willpower. Your brain is wired for efficiency, not growth, and most advice overlooks the early stages where change actually begins. We explore the science behind habits, the six stages of change, and how shame, perfectionism, and all-or-nothing thinking quietly keep you stuck. I also share my personal journey with breaking perfectionistic patterns and what finally made change sustainable. You’ll walk away with three simple, evidence-based somatic tools to help you regulate your nervous system, move through resistance, and take action without burnout. We also unpack toxic wellness culture and how to protect yourself from messaging that fuels shame instead of real growth. If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I just do it?” This episode will help you understand why, and show you a better way forward. Episode Takeaways Change happens in stages, not overnightWhat are the Stages of ChangeMost advice fails because it targets the wrong stageYour brain prioritizes efficiency, not growthShame blocks change by activating your threat responseAmbivalence is normal, not a sign of weaknessPerfectionism leads to avoidance and burnoutSmall, consistent actions outperform intense short burstsSelf-compassion increases follow-through and resilienceSomatic tools help regulate your nervous systemNot all wellness advice is evidence-based or safe About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s   🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization? Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir? Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy   ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

We're not going for perfection. We're going for authenticity. Do it scared. In this practical conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir speaks with Valonda Calloway, also known as the TV Lady, a former television anchor who now helps professionals show up confidently on camera and on stage. Valonda shares her philosophy of "accept it or fix it" and breaks down tactical skills for presenting with confidence, from making eye contact through the camera lens to using powerful pauses instead of filler words, which she calls vocal graffiti. She shares insider tips on body language, intentional movement on stage, and why recording yourself regularly is the only way to improve. Valonda opens up about how perfectionism shows up in her clients who wait years to get on stage because they're waiting for everything to be perfect. She redefines success through her own career pivot, sharing how disappointments led her to a life with more freedom, joy and impact than she ever imagined. Episode Takeaways Why authentic presence beats perfection and how to "accept it or fix it" when it comes to your insecurities about presentingHow to make eye contact on camera by looking into the lens instead of the screenThe power of pausing instead of using filler words (vocal graffiti) and how to practice concise communicationWhy recording yourself regularly and watching it back is the only way to identify distracting habitsHow to stop waiting for perfect and start doing it scared because your message matters more than your imperfections About Our Guest Valonda Calloway Valonda Calloway is a celebrated TV Host, Spokesperson, and a go-to Presentation and Media Coach, dedicated to helping others communicate with power and confidence. A cum laude graduate of Winston-Salem State University, she built a dynamic media career from Voice of America radio to high-profile roles as a news anchor (WRAL-TV) and host of the popular lifestyle show My Carolina Today, where she put a spotlight on local businesses, interviewed stars and danced with The Rockettes. Adding to her impressive background, Valonda is a former NFL cheerleader (Washington Football Team), currently shares her passion for dance as a beginner jazz instructor at North Carolina Dance Institute, and was named a 2025 Woman to Know in North Carolina. She is the author of Tips From The TV Lady®: A Guide For Making A Great Impression In Person And On Camera and continues to work on camera as a spokesperson, TV host and actor. Connect with  Valonda Calloway LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valondacalloway/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ValCalTV Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valcaltv/  Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ValondaCalloway About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s   🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization? Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir? Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy   ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Healthcare is not perfect. And that is exactly why we need better teams. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir speaks with Dr. Tina Patel Gunaldo, DPT, PhD, MHS, architect of high performing interprofessional teams and nationally recognized leader in collaborative healthcare education and practice. Dr. Gunaldo shares how witnessing her best friend's husband navigate a complex medical journey opened her eyes to the reality that healthcare is messy, imperfect, and full of both errors and opportunities. That lived experience sparked her life's work of building systems where clinicians, educators, and communities truly work better together. She breaks down the critical difference between multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional teams, explaining why patient centered care is inherent in interprofessional collaboration. Dr. Gunaldo explores how perfectionism shows up in healthcare teams, why it prevents collaboration, and how being immersed in a team where you actively listen and belong can relieve the pressure to be perfect. She redefines success as finding pleasure in pleasant surprises, giving yourself grace, and leading by sharing knowledge without imposing expectations on others. This conversation is a reminder that healthcare and leadership are journeys, not destinations. Episode Takeaways: The difference between multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional teams and why patient centered care is inherent in interprofessional collaborationWhy communication is not a soft skill but one of the hardest skills to master in healthcare and teamworkHow perfectionism prevents collaboration and why immersing yourself in a team where you belong can relieve the pressure to be perfectWhy healthcare needs systems and structures that support teams instead of creating silos, band aids, and barriersHow to redefine success by giving yourself grace, finding pleasure in pleasant surprises, and sharing knowledge without imposing expectations on othersAbout Our Guest — Tina Patel Gunaldo Tina Patel Gunaldo, DPT, PhD, MHS, is a nationally recognized leader in interprofessional education and collaborative practice. With 30 years of experience across healthcare and academia, she advances health equity and teamwork within health systems. She serves as Co-President of the American Interprofessional Health Collaborative and is the founder of Collaborate for Health, an organization dedicated to integrating team science into education and practice. Connect with Tina Patel Gunaldo, DPT, PhD, MHSFollow her on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-patel-gunaldo-phd/ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s   🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization? Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir? Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy   ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Connection is both our greatest need and our greatest strength. But in a world where we are more wirelessly connected than ever, why do we feel so alone? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD speaks with Cara Truitt, entrepreneur, speaker coach, TEDx Sugar Creek Women founder, and community builder, about what it truly means to build authentic connection in a disconnected world. Cara opens up about losing everything in one week, filing for divorce on Monday, bankruptcy on Wednesday, and her sister passing away on Friday, and how walking into a yoga studio became the beginning of her healing journey. She shares how that community gave her the first deep breath she ever took and taught her what it felt like to be enough just as she was. From running that yoga studio through the pandemic to founding TEDx Sugar Creek Women and creating spaces where people can come as they are and leave as more of who they are, Cara has dedicated her life to cultivating connection. She introduces her STOP to Connect framework, a simple yet transformative tool for creating micro moments of intentional connection throughout the day by setting a silent intention, trusting yourself, having an open heart and mind, and preparing to be present. Cara also unpacks how perfectionism, which she calls "fancy fear," shows up in her life and why she has learned to practice awareness without judgment. She redefines success as choosing curiosity over fear, leaning into self trust and intuition, and building the art of showing up authentically instead of chasing external expectations. Episode Takeaways Why we live in the most connected world yet feel the most alone, and how the loneliness epidemic is a global health crisisThe STOP to Connect frameworkHow to create micro moments of intentional connection throughout your day without waiting for laterWhy perfectionism is "fancy fear" and how it held Cara back until she learned to practice awareness and compassionHow to redefine success by choosing curiosity over fear, trusting your intuition, and showing up authentically About Our Guest: Cara Truitt brings over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur, business owner, and community leader in Charlotte, NC. Named one of the Top 50 Women to KNOW in NC in 2024, her dynamic presence and skill in facilitating meaningful conversations make her a sought-after speaker and facilitator. Cara is the Founder & Executive Producer of TEDx Sugar Creek Women, Charlotte Chapter Host of Mic Drop Club, and Education Director of NAWBO Charlotte. Cara provides coaching to aspiring TEDx speakers and has a passion for amplifying women's ideas. Cara’s unique background across creative, corporate, non-profit, and wellness spaces has shaped her into a master collaborator and natural connector with diverse audiences, inspiring others through her story of resilience and her dedication to building inclusive, connected communities. Connect with Cara Truitt Visit her website: www.caratruitt.com Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caratruitt/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ TEDx Sugar Creek Women - https://www.tedxsugarcreekwomen.com/ 👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. P.S. Thank you for all your support! Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD is a WINNER at Doctor Podcast Awards -held at Podfest 2026 - the world’s largest in-person podcasting conference. 

Neurodivergence is not a limitation. It is a different way of seeing what no one else sees. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD speaks with Shaun Deardorff, PhD candidate in aerospace engineering, entrepreneur, and TEDx speaker, about turning obstacles into superpowers. Shaun opens up about his experiences with autism and ADHD, sharing how he was bullied throughout childhood and photoshopped out of his high school yearbook. Rather than let these challenges define him, Shaun reframed his neurodivergence as a unique strength, teaching himself skills from origami to skydiving to create deeper connections with others. He shares what it is like to live in a neurodivergent world where sensory input is overwhelming, hyper-focus is a gift, and details others miss become visible. As a serial entrepreneur who has started eight businesses by age 23, Shaun discusses his relationship with perfectionism and why failure is the pathway to success. He redefines success as showing up unapologetically as yourself, using your curiosity and creativity to create lasting impact, rather than chasing external validation. This conversation is a reminder that innovation happens when someone sees what no one else sees, and our differences are the ingredients that make the world more beautiful. Episode Takeaways How neurodivergent brains with autism and ADHD process the world differently through sensory overload, hyper-focus, and acute attention to detailWhy Shaun stopped fitting in so he could start standing out: embracing unique strengths instead of masking differencesHow perfectionism shows up for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and why "imperfectly perfect" and failing forward leads to successWhy success is not about external validation or fitting into boxes, but showing up unapologetically as yourselfHow to create more inclusive communities by understanding neurodivergent perspectives and breaking down stigma around autism and ADHD About Our Guest: Shaun Deardorff is the Founder/CEO of Airmage Media Productions, a worldwide drone and media production company, and a serial entrepreneur behind multiple other startups and ventures, including Chubby’s Chow, a sustainable dog food company. He is currently a PhD candidate in Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University, where his research focuses on origami-inspired deployable space structures. He has held aerospace engineering roles at SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and the FAA. Deardorff is a TEDx speaker and public activist, and has earned prestigious fellowships and awards, including the Miller Fellowship, Provost Doctoral Fellow, NC State's 2024 Leader of the Pack Finalist Award, the Eagle Scout Rank Award, Social Innovation Fellowship, and the John & Linda Leazar Entrepreneur Award, and soon aims to join NASA’s Artemis Astronaut Program. Connect with Shaun Deardorff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaundeardorffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaundeardorff/ Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Media Productions LinkTreeAMP Video Production YouTube PlaylistTEDx Talk: Turning Obstacles into Superpowers https://youtu.be/Hhy0qsEwxFU?si=0Ep_hXfXQdYfPLak  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. P.S. Thank you for all your support! Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD is a WINNER at Doctor Podcast Awards -held at Podfest 2026 - the world’s largest in-person podcasting conference. 

🎉 Celebrating One Year of Success Reimagined 🎉 Before diving into this week's episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir takes a moment to celebrate a major milestone: the first anniversary of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD! Regret is not a flaw. It is data, direction, and wisdom waiting to be unlocked. In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir explores the strategic power of regret based on Daniel Pink's groundbreaking research from The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. Drawing from the American Regret Project and the World Regret Survey, which surveyed over 23,000 people globally, Dr. Shabbir breaks down why 82% of us experience regret regularly and why that is not only normal but essential for growth. She reveals the four core regrets most humans carry: foundation regrets about responsibility and health, boldness regrets about missed opportunities, moral regrets about ethical compromises, and connection regrets about relationships that drifted. Dr. Shabbir then shares a powerful three step framework to transform regret into forward momentum: relive and relieve through self disclosure, practice self compassion instead of self criticism, and create self distancing to analyze and strategize. She also explores the intersection of perfectionism and regret, revealing how maladaptive perfectionism amplifies regret through rumination and self judgment, and offers anticipatory regret as a tool for healthier decision making moving forward. Episode Takeaways Why 82% of Americans experience regret regularly and why that makes us human, not flawedHow inaction regrets outnumber action regrets nearly two to one and widen with ageThe four core regrets: foundation, boldness, moral, and connection regrets and what they reveal about our valuesWhy regret is data, direction, and wisdom, not something to suppress or denyThe three step framework to harness regret: relive and relieve through self disclosure, self compassion, and self distancingWhy self compassion is not narcissism and includes mindfulness, shared humanity, and self kindnessThe intersection of perfectionism and regret: how maximizers report higher regret even with better outcomesHow anticipatory regret can guide healthier behaviors and proactive decision making 📕Book Referenced: The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel H. Pink - https://a.co/d/hbaOFJK  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose.

Being highly sensitive is not about being emotional or weak. It is about having a more active limbic system that processes the world more deeply, more intensely and more completely. In this eye opening conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir speaks with Dr. Amelia Kelley, trauma informed therapist, bestselling author and host of The Sensitivity Doctor podcast, about what it truly means to be a highly sensitive person. Dr. Kelley breaks down the neuroscience behind high sensitivity, debunking myths that HSPs are simply introverted or overly emotional, and explains how 30 percent of every species including humans are born with this genetic trait. She shares how highly sensitive people experience everything more intensely, from pain and sound to empathy and passion, and why this trait is essential for species survival. Dr. Kelley also opens up about how perfectionism shows up differently for HSPs, why deep empathy can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout, and how she reimagined success by learning to say no and bring her heart to her work instead of grinding through everything that came her way. Episode Takeaways Why high sensitivity is a neurobiological trait related to limbic system activity, not emotional weaknessHow HSPs process sensory input, pain and emotions more intensely than the general populationWhy boundaries are acts of compassion that protect your nervous system and allow deeper connectionHow perfectionism shows up for HSPs through environment curation and moral compass driven work choicesWhy highly sensitive people need two hours of unstructured alone time per day for nervous system regulationHow to differentiate high sensitivity from introversion, autism, ADHD and trauma responsesWhy HSPs make ferocious leaders because of their deep passion, empathy and driveHow to sustain performance and well being as a high achieving HSP through boundaries, rest and authentic connection About the guest Amelia Kelley, PhD, MS, LCMHC, ATR, CYT is a trauma-informed therapist, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and nationally recognized voice in nervous-system-based mental health care.. She specializes in ADHD, sensitivity, trauma recovery, and relational healing, blending neuroscience and therapeutic clarity with heart. She is the author of several books include Powered by ADHD, Gaslighting Recovery for Women, Surviving Suicidal Ideation: From Therapy to Spirituality and the Lived Experience, and What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship.  She is the host of The Sensitivity Doctor podcast, a PESI-approved international trainer, and founder of Kelley Counseling & Wellness. Her work has been featured in Psychology Today, ADDitude, NPR, The Chicago Tribune, Parade, and SiriusXM Doctor Radio. Her 2025 TED Talk on early mental health screening was selected as a TED Editor’s Pick. Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley  Highly Sensitive Person Quiz: https://youengage.me/p/68b2ead123f90b010000ac6d Website – https://www.ameliakelley.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelleyInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelley/YouTube – The Sensitivity Doctor – https://www.youtube.com/@drameliakelley  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. Content Note This episode discusses suicide. Please call or text 988 for support and care for yourself accordingly.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir speaks with David Esposito, healthcare executive, combat veteran and CEO of ONL Therapeutics, about what it truly means to lead with purpose in high growth, mission driven environments. David shares how his definition of leadership has evolved from rallying teams toward big goals to understanding the deeply personal side of helping individuals feel they matter. He opens up about a major failure early in his career when he failed to pivot quickly enough on a disinfectant technology that was not the right fit for the hospital market, and how that taught him the importance of courageous decision making and moving beyond the sunk cost fallacy. David redefines success through the lens of redemption, sharing how witnessing personal transformation in others and overcoming his own mistakes has become the true measure of meaningful achievement. From his mother's simple yet profound advice to keep your chin up, to building teams that thrive on belonging and mattering, this episode is a reminder that leadership is as much about the human side as it is about strategy and results. Episode Takeaways How to build high performance teams by helping individuals feel they matterWhy ego and sunk cost fallacy prevent leaders from making courageous pivot decisionsHow to redefine success through personal redemption and transformation instead of titlesWhy understanding the full human behind each team member drives sustainable leadershipThe leadership lesson that keeps you resilient through failure: keep your chin up About Our Guest: David Esposito is a seasoned healthcare executive and combat veteran who has built and scaled multiple healthcare companies that accelerated innovation to help patients across a wide range of unmet needs. David is currently the CEO of ONL Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company focused on developing therapeutics to protect the vision of patients with retinal disease. In addition to his leadership on the forward edge of healthcare innovation, David is a published author and creator of patented, award-winning conversation games designed to help parents and educators open the door to more effective communication with children and teenagers. David is a combat veteran having served as a US Army Infantry officer with the 101st Airborne Division in theFirst Gulf War during Operation Desert Shield & Storm (1990-1991). David has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from Syracuse University. Connect with David Esposito  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidesposito2/ ONL Therapeutics: www.onltherapeutics.com Harvest Time Partners: www.harvesttimepartners.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HarvestTimePartners  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. P.S. Thank you for all your support! Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD is a WINNER at Doctor Podcast Awards -held at Podfest 2026 - the world’s largest in-person podcasting conference. 

In this episode Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning, to explore how microlearning, presence, and human connection can fundamentally transform the way we learn, work, and define success. Dr. Anderson shares insights from over 25 years in adult learning, safety culture, and instructional design, including her TEDx talk on microlearning and presence. Together, they unpack why modern education often fails adults, how perfectionism and overwhelm interfere with learning, and why connection, to self and others, is the missing ingredient in both education and leadership. From truck drivers and frontline workers to high-achieving professionals, this conversation reframes learning as a deeply human experience rooted in attention, community, and compassion. Dr.Anderson also shares her personal philosophy on success, explaining why love, meaning, and presence matter more than titles or achievements. Episode Takeaways- Why microlearning is not about short content, but meaningful connection- How presence and learner-to-self awareness improve retention and wellbeing- The hidden cost of content overload, perfectionism, and constant distraction- What adult education gets wrong, and how learner-first models change lives- A new definition of success grounded in love, learning, and human connection About Our Guest:Dr. Gina Anderson is a leading expert in the science of adult learning and the CEO/Co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning. Under her leadership, Luma has earned a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for three consecutive years (2023–2025). With over 25 years of experience, she has revolutionized training in high-stakes industries like logistics and transportation by using measurable, psychology-based techniques to improve safety and retention. A former Division I Academic All-American athlete and coach, Dr. Anderson brings a "champion’s mindset" to her work. She specializes in instructional systems technology and learning science. Beyond the boardroom, she is a prolific creator, hosting the I Love Learning and On the Front Line podcasts, and contributing regularly to Inc. Magazine. Her latest work focuses on the "loneliness epidemic" and how intentional, small moments of learning can restore human connection. Read Dr. Gina’s Book- 📖 Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite a New Way Forward https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-How-Learning-Ignite-Forward/dp/B0DSG3F542 - Watch Her TEDx Talk🎥 “The Power of Being Present” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8r0b5QTZrE Connect with Dr. Gina:Website: https://www.learningwithgina.com/ Company: https://lumabrighterlearning.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gina-anderson-luma Podcast: https://www.learningwithgina.com/podcast/ 👩‍⚕️ About the HostDr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness. Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. P.S. Thank you for all your support! Thanks to you, Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD is a WINNER at Doctor Podcast Awards being held at Podfest 2026 - the world’s largest in-person podcasting conference. 

This episode is a conversation from a live event hosted by Dr. Amna Shabbir  and special guest Jennifer Wallace, New York Times bestselling author of Never Enough, to explore the science of Mattering and why it is a fundamental human need. Drawing from her upcoming book, Jennifer explains how mattering goes beyond belonging, shaping our sense of value, purpose, resilience, and mental health, particularly for high-achieving women. The conversation unpacks the hidden cost of “mattering too much,” where over-reliance without reciprocity leads to burnout, and introduces practical frameworks for restoring balance. Through research, real-world stories, and tangible practices, this episode offers a powerful reframe on achievement, connection, and wellbeing, reminding listeners that true fulfillment is built through feeling seen, valued, and able to add value to others. Episode Takeaways Mattering is a core human need, not a “nice to have.”Belonging is not the same as mattering.High-achieving women often struggle with “mattering too much.”Small moments create the deepest sense of mattering.Reclaiming mattering restores joy, resilience, and purpose. About Our Guest: Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and the author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It. For the past seven years, she has been deeply immersed in the science of mattering and how it shapes our well-being, protects against burnout, and strengthens connection at every stage of life. Her forthcoming book, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose (Penguin Random House, Jan. 2026), explores how to build lives rooted in intrinsic worth rather than performance. Jennifer speaks nationally on mental health, achievement culture, and how we can create systems—and lives—where people know they matter. 🔥🔥Get Your Copy of Jennifer’s NEW Book🔥🔥 MATTERING: The Secret to a Life of  Deep Connection and Purpose https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/mattering-the-book Connect with Jennifer Wallace Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbrehenywallace/Episode mentioned: Ep 6. Jennifer B. Wallace on "Never Enough": The Hidden Dangers of Achievement Culture - Unmasking Perfectionism Series: https://dramnashabbir.transistor.fm/episodes/ep-6-jennifer-b-wallace-on-never-enough-the-hidden-dangers-of-achievement-culture Watch Jennifer’s TED Talk: Why We Need to Know Our Lives Matter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxpONecbsZQ 👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. P.S. Thank you for all your support! Thanks to you, Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD is Finalist for Doctor Podcast Awards being held at Podfest 2026 - the world’s largest in-person podcasting conference. 

In this episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Mr. Ahmet Bozer, former President of The Coca-Cola Company International, for a grounded conversation on leadership, identity, and redefining success beyond titles and performance. Drawing on more than three decades of global executive experience, Ahmet reflects on cross-cultural leadership, major career transitions, and what it truly means to grow when external validation falls away. The discussion explores perfectionism, resilience, and why meaningful personal and professional growth requires inner work rather than quick fixes. Ahmet also shares insights from his newly published book, Soulgery. Episode Takeaways Leading across cultures and integrating multiple worldviewsManaging perfectionism without abandoning high standardsReframing failure, rejection, and successGrowth as a lifelong process of becoming more capable, impactful, and resilientWhy meaningful healing and transformation cannot be rushed About Our Guest Mr. Ahmet Bozer is a renowned global leadership thought leader and former President of Coca-Cola International, dedicated to supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth journey.   Following his distinguished career spanning over 30 years and drawing on his global business leadership experience, he developed an innovative, actionable model to unlock human potential. In September 2025, he will release his groundbreaking book, Soulgery, which introduces this model—a dynamic way of thinking about oneself and life to accelerate growth as a natural consequence of lived experiences. This transformative work helps readers harness their strengths, navigate challenges, and create a future rooted in purpose and meaning. Previously, over a 25-year tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, Ahmet held numerous strategic leadership roles. Most recently, he served as the President of Coca-Cola International, overseeing operations in more than 200 countries outside North America, with retail revenues of approximately $80 billion. Prior to this, he was responsible for key markets such as India, Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Türkiye, the Middle East, and Africa. Connect with Mr. Ahmet Bozer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmetbozerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookofsoulgeryBuy his book Soulgery: www.soulgery.com  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and Dual Board-Certified Physician with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Modern Perfectionism, Behavior change, and the Well-being of High achievers. Her passion lies in helping high performers curate no-BS sustainable well-being at the intersection of ambition and wellness.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose.

In this episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD speaks with Greg Singleton, TEDx speaker, author, coach, and generational strategist, about why communication breaks down across generations, and what leaders can do differently. Greg shares how ego, assumptions, and outdated expectations undermine workplace culture, and why one-size-fits-all leadership no longer works. He also opens up about his personal journey through perfectionism, social comparison, and redefining success, offering insight into how identity and generational conditioning shape how we show up at work and in life. Episode Takeaways Why the biggest workplace communication gaps happen between Boomers and Gen ZWhat “role hopping” really means — and why Gen Z values itHow Gen Z operate in “pods”Why different generations require different feedback, structure, and communication stylesHow perfectionism impacts intergenerational and team communication dynamicsHow to use intergenerational communication to build resilient teams About Our Guest Greg Singleton is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, coach, and generational strategist who helps leaders and organizations bridge communication gaps across generations. With over 20 years of experience in technology and leadership, including roles as a Director of IT and solution architect for Fortune 500 clients, Greg’s work took a pivotal turn after a personal reckoning with perfectionism and identity reshaped his definition of success. Today, he combines business strategy with empathy-driven leadership, is a Brainz Magazine Global Top 500 award recipient, a certified NAMI peer-to-peer leader, and a consultant with the GenShift™ learning platform. He is best known for his TEDx talk “Unlocking Generational Communication” and the R.A.M.P. Method, a framework designed to help teams lead, connect, and communicate more effectively. Connect with Greg Singleton • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csbcoaching  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-singleton-1288057b • Website: https://csbcoaching.com • Watch his TEDx Talk: Unlocking Generational Communication - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrSc-f9QKro  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s  ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What does meaningful employee wellness actually look like in today’s busy, high-demand workplaces? In this episode of Amna is joined by Pantea Dugani, co-founder and managing director of Excel Body Fitness, a woman-owned corporate wellness company based in Cary, North Carolina. Pantea shares how her journey began with a traditional fitness studio—and evolved into a mission-driven corporate wellness model that meets employees where they are. Together, Amna and Pantea unpack why many workplace wellness initiatives fail, how “checkbox wellness” can unintentionally harm employees, and what leaders must do to create sustainable, human-centered wellness cultures. The conversation also moves beyond business strategy into lived experience, as Pantea opens up about motherhood, cultural perfectionism, health consequences of “doing it all,” and how she has redefined success over time. This episode is essential listening for leaders, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, and high achievers who want wellness efforts that truly work—without adding more pressure. 🔑 Episode Takeaways Why most workplace wellness programs fail—and how to design ones employees actually useThe difference between performative wellness and genuine culture changeWhy consistency and accessibility matter more than flashy wellness offeringsHow chair massages, therapy dogs, and nutrition demos can outperform fitness classesHow corporate buy-in directly impacts employee trust and engagementWhy wellness should reduce stress—not become another metric to meetThe role of social connection and in-person touchpoints in combating workplace lonelinessPantea’s honest reflections on perfectionism, cultural pressure, and health consequencesAbout Our Guest  Pantea Dougani is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Excel Body Fitness, a woman-owned wellness company based in Cary, North Carolina. With a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and more than 14 years of leadership experience in the wellness industry, Pantea brings a rare blend of analytical thinking, entrepreneurial vision, and heart-centered leadership to everything she builds. She launched Excel Body Fitness with a mission to create a welcoming, judgment-free space for people who often feel overlooked, intimidated, or disconnected in traditional gym environments. Her approach centers on community, belonging, and making wellness accessible for every body, regardless of age, background, or fitness level. Under her leadership, Excel has expanded far beyond a fitness studio. Today, the organization provides group fitness classes, nutrition counseling, personal training, and corporate wellness programs, supporting individuals, teams, and companies in integrating health and balance into their daily lives. Pantea works closely with HR leaders, executives, and workplace wellness champions to design practical, evidence-based solutions that help employees stay healthy, energetic, and engaged, both inside and outside the office. Known for her empathy, operational clarity, and deep commitment to people, Pantea continues to bring innovation and compassion to the wellness landscape. She is passionate about empowering communities, elevating wellbeing in workplaces, and helping individuals reconnect with their physical and emotional health in meaningful, sustainable ways. Connect with Pantea / Excel Body Fitness 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pantea-dougani/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excelbodyfitness/🌐 Excel Body Fitness:  https://excelbodyfitness.com/ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s  ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

In this episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with branding expert and community leader Wendy Coulter to explore what three decades of entrepreneurship have taught her about authentic branding, culture-driven leadership, and redefining success through every season of life. Wendy shares the biggest branding mistakes she sees, the story behind building a 30-year creative agency, and why championing women in business has become her life’s mission. Episode Takeaways Why do most businesses stay stuck in place by doing more marketing instead of better strategy?The one branding mistake Wendy sees almost every company make—and how to fix it fast.How the “voice of the customer” can transform your entire brand direction.Why founders must slow down to think deeply if they want their business to grow meaningfully.How culture and core values became Wendy’s unexpected secret to longevity and team fulfillment.  About Our Guest Wendy Coulter is a branding expert, creative strategist, and passionate advocate for women in business. She is the Founder and CEO of Hummingbird Creative Group, an award-winning branding agency known for helping companies—from healthcare and professional services to manufacturing and tech—build strategic, authentic, and unforgettable brands that drive revenue and lasting impact. For more than 30 years, Wendy has guided organizations through the full branding lifecycle, including brand strategy, positioning, messaging, design, and long-term brand management. Her work blends research, creativity, and business strategy, helping leaders clarify their vision, elevate their voice, and confidently differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Wendy is also the Founder and Chair of the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to honoring trailblazing women who have made significant, lasting contributions to entrepreneurship across the state. Through this work, she champions the visibility, leadership, and legacy of women business owners—past, present, and future. A gifted storyteller with a sharp strategic lens, Wendy brings insight, mentorship, and purpose to every stage she steps onto. Her expertise has made her a sought-after speaker, advisor, and partner for leaders aiming to build brands rooted in clarity, integrity, and bold creative expression. When she’s not building brands or celebrating women in business, Wendy can be found supporting community initiatives, mentoring entrepreneurs, and pouring into the next generation of creative and business leaders. Connect with Wendy:Visit Humming Bird website: https://hummingbird-creative.com/Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hummingbird/Follow here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_creative_group/North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall: https://ncwbohalloffame.org/ 👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified physician and TEDx speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches and consults on modern perfectionism, sustainable success and the well-being of high achievers. She helps high achievers who feel stretched thin reconnect their mind and body so they can create success that doesn’t cost their health and well-being. Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose

How do small, intentional actions transform your leadership, communication, and confidence in medicine and beyond? In this episode, Dr. Resa E. Lewiss, physician, author, TEDMED speaker, and host of The Visible Voices Podcast—breaks down the power of microskills: simple, actionable strategies that help you navigate conflict, set boundaries, build trust, and reclaim your agency at work.  Dr. Lewiss shares how to build a personal board of directors, why every high-achiever needs a “failure friend,” and how to confidently move through career transitions with clarity instead of fear. She also opens up about rejection, resilience, and the realities behind writing her book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact. If you're a clinician, leader, or ambitious professional looking to bring your best self to work without burnout, this conversation offers practical tools you can use immediately. Episode Takeaways What microskills are and how small, repeatable actions create rapid improvement in leadership, communication, and confidence.How building a personal board of directors strengthens decision-making, career clarity, and professional growth.Why a “failure friend” is essential for emotional resilience, burnout prevention, and navigating high-stress work environments.What boundaries, conflict navigation, and self-advocacy look like in medicine—and how they help you reclaim agency.How redefining success from within leads to healthier mindset, work–life balance, and long-term career fulfillment. About Our Guest Dr. Resa E. Lewiss is an emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, adjunct professor at Brown University, TEDMED speaker, healthcare designer, and award-winning educator, mentor, and point-of-care ultrasound specialist. She has authored over 125 peer-reviewed publications and is co-author of the award-winning business book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact (HarperCollins, 2024). Dr. Lewiss is also the creator and host of The Visible Voices Podcast, and the Academic Emergency Medicine Education & Training podcast. Connect with Dr. Resa E. Lewiss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resaelewissmd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resaelewissmd/ The Visible Voices Podcast: https://www.thevisiblevoicespodcast.com/ Book – MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact: https://a.co/d/2qbe3gT 👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified physician and TEDx speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success and the well-being of high achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose.

Anxiety is not a flaw in high achievers. It is often a signal that the way we pursue success needs to be reimagined. In this powerful and deeply insightful conversation, psychiatrist and author Dr. Dimitrios Tsatiris joins Dr. Amna Shabbir to break down what anxiety truly is, why it affects high achievers so intensely and how the five habits of ambition silently fuel overwhelm, guilt, comparison and self neglect. From difficulty saying no and toxic self reliance to social comparison, lack of presence and tying self worth to achievement, Dr. Tsatiris explains how these patterns form and shares practical strategies to break the cycle. He also explores perfectionism, hedonic adaptation, hosting anxiety, physician burnout and what it means to redefine success in a way that protects mental health and strengthens relationships. If you have ever felt guilty setting boundaries, struggled to ask for help or lived on the treadmill of accomplishment, this episode offers clarity, compassion and a roadmap for healthier and more sustainable achievement. Episode Takeaways Why anxiety is a normal human response and not a personal flawThe three components of anxiety and how they show up in daily lifeHow guilt fuels burnout and prevents high achievers from saying noWhy self reliance becomes toxic and increases overwhelmHow social comparison distorts reality and damages self confidenceWhy presence is challenging for ambitious individualsHedonic adaptation and why the high of achievement fades quicklyHow perfectionism creates suffering for us and those we loveWhat it means to redefine success through relationships and wellbeingAbout Our Guest Dimitrios Tsatiris, MD is a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in the intersection of mental health and achievement. His Psychology Today column titled Anxiety in High Achievers has been read more than 850,000 times. His work in physician wellness has supported hundreds of clinicians across the country. He is the author of Physician Burnout: How to Rise Above a Broken Healthcare System as a Practicing Clinician and the speaker behind the TEDx talk “Why Success Will Not Make You Happy”. Through his clinical work, writing and speaking, he is committed to helping people build a healthy and fulfilling relationship with achievement. Connect with Dr. Dimitrios🌐 Website: https://dimitriostsatiris.com/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdimitrios/ 🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/DrDimitrios🎥 TEDx Talk: Why Success Will Not Make You Happy - https://www.ted.com/talks/dimitrios_tsatiris_why_success_won_t_make_you_happy 📘 Book: Physician Burnout How to Rise Above a Broken Healthcare System as a Practicing Clinician - https://www.routledge.com/Physician-Burnout-How-to-Rise-Above-a-Broken-Healthcare-System-as-a-Practicing-Clinician/Tsatiris/p/book/9781032722405  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified physician and TEDx speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success and the well-being of high achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. ⚠️ Content Note This episode includes discussion of anxiety, perfectionism, physician burnout and the emotional impact of chronic stress.

So many of the hardest moments in a woman’s life happen quietly, privately, and without anyone ever knowing. What if sharing those truths could bring us closer and help us heal? In this emotional and honest episode, Dr. Rebecca Thompson joins us to explore the invisible struggles women carry and why telling our stories matters more than ever. Her debut book Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love weaves her personal journey with the experiences of twenty one women to reveal what really happens in the spaces between joy, grief, identity and family. We explore the power of honest storytelling, the courage it takes to speak difficult truths, and the profound healing that comes from connection. Dr. Thompson also shares why humility and curiosity create deeper compassion, and how we can make room for pain that cannot be fixed instantly. This conversation will move you, open your heart, and remind you that you are never alone in the chapters you are still learning how to live. Episode Takeaways How Held Together reveals the hidden struggles of family life, motherhood and identityWhy humility and curiosity make us more compassionate with ourselves and each otherWhat it means to live through uncertainty and allow space for emotions that cannot be resolved quicklyWhy we cannot hack our way into healing and why healing requires time and honestyHow shared stories reduce perfectionism and strengthen communityThe meaningful threads that connect women’s experiences even when the details look different About Our Guest Rebecca N. Thompson, MD, is a family medicine and public health physician from Portland, Oregon, who specializes in women’s and children’s health—and the author of Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love. In this innovative new book, Dr. Thompson intertwines her personal story of life-threatening pregnancy complications with the stories of twenty-one of her patients, friends, and medical colleagues. Through profoundly honest and emotionally raw accounts, Held Together creates a space for connection, offering comfort and awareness to anyone touched by their own or others’ challenges in building or sustaining families—and celebrating the resilience of women as they navigate the complexities of motherhood, family dynamics, and health and healing across generations. At its heart, Held Together finds strength in imperfection and aims to expand the understanding of motherhood’s true diversity, while advocating for empathy, inclusion, and improved support for all families. Connect with Dr Rebecca Thompson- Please visit Dr. Thompson's website, where you can explore in-person gathering opportunities and recorded media, find reviews and endorsements, read the full introduction and other excerpts from Held Together, and get in touch if you'd like to talk about ideas for collaboration: www.rebeccanthompson.com - Purchase a copy of Held Together with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Postpartum Support International and their work in maternal and family mental health: From Bookshop.org From Amazon -Purchase a signed copy of Held Together for shipping anywhere in the US (please specify SIGNED on checkout page notes): From indie bookstore Annie Bloom's ✨SPECIAL END OF YEAR FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP WITH DR. SHABBIR https://www.dramnashabbir.com/2025  Close 2025 Strong. Launch 2026 with Confidence Dedicated 2hrs of workshopping & coaching to help you wrap up this year with radical clarity. December 11th -12- 2 pm ET -Virtual -Replays available -Limited slots ✅Free Registration Here: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/2025  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified physician and TEDx speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success and the well-being of high achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. ⚠️ Content NoticeThis episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, miscarriages and other mental health themes.

If your self-care has felt like an afterthought this year, this episode will show you why, and how, to change that. In this honest solo episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir shares the six self-care decisions that transformed her mental health, physical wellbeing and clarity in 2025. These are not the usual “spa day” strategies. They are the hard, uncomfortable choices high achievers often avoid: saying no to incredible opportunities, stepping away from roles that cause moral injury, investing in real accountability for health, protecting your energy online, creating space for reflection and developing radical clarity about your goals. Dr. Shabbir walks through the personal stories behind each decision, why they were necessary, how they challenged her identity as a high achiever and how these practices can help you reduce burnout, make aligned decisions and build sustainable wellbeing. If you're craving boundaries, clearer priorities, more ease and a healthier relationship with success, this episode is a roadmap. Episode Takeaways Saying no protects your time, energy and long-term wellbeing even when the opportunity is good.Leaving roles that no longer align prevents moral distress and keeps you connected to your values.Having accountability for your health creates consistency and makes sustainable habits possible.Being intentional with social media helps protect your mindset, focus and emotional clarity.Making space for reflection slows life down and helps you make grounded decisions.Getting radical clarity on your goals reduces overwhelm and keeps you aligned with what truly matters. ✨SPECIAL END OF YEAR FREE VIRTUAL OFFERS BY DR. SHABBIR OFFER 1: Special Event with Jennifer B Wallace https://www.dramnashabbir.com/mattering  Mattering Too Much: How High-Achieving Women Can Reclaim Joy This Holiday Season Dec 1st - 6 pm ET - Virtual - FREE Registration - Replays Available A rare opportunity to engage directly with Jennifer B. Wallace New York Times bestselling author · Award-winning journalist · Former CBS 60 Minutes producer · Co-Founder, The Mattering Movement ✅Free Registration Here: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/mattering OFFER 2: End of Year Workshop https://www.dramnashabbir.com/2025  Close 2025 Strong. Launch 2026 with Confidence Dedicated 2hrs of workshopping & coaching to help you wrap up this year with radical clarity. December 11th -12- 2 pm ET -Virtual -Replays available -Limited slots ✅Free Registration Here: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/2025  👩‍⚕️ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified physician and TEDx speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success and the well-being of high achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose.

What happens when you give people a chance? Our guests this week are the remarkable mother–daughter team Gabi and Mary Angelini, founders of Gabi’s Powered by Special Abilities, a nonprofit redefining employment, dignity, and purpose for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gabi, who has Down syndrome, spent years applying for jobs — dressing up, practicing interview answers, and doing everything she was told to do — yet employer after employer told her “no.” One smoothie shop even gave her a full tour… only to later reject her without ever letting her try the job. After that heartbreaking moment, Mary made a decision that would change hundreds of lives: If the world wouldn’t hire Gabi, they would build their own company. From that fire came Gabi’s Grounds, a coffee brand now sold in multiple grocery chains across North Carolina. When the pandemic shut down coffee events, they pivoted again and launched Gabi’s PALS — a thriving packaging, assembly, labeling, and shipping enterprise now employing over 50 adults with special abilities. Their model proves what the world often overlooks: 🎯 Ability is not defined by disability. 🎯 People just need a chance. 🎯 When included, they excel — with precision, joy, and pride. Gabi now speaks on national stages, including TEDx and The Kelly Clarkson Show, inspiring others to embrace their superpower. This conversation is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the extraordinary things that happen when someone refuses to let society limit their child — or anyone else’s. 🌟 This Episode is the Final Installment of our November series on The Power of Giving Episode Takeaways: ✨ The real story behind hundreds of rejections — and the “last straw” that changed everything ✨ How Gabi turned a lifetime of “no” into a thriving nonprofit employing over 50 adults ✨ Why adults with special needs lose support after high school — and what needs to change ✨ The hidden gift: how neurodivergent employees deliver impeccable quality and consistency ✨ How inclusive workplaces unlock confidence, independence, and community ✨ Zion’s story: from warehouse worker to cybersecurity graduate — all from being given a chance ✨ Gabi’s fearless TEDx journey and her superpower of kindness ✨ What success looks like now: dreams of “Gabi’s Village,” expansion, and nationwide opportunity ✨ How YOU can help create meaningful employment for adults with special abilities About Our Guests — Mary & Gabi Angelini Gabi Angelini is a TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, coffee founder, disability advocate, and champion of kindness. Born with Down syndrome, she transformed a world that kept telling her “no” by building something bigger than herself. Mary Angelini, her mother and co-founder, is the powerhouse who turned heartbreak into a movement. As the visionary behind Gabi’s Powered by Special Abilities, she has created dignified, meaningful jobs for over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mary is a national advocate, speaker, and inclusive employment leader. Together, they run Gabi’s Grounds (coffee) and Gabi’s PALS (packaging, assembly, labeling, shipping) — proving that ability is everywhere when doors are opened. Connect with Gabi & Mary 🌐 Website: https://poweredbygabis.org/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabisraleigh 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabi-angelini-359bb5239 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-angelini/📹 Watch Gabi’s TEDx Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m78DQLocD5A About the Host - Dr. Amna Shabbir Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the Well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/speaking 🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir’s TEDx Talk: Perfectionism Has a Solution – It’s Not What You Think https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s SPECIAL END OF YEAR OFFER: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/mattering Mattering Too Much: How High-Achieving Women Can Reclaim Joy This Holiday Season Dec 1st - 6 pm ET - Virtual - FREE Registration - Replays Available A rare opportunity to engage directly with Jennifer B. Wallace New York Times bestselling author · Award-winning journalist · Former CBS 60 Minutes producer · Co-Founder, The Mattering Movement ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Three-time cancer survivor Kim Downey turned heartbreak into advocacy. When her physician took his own life, she founded Stand Up for Doctors - a global movement amplifying the stories, struggles, and humanity of healthcare workers. In this deeply moving conversation, Kim shares how personal tragedy became a call to action, why caring for doctors is caring for patients, and how her work - including the influential book White Coats, Courageous Hearts is helping clinicians and patients alike see medicine through a more compassionate lens. This episode reminds us that behind every white coat is a courageous heart — and that giving back can begin with simply listening. This episode is part of a special November series on the Power of Giving. Episode Takeaways How surviving cancer three times led Kim to create Stand Up for DoctorsThe heartbreaking moment that sparked her mission to advocate for physician mental healthWhy physician well-being is patient well-being — and how advocacy can save livesThe unseen grief when a patient loses their doctor and the ripple effect of clinician suicideHow storytelling humanizes healthcare and helps doctors reclaim their identityThe making of White Coats, Courageous Hearts — a collection giving voice to the healersKim’s reflections on moral injury, perfectionism, and redefining success after lossWhy giving — time, compassion, or advocacy — can transform both patients and cliniciansAbout Our Guest — Kim DowneyKim Downey is the founder of Stand Up for Doctors, a movement dedicated to supporting physician and clinician well-being through advocacy, storytelling, and reform. A three-time cancer survivor, physical therapist, and physician-advocate, Kim has become a trusted voice in healthcare advocacy. She is the creator and lead editor of White Coats, Courageous Hearts: True Stories of Doctors, a book humanizing medicine through the voices of those who live it. Kim also serves as an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, helping carry forward its mission to protect the mental health of healthcare workers. Her work continues to build bridges between patients and physicians — reminding us that healing the healers heals us all. Connect with Kim Downey 🌐 Website: https://www.standupfordoctors.org/ ▶️ YouTube: Stand Up for Doctors: https://www.youtube.com/@StandUpforDoctors 📰 Substack: https://standupfordoctors.substack.com/ 📖 Book: White Coats, Courageous Hearts – available wherever books are sold: https://a.co/d/bpCu6cf 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-downey-a9307b72/  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the Well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/speaking 🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/ 📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir’s TEDx Talk: Perfectionism Has a Solution – It’s Not What You Think https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s SPECIAL END OF YEAR OFFER: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/mattering Mattering Too Much: How High-Achieving Women Can Reclaim Joy This Holiday Season Dec 1st - 6 pm ET - Virtual - FREE Registration - Replays AvailableA rare opportunity to engage directly with Jennifer B. WallaceNew York Times bestselling author · Award-winning journalist · Former CBS 60 Minutes producer · Co-Founder, The Mattering Movement ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message. Content Note This episode includes discussion of physician suicide, burnout, moral injury, and patient grief. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 for confidential support.

Richard Averitte calls himself a “career volunteer.” Today, he leads as Executive Director for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Central & Eastern North Carolina—bringing decades of hands-on service to research, advocacy, and patient support. In this powerful conversation, Richard shares his personal “why,” the realities of rebuilding post-pandemic volunteer programs, how Hope Lodge changes lives, and why cancer screening must become a habit—especially for men and younger adults.This episode is part of a special November series on the Power of Giving. Episode Takeaways:-Why volunteer roots create resilient nonprofit leaders—and how “time, talent, treasure” makes impact tangible-ACS’s three pillars in action: research, patient support (Hope Lodge, 1-800-227-2345), and advocacy-The purgatory of disparities: rural access, Black/Latine mortality gaps, and making screening equitable-Hope Lodge (Greenville, NC): a home-away-from-home that eases financial, emotional, and caregiver burden-Rebuilding Road to Recovery and other volunteer programs after COVID-“Be like water”: adapt to the environment; cancer doesn’t pause—neither can we-Practical ways to help: get screened, volunteer, donate, and share ACS’s 24/7 helpline About Our Guest — Richard AveritteRichard Averitte is the Executive Director for the American Cancer Society in Central & Eastern North Carolina. A lifelong volunteer turned nonprofit leader, Richard has served across ACS roles—from board service and Relay For Life training to regional advocacy—always with hands in the work. Anchored by his mother’s breast cancer journey, his leadership centers on equity in screening and care, rebuilding community programs, and stewarding donor trust so that 81¢ of every dollar advances ACS’s mission. Connect with Richard / American Cancer Society💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardaveritte/🌐 Learn & Give: https://www.cancer.org/📞 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-227-2345🏠 Hope Lodge (Greenville, NC): Find the Greenville location via Programs & Services → Lodging at cancer.org🚗 Volunteer (Road to Recovery, events, more): See Get Involved at cancer.orgAbout the HostDr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s  ❌ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message. Content NoteThis episode includes discussion of cancer, screening, caregiver strain, health disparities, and post-pandemic rebuilding.

Pete Proimos isn’t just surviving cystic fibrosis — he’s redefining what it means to live and give. Diagnosed at birth with a condition that once carried a life expectancy of only 18 years, Pete turned heartbreak into a mission of hope. As founder and president of the Filotimo Foundation, he’s ensuring that individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis never have to choose between medication and basic needs. In this deeply personal and moving conversation, Pete shares how decades of uncertainty, fear, and resilience led him to build something rooted in love, compassion, and community. From hiding his diagnosis for 38 years to stepping onto the TEDx stage with “Find the Thing That Breaks Your Heart and Refuse to Look Away,” Pete embodies what it means to turn pain into purpose — and to leave a legacy that outlives you. This episode is part of a special November 2025 series on the Power of Giving. Episode Takeaways How cystic fibrosis shaped Pete’s early life and outlook on mortalityThe life-changing new therapy that brought hope — and new challengesWhy some CF patients must choose between treatment and financial survivalThe founding of the Filotimo Foundation and its mission of “no one left behind”Mental health, masculinity, and the courage to speak your truth after decades of silenceHow the Greek value of filotimo became a philosophy of service, generosity, and joyWhat it means to build something that outlives you — a legacy rooted in compassionAbout Our Guest — Pete Proimos Pete Proimos is the founder and president of the Filotimo Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis. Diagnosed with CF at birth, Pete has turned his lived experience into a lifelong mission to ensure no patient has to choose between medication and life. His TEDx talk, “Find the Thing That Breaks Your Heart and Refuse to Look Away,” has inspired audiences to act with empathy, generosity, and purpose. Pete lives in North Carolina with his wife and children, whose love fuels his vision to create a foundation that will continue long after him. Connect with Pete 🌐 Website: https://filotimofoundation.org/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filotimo_foundation/ 🎥 Watch Pete’s TEDx Talk: Find the Thing That Breaks Your Heart and Refuse to Look Away (on YouTube)https://youtu.be/Rx1Vb_kie5s?si=3ZazjOfeb4yest6F💼 Support the Lung Run: https://filotimofoundation.org/lung-run-2025/  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified physician and TEDx speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers. Outside of her work, she cherishes her most important title, Super Mom, to two young girls.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message of resilience and purpose. Content Note This episode includes a discussion of chronic illness, infertility, depression, and financial hardship related to medical care.

Akifa Khattak was not just one of the Miss Universe Pakistan finalists - she’s also a healthcare attorney, biotech entrepreneur, and women’s health advocate on a mission to change how we diagnose and treat endometriosis. In this powerful conversation, Akifa shares how a rare, life-altering health journey led her to co-found Her Health AI, a FemTech company pioneering non-invasive endometriosis diagnostics and surgical lesion mapping. She opens up about cultural taboos around pelvic health, the unseen financial and family costs of chronic illness, and why pageantry became an unexpected but transformative platform to bridge East and West. This episode is about turning pain into purpose, breaking silence around women’s health, and redefining success as “contentment of the soul.” Episode Takeaways: Why endometriosis remains one of the most painful yet underdiagnosed diseases worldwideHow Akifa turned her personal health battle into Her Health AI The role of family, male allyship, and cultural attitudes in women’s health journeysWhy pelvic health conversations matter — intimacy, identity, and everyday lifeHow pageantry became a global platform for advocacy, representation, and bridging culturesPerfectionism, resilience, and Akifa’s take on failing forwardWhat it means to reimagine success through legacy, balance, and contentmentAbout Our Guest — Akifa Khattak, JD, MHA, MS Biotech Akifa Khattak is a healthcare attorney and biotech entrepreneur. With advanced degrees from Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard, she has worked at the intersection of law, biotech, and health policy — including women’s health reimbursement initiatives with the White House. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and undergoing multiple surgeries, she co-founded Her Health AI to create a non-invasive diagnostic and lesion-mapping tool for the millions of women worldwide affected by this disease. Akifa is also the founder of Codiva, a holistic women’s health supplement brand, and an advocate for bridging East and West through pageantry, creativity, and global representation. Connect with Akifa: 🌐 Website: https://herhealthai.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akifa-khattak-jd-mha-ms-biotech-558a041b/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akifakhattak/ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s  ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.Content Note This episode includes discussion of chronic pain, fertility, surgeries, and women’s reproductive health challenges.

In this Bonus Solo Episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir has a special announcement! Finally Live - TEDx talk:  Perfectionism has a solution. It's not what you think. Please watch the 10:31-minute TEDx talk - intended for everyone, perfectionist or not. It will help you understand so much of what you or your loved ones might be experiencing. Please like the TEDx Talk, and in the comments section, please share what came up for you as you listened. Send this Dr. Shabbir's TEDx talk to your friends, family, peer and beyond. This is intended for everyone About the HostDr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s

Friendship Is Medicine In this solo episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD, I open up about the friends who carried me through the hardest chapters—burnout, moral injury, postpartum depression, and even the days leading up to my TEDx talk when I felt overwhelmed and full of doubt. We live in what the U.S. Surgeon General has called a loneliness epidemic, and research confirms that loneliness is more than emotional pain—it’s a public health issue. But friendships aren’t just a comfort. They are biological, emotional, and performance enhancers that literally rewire our brains and bodies. This episode is dedicated to the power of friendship: why it’s essential, what it does to our nervous systems, and how you can start treating it as non-negotiable in your well-being and success strategy. Episode Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll learn: Why the loneliness epidemic is one of today’s biggest health threats.How friendship reduces stress, lowers inflammation, and boosts happiness.The neuroscience of connection: oxytocin, dopamine, mirror neurons, and cortisol.Why friendships fuel performance by unlocking focus, creativity, and resilience.Three steps to making friendships an intentional practice: prioritize, be intentional, go deep.About the Host Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, and Master Certified Professional Coach with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, Behavior Change, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of high achievers. Dr. Shabbir is the Founder & CEO of Success Curated and host of Success Reimagined, a top global podcast exploring the crossroads of ambition and wellness. Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram💼 LinkedIn🌍 Book Her to Speak🌐 No Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/  ❌ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Before you close this app, text a friend you’ve been meaning to reach out to.

Living Adventurously: Courage, Awe, and the Pilot Mindset In this powerful episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD, I sit down with Shiraz Dalal, a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and global explorer whose adventures span all seven continents and all 50 U.S. states. From flying Boeing 767s to climbing Kilimanjaro, wing walking, free diving, and even swimming with great white sharks without a cage—Shiraz’s life is more than adrenaline. It’s about choosing courage, embracing the unknown, and finding humility in awe-filled moments. We explore what fear really means, how to rewire our relationship with discomfort, and why a simple aviation mantra—Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.—can help high achievers silence the noise and move with clarity. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn: Why fear often equals lack of knowledge—and how to replace fear with skill-building.How “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate” applies to life, not just flying.The surprising peace behind shark dives, skydiving, and climbing Kilimanjaro.How Shiraz redefined purpose after military service, airline transitions, and the pandemic.A fresh lens on perfectionism: chasing improvement without clinging to the label of “perfectionist.”About the Guest Shiraz Dalal is a seasoned commercial pilot, instructor, and evaluator with a 20-year military career, including numerous deployments, bringing disciplined leadership and resilience to his work. With a Master’s in Strategic Leadership, he offers insights from the cockpit and battlefield. As an adventurer, world traveler, TEDx speaker and coach, and Board Member at Carolina Tiger Rescue, Shiraz inspires audiences with compelling stories and practical strategies for personal and professional growth. 💼 Connect with Shiraz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirazdalal/ 📸Watch his TEDx Talk: The View From 30,000 Feet-3 rules pilots use to survive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB1jSlAQzhY  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/ ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.  

Storytelling secrets—fails, lessons, and how to truly connect. In this powerful episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I sit down with Jeff Polish—founder and executive director of The Monti, a live no-notes storytelling series that has lit up stages across North Carolina since 2008. We explore how storytelling transforms vulnerability into connection, why personal narratives carry the power to heal and unite communities, and what it takes to step on stage with nothing but your truth. Along the way, Jeff shares the tips, the fails, and the lessons learned from curating thousands of stories. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn: Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for connection and meaning-makingHow vulnerability on stage can dissolve shame and inspire courage in othersThe evolution of The Monti from a small community event to a statewide movementPractical tips for shaping and delivering a powerful story without notesThe biggest mistakes storytellers make—and how to recover when things go wrongHow storytelling can reshape identity, belonging, and leadership in every professionAbout Today’s Guest Jeff Polish is the founder and executive director of The Monti, a live, no-notes, true personal storytelling series based in North Carolina. Since 2008, Jeff has built one of the country’s most impactful storytelling movements, where people from all walks of life share stories that are raw, real, and unforgettable. Named a Hero of the New South by Southern Living and recipient of the Indies Arts Award, Jeff is widely known for helping people transform vulnerability into connection. He holds a PhD in molecular cell biology and has devoted his career to teaching, curating, and celebrating the art of live storytelling. 🌐 Learn more about The Monti: https://themonti.org/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.monti/💼 Connect with Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-polish-11902b10/ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/  ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

In a world full of distractions and endless demands, how do we decide what truly matters? In this solo episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I explore the concept of Essentialism—a philosophy of living by design, not by default. Essentialism is not about doing more; it’s about doing less but better. It’s about reclaiming your power of choice, recognizing life’s inevitable trade-offs, and focusing on what matters most. I share how essentialism contrasts with perfectionism, and why perfectionism often keeps us stuck chasing non-essential goals. Along the way, I’ll provide practical steps to help you let go of distractions, say no with confidence, and simplify your decision-making so you can create a life anchored in clarity and purpose. Episode Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll learn: Essentialism is about living by design, not by defaultThe power of choice is crucial for personal empowermentInformation and opinion overload can lead to stress and confusionTrade-offs are a natural part of life—focus on what matters mostHow to rediscover true priorities for clarity and focusWhy perfectionism can distract us from our essential pathThe importance of saying no to non-essential commitmentsHow identifying one true priority can simplify decisionsWhy releasing non-essential tasks leads to greater productivityHow Essentialism is a powerful antidote to perfectionismResource Mentioned: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown - https://gregmckeown.com/books/essentialism/  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/ ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Finding your voice requires courage, persistence, and a willingness to step into the unknown. In this powerful episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I sit down with Tara LaFon Gooch—international TEDx speaker, bestselling author, confidence expert, and the creator of the GRASP Method—to uncover what it really takes to move from self-doubt to the TEDx red dot. We dive deep into Tara’s personal journey from being terrified of public speaking to becoming a global thought leader, and how she now empowers others to transform fear into confidence, comparison into courage, and ideas into impact. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn: How to get started on your own TEDx journey with clarity and intentionThe biggest mistakes people make when pursuing a TEDx talk—and how to avoid themWhy “if nothing changes, nothing changes” became Tara’s guiding mantraHow to transform your biggest fear into your greatest breakthroughWhy comparison is the thief of confidence—and how to break free from itDr. Amna Shabbir’s reflections and insights from her own TEDx experience on perfectionism and self-doubtAbout Today’s Guest: Tara LaFon Gooch is an international TEDx speaker, bestselling author of GRASP Confidence, and confidence expert who has coached countless leaders to bring their ideas to life on the TEDx stage. She is the creator of the GRASP Method (Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, Purpose) and is passionate about helping people transform fear into fuel, amplify their voices, and embrace their unique stories. Connect with Tara: 🌐 Website: https://taralafongooch.com/ 📚 Book: GRASP Confidence https://a.co/d/bkztokw  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lafon-gooch/ About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking🌐 No Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/  ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

A quick update on the upcoming episodes of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD.  Thank you to all our incredible guests for sharing their invaluable insights, research, and very personal stories with us as we unpacked the various facets of perfectionism. If you have not yet had a chance, please tune in to Episodes 6 - 30 that have explored Perfectionism in great depth.  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Understanding perfectionism requires examining it in complete cultural context. In this powerful episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I sit down with Sahaj Kohli—author of But What Will People Say? and founder of Brown Girl Therapy—to explore how perfectionism shows up uniquely for children of immigrants and those navigating bicultural identities. We dive deep into why so many high achievers feel “never enough,” how impression management keeps us in a “glass house,” and what it takes to rewrite the narrative with self-compassion, intergenerational understanding, and permission to rest. Episode Takeaways By the end of this episode, you’ll learn: The three types of perfectionism—self-oriented, other-oriented, socially prescribed—and how they manifest in immigrant householdsWhy perfectionism often feels like survival for South Asian and bicultural communitiesThe concept of impression management and the “glass house” metaphor that shapes identity and pressureHow intergenerational compassion reframes family expectations and cultural survival storiesWhy rest and play are acts of resistance—and ways to reclaim joy for yourself and your ancestorsAbout The Guest: Sahaj Kohli is a therapist, writer, and speaker whose work focuses on mental health, identity, and bicultural belonging. She is the founder of Brown Girl Therapy, the first and largest mental health community for children of immigrants, and the host of the podcast So We Have Been Told. Sahaj’s debut book, But What Will People Say?, offers an honest guide for navigating family expectations, bicultural identity, and mental health with compassion and clarity. Connect with Sahaj:📖 Sahaj’s book: But What Will People Say? A Guide for Children of Immigrants Navigating Mental Health, Family Expectations, and Bicultural Identity🌐 Brown Girl Therapy: https://sahajkaurkohli.com/brown-girl-therapy 🎧 Sahaj’s podcast: So We Have Been Told: https://sahajkaurkohli.com/podcast ✉️ Subscribe to Culturally Enough newsletter on Substack:  https://sahajkaurkohli.com/newsletter#newsletter  About the Host Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Have you ever felt paralyzed by your inner critic?  Trigger Warning: Suicide In this powerful episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD we sit down with internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and business strategist Tanya Chernova to unpack the harsh realities of perfectionism, self-criticism, and the damaging inner voice known as "the other girl." Tanya shares her deeply personal journey through burnout, suicidal thoughts, and a perfectionist mindset and how she learned to reframe failure, develop self-compassion, and redefine success on her own terms. Topics Covered: Overcoming negative self-talk and "the other girl"The high cost of perfectionism and burnoutHow unprocessed emotions shape our physical healthReframing failure and rejection as feedbackThe neuroscience behind inner transformationSelf-love as the foundation for lasting success 👤 About Tanya:Tanya Chernova is a globally recognized speaker, bestselling author, business strategist, and mindset expert. She is the co-author of Undermind, a transformational book on the subconscious beliefs that sabotage success, and the voice behind the impactful TEDx talk, Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage. As the co-founder of Courageous Living, Tanya is on a mission to help people rewrite their inner narrative, embrace self-worth, and create meaningful, lasting change—personally and professionally. 🔗Connect with Tanya:Website: https://tanyachernova.com/TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu0_tIufYDE  🎙About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, is a Dual Board-Certified Physician,TEDx Speaker,  with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What happens when the pressure to be perfect is inherited? In this episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, we sit down with Ghalia Aamer to unpack the invisible weight of perfectionism faced by many young adults and especially daughters of immigrants. At just 23, Ghalia has accomplished what most people only dream of. But behind her accolades lies a deep reckoning with cultural expectations, toxic achievement cycles, and the constant fear of not doing “enough.” This conversation is a must-listen for high-achieving women, first-gen professionals, and anyone navigating self-worth in a hyper-competitive world. Topics Covered: The pressure to be perfect as a daughter of immigrantsHow to balance ambition with wellbeing in high-achieving environmentsThe connection between perfectionism and public speaking anxietyReframing failure and letting go of toxic achievementWhy presence—not productivity—is the real marker of success 👤 About Ghalia: Ghalia Aamer is a multi-time TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and youth empowerment advocate. She is the founder of TalkMaze, a global platform that helps students and professionals build confidence through public speaking and debate. Ghalia launched her first business at just 13 years old and has since been recognized as one of Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 and a Princess Diana Award recipient. Currently pursuing her J.D. at Columbia Law School, Ghalia’s mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge perfectionism—especially among first-generation women of color. Her story bridges ambition with advocacy, showing that success is not about being flawless, but about being fearlessly yourself. 🔗Connect with Ghalia:TalkMaze Website: https://talkmaze.com/about-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghaliaaamer/  🎙About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, is a Dual board-certified physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, and leadership development. She speaks and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What if the biggest threat to your child’s self-worth isn’t grades or friends, but the silent pressure to be perfect? In this episode, we’re joined by Caden Vittorni, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Vitt Factor, as he shares how a wake-up call in his own life led him to become a powerful voice for youth struggling with perfectionism, comparison, and confidence in the digital age. He explains why kids aren't connecting, what social media is really doing to their self-worth, and how adults can help. Topics Covered: How to help youth overcome perfectionismWhat to do when your child compares themselves to othersWhy social media is damaging kids’ mental healthHow to teach kids confidence and communicationParenting tips for the anxious generationThis episode is Part 1 of the Perfectionism and Youth Series. Stay tuned for the next! 👤 About Caden: Caden Vittorini is a TEDx speaker, #1 bestselling author, and the founder of Vitt Factor, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through communication coaching, school assemblies, and mindset development. At just 22 years old, Caden brings a unique blend of relatability and leadership to the students he mentors, offering real solutions to today’s growing challenges of perfectionism, comparison, and digital overwhelm. He’s been featured on WGN Morning News and is known for his high-energy, deeply impactful programs for kids and teens ages 8–18. His mission is to help the next generation build confidence, connection, and true self-worth—both online and offline. 🔗Connect with Caden:Website: https://www.vittfactor.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-vittorini/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vittfactorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitt.factor 🎙About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, is a Dual board-certified physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, and leadership development. She speaks and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What happens when a ballerina becomes a physician and perfectionism fuels both identities? In this deeply moving episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, we sit down with Dr. Kara Pepper, a primary care internist, executive coach, and former ballet dancer, to talk about perfectionism, burnout, eating disorders, and redefining success. Highlights: Leaving home at age 13 to train at the Bolshoi BalletHer transition into medicine and how perfectionism showed up again in a different formStruggles with burnout, eating disorders, and numbing through work and alcoholHer journey toward self-compassion and how she now helps high-achievers reclaim their lives 👤 About Dr. Kara Pepper: Dr. Kara Pepper is a primary care internist, executive coach, and the founder of Micro Practice Mastermind, a community supporting physicians transitioning to solo practice. After 14 years in private practice, she built a multistate telemedicine practice focusing on adult care, particularly for patients with eating disorders. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Pepper hosts the It’s Not Just You podcast, which explores survival, humanism, and career sustainability.  🔗Connect with Dr. Kara Pepperr: Website: https://karapeppermd.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-pepper-md-2555b42/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karapeppermd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karapeppermd/ 🎙About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, is a Dual board-certified physician with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, and leadership development. She speaks and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

How does perfectionism impact organizational well-being? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Carrie Adair to unpack the toxic link between organizational wellness, perfectionism, burnout, and mental health. Dr. Adair draws on cutting-edge research and real-world experience from healthcare to explain why perfectionism may actually be sabotaging your success, happiness, and well-being. From institutional culture to self-compassion, this episode offers practical tools for breaking free from perfectionistic thinking and creating a healthier, more human-centered work and life experience. Topics Covered: The psychology of perfectionismBurnout in high-stress careers (especially healthcare)How leaders can build resilient workplace culturesThe power of self-compassion as an antidotePerfectionism and mental health research you need to hear👤 About Dr. Carrie Adair: Dr. Carrie Adair is a social psychologist and former Assistant Director at the Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality, where she led efforts to combat healthcare worker burnout and enhance resilience. With a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill, her expertise lies in the science of well-being, institutional strategies for burnout prevention, and evidence-based tools to foster sustainable workplace cultures. Now working beyond Duke, Dr. Adair continues her mission to advance well-being in high-stress. 🔗Connect with Dr. Carrie Adair: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-carrie-adair-phd-b3868913/ 🎙About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, is a Dual board-certified physician with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, and leadership development. She speaks and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What if perfectionism isn't just a mindset problem but a neurological one? In this transformative episode of Success Reimagined, host Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq as they unravel the hidden connection between burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism and how to heal from the inside out. Dr. Romie introduces the concept of "busy brain", a state driven by neuroinflammation and chronic stress, and outlines a science-backed protocol that has helped thousands of high achievers find clarity, focus, and peace. From redefining South Asian cultural expectations to dismantling internalized perfectionism, this conversation is raw, validating, and deeply liberating. Together, they explore: ✅What the “Busy Brain” really is and why it’s not just anxiety or ADHD✅Why perfectionism may actually stem from inflammation and ego, not just personality✅The Busy Brain Test and how to score your stress levels✅How cultural narratives impact South Asian women’s mental health and ambition✅What it means to “define your own decade” and make your own life list✅Why therapy isn’t weakness but a peak performance strategy 👤 About The Guest: Dr. Romie Mushtaq is a triple board-certified physician in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness, blending the power of science with the wisdom of holistic healing. She is the founder of the BrainSHIFT Institute and currently serves as the Chief Wellness Officer at Great Wolf Resorts, where she leads mental and physical wellness initiatives for over 12,000 employees. A sought-after keynote speaker and corporate wellness strategist, Dr. Romie has helped Fortune 500 companies and global organizations address burnout, optimize brain health, and elevate leadership performance. She is also the author of the USA Today and Amazon bestselling book, The Busy Brain Cure, which presents a groundbreaking protocol to heal chronic stress and reclaim focus, energy, and emotional resilience. Her expertise has been featured on NPR, NBC, TEDx, and in Forbes, but what makes her message resonate is her lived experience—recovering from professional burnout and rediscovering her purpose. With compassion, clarity, and science-backed insight, Dr. Romie empowers high achievers to silence the noise, align with their purpose, and lead with both heart and brain. 🔗Connect with Dr. Romie: 💻 Website: https://drromie.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drromie/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drromie/ 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What happens when you chase perfection in a world that demands flawlessness, especially as a South Asian woman? In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, host Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Nishat Uddin, founder of Brown Girls Health and South Asian Care, to unpack the cultural, personal, and professional layers of perfectionism. Nishat shares her journey of veering off the traditional career path, navigating community pressures, and redefining what success and mental health support mean on her own terms. From breaking the silence around therapy to creating culturally compassionate health platforms, Nishat’s story will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the weight of doing everything “right” just to feel “enough.” Together, they explore: ✅The hidden cost of being the “perfect” South Asian woman✅ How societal and family expectations shape our careers, mental health, and self-worth✅ Nishat’s turning point that led her to leave PR and launch her advocacy work✅ The stigma around therapy in South Asian households—and how that’s finally changing✅ What success looks like when it’s not tied to external validation✅ How South Asian Care is making healthcare more inclusive and culturally aware 👤 About The Guest: Nishat Uddin is a South Asian health advocate and the founder of Brown Girls Health and South Asian Care. With a background in public relations and a passion for culturally compassionate care, Nishat is on a mission to break the silence around mental health, body image, and wellness within underrepresented communities. After becoming a VP at a top global PR firm before age 30, Nishat pivoted toward purpose-driven work, creating platforms that amplify South Asian voices and connect individuals to health providers who truly understand their cultural context. Through her advocacy, she is redefining what success and self-worth look like beyond societal expectations. 🔗Connect with Nishat:💻 Website: https://southasiancare.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatkuddin/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southasiancare/ 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What if your greatest impact as a physician isn't inside the exam room but beyond it? In this powerful episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Kevin Pho, the founder of KevinMD.com, one of the most influential healthcare platforms in the world. Together, they explore the hidden cost of perfectionism, the cultural roots of overachievement, and what it means to redefine success as a clinician. Dr. Pho opens up about his immigrant upbringing, the emotional toll of medicine, and how his platform, which started as a simple blog, became a home for thousands of vulnerable physician stories. Whether you're in healthcare or not, this conversation is about legacy, leadership, and the courage to be imperfect. Together, they explore: ✅The cultural roots of perfectionism in immigrant and Asian-American households✅Why many high-achieving physicians feel isolated despite external success✅What it means to build a platform that gives voice to thousands of clinicians✅Why redefining success is essential for longevity and joy in medicine 👤 About the Guest:Dr. Kevin Pho is a board-certified internal medicine physician and the founder of KevinMD.com, one of the most influential physician voices in healthcare. Since 2004, he has built a platform that amplifies the stories of thousands of clinicians, creating space for the emotional, unspoken, and human side of medicine. Featured in major outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, Dr. Pho is also the host of The Podcast by KevinMD, where he continues to elevate conversations around healthcare, physician wellness, and patient advocacy. His work bridges medicine and media, championing a more honest, connected, and compassionate healthcare system. 🔗Connect with Dr.Pho:💻 Website: https://kevinmd.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmd/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinphomd/ 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

You’ve worked so hard to be successful, but do you actually know how to enjoy it? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Hala Sabry—ER physician, mother of five, and founder of the Physician Moms Group (PMG) and the National Women Physicians Day—to explore the complex relationship women have with perfectionism, identity, and success. Dr. Sabry opens up about her journey from being a people-pleasing perfectionist to embracing her power and how letting go of societal expectations allowed her to build one of the most impactful communities in modern medicine. With raw honesty, she discusses shame, cultural pressures, parenting as an immigrant daughter, and how to own your success without apology. Together, they explore: ✅Your success is worth celebrating, not surviving.✅Letting go of “perfect” might be your biggest power move.✅Knowing what you don’t know is wisdom, not failure.✅ How to build and enjoy your successful legacy. 👤 About the Guest:Dr. Hala Sabry is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, mother of five (including two sets of twins), founder of the 113,000+ member Physician Moms Group, and the creator of National Women Physicians Day. She’s also a council member for the National Women’s History Museum and a passionate advocate for women in leadership, wellness, and equity. 🔗Connect with Hala:💻 Website: https://halasabry.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-b-hill-7093ab4/💙Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halahsabry🩺 PMG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PhysicianMomsGroup/ 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, is a Dual board-certified physician with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, and leadership development. She speaks and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What if the most powerful thing you could say is simply, “I don’t know”? In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Amanda Hill, JD—healthcare attorney and advocate for physicians—joins Dr. Amna Shabbir to share her journey with perfectionism. From striving to be the perfect mom and professional to realizing the price of always needing to “get it right,” Amanda opens up about the toll that perfectionism takes and how humor, self-compassion, and embracing imperfection became her superpowers. Together, they explore: ✅ The hidden fears driving perfectionism✅How perfectionism masks impostor syndrome✅Amanda’s pivotal motherhood and legal career lessons✅ Why saying “I don’t know” can be powerful and freeing✅ The difference between healthy striving and self-sabotage✅ How humor and humanity heal our perfectionist patterns✅ Amanda’s #1 advice for high achievers who feel stuck 👤 About the Guest:Amanda Hill is a seasoned healthcare attorney, writer, and passionate advocate for physicians with over 23 years of experience in the medical-legal field. She began her career working for the U.S. government defending large hospitals. She later served as general counsel for a multi-specialty group and a federally qualified health center in Austin, Texas. In 2015, Amanda founded Hill Health Law Group, where she specializes in representing physicians in contract negotiations, compliance, and practice management. She’s also the creator of Guard My Practice, a video platform designed to help doctors navigate legal challenges with confidence. Amanda is the author of key legal manuals for the Texas Medical Association and is known for her sharp legal mind, heartfelt advocacy, and signature humor. 🔗Connect with Amanda:💻 Website: https://www.amandabhill.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-b-hill-7093ab4/ 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What does it take to fail the right way? In this high-energy conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with powerhouse motivational speaker and sales coach Larry Long Jr. to unpack what it really means to "Lead Loud." Together, they dive into how leaders can unlock joy even in the middle of burnout, foster deep human connection in high-performing environments, and find personal healing in the act of helping others rise. Together, they explore:✅Why “Leading Loud” is a way of being, not just a strategy✅How Larry overcame career setbacks and found purpose through people✅The difference between joy and happiness, and why leaders need both✅How to reframe failure and create a culture of growth and trust✅Practical tools to reset your mindset when you're spiraling✅Why coaching beats managing in every industry✅How to infuse faith, energy, and humanity into your leadership 👤 About the Guest:Larry Long Jr. is a high-energy keynote speaker, sales coach, and the CEO of LLJR Enterprises. Known for his signature microphones, contagious positivity, and unapologetic authenticity, Larry helps individuals and teams unlock peak performance through mindset, motivation, and meaningful connection. He is a former Division I baseball player turned corporate sales leader and is the author of “JOLT! Get Zapped into Intentionality: Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness”, a playbook for living and leading with purpose. 🔗Connect with Larry:💻 Website: https://larrylongjr.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longjr7/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longjr7🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtHsbn_-WhhtnEtCksm-UhA/videos 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®.This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

How do you continue to show up in medicine after you've been hit with a $28 million malpractice lawsuit? In this powerful and deeply vulnerable conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir is joined by Dr. Gita Pensa, an emergency physician, Brown University faculty member, podcast host of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word, and fierce advocate for physician well-being. Dr. Pensa shares the raw truth of what it was like to face litigation, an ordeal that spanned over 12 years, and how that experience reshaped her understanding of perfectionism, shame, and identity in medicine. Together, they unpack the silent emotional crisis physicians endure during malpractice litigation, how perfectionism can become a liability in high-pressure professions, and the critical need to build shame-resilient medical cultures. Together, they explore: ✅Why perfectionism isn’t protecting you—it’s paralyzing you.✅What happens when your entire identity as a "good doctor" collapses.✅Why burnout and litigation are hitting perfectionists the hardest.✅The unseen emotional and professional toll of malpractice lawsuits.✅ What medicine can learn from shame research and why we need to talk about litigation out loud.✅How Dr. Pensa is helping change the conversation through education, coaching, and advocacy. 👤 About the Guest: Dr. Gita Pensa is an emergency room physician, educator, and advocate for physician well-being. After enduring a 12-year, $28 million malpractice lawsuit, she launched the podcast Doctors and Litigation: The L Word to support doctors facing litigation. Dr. Pensa has been featured in the award-winning documentary film, A World of Hurt: How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone.   🔗Connect with Dr. Pensa: 💻 Website: https://www.doctorsandlitigation.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gita-pensa-m-d-693557189/🎙️ Podcast: https://www.doctorsandlitigation.com/podcast 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

“I have a license to practice medicine, but I don’t have a degree in martyrdom.” In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Laura Vater, a gastrointestinal oncologist, TEDx speaker, and creator of the SMILE Scale, joins Dr. Amna Shabbir to unmask the hidden costs of perfectionism in medicine. Together, they navigate the often-unspoken emotional toll of striving, sacrificing, and surviving in a system that rewards overwork and overlooks humanity.This episode challenges the idea that exhaustion is a badge of honor. Instead, it invites all clinicians and high performers to reconnect with their humanity, share their truth, and find freedom in rest. Together, they explore:✅ The unrelenting internal pressure to “do it all” as a physician, mother, and high achiever✅ Dr. Vater’s raw and courageous story of burnout and suicidal ideation during residency✅ How the culture of medicine reinforces perfectionism and emotional concealment✅ The impact of sleep deprivation on empathy and the science behind compassion fatigue ✅ The SMILE Scale—a simple, research-backed self-check-in for daily wellness ✅ Creating space for imperfection and redefining success as a human being, not a machine 👤 About the Guest:Dr. Laura Vater is a gastrointestinal oncologist at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she leads the Young Onset Colorectal and GI Cancer Program. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Vater is a writer, TEDx and commencement speaker, and a passionate advocate for the well-being of patients and healthcare workers. She co-founded the Writing for Wellness Narrative Medicine Program at Indiana University School of Medicine and developed the SMILE Scale, a wellness behavior tool designed to support both patients and clinicians. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Vater:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doclauravater/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-b-vater-md-mph-44380738/ 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Have you been striving for apathy? In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, Dr. Abby Spencer, Professor of Medicine, Vice Chair for Education, and Director of the Academy of Educators at Washington University, joins Dr. Amna Shabbir to unpack the high cost of perfectionism, the reality of burnout in medicine, and what it means to lead with heart. Together, they explore: ✅Compassionate leadership in medicine✅ The double standards women in leadership face✅A special moment in Dr. Shabbir’s life when she was a medical trainee, and how Dr. Spencer helped avert her trauma.✅Creating systems where vulnerability is safe✅ Recognizing and recovering from burnout✅The emotional toll of moral injury in healthcare 👤 About the Guest:Abby Spencer, MD, MS, FACP, is a nationally recognized leader in internal medicine and medical education. She serves as Professor of Medicine, Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Medicine, and Director of the Academy of Educators at Washington University School of Medicine. Known for her fierce advocacy for trainees, women in medicine, and values-driven leadership, Dr. Spencer has mentored hundreds of physicians throughout her career, including Dr. Shabbir. 🔗Connect with Dr. Spencer:X: https://x.com/abbyWUim 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Corporate Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr. Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism.🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

“The most important thing you can remember is your humble beginnings.” In this powerful conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir speaks with Geoffrey M. Roche, healthcare workforce expert, Forbes Business Council member, and proud advocate for inclusion, as he opens up about the life-changing moment that forced him to redefine success, step away from perfectionism, and lead with greater authenticity and impact. Together, they explore: ✅Why perfectionism is not a strength in disguise✅The turning point that helped Geoffrey reclaim his autonomy✅How great leaders use vulnerability to empower teams✅The connection between psychological safety and retention in healthcare✅How to champion and create true belonging at work 👤 About the Guest:Geoffrey M. Roche, MPA is a nationally recognized healthcare leader and the North America Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers. With 16+ years in hospital and higher education leadership, he’s a Forbes Business Council member and passionate advocate for inclusive, people-first leadership in healthcare. 🔗Connect with Geoffrey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymroche 🎙About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What happens when the profession you love ends up taking everything from you? In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Betsy Gall, author of The Illusion of the Perfect Profession, to talk about physician suicide, the hidden cost of perfectionism, and the very real pain that’s often buried beneath a white coat. Following the tragic death by suicide of her husband, Dr. Matthew Gall—a beloved oncologist, husband, and father—Betsy transformed her grief into advocacy. Her book, grounded in raw journal entries and letters to God, is a personal and powerful testament to the urgent need for change in how we support those who care for us. Together, they explore: ✔️ Why Betsy believes being a doctor cost Matt his life ✔️ The identity loss and shame that stop physicians from asking for help ✔️ The barriers physicians face in accessing mental health care ✔️ How to humanize our healthcare system from the inside out 📌 Referenced in this episode: 🔗 The Illusion of the Perfect Profession by Betsy Gall: https://a.co/d/btSG8qa 🔗 Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation: https://drlornabreen.org 👤 About the Guest: Betsy Gall is an author, speaker, real estate investor, and mother of three. After losing her husband, Dr. Matthew Gall, to suicide in 2019, she became a fierce advocate for physician mental health and well-being. Her memoir, The Illusion of the Perfect Profession, is a candid and healing account of grief, faith, and the broken systems that need urgent reform. Today, she partners with organizations like the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation to share her family's story and fight for lasting change in healthcare.🔗 Connect with Betsy: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsygall1/ 💙 About the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation: The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the well-being of healthcare professionals and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. It was founded in honor of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who died by suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic after facing unrelenting professional pressure. Impact Highlights: ✅ Passed the bipartisan Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act ✅ Advocates for removing mental health questions from licensing/credentialing ✅ Provides grants and training to build resilient workplace cultures in healthcare 🔗 Support their work: https://drlornabreen.org/donate 🎙 About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified Internal Medicine and Geriatrics physician, Master Certified Life Coach, and the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®. A passionate speaker, writer, and podcast host,  Dr. Shabbir empowers high achievers to create sustainable well-being. She is a proud Ambassador of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and a national voice in the movement for clinician mental health. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amnashabbirmd 🌍 Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/speaking  ❗ Important Notes: ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide, depression, and grief. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support. ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or mental health advice and reflects the views of the speakers, not any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed this Episode? Please rate and review the show, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation.

"You don’t have to apologize for taking up space or for wanting more." In this empowering episode of Success Reimagined, Dr. Amna Shabbir welcomes Dr. Sasha Shillcutt, tenured professor, cardiac anesthesiologist, author, and founder of Brave Enough, for a powerful conversation on boundaries, burnout, and bold leadership. Together, they explore: ✅ The invisible toll of over-functioning in high-stress careers ✅ Why boundaries are not just protective, but restorative ✅ The courage required to disappoint others to honor yourself ✅ How professional women can reclaim time without guilt ✅ The myth of having to “choose” between ambition and authenticity ✅ Tangible strategies to lead with both strength and self-compassion 👤 About the Guest: Dr. Sasha Shillcutt is a tenured professor and Vice Chair of Strategy in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology. She is a board-certified cardiac anesthesiologist, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Brave Enough, a community dedicated to empowering professional women. She is the author of Between Grit and Grace and Brave Boundaries. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Shillcutt: 📘Attend the Brave Enough Women's CME Conference 2025  📕 Read Between Grit and Grace 📕 Read Brave Boundaries 🎥 Watch Dr. Shillcutt's TEDx Talk – Resilience: The Art of Failing Forward 🎙 About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

"Perfectionistic behaviors make life easier for other people—but often harder for ourselves."   In this insightful episode of Success Reimagined, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Clarissa Ong, co-author of The Anxious Perfectionist, to explore the hidden emotional costs of perfectionism, the psychological trap of coherence, and how high achievers can begin to shift from performance to presence. Together, they explore: ✅ The rigidity at the root of perfectionism✅ How the “coherence trap” keeps us stuck in self-limiting narratives✅ People-pleasing as a form of self-erasure✅ The problem with replacing rules with values—without flexibility✅ Why “almost perfect” can feel worse than failure✅ Tangible ways to reconnect with a values-based identity 👤 About the Guest:Dr. Clarissa Ong is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at the University of Louisville, and co-author of The Anxious Perfectionist. She leads the Process-Oriented Intervention Science (POIS) Lab and has authored over 60 peer-reviewed papers focused on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), OCD, hoarding, and perfectionism. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Ong:📘 The Anxious Perfectionist: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684038459/the-anxious-perfectionist/🧪 Lab Website: https://www.poislab.com📊 Participant Recruitment: https://www.poislab.com/current-projects🌿 Clinical Page: https://junipermh.com/team/clarissa-ong/💬 BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/clarissaong.bsky.social  🎙 About the Host:Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being.This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.  

What if we’re telling healthcare workers to be perfect, then punishing them when they break under the pressure? In this powerful episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Stefanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, to unpack the cultural, psychological, and policy-level forces that make it nearly impossible for healthcare workers to ask for help. A nationally recognized leader in clinician well-being, Dr. Simmons brings her lived experience as a physician and parent—and her professional expertise in systems-level change—to a conversation about perfectionism, identity, and the human cost of a broken system. Together, they explore: The “grade to slack” ratio and early signs of boundary-settingHow physicians conflate influence and control—and why that’s dangerousWhat Dr. Simmons learned from the Serenity Prayer during an addiction electiveThe reality of perfectionism and medical errorsWhy asking for help is a sign of strength, not failureHow systems (not just individuals) reinforce harmful narratives📌 Referenced in this episode: 🔗Dr. Carrie Cunningham’s story  🔗Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation Website👤 About the Guest: Dr. Stefanie Simmons is the Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation and a board-certified emergency medicine physician. She previously served as VP of Patient & Clinician Experience at Envision Physician Services, supporting over 26,000 clinicians nationwide. She is a vocal advocate for removing stigmatizing mental health language from credentialing processes, creating psychologically safe systems, and ensuring healthcare professionals receive the support they need without fear of retaliation. Dr. Simmons has also been open about her own experiences with postpartum depression and the myth of "doing it all," offering a compelling lens on leading with humanity. 💙 About the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation: The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the well-being of healthcare professionals and protecting their mental health. Named after Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who died by suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation works to eliminate the stigma that keeps healthcare workers from seeking help. Impact Highlights: ✅ Successfully passed the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act into law ✅ Supports hospitals and health systems in transforming workplace culture ✅ Champions safe, stigma-free access to mental health care for all healthcare professionals 📣 Support their work: https://drlornabreen.org/donate 🎙 About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being. She is also a proud Ambassador of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation and actively contributes to national advocacy efforts to protect the mental health of healthcare workers. This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❗ Important Notes: ⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussion of suicide, mental health challenges, and personal loss. Please take care while listening. For support, call or text 988 for free, confidential help. ❌ Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What if we’re grooming our future doctors for burnout before they even start training? In this powerful episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Stuart Slavin, Vice President for Well-Being at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and a national leader in physician mental health, to explore how maladaptive perfectionism begins long before medical school—and how the culture of high achievement can deeply impact mental health. Together, they explore: ✅ How maladaptive perfectionism develops early in life ✅ The difference between healthy standards and toxic self-criticism ✅ The emotional cost of “Stanford Duck Syndrome” in medicine ✅ Strategies to build self-compassion and reframe harmful inner narratives About the Guest: Dr. Stuart Slavin is a Pediatrician, Medical Educator, and Vice President for Well-Being at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). A national leader in physician mental health, he has led transformative initiatives to improve the well-being of residents, fellows, and faculty across the country. His pioneering work in redesigning medical education to reduce student depression and anxiety—while maintaining academic excellence—has gained national recognition. Dr. Slavin’s research focuses on maladaptive perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the toxic thought patterns that undermine mental health in high-achieving environments. He was prominently featured in the award-winning documentary Do No Harm and continues to advocate for reshaping the culture of medicine to prioritize psychological safety and sustainable success for the next generation of physicians. 🎙 About the Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®, where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of her special book writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ❗ Important Notes: ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health challenges. Please take care while listening. For support, call or text 988 for free, confidential help. ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.  

Your smartphone isn’t just a tool—it’s controlling your attention, your focus, and your success. In today’s hyperconnected world, notifications, alerts, and endless distractions are pulling you away from your biggest goals. But what if one small change to your smartphone habits could make all the difference?  In this Solo Episode, Dr. Shabbir Dive's into:  ✅ Why your smartphone home screen is “prime real estate” for your success ✅ How unchecked notifications and alerts are hijacking your focus ✅ The culture of digital entitlement—and why it’s time to set boundaries ✅ Practical steps to reclaim your attention and create airtight digital boundaries If you feel like you’re constantly pulled in a million directions or that your phone is running your life instead of the other way around, this episode is for you. 🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  🌍 Book Her To Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Share with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

What if your drive to be perfect is rooted in shame? In this powerful episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Will Bynum, a leading expert on the psychology of shame, to explore how perfectionism and shame are deeply intertwined—especially in high-achieving fields like medicine. Together, they explore: ✅How Perfectionism and Shame are connected ✅Shame vs. Guilt ✅Why shame thrives in high-stakes environments like medicine and parenting ✅How to transform your mindset surrounding shame ✅Actionable strategies to address shame About the Guest: Dr. William Bynum is a Family Medicine Physician and Associate Professor at Duke University School of Medicine, where he also co-founded The Shame Lab—leading research dedicated to exploring the role of shame in medical education and professional identity formation. He is also the co-creator of The Shame Space, a platform devoted to helping individuals and institutions navigate the emotional complexities of shame in high-performance environments. Dr. Bynum’s work has contributed to shifting the narrative around shame from one of silence and isolation to one of curiosity, compassion, and transformation. 🔗 Learn more about The Shame Lab:  https://www.shamelab.org/ 🔗 Explore The Shame Space:  https://www.theshamespace.com/ 🎙 About the Host – Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coachingand the Early Career Physicians Institute® where she empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of her special book writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/ 🌍 Book Her To Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking  ❗ Important Notes: ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode may contain discussions related to mental health challenges. ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution. ❤️ Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast!  Share with a colleague, peer, or friend who needs this message.

Does perfectionism truly drive success—or is it quietly working against you? In this compelling episode, Dr. Thomas Curran, world-renowned perfectionism researcher and author of The Perfection Trap, joins Amna Shabbir, MD to expose the hidden costs of perfectionism and why it’s time to rethink our relentless pursuit of flawlessness. Together, they break down: ✅ What perfectionism really is (hint: it’s not just “high standards”) ✅ The connection between perfectionism, burnout, and mental health struggles ✅ The Perfectionism Paradox—why it doesn’t improve performance and may actually harm it ✅ How high-achieving cultures, especially in medicine and other demanding careers, create failure-averse environments ✅ The path to freeing yourself from perfectionism and embracing the power of "good enough". If you’ve ever felt trapped by unrealistic expectations—whether from society, your workplace, or yourself—this episode is a must-listen. About the Guest – Dr. Thomas Curran is a globally recognized expert on perfectionism and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His pioneering research has shaped the conversation on how perfectionism is rising—and why it’s a growing problem. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and more. His widely cited 2017 meta-analysis, conducted with Andrew Hill, examined data from over 40,000 college students, revealing the sharp rise in socially prescribed perfectionism—where individuals feel immense pressure to meet external expectations. Dr. Curran dives deeper into this in his acclaimed book, The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, and his TEDMED Talk, Our Dangerous Obsession with Perfectionism Is Getting Worse, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Through his research, writing, and advocacy, he challenges the cultural myths around perfectionism, showing how it fuels anxiety, burnout, and underperformance—and why there’s a better way forward. 📍 Read Dr. Curran’s book Now: The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough: https://a.co/d/713zM0B 🔗 Follow Dr. Curran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thom-curran/ 🎥 Watch Dr. Curran’s TED Talk: Our Dangerous Obsession with Perfectionism Is Getting Worse About the Host – Dr. Amna Shabbir is a physician, mental health advocate, and speaker dedicated to helping high achievers create sustainable well-being. This episode is part of Dr. Shabbir’s special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism and redefining success. 🔹 Connect with Dr. Shabbir: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/  💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/  📘 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbir  ❌ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide. If you need help, please contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  ❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer, institution, or organization. 📌 Enjoyed this episode? ✅ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! ✅ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Guest: Jennifer B. Wallace, Journalist & Bestselling Author of Never Enough  In this insightful episode I sit down with Jennifer B. Wallace, award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestseller, Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It.Jennifer and I dive deep into the pressures of high-achievement culture, how it affects our mental health, parenting, and personal fulfillment, and, most importantly, what we can do about it. In This Episode, We Discuss: The research behind why achievement culture has become so toxic.How perfectionism, comparison, and external validation fuel the cycle of "never enough".What mattering theory is and why it's key to breaking free from toxic success.Benign Vs Malicious Envy.The role of parents, workplaces, and schools in creating a healthier culture.Actionable strategies to cultivate a sense of mattering in your life. Jennifer also shares insights from her upcoming book, Mattering in the Modern World, and what her research reveals about finding true fulfillment beyond achievement.  About The Guest: Jennifer B. Wallace is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. She has spent years researching the impact of achievement culture on individuals and society, helping us understand the hidden costs of high performance and external validation. A graduate of Harvard College, she started her career at CBS’s 60 Minutes, where she was part of a team that won the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, and she frequently appears on national TV and radio programs discussing well-being, parenting, and cultural shifts. 🔹 Follow Jennifer on Instagram 📍 Read Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It ✨ Keep an eye out for her upcoming book, Mattering in the Modern World! About The Host: Dr. Amna Shabbir is a physician, a fierce mental health advocate, a founder & CEO, and a super mom to two young girls. She empowers high achievers to create sustainable well-being through coaching, speaking engagements, and advocacy in various roles. This episode is part of Dr.Shabbir's special book writing project on unmasking perfectionism. 🔹Connect with Dr. Shabbir on: Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube  ❌ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide. If you need help, please contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. ❌Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or medical advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any organization, employer, or institution. 📌 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Dropping this Special Announcement for You. The next episodes for Season 1 of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD center on one powerful theme: Unmasking Perfectionism.  These are not just conversations—they are part of my larger book project on perfectionism, diving deep into what it really is and how it shapes our lives. Join me as global thought leaders, researchers, and high achievers share their unfiltered insights on the hidden costs of perfectionism and the path to breaking free. Trust me, you do NOT want to miss this. 👉 This episode is a sneak peek at what’s coming next. It does not include all the guests. And this is just the beginning—many more powerful conversations are on their way. 🔔 Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! ❌ Trigger Warning: Suicide This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please—call or text 988 for support.  Guests Featured In this specific composition are: Jennifer B Wallace - Award-Winning Journalist and Author of NYT Bestseller: Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It Dr. Thomas Curran - Global Perfectionism Expert and Author of Bestseller: The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good EnoughDr. Will Bynum- Co-Founder of the Shame LabDr. Stuart Slavin- Vice President of Well-being ACGMEDr. Stefanie Simmons- CMO Dr. Lorna Breen Hereos’ FoundationDr. Sasha Shillcutt- Founder of Brave Enough and Author of Between Grit and Grace and Brave BoundariesDr. Hala Sabry-Elnaggar - Founder of The Physician Moms Group and National Women Physician Day Betsy Gall- Widow of Dr. Mathew Gall and Author of “The Illusion of the Perfection Profession”Dr. Gita Pensa - Faculty Brown University, Host of Doctors and Litigation: The L WordDr. Laura Vater- Creator the SMILE Scale & Co-founder Writing for Wellness Narrative Medicine program at Indiana UniversityLarry Long Jr- CEO LLJR Enterprises, Former College Athlete, Author of ‘JOLT!’Nishat Uddin, MPH- Founder of Brown Girls Health and South Asian Care Geoffery Roche, MPA- Director, Workforce Development, North America Siemens HealthineersDr. Carrie Adair- Institutional Well-being ExpertAmanda Hill, JD- Founder Hill Health Law Group and Guard My Practice

"If you’re never fully unplugged, you’re also never fully in the zone." In this episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, is diving into Psychological Detachment—the essential, research-backed strategy for avoiding burnout, boosting productivity, and sustaining long-term success. We live in a culture where work is always on—where emails, unfinished charts, and notifications follow us home. But if you don’t take time to disconnect, your performance, mental health, and well-being will suffer. 💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ What psychological detachment is and why it’s critical for success.✅ The science behind why detaching from work improves focus, motivation, and creativity.✅ The 42% Rule—how much rest your brain actually needs to avoid burnout.✅ Practical ways to implement psychological detachment in your daily life. 📖 Key Quotes from This Episode:🧠 "If you are never fully unplugged, you are also never fully in the zone." – Dr. Ben Hardy🔥 "We’re not saying you should take 42% of your time to rest; we’re saying if you don’t take the 42%, the 42% will take you." – Emily & Amelia Nagoski, Burnout Connect with Dr. Shabbir on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Linktree and Facebook    

 Do you ever feel like your inner critic is holding you back? I know I’ve been there, and in today’s episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I’m sharing why self-compassion is the ultimate strategy for achieving success. We often think being hard on ourselves will push us to do better, but research shows the opposite. Self-criticism leads to procrastination, burnout, and lower confidence. On the other hand, self-compassion rewires your brain, boosts emotional resilience, and helps you grow both personally and professionally. In this episode, I’ll help you: ✅ Understand the neuroscience of self-compassion and how it impacts your brain and mental health. ✅ See why self-compassionate people are more likely to take risks and succeed. ✅ Learn practical steps to quiet your inner critic and start being kinder to yourself today. I’ll also share insights from Dr. Kristin Neff’s groundbreaking research, which proves that self-compassion isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength that helps you thrive. Connect with Dr. Shabbir on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Linktree and Facebook    

Do you ever feel stuck, even though you’re working hard to create something new in your life? Here’s a question to consider: What am I willing to give up to create space for the success I truly desire? In today’s episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I’m diving into the power of letting go. Whether it’s breaking old habits, setting boundaries, or even leaving behind a safe but unfulfilling job, redefining success often requires us to give something up to gain something better. You’ll hear about:✅ Why change requires letting go✅ Insights into how intentional sacrifices can create space for growth✅ Practical steps you can start implementing right away to align your life with your goals From giving up physical comfort to starting exercising to saying no to people-pleasing, this episode is all about shifting your mindset around sacrifice. I’ll help you see it not as a loss but as a powerful choice to align your life with your vision of success. 👉 Ready to make space for the life you truly want? Watch this episode to explore how letting go can empower you to move forward. Connect with Dr. Shabbir on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Linktree and Facebook

I know how scary rejection can feel. That fear of hearing the word "no" has stopped me in my tracks more times than I’d like to admit. In today’s episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I’m sharing how I’ve worked through my own fear of rejection—and how you can, too. Rejection can leave us stuck in the worst-case scenario without even trying. Whether it’s asking for a raise, pursuing a dream, or having an honest conversation, the fear of ‘no’ can hold us back from opportunities that could change our lives. But here’s the good news: rejection doesn’t have to define us. You’ll learn: ✅ Why you are afraid of rejection ✅ Insights into how rejection affects your mindset and decisions ✅ Practical steps you can start implementing right away to overcome this fear I’ll also talk about Jia Jiang’s inspiring “100 Days of Rejection” experiment, where he sought out rejection on purpose—and discovered surprising lessons about resilience. 📺 Check out Jia Jiang’s TEDx Talk. This isn’t about avoiding rejection—it’s about reframing what it means and learning to embrace it as part of the process. Connect with Dr. Shabbir on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Linktree and Facebook

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the clutter in your life? I recently had a moment like that when I realized I was only using 20% of my wardrobe. The other 80%—clothes that didn’t fit, things I was holding onto for “someday”—was just sitting there, causing visual and mental overwhelm. That’s when it hit me: the things we hold onto, especially in our closets, can hold us back from achieving true success. In this episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I’m sharing my personal journey of decluttering and how redefining my relationship with stuff helped me clear both physical and emotional clutter. I’ll also explore Gretchen Rubin’s six types of clutter from The Happiness Project and how identifying these types can make letting go easier. You’ll learn: ✅ The 6 types of clutter you are holding onto and why ✅ How to redefine success by curating a space that inspires calm, joy, and confidence ✅ How decluttering can create space for new mental clarity and personal growth Imagine starting your day by walking into a closet that’s clutter-free, organized, and brings you joy. It’s not about perfectionism—it’s about creating an environment that supports your well-being and helps you succeed. 🏡✨ Whether you’re holding onto clothes that don’t fit or keeping things “just in case,” I’ll guide you through a simple, actionable process to declutter without feeling overwhelmed. Let’s work together to let go of outdated versions of ourselves and make room for new opportunities.  Connect with Dr. Shabbir on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Linktree and Facebook

Hi there, and welcome to the very first episode of Success Reimagined. I’m your host, Dr. Amna Shabbir, and I’m so excited to have you here with me on this journey. This show is for you if you feel stuck in that never-ending cycle of chasing achievement after achievement, only to feel… tired and empty once you get there. It’s also for you if, despite being given the label of being successful, you don’t actually feel that way inside. Maybe, like me, you’ve found yourself wondering: Is this all there is? Is success supposed to feel like this? And it is also for you if you want to become successful and feel lost about where to start your journey or wondering what your next steps will be. You are all welcome here and all parts of you are welcome here. Every week you will get small digestible episodes that will help you truly lean into authentic success. Today, I want to share a bit of my story—how I fell into the trap of chasing productivity and external success, and what led me to start reimagining what success means for myself. This journey has been messy, imperfect, and deeply personal, but if any part of my story resonates with you, I hope you’ll stick around because you’re in the right place. Here’s a bit about me. I’m a physician—a board-certified geriatrician-internal medicine doctor. I’m also a Master Certified Life Coach, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a Duke Certified Integrative Wellness Coach. I empower high achievers to thrive, not just survive - as we often are doing, merely cruising by life. I’m also a fierce mental health advocate. I’m a mom to two young girls and the wife of an entrepreneur. I’ve faced and overcome some physical and mental health challenges along the way. And honestly, like so many people in high-pressure careers, I was juggling a lot. Being a mom, supporting my husband’s entrepreneurial journey, and navigating my own professional and personal goals—it often felt like life was one big balancing act. For the listeners who work in healthcare- you know the very struggles of burnout and moral injury! So No matter how much I did, it never felt like it was enough. I was constantly moving from one task to the next, from one goal to the next. I couldn’t afford to slow down—there was always something that needed to be done, something else to achieve. As a medical student, then a resident, then a fellow, and even after I became an independently practicing physician, I lived by this internal script that told me: success is something you earn. It’s something you achieve by working harder, pushing further, and striving constantly. I believed that when I finally got there—wherever “there” was—I’d feel complete. Fulfilled. Like it would all finally make sense. But it didn’t. Every time I reached a goal, I immediately set my sights on the next one. There was this constant pressure to do more, be more, achieve more. And when I did achieve those goals, instead of feeling fulfilled, I just felt… tired. And it wasn’t just physical tiredness—I felt drained inside. There was this persistent feeling, like something was missing. No matter what I achieved, it felt like there was this gaping hole in my heart, and nothing external could fill it. That’s when I learned about something called the arrival fallacy. It’s the belief that once you reach a certain point in your life, you’ll finally feel happy and content. And let me tell you, living with that mindset is exhausting because the moment you “arrive,” you realize it didn’t fix anything—and so you set a new goal, and the cycle starts all over again. Looking back now, I recognize that I was suffering from extreme perfectionism—more on that in future episodes. I tied my sense of worth to what I could accomplish, and anything less than perfect felt like failure. Eventually, I reached a point where I had to stop and ask myself: Is this what success is supposed to feel like? If I’m doing everything “right,” why do I still feel so unfulfilled? That’s when I began to reimagine success—not as something purely external, but as something that integrates ambition with wellness, productivity with joy, and achievement with a sense of peace. And that’s what this podcast is all about: exploring how we can still achieve, create, and live our lives to the fullest, but in a way that feels fulfilling, not draining. I don’t have all the answers—I’m still figuring this out myself—but my hope is that by sharing my journey, we can start redefining what it means to be truly successful together. In upcoming episodes, I’ll dive deeper into the themes of ambition and wellness. I’ll talk about everything from battling burnout to cultivating mindfulness, from letting go of perfectionism to finding purpose in what we do. And I’ll leave you with practical and evidence-based strategies that can help you reimagine success in your life and start feeling whole. For today, I just want to invite you to reflect on what the word success means to you.  What does success look like in your life right now?How do you feel when you think about the goals you’re working toward?If you could redefine success in a way that feels more fulfilling, what would that look like?Connect with Dr. Shabbir on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Linktree and Facebook