Ep 61. Stop the AI Slop: Community Building From The Super Connector's Playbook with Ryan Paugh

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 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.