Ep 115 -Navigating the Mind: Empowering Techniques for Anxiety with Dr. Ashley Smith

Today, I am joined by Dr. Ashley Smith, a licensed psychologist, speaker, and author. She shares her professional journey treating anxiety disorders and her personal experience with a degenerative retinal disease that left her legally blind. She shares the importance of mental resilience, the process of overcoming fear, and how to build confidence through action. She shares insights from her book 'The Way I See It' and offers practical advice for those seeking to lead a more courageous and fulfilling life. 00:39 Introducing Dr. Ashley Smith01:17 Dr. Ashley's Professional Journey02:01 Personal Struggles and Triumphs02:55 The Turning Point05:18 Embracing Vulnerability11:02 Steps to Overcome Anxiety and Build Courage16:48 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Meetings17:01 Building Confidence Through Practice17:52 Reinterpreting Discomfort and Anxiety18:48 The Power of Role Play in Communication21:42 Embracing Healthy Selfishness25:16 Introducing the Book: The Way I See It27:29 Rapid Fire Questions with Ashley29:18 Final Thoughts and ConnectionsDr. Ashley Smith is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and author who challenges audiences to master their minds, push past limits, and live boldly. As the co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, she translates cutting-edge psychology and brain science into actionable insights for overcoming fear, building courage, and expanding what people believe is possible.Born with a rare visual impairment that makes her legally—and increasingly—blind, Dr. Ashley knows firsthand what it takes to conquer both real and perceived limits. She has built a life filled with bold choices—and now teaches others how to do the same. By blending science with powerful storytelling and practical strategies, she shifts the way audiences see the world—and themselves.Her message is simple: Your mind will keep you playing small—if you let it.Connect:www.drashleysmith.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drashleysmith/; https://www.tiktok.com/@drashleysmith; https://www.instagram.com/drashleysmith/; https://www.facebook.com/drashleysmith------Hi I’m Darlene Hawley and I help ambitious entrepreneurs and executive women find their voice, craft powerful messaging, and regulate their nervous system so they can speak up with confidence in high-stakes conversations, client meetings, and on stages ... without second-guessing themselves.Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguideGrab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonlineGrab a Chai and let's Connect:https://darlenehawley.comhttps://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley