EPISODE · May 26, 2025 · 44 MIN
Meet Ryan – Authenticity Over Performance
from Unstuck with Jay Abbasi · host Jay Abbasi
Meet Ryan. As the VP of Product at a fast-growing tech company, he’s brilliant, composed, and strategic. But lately, his team feels disengaged. People nod in meetings but rarely speak up. Deadlines slip. Communication is strained. Despite his best efforts to rally the group with more one-on-ones and structure, the connection just isn’t there. At home, it’s no better. He finds himself answering his wife like a stakeholder—polished, but distant. Ryan knows something’s wrong, but he doesn’t know how to name it. He’s tired of leading behind a mask and longs to influence without pretending, to connect without controlling. He doesn’t just want to perform—he wants to be present. In this episode, Jay sits down with Amy Wong, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Living On Purpose. Amy helps high achievers like Ryan step out of performance mode and into aligned, authentic communication. Together, they explore how our communication is a reflection of our relationship with ourselves—and how to reconnect with others by first reconnecting within. Amy shares how her own transformation began not with a plan, but a moment of surrender that changed her life. If you’ve ever struggled to say what you really mean, connect with others meaningfully, or lead without overthinking, this episode is a powerful guide to navigating from the inside out. Notable Quotes “Everything we want…we want it because we think it’s going to make us feel a certain way.” — Amy Wong “We don’t chase things for the things. We chase them for how we think they’ll make us feel.” — Amy Wong “When we open up and take the risk of being seen, we give others permission to do the same.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Amy Wong is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Always On Purpose. With a background in mathematics, philosophy, and transpersonal psychology, Amy blends science and soul to help leaders foster connection, clarity, and trust. Through coaching, speaking, and her bestselling book Living On Purpose, she empowers individuals to stop performing and start aligning with what truly matters—leading from their authentic selves. Resources and Links Amy Wong Website: https://www.alwaysonpurpose.com/ Living On Purpose: https://a.co/d/9o0lP6v LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyelizawong/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyelizawong Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay breaks down a powerful metaphor he calls the “Earth–Mars Analogy” to explain why communication breaks down in high-pressure environments—and what to do about it. You’ll learn why we default to judgment under stress and how to rebuild connection through curiosity and compassion. If you've ever struggled to get through to someone who just doesn’t see your perspective, this episode will help you build bridges instead of barriers. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.
What this episode covers
Meet Ryan. As the VP of Product at a fast-growing tech company, he’s brilliant, composed, and strategic. But lately, his team feels disengaged. People nod in meetings but rarely speak up. Deadlines slip. Communication is strained. Despite his best efforts to rally the group with more one-on-ones and structure, the connection just isn’t there. At home, it’s no better. He finds himself answering his wife like a stakeholder—polished, but distant. Ryan knows something’s wrong, but he doesn’t know how to name it. He’s tired of leading behind a mask and longs to influence without pretending, to connect without controlling. He doesn’t just want to perform—he wants to be present. In this episode, Jay sits down with Amy Wong, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Living On Purpose. Amy helps high achievers like Ryan step out of performance mode and into aligned, authentic communication. Together, they explore how our communication is a reflection of our relationship with ourselves—and how to reconnect with others by first reconnecting within. Amy shares how her own transformation began not with a plan, but a moment of surrender that changed her life. If you’ve ever struggled to say what you really mean, connect with others meaningfully, or lead without overthinking, this episode is a powerful guide to navigating from the inside out. Notable Quotes “Everything we want…we want it because we think it’s going to make us feel a certain way.” — Amy Wong “We don’t chase things for the things. We chase them for how we think they’ll make us feel.” — Amy Wong “When we open up and take the risk of being seen, we give others permission to do the same.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Amy Wong is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Always On Purpose. With a background in mathematics, philosophy, and transpersonal psychology, Amy blends science and soul to help leaders foster connection, clarity, and trust. Through coaching, speaking, and her bestselling book Living On Purpose, she empowers individuals to stop performing and start aligning with what truly matters—leading from their authentic selves. Resources and Links Amy Wong Website: https://www.alwaysonpurpose.com/ Living On Purpose: https://a.co/d/9o0lP6v LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyelizawong/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyelizawong Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay breaks down a powerful metaphor he calls the “Earth–Mars Analogy” to explain why communication breaks down in high-pressure environments—and what to do about it. You’ll learn why we default to judgment under stress and how to rebuild connection through curiosity and compassion. If you've ever struggled to get through to someone who just doesn’t see your perspective, this episode will help you build bridges instead of barriers. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.
NOW PLAYING
Meet Ryan – Authenticity Over Performance
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Jan 2, 2026 ·47m
Dec 21, 2025 ·46m