Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD

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/@zhenmdAbout 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/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism 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  ❌ 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.

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 careAbout 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 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/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism 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  ❌ 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.

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 TakeawaysChange 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 safeAbout 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/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism 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  ❌ 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.

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 imperfectionsAbout Our Guest Valonda CallowayValonda 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 CallowayLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valondacalloway/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ValCalTVInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/valcaltv/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ValondaCallowayAbout 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/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism 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  ❌ 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.

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 GunaldoTina 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 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/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism 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  ❌ 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.

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 authenticallyAbout 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.comConnect 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 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! 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 TakeawaysHow 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 ADHDAbout 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 DeardorffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaundeardorffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaundeardorff/ Email: shaun.deardorff@gmail.com, shaun@chubbyschow.com, AirmageMediaProductions@gmail.comAirmage Media Productions LinkTreeAMP Video Production YouTube PlaylistTEDx Talk: Turning Obstacles into Superpowers https://youtu.be/Hhy0qsEwxFU?si=0Ep_hXfXQdYfPLak 👩‍⚕️ 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! 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 TakeawaysWhy 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 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.

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 connectionAbout the guestAmelia 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 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.Content NoteThis 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 TakeawaysHow 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 upAbout 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 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! 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 connectionAbout 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 TakeawaysMattering 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 Purposehttps://www.jenniferbwallace.com/mattering-the-bookConnect with Jennifer WallaceFollow 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-cultureWatch Jennifer’s TED Talk: Why We Need to Know Our Lives Matter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxpONecbsZQ👩‍⚕️ 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 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 TakeawaysLeading 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 rushedAbout Our GuestMr. 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 BozerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmetbozerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookofsoulgeryBuy his book Soulgery: www.soulgery.com 👩‍⚕️ 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.

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 teamsAbout Our GuestGreg 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 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📹 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?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 TakeawaysWhy 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 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📹 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?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 TakeawaysWhy 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 GuestWendy 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 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 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❌ 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

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 TakeawaysWhat 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 GuestDr. 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. LewissLinkedIn: 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 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❌ 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.

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 GuestDimitrios 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 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❌ 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.⚠️ Content NoteThis 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 TakeawaysHow 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 differentAbout Our GuestRebecca 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.orgFrom 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. SHABBIRhttps://www.dramnashabbir.com/2025 Close 2025 Strong. Launch 2026 with ConfidenceDedicated 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 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❌ 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.⚠️ 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 TakeawaysSaying 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. SHABBIROFFER 1: Special Event with Jennifer B Wallacehttps://www.dramnashabbir.com/mattering Mattering Too Much: How High-Achieving Women Can Reclaim Joy This Holiday SeasonDec 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✅Free Registration Here: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/mattering OFFER 2: End of Year Workshophttps://www.dramnashabbir.com/2025 Close 2025 Strong. Launch 2026 with ConfidenceDedicated 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 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❌ 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.