S2 EP17 - The Masks We Wear: Success, Self-Doubt & Starting Again with Anna Whitlam

This week on The Mounting Block, Marissa shares the latest chapter in her horse search journey, riding everything from Gypsy Cobs and Clydesdales to highly sensitive Andalusians, while Oriel celebrates a major personal milestone as she conquers her fear of cantering over poles and small jumps.The pair are then joined by entrepreneur, business leader and change specialist Anna Whitlam for an incredibly honest conversation about success, self-doubt and what really happens behind the scenes of high achievement.Anna opens up about growing up with dyslexia, finding confidence through horses, building and selling a highly successful business, and the difficult personal toll that followed. She shares how a Masters in Change at INSEAD led her on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, uncovering the unconscious beliefs and survival mechanisms that shaped her career, leadership style and relentless drive to achieve.Together, they explore burnout, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, corporate acquisitions, psychodynamics, leadership, resilience and the importance of understanding ourselves before we can truly understand others. It's a powerful conversation about vulnerability, identity, and learning that success doesn't always look the way we think it does.If you've ever questioned your own abilities, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered why some people seem to have it all together, this episode is a reminder that everyone is carrying a story beneath the surface. Key Topics Covered include:Horse shopping highs and lowsOvercoming riding fears and building confidenceFinding resilience through horsesDyslexia, childhood challenges and self-beliefEntrepreneurship and selling a businessBurnout and the hidden cost of successPsychodynamics and human behaviourLeadership, workplace culture and acquisitionsSelf-awareness, growth and reinventionBuilding a life and business aligned with your values