Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

PODCAST · business

Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

Real people. Real stories. Real solutions. I’m Jay Abbasi, host of Unstuck, and as a former leader at Tesla, I understand the whirlwind of challenges in the modern work scene. In this podcast, we reveal how to thrive in demanding work environments through relatable, real-life stories.   Each episode starts with a true story of modern professional challenges, followed by expert insights to help you thrive at work including practical advice on resilience, mental health, and work life balance. Get unstuck and build the life and career you’ve always wanted.

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    168: The Beliefs Quietly Running Your Life

    What if the biggest thing holding you back… is something you didn’t even choose? Meet Ava. She’s successful, disciplined, and respected in her career, but lately something feels off. Deep down, she knows she wants more freedom, creativity, and alignment in her life. But every time she thinks about making a change, fear rushes in. The stable paycheck. The expectations. The pressure of being “the successful one.” She feels torn between the life she built and the life calling her forward. In this episode, Jay sits down with Dianne Allen, nationally recognized speaker, author, and host of the Someone Gets Me podcast. Together, they explore how childhood belief systems quietly shape our decisions, why intuition matters more than most people realize, and how to reconnect with the version of yourself beneath the conditioning. Notable Quotes “The moment the intention is set, then the universe conspires to assist us.” — Dianne Allen “Your ego is not your amigo.” — Dianne Allen “The time is going to pass either way.” — Dianne Allen About Our Guest Dianne Allen is a nationally recognized speaker, author of 10 books, and host of the Someone Gets Me podcast. Through her work, she helps highly driven and visionary individuals reconnect with their authentic selves, strengthen self-trust, and create lives aligned with their intuition, creativity, and purpose. Resources & Links Dianne Allen Visions Applied Website – https://www.visionsapplied.com/ Website – https://www.msdianneallen.com/ Someone Gets Me Podcast – https://www.visionsapplied.com/category/podcast/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOu4J24z4iz3Dskj8RIg5jQ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay takes a deeper dive into creating a meaningful vision for your life. He walks through the three key areas to evaluate so you can better understand your strengths, reconnect with your authentic self, and gain clarity on what’s next for you.

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    166: Confidence Isn’t What You Think

    What if confidence isn’t something you have… but something you build? Meet Gabriel. He spots a senior leader he admires and immediately looks away. Another missed opportunity. At work, he’s sharp, reliable, and trusted to solve complex problems. But when it comes to speaking up, especially around authority, his confidence disappears. He knows it’s holding him back, not his ability, but his voice. In this episode, Jay sits down with Erik Dominguez, a communication expert who transformed from a shy, ridiculed kid into a sought-after speaker and trainer. Together, they break down what confidence actually is, and why most people misunderstand how to build it. From separating safety from comfort to practicing communication under pressure, Erik shares practical tools to help you speak up, trust yourself, and lead with greater impact. Notable Quotes “Confidence is the ability to respond.” — Erik Dominguez “Nothing good happens in your comfort zone.” — Erik Dominguez “Communication nerves are selfish.” — Erik Dominguez “Other people can only trust you to the extent that you trust yourself.” — Erik Dominguez About Our Guest Erik Dominguez is a keynote speaker, communication trainer, and public speaking consultant with over 25 years of experience. After overcoming his own fear of speaking, he now helps leaders and teams build confidence, communicate with clarity, and develop the skills needed to lead and influence effectively. Resources & Links Erik Dominguez Website – https://erikdominguez.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikjdominguez/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/erik.j.dominguez/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/erikjdominguezspeaksup YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/ErikDominguezSpeaks Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay breaks down the one skill that consistently shows up in confident individuals. He shares exactly how to develop it, why it matters, and the practical steps you can take to become a more confident version of yourself.

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    165: The Life You Want Starts Here

    The life you want doesn’t start someday. It starts with how you think today. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down a powerful and practical approach to creating the life you truly want by leveraging one of your greatest assets, your mind. Sharing his personal journey from skepticism to conviction, he explores how visualization, or what he calls simulation, can help reprogram your subconscious and align your actions with your desired future. Jay explains why the brain is wired to favor what feels familiar and how intentional mental rehearsal can make success feel normal before it happens. He walks through his own structured practice, including affirmations, emotional connection, and vivid mental scenes across key areas of life. If you want to move from wishing for change to creating it, this episode gives you a clear starting point. Notable Quotes “Anyone who wants to achieve greatness must see it in their mind first.” — Jay Abbasi “The brain will always choose what is familiar over what is unfamiliar.” — Jay Abbasi “When you pair this with consistent effort, it becomes an inevitability.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gabriel, a data engineer who wants to grow in his career but struggles to speak with confidence in high-stakes moments. Jay is joined by Erik Dominguez, keynote speaker and communication expert, to explore how to overcome fear, communicate with clarity, and step into greater influence.

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    164: What If You Actually Could?

    Rather than ask, “What if I fail”? You choose to ask, “What if I could?” Meet Tonya. She opens her laptop and sees 72 unread emails. Audits, follow-ups, urgent requests. She’s great at solving everyone else’s problems, but when it comes to her own life, she feels stuck. Should she stay or leave? Speak up or stay quiet? Part of her wants something more, but the fear of change keeps her in place. In this episode, Jay sits down with Sarah Centrella, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach. After rebuilding her life from the ground up as a single mother, Sarah developed practical tools to help people break through self-doubt and create a vision for their future. Notable Quotes “Your thoughts are predicting your outcomes.” — Sarah Centrella “Visualization only works when it’s personal.” — Sarah Centrella “Preparation meeting opportunity is what people call luck.” — Sarah Centrella About Our Guest Sarah Centrella is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps individuals and organizations design a clear vision for success and take action toward it. After overcoming personal and financial hardship, she built a career helping others break through limiting beliefs and create meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Resources & Links Sarah Centrella Think It book – https://www.amazon.com/Think-Train-Your-Thinking-Everything/dp/B0FCMX84MF Website – https://www.sarahcentrella.com/about LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcentrella/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sarahcentrella Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sarah.centrella YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/sarahcentrella Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/sarahcentrella/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay walks through his personal visualization practice, the exact way he applies it, the statements he uses, and how it has shaped his life and career. The goal is not to copy the method exactly, but to give you a framework you can adapt to create your own practice and move toward the life you want to build.

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    163: How to Respond to Negativity (7 Steps)

    You can’t control negativity, but you can control what happens next. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down a practical, step-by-step framework for handling complaints, venting, and negativity without getting pulled into it. Whether it’s in the workplace or your personal life, these moments require a balance of empathy and intention. Drawing from real-world experience and timeless principles, Jay explains the critical difference between reacting and responding, and how a simple pause can shift the entire outcome of a conversation. He walks through seven clear steps to help you acknowledge others without reinforcing negativity, guide conversations toward solutions, and maintain a positive, grounded presence. Notable Quotes “To respond is positive. To react is negative.” — Zig Ziglar “A response is composed, logical, and intentional.” — Jay Abbasi “You can acknowledge how someone feels without agreeing with their logic.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Tonya, a professional who feels stuck, unfulfilled, and unsure of her next move despite financial stability. Jay is joined by Sarah Centrella, bestselling author and executive coach, to explore how to build clarity, trust your voice, and create a future you’re excited about.

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    162: How to Deal with Irreversible Change

    What happens when the life you planned is no longer an option? Meet Andrew. He’s a Director of Business Development navigating a major company acquisition. New systems, new leadership, new expectations. In a moment of frustration, he joins in on the negativity with his team, only to walk away feeling like he’s added to the problem instead of leading through it. What he wants most is to show up with clarity, confidence, and control in the middle of change. In this episode, Jay sits down with John Register, a Paralympic silver medalist, Army combat veteran, and Hall of Fame keynote speaker who knows firsthand what irreversible change looks like. After a life-altering injury led to the amputation of his leg, John rebuilt his life and now teaches leaders how to navigate change with courage and conviction. Notable Quotes “New means no prior point of reference.” — John Register “Certainty is often just arrogance.” — John Register “Inspiration means to breathe life into others.” — John Register About Our Guest John Register is a Paralympic silver medalist, Army combat veteran, and Hall of Fame keynote speaker. After losing his leg in a training accident while preparing for the Olympics, he rebuilt his identity and went on to compete at the highest levels of sport. Today, he helps leaders navigate irreversible change by embracing a “new normal,” building resilience, and leading with purpose. Resources & Links John Register Website – https://johnregister.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnregister/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/johnfregister/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JohnFRegister X – https://x.com/jfregister YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiG9MrQUc3AogdmIlMArT3w Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/johnfregister/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay breaks down exactly how to respond when someone comes to you frustrated, venting, or complaining. He walks through what to say, how to say it, and how to shift the conversation without dismissing the person or joining in the negativity.

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    161: 3 Practices to Cultivate Unconditional Happiness

    What if happiness wasn’t something you had to earn… but something you could access right now? In this solo episode, Jay challenges the common belief that happiness is something we achieve through outcomes, success, or external circumstances. Instead, he introduces a powerful shift in perspective, showing how conditional thinking keeps us stuck in cycles of striving, resisting, and clinging. Drawing from philosophy, research, and personal insight, Jay breaks down how attachment drives unhappiness and how we can rewire our thinking to experience fulfillment in the present moment. He shares three practical, actionable practices to help you cultivate a more stable, grounded sense of happiness, regardless of what’s happening around you. Notable Quotes “Perfect happiness is the absence of striving for happiness.” — Chuang Tzu “Human beings are not wired for happiness. You’re wired for survival.” — Jay Abbasi “In this moment, you have everything you need.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Andrew, a Director of Business Development navigating a company merger and struggling with negativity within his team. Jay is joined by John Register, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and expert in navigating change, to explore how leaders can shift mindset, lead with conviction, and turn uncertainty into opportunity.

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    160: Why Success Still Feels Empty

    Why do “successful” people so often feel unfulfilled? Meet Raj. He leads a team of 15 in a fast-growing sustainability division. On paper, everything looks right: meaningful work, strong performance, a stable career. But lately, the spark is gone. The work that once challenged him now feels like background noise. He’s delivering, but inside, something feels flat. In this episode, Jay sits down with Bernie Borges, founder of Fulfilled at Work Academy and creator of the Fulfillment Centric Leadership Framework. Together, they explore why success without purpose can feel empty, and how fulfillment is built by aligning achievement with meaning across different areas of life. Notable Quotes “Fulfillment is the emotion we experience when we have achievement or purpose.” — Bernie Borges “Happiness is tied to circumstance. Fulfillment is deeper.” — Bernie Borges“ We can’t just ask, ‘Am I fulfilled?’ We have to ask it across five areas of life.” — Bernie Borges About Our Guest Bernie Borges is the founder of Fulfilled at Work Academy and creator of the fulfillment-centric leadership framework. With decades of experience in B2B technology and leadership, Bernie helps organizations and leaders redesign how they approach performance by making fulfillment, not just results, the foundation for success. Resources & Links Bernie Borges Fulfilled at Work Website – https://fulfilledatworkacademy.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/bernie.borges X – https://x.com/bernieborges TikTok – https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores a different perspective on happiness and why tying it to external circumstances may actually be setting you up for disappointment. He shares a new framework to help you experience a deeper, more consistent sense of happiness, independent of what’s happening around you.

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    159: Leading at the Speed of AI

    AI is moving fast. The real question is, can we keep up as humans? In this solo episode, Jay breaks down how leaders can navigate rapid technological change without losing the human connection that drives performance, trust, and culture. While AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Jay explains that human psychology has not changed nearly as quickly, and that gap is where leadership matters most. Drawing from his keynote work and real-world experience, Jay introduces a simple three-step framework to help leaders guide their teams through uncertainty, fear, and disruption. By acknowledging emotions, asking better questions, and channeling energy into positive action, leaders can build adaptability while maintaining strong, human-centered relationships. Notable Quotes “Day by day, machines are gaining ground on us. Day by day, we are becoming more subservient to them.” — Samuel Butler “People need to feel heard. People need to feel understood.” — Jay Abbasi “Questions are the most powerful tool that you can use to help people to be adaptable.” — Jay Abbasi “Energy is not something we should be suppressing. It’s something we should be leveraging.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Raj, a senior leader in renewable energy who feels disconnected and unfulfilled despite leading a high-performing team. Jay is joined by Bernie Borges, founder of Fulfilled at Work Academy, to explore how leaders can reconnect with purpose, reignite engagement, and rediscover what meaningful work truly feels like.

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    158: My Wife Took Over The Podcast

    What happens when the host becomes the guest… and nothing goes as planned? Meet Jay… from a completely different perspective. This time, the questions aren’t coming from him. They’re coming from Alexandra, his wife, who flips the script and takes over the podcast. What follows is an unscripted, honest, and hilarious conversation that pulls back the curtain on Jay’s story, from the origin of his name to his early days in sales, a short-lived rap career, and the moments that shaped his transition into speaking and personal development. But beyond the laughs and stories, this episode reveals something deeper: the human side behind the work. The habits, quirks, values, and relationship dynamics that don’t usually make it into a keynote or a polished talk. Notable Quotes “I made a decision on the kind of work I wanted to do long term.” — Jay Abbasi “I love using language to shift how people think.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Alexandra Preziosi is a real estate professional and entrepreneur known for her authentic, relatable approach to content and client relationships. In this special episode, she brings a fresh, unfiltered perspective as she steps into the host role, creating a candid and engaging conversation that reveals a different side of her husband, Jay. Resources & Links Alexandra Preziosi Website – https://alexpreziosirealestate.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrapreziosi/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070492525113 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alexpreziosi_real_estate/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives deeper into a conversation around AI and leadership. Rather than exploring how to use AI, this episode will be about how to lead humans through the AI disruption. If you’re a leader who sees how AI is impacting how people are showing up, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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    157: The Real Reason You Get Distracted

    Distraction isn’t new, but there are evidence-based ways to cultivate greater focus. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down the real reason we struggle with focus and attention, and why distraction is not a modern problem caused by technology, but a deeply human trait that once helped us survive. Drawing from neuroscience and research, he explains how attention actually works and why trying to “fight distraction” often leads to frustration. Jay introduces practical tools to help you regain control of your attention, including understanding what your mind prioritizes, asking yourself powerful awareness questions, and building the habit of mindfulness training. If you’ve ever felt scattered, unfocused, or overwhelmed by distractions, this episode gives you a clear path to sharper focus and greater presence. Notable Quotes “Attention is the flashlight that illuminates your life. Learn to hold it steady and everything changes.” — Dr. Amishi Jha “Your attention will go to what you deem is most important.” — Jay Abbasi “You could be missing so much of your life because your attention is on something else.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, Jay hosts a special and lighthearted conversation as his wife, Alex, takes over the podcast and interviews him. From his background in music to their relationship, favorite shows, and personal insights, this episode offers a fun and refreshing break from the usual format.

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    156: Pursue Your Spark

    What happens when the life that once excited you… no longer fits? Meet Emma. After 30 years in real estate, she’s built a successful career, but lately even picking up the phone feels heavy. The routines that once energized her now feel exhausting. She doesn’t want to quit, but she knows something has to change. In this episode, Jay sits down with Heike Yates, midlife fitness expert, author of Pursue Your Spark, and creator of the Spark Framework. Together, they explore what it really takes to reinvent yourself when your current path no longer feels aligned. From letting go of safety to rebuilding self-trust, Heike shares practical strategies for navigating change without overwhelming yourself, and why progress comes from small, consistent steps, not overnight transformation. Notable Quotes “Leaving safety is gutsy.” — Heike Yates “Progress takes work, effort, consistency, and follow through.” — Heike Yates “You don’t have to jump all at once. Take small steps.” — Heike Yates About Our Guest Heike Yates is a midlife fitness expert, author, and coach with over 35 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Through her Spark Framework, she helps individuals rebuild energy, confidence, and direction when their current routines no longer align with the life they want to live. Resources & Links Heike Yates Pursue Your Spark book – https://heikeyates.com/midlife-mindset-book-pursue-your-spark/ Website – https://heikeyates.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/heike-yates/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIeOesGLGAOD5RhI2KYjcA Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pursueyourspark X – https://x.com/Heike__Yates Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/heikeyates/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives into the science of attention and why most people misunderstand how focus actually works. He shares research-backed insights and practical techniques to help you reduce distractions, strengthen concentration, and direct your attention toward what matters most.

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    155: The “ABC” Framework for Reframing Challenges

    What if the way you see your challenges is the problem, not the challenge itself? In this solo episode, Jay introduces a simple yet powerful framework to help you reframe stress, overwhelm, and adversity in real time. Drawing from neuroscience, personal experience, and insights from working with leaders across industries, he challenges the idea that we need to reduce or cope with stress, and instead offers a more effective approach. Through the ABC framework, Jay walks you step-by-step through how to acknowledge what you’re feeling, become curious about your perspective, and channel that energy into meaningful action. If you’ve ever felt stuck in negative thought loops or overwhelmed by challenges, this episode gives you a practical tool to shift your mindset and move forward with clarity. Notable Quotes “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” — Abraham Lincoln “The original perspective that we have does not serve us.” — Jay Abbasi “You have to acknowledge whatever’s coming up in you.” — Jay Abbasi “Channel that energy into something positive.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Emma, a real estate agent in the later stages of her career who feels stuck, unfulfilled, and unsure of her next step. Jay is joined by Heike Yates, midlife fitness expert and author of Pursue Your Spark, to explore how professionals can reconnect with purpose, rebuild energy, and take meaningful steps toward their next chapter.

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    154: Turn Your Anger Into Power

    What is your anger trying to tell you? Meet Annabelle. At home, she swallows her frustration to keep the peace. At work, she watches others get recognized while her effort goes unseen. The anger keeps building, but instead of expressing it, she turns it inward. What if that anger is trying to tell her something needs to change? In this episode, Jay sits down with Alyse Maslonik, founder and CEO of RedefinED School Advancement and a TEDx speaker whose life was shaped by poverty, abuse, and the power of education. Together, they explore how anger can become fuel for grit, purpose, and meaningful change when it is understood instead of suppressed. Notable Quotes “The truth is the truth no matter how many people believe it.” — Alyse Maslonik “Anger is neither good nor bad. It’s simply a signal.” — Alyse Maslonik “If you can believe it, you can become it.” — Alyse Maslonik About Our Guest Alyse Maslonik is the founder and CEO of RedefinED School Advancement, a mission-driven organization that helps schools grow enrollment and increase access for underserved students. A TEDx speaker and advocate for educational opportunity, Alyse draws from her own lived experience of poverty and abuse to help others turn adversity into impact, purpose, and change. Resources & Links Alyse Maslonik Website – https://alysemaslo.com/ RedefinED Website – https://redefiningeducation.org/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/redefiningeducation/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/alyse.victoria.7 Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares a new three-step framework for handling adversity without suppressing emotions or losing momentum. If you want to stay focused, resilient, and effective when life gets chaotic, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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    153: 3 of the Fastest Ways to Build Confidence

    The fastest way to build confidence is not what most people think. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down three practical and proven ways to build confidence in the shortest amount of time. Drawing from his own journey as a speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, he explains why confidence is often overcomplicated and why the most effective formula is also the simplest. From taking messy action and reflecting on your progress to priming your mind through visualization and affirmation, Jay shares a clear roadmap for building real confidence, not just temporary motivation. If you have been waiting to feel more ready, more certain, or more capable, this episode will help you move forward now. Notable Quotes “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.” — Dale Carnegie “You have to fail over and over and over and over and over again.” — Jay Abbasi “You want to be confident? You need to give evidence to your subconscious mind.” — Jay Abbasi “When it’s paired with taking the action and reflecting on your success, you are now building up what I would say is even unwavering confidence.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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/@jayabbasipodcas Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Annabelle, who is struggling with anger, frustration, and the tendency to suppress what she is really feeling in order to keep the peace. Jay is joined by Alyse Maslonik, founder and CEO of Redefined School Advancement and TEDx speaker, to explore how anger can be understood, channeled, and used in a way that leads to growth and positive change.

  16. 159

    Unstuck Classics: Stop Lying to Yourself

    How many times have you told yourself you’d change… and didn’t? In this episode, we revisit the story of Trevor, an oncologist who has built a career on precision, compassion, and service, yet feels exhausted, empty, and increasingly disconnected from himself. Beneath the long hours, self-doubt, and lack of boundaries is a deeper issue: he no longer trusts himself to follow through on the things he says matter. This Unstuck Classics episode revisits a powerful conversation with Leon Thurston Jr., speaker, coach, and author, about confidence, discipline, standards, and the hidden damage caused by the lies people tell themselves every day. Together, Jay and Leon explore how burnout, comparison, and weak boundaries chip away at self-trust, and what it takes to rebuild it. Notable Quotes “You’re the only person who’s ever heard every lie that you’ve ever told.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “When you look at the root word of confidence, the root word is confide.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “Discipline means that you’re a follower, a disciple.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “If you don’t have any standards set, you won’t be able to follow anything.” — Leon Thurston Jr. About Our Guest Leon Thurston Jr. is a speaker, coach, and author whose mission is to help people get unstuck and become their greatest solution. Through his coaching, speaking, and the University of Unstuck, Leon helps leaders, athletes, and professionals move from self-doubt to self-mastery by building stronger standards, confidence, and ownership. Resources & LinksLeon Thurston Jr. Website – https://www.universityofunstuck.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-thurston-jr-2b635355/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@leejuniorunstuck Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lee.junior.50?ref=bookmarks Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leejuniorunstuck/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay takes a deeper dive into three specific ways to build confidence, especially during seasons of change, uncertainty, and self-doubt. If confidence has been wavering lately, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

  17. 158

    152: 10 Tips For My Younger Self (Part 2 – Birthday Special)

    What if the most important advice you ever received was the advice you gave yourself? In this special continuation of Jay’s birthday reflection series, he shares the five most impactful lessons he would give his twenty-year-old self. These principles are rooted in lived experience and designed to help you build a fulfilling career, meaningful relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose. From priming your mind through visualization to learning from disruptive emotions, speaking with greater presence, practicing self-observation, and ultimately learning how to “lose yourself” in service of something bigger, this episode invites you to turn insight into daily practice. If you’re looking for direction, resilience, and clarity as you grow, these lessons offer a powerful guide. Notable Quotes “We don’t grow from knowledge. We grow from training, from practice, from application.” — Jay Abbasi “Understanding what you feel frees you from what you feel.” — Jay Abbasi “Pay attention to paying attention.” — Jay Abbasi “Learn how to say more with less.” — Jay Abbasi “Stay connected to something bigger than yourself.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, Jay revisits an Unstuck Classic and shares highlights from one of the most impactful guest conversations since the podcast began. It’s a chance to reflect on timeless lessons and reconnect with ideas that continue to resonate.

  18. 157

    151: Why You Can’t Heal Overnight

    What if the reason you feel stuck… is because you’re trying to heal too fast? Meet Tony. He’s an account manager  at a chemical manufacturer under constant pressure to hit quota, but lately something feels off. Some weeks he’s unstoppable. Other weeks he can barely open his laptop. The harder he tries to push through, the heavier everything feels.  In this episode, Jay speaks with Johnny Crowder, mental health entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of CopeNotes. Together they explore why healing and personal growth rarely happen through a single breakthrough moment. More often, they happen through small shifts, repeated consistently over time. Notable Quotes “The habits that took you 30 years to learn, you’re not going to unlearn in 30 minutes.” — Johnny Crowder “Recovery isn’t one big breakthrough. It’s a lot of tiny steps in the right direction.” — Johnny Crowder “You can feel a feeling all the way to the end of it.” — Johnny Crowder “Sometimes the best thing you can do with discomfort is simply sit with it.” — Johnny Crowder About Our Guest Johnny Crowder is a mental health entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of CopeNotes, a global mental health platform that sends supportive text messages designed to interrupt negative thought patterns and build healthier habits. Drawing from his own lived experience with severe mental illness, Johnny helps people develop practical coping skills and resilience through education, compassion, and small daily actions. Resources & Links Johnny Crowder Cope Notes website – https://copenotes.com/ Website – https://johnnycrowder.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnycrowder Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/johnnycrowderlovesyou Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnnyxcrowder YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@johnnycrowder Jay AbbasiWebsite – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, as Jay celebrates his birthday, he will also share the five lessons he would give his younger self if he could go back 20 years. These are practical, actionable strategies for building resilience, happiness, fulfillment, and balance in everyday life. If you’re looking for clear steps to help you move forward with greater clarity and purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

  19. 156

    150: 10 Tips for My Younger Self (Part 1 – Birthday Special)

    “If you could go back 20 years, what advice would you give yourself?” In this special birthday episode, Jay reflects on turning 40 and shares the first half of a two-part series: ten lessons he would give his 20-year-old self. These insights are not abstract ideas, but practical principles shaped by experience, adversity, growth, and years of studying personal development. In Part 1, Jay explores five actionable lessons that can help anyone build resilience, deepen relationships, and live with greater clarity and purpose. From cultivating relentless curiosity to embracing discomfort and rethinking how we treat both ourselves and others, these lessons offer guidance not just for getting unstuck, but for staying unstuck. Notable Quotes “Know that you don’t know, and stay curious.” — Jay Abbasi “Speak to yourself the way you would speak to someone you love.” — Jay Abbasi “When you see even a small sign of progress, it gives you the energy to keep going.” — Jay Abbasi  “Treat others the way they want to be treated.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Tony, an account manager for a chemical manufacturer who feels overwhelmed by the pressure of sales quotas, financial stress, and a lack of time for himself. Jay is joined by Johnny Crowder, founder of Cope Notes and TEDx speaker, to explore how professionals under constant pressure can build healthier thought patterns and practical strategies for protecting their mental health.

  20. 155

    149: The Hidden Cost of Being Agreeable

    What if being agreeable is not only affecting your confidence, but it’s also affecting your health? Meet Penelope. She nods as her boss speaks, offering agreement before she can stop herself. Inside, she feels the weight of what she didn’t say. In her bag is a fully developed proposal she spent weeks building, designed to improve engagement and reduce burnout. But in moments that matter, she defaults to staying agreeable. What she wants most is the courage to speak up and become the leader she knows she can be. In this episode, Jay sits down with Shereen Thor, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman. Together, they explore the hidden cost of people-pleasing, how early conditioning shapes behavior, and what it takes to break free and lead with authenticity, courage, and self-trust. Notable Quotes “Your brain is wired for survival, not happiness.” — Shereen Thor “You think you’re making a smart choice, but you’re making a choice that is killing you.” — Shereen Thor “Conflict is change trying to happen.” — Shereen Thor “Be the gift you’re meant to be.” — Shereen Thor About Our Guest Shereen Thor is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman. She helps leaders break free from conditioning, embrace their authentic voice, and lead with confidence, courage, and purpose. Through her coaching and training programs, she supports individuals and organizations in unlocking their full potential. Resources & Links Shereen Thor Revolutionary Woman Book – https://www.amazon.com/Revolutionary-Woman-Break-Rules-Purpose/dp/1737539403 Website – https://shereenthor.com/ LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/shereenthor Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/shereenthor/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay kicks off a special two-part series for his birthday month, sharing 10 lessons he would give his 20-year-old self. These are practical, actionable insights drawn from real experience, designed to help you navigate stress, take meaningful risks, and live with greater clarity and intention.

  21. 154

    148: The Science of Being Kind to Yourself

    What if you treated yourself with the same understanding and care you give to others? In this solo episode, Jay explores the science and psychology behind self-compassion and why being hard on yourself may actually be holding you back. Drawing from the research of Dr. Kristin Neff and Kelly McGonigal, he explains how self-compassion improves emotional resilience, reduces anxiety, and even enhances motivation and self-control. Jay breaks down a practical approach to transforming your inner dialogue by acknowledging reality, supporting yourself through difficulty, and reconnecting to what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of self-criticism, this episode offers a powerful and research-backed path to a healthier, more effective mindset. Notable Quotes “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we give to a good friend.” — Dr. Kristin Neff “Self-compassion, being supportive and kind to yourself, especially in the face of stress and failure, is associated with more motivation and better self-control.” — Kelly McGonigal “I can’t expect to feel good all the time.” — Jay Abbasi “If we keep moving forward, something great is going to happen.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Penelope, a Director of Training in healthcare who is holding herself back from speaking up and sharing her ideas. Jay is joined by Shereen Thor, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman, to explore how leaders can break free from expectations, find their voice, and lead with unapologetic confidence.

  22. 153

    147: The Second Act Nobody Prepares You For

    A high salary with a prestigious job title doesn't necessarily mean you're successful. Meet Lauren. A respected VP in tech with over 20 years of experience, Lauren has built a career many would admire. But lately, the work feels hollow. Meetings feel repetitive. Motivation has faded. With her children grown and life shifting, a question she hasn’t asked in years starts to surface… is this really how she wants to spend her next chapter? In this episode, Jay sits down with Colleen Pimentel, former big tech executive turned coach and author, who helps high achievers move beyond success on paper and into a more meaningful second act. Together, they explore identity, purpose, fear, and how to reinvent without burning everything down. Notable Quotes “Confidence doesn’t come when fear disappears. It comes when you take action.” — Colleen Pimentel “You don’t have to burn it all down. You can build your next chapter in parallel.” — Colleen Pimentel “When you live your purpose, you actually gain energy, not lose it.” — Colleen Pimentel About Our Guest Colleen Pimentel is a former big tech executive, author, and coach who helps high achievers redefine success and step into their next chapter with clarity and intention. After spending over 30 years in corporate leadership, she now guides individuals through identity shifts, purpose discovery, and meaningful reinvention. Resources & Links Colleen Pimentel Business Website – https://www.mckennapimentelconsulting.com/ Website – https://www.colleenpimentel.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-pimentel-140790/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@collpimentel/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores why being hard on yourself feels natural, but is often counterproductive. He breaks down the research behind self-criticism and shares a practical framework, including insights from Eastern philosophy, to help you become more self-compassionate without losing your edge.

  23. 152

    146: 7 Steps to Manage Workplace Conflict

    “To manage conflict effectively, you must manage the conflict within yourself first.” In this solo episode, Jay breaks down a practical, experience-driven framework for navigating conflict in the workplace and beyond. Drawing from his own experiences, coaching conversations, and lessons from last week’s episode, he shares a 7-step approach to help you move from reactivity to intentional, effective communication. From managing your emotions and understanding your triggers to practicing conversations, adjusting tone, and leading with vulnerability, this episode emphasizes an inside-out approach to conflict resolution. If you want to strengthen relationships, communicate more effectively, and lead with greater awareness, this episode offers a clear path forward. Notable Quotes “Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.” — William James “The default for how we manage conflict is to focus our attention on the other person.” — Jay Abbasi “Every time you're triggered, there is a learning opportunity.” — Jay Abbasi “When you share vulnerably from the heart in a kind and respectful way, you're going to open up the conversation.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Lauren, a VP in the tech industry who has achieved success on paper but feels disconnected, unfulfilled, and uncertain about what comes next. Jay is joined by Colleen Pimentel, tech executive, coach, and author of Second Act, to explore how high achievers can rediscover purpose, navigate transition, and build a meaningful next chapter.

  24. 151

    145: Stop Reacting, Start Responding

    Great leaders don’t react emotionally; they respond logically.  Meet Maya. A Chief Supply Chain Officer at a major beverage company, Maya once had a strong partnership with a senior VP. After one tense disagreement, every conversation now feels loaded. She snaps, avoids conflict, replays meetings in her head, and loses focus. What she wants most is to feel grounded and confident during difficult conversations. In this episode, Jay sits down with Darcy Luoma, leadership coach and creator of the Thoughtfully Fit® model. Darcy shares how leaders can train themselves to pause, think, and act instead of reacting under pressure, and why the skill of responding intentionally can transform careers, relationships, and life. Notable Quotes “Pause, think, act.” — Darcy Luoma “You have to train in the small moments so you can show up in the big ones.” — Darcy Luoma “Ninety-six percent of the time, how a conversation starts is how it ends.” — Darcy Luoma About Our Guest Darcy Luoma is a leadership coach, speaker, and creator of the Thoughtfully Fit® model, a practical framework that helps individuals pause, think, and act with intention. Drawing from her background in public service, business leadership, and personal adversity, Darcy helps leaders navigate difficult conversations, strengthen resilience, and communicate with courage, compassion, and curiosity. Resources & Links Darcy Luoma Free Webinar Hosted by Darcy - https://darcyluoma.com/leading-a-business-together-without-losing-your-mind/ Website – https://darcyluoma.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcyluoma/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/darcyluoma/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/darcyluomacoaching/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/DarcyLuoma X – https://x.com/DarcyLuoma Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares practical techniques for navigating conflict, communicating with strong personalities, and becoming more influential without damaging relationships. These are tools he has personally practiced and taught in coaching, with real results for those who apply them. If becoming a stronger communicator and advocate is a priority, don’t miss this episode.

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    144: 3 Words That Can Change Your Life

    “Everything we do becomes more meaningful when it connects to something bigger than ourselves.” In this solo episode, Jay introduces three simple but powerful words that can transform how you approach your goals, your work, and your daily life. Inspired by a quote from Nick Vujicic and a reflection on Valentine’s Day, Jay explores how self-focused thinking often fuels anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction. He explains how finishing the sentence “So I can…” can help you connect your daily actions to deeper meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. When your efforts are rooted in something bigger than yourself, performance improves, resilience grows, and life feels more aligned. Notable Quotes “The greatest rewards come when you give of yourself.” — Nick Vujicic “There’s only one common factor in every one of those situations and it’s this. You are thinking about yourself.” — Jay Abbasi “Everything that we do when rooted in something bigger than ourselves will be done with greater tenacity, with greater resilience and greater performance.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Maya, a Chief Supply Chain Officer navigating growing conflict with a senior VP that is beginning to impact her confidence and leadership. Jay is joined by Darcy Luoma, Master Certified Coach and expert in helping leaders navigate conflict with clarity, to explore how accomplished leaders can advocate for themselves and strengthen relationships even during disagreement.

  26. 149

    143: Keep Your Eyes on the Knife

    Life is meaningless when you’re constantly distracted. To have more meaning, you need to have more focus. Meet Randy. It’s 2:17 a.m., and he’s staring at the ceiling while notifications light up his phone. His global team is stretched thin, priorities keep shifting, and motivation is fading. Randy isn’t looking for productivity hacks. He wants his team to believe their work still matters. In this episode, Jay sits down with Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, author, and expert on focus, meaning, and human connection. Greg shares powerful lessons from juggling, performance, and leadership to explain how distraction erodes meaning and how leaders can help people reconnect to purpose, consistency, and impact. Notable Quotes “Keep your eyes on the thing that's most important to you, that if it falls, will cause the most damage.” — Greg Bennick "Meaning disappears when we stop realizing the impact we are having.” — Greg Bennick “Genuine power transforms, and authority tends to disrupt.” — Greg Bennick About Our Guest Greg Bennick is a keynote speaker, author, and performer who helps organizations strengthen focus, collaboration, and purpose in an increasingly distracted world. Blending storytelling, psychology, and lessons from decades as a professional performer, Greg helps leaders and teams reconnect with meaning and build stronger human connection at work. Resources & Links Greg Bennick Website – https://www.gregbennick.com/ Greg Bennick’s Book – https://www.gregbennick.com/gregbennickbook LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbennick Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/gregbennick Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gregbennick/?hl=en YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@gregbennickofficial Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares three words that can help reconnect you to purpose, strengthen motivation, and help you push forward when things feel difficult.

  27. 148

    142: 4 Keys to Unlocking Unwavering Persistence

    “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” In this solo episode, Jay explores why persistence feels so difficult and what truly drives our ability to follow through. Drawing from psychology, coaching experience, and real-world leadership challenges, he explains how our emotions, not our environment, often determine whether we stay consistent or give in to distraction. Jay introduces four practical keys to help you work through resistance, stay focused on meaningful goals, and build the kind of persistence that leads to long-term progress. If you’ve ever struggled with discipline, consistency, or follow-through, this episode offers a practical and compassionate roadmap forward. Notable Quotes “We must all suffer from one of two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” — Jim Rohn “Your emotions are driving your behavior rather than your environment.” — Jay Abbasi “Those who can sit in boredom succeed more than those who cannot.” — Jay Abbasi “Don’t rely on willpower. Create an environment that supports you.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Randy, a VP at a large financial services firm who feels his team losing confidence and motivation amid constant change. Jay is joined by Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, author, and global voice on teamwork and focus, to explore how leaders can restore belief, purpose, and connection during times of uncertainty.

  28. 147

    141: My Journey to the TEDx Stage

    Some dreams don’t start with a plan. They start with a feeling you can’t ignore. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what that journey actually required. In 2014, after the sudden passing of Jay’s father, he became deeply curious about how to live better, healthier, and more intentionally. He read relentlessly, attended workshops, worked with coaches, and watched countless TED and TEDx talks. Somewhere along the way, a quiet idea took hold: one day, he would stand on that red circle and share something meaningful with the world. From years of visualization and preparation, to finding the idea for the talk in an unexpected moment, to applying, rehearsing, getting accepted, and navigating setbacks no one plans for. Jay walks through the exact steps he took to land a TEDx talk, what surprised him most about the process, and the lessons he learned along the way. This is not a highlight reel. It’s an honest look at persistence, adaptability, and doing the hard things consistently, long before there’s any guarantee it will work. Notable Quotes “My gift is taking complex ideas and simplifying them in ways that really stick.” - Jay Abbasi “When you can visualize it and feel it, your mind starts acting as if it already happened.” - Jay Abbasi “Do the hard things consistently. That’s where most people stop.” - Jay Abbasi Resources & Links Jay Abbasi Website –⁠ https://jayabbasi.me/⁠⁠ LinkedIn –⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/⁠ Instagram –⁠ https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/⁠ YouTube –⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast⁠ Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. ⁠Submit Your Story  ⁠ Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay goes deeper into persistence and what it really takes to keep going when motivation fades and the work gets hard. The episode breaks down how to build the muscle of follow-through, especially when progress feels slow or invisible.

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    140: How to Plan Your Life (Not Just Your Week)

    “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan.” In this solo episode, Jay shares his personal system for planning life intentionally rather than reacting to whatever shows up on the calendar. As January comes to a close, he invites you to zoom out beyond weekly to-do lists and consider how you’re allocating time across the areas that matter most, including work, relationships, health, and contribution. Jay walks through a practical, flexible process that combines weekly forecasting, daily task setting, and intentional calendar blocking. He also offers alternative approaches for different personalities, reminding listeners that the goal isn’t perfection, but clarity, focus, and refinement. If you’ve ever felt busy but misaligned, this episode provides a grounded reset. Notable Quotes “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan.” — Jim Rohn “Are you a wandering generality or a meaningful specific?” — Zig Ziglar “I’m always looking to continue to grow and develop and learn.” — Jay Abbasi “You will be planning your life rather than reacting to life.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story   Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, Jay shares a special solo conversation walking you through the exact steps he took to land a TEDx talk, from the initial idea to stepping onto the stage. He’ll break down lessons learned, mistakes made, and what he’d do differently, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a journey many listeners are curious about. A meaningful and personal episode you won’t want to miss.

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    139: Get Back in the Driver’s Seat

    When life feels overwhelming, it’s often because no one is actually driving. Meet Hannah. She’s a driven single mom with two young boys and a demanding leadership role in retail operations. Her days are filled with meetings, fire drills, and constant pressure to perform. Despite strong reviews, promotions keep passing her by. At home, guilt sets in. At work, doubt creeps closer. Hannah isn’t lazy or unmotivated. She’s exhausted from reacting to everything around her and wants to prove to her sons that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of happiness. In this episode, Jay speaks with Dr. Lawana Gladney, also known as Dr. G, a success psychologist and leadership performance expert. Dr. G explains why burnout happens, how overwhelm hijacks the brain, and what it really means to get back in the driver’s seat of life. Through powerful metaphors, practical psychology, and deeply human insight, this conversation reframes control, time, and emotional regulation. Notable Quotes “People are reacting to life instead of planning their life.” —  Dr. Lawana Gladney “Burnout happens when the brain is overwhelmed and disorganized.” — Dr. Lawana Gladney “Make a plan, schedule it. If it's scheduled, then it happens. If it's not scheduled, it won't happen..” —  Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Dr. Lawana Gladney is a successful psychologist, leadership performance expert, speaker, and author. Through her Psychology of Success methodology, she helps leaders change behaviors that lead to burnout, stalled growth, and disengagement. Her work focuses on emotional regulation, mindset, time management, and helping people take control of their lives with clarity and intention. Resources & Links Dr. Lawana Gladney (Dr. G) Website – https://www.drgladney.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgladney/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drgladney/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drgladney/?hl=en YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@psychologyofsuccesswithdr.g Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story   Join Us Next Time This Friday, Jay goes deeper into the idea of planning life instead of reacting to it. He’ll share practical ways to organize time, protect attention, and create structure so work, family, and personal goals can coexist more sustainably.

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    138: 9 Takeaways From the Best Book I’ve Ever Read

    “What you’re aware of, you’re in control of. What you’re not aware of is in control of you.” In this deeply reflective solo episode, Jay shares nine life-shaping takeaways from Awareness by Anthony De Mello, the book that has had the greatest impact on his perspective, inner life, and leadership. This is a return-to-center episode, designed to slow you down, challenge your assumptions, and invite deeper awareness in how you think, feel, and live. Jay explores themes of attachment, identity, perception, suffering, and freedom, offering insights that touch every area of life, from career and relationships to ambition and self-worth. If you’re looking for clarity, emotional freedom, and a more grounded way to move through the world, this episode is an invitation to wake up. Notable Quotes “There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head.” — Anthony de Mello “Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.” — Anthony de Mello “What you’re aware of, you’re in control of. What you’re not aware of is in control of you.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story   Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Hannah, an ambitious operations manager and single mom who wants career growth without sacrificing her family. Jay is joined by Dr. Lawana Gladney, success psychologist and leadership performance expert, to explore how high-achieving professionals can build resilience, set boundaries, and lead powerfully without burning out.

  32. 143

    137: The Leadership Mistake Nobody Talks About

    Being strong isn’t the same as being resilient. Meet Zara. She’s the one everyone relies on. At work, she fixes delays, calms clients, and takes on just one more task. At home, she juggles three kids, dinner, homework, and exhaustion she rarely admits out loud. Zara loves her job and her family, but the pace is catching up to her. Burnout isn’t theoretical anymore. What she wants isn’t to quit, slow down, or give up responsibility. She wants sustainability, clarity, and resilience that actually lasts. In this episode, Jay speaks with Julie Lewis, high-altitude mountaineer, expedition leader, and resilience consultant. Drawing from decades of leading teams through extreme environments, Julie challenges a leadership mistake few people talk about: confusing endurance with strength. Through powerful metaphors from nature, she explains how leaders can build adaptive resilience without burning themselves or their teams out. Notable Quotes “Self-care is self-respect.” — Julie Lewis “Nature is the greatest teacher of resilience.” — Julie Lewis “You can’t sprint forever. Even mountains have seasons.” — Julie Lewis About Our Guest Julie Lewis is a high-altitude mountaineer, expedition leader, keynote speaker, and resilience consultant. With a background in sports science and over 20 years of experience leading multinational teams through some of the world’s most demanding environments, Julie helps leaders build adaptive resilience through nature, self-awareness, and sustainable performance. Her work blends science, lived experience, and powerful metaphors to help people thrive through constant change. Resources & Links Julie Lewis Website – https://julie-lewis.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielewis4/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/julie.lewis.98892 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/juliemileslewis/ X – https://x.com/mountainhighme Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives deeper into the idea of connection and resilience by exploring lessons from Awareness by Anthony de Mello. The episode breaks down practical insights that apply to leadership, work, and everyday life in a world defined by constant change.

  33. 142

    136: 7 Tricks to Mastering a PowerPoint Presentation

    “A great presentation uses slides to support the message, not compete with it.” In this solo episode, Jay shares seven practical, field-tested techniques to help your PowerPoint or keynote presentation truly shine. Drawing from years in learning and development, as well as his work as a keynote speaker, Jay explains how to design slides that enhance your message rather than distract from it. From deciding whether you even need slides to using high-resolution imagery, clean layouts, intentional animation, and minimal text, this episode walks you step by step through how to build a presentation that is visually compelling, professional, and audience-centered. Notable Quotes “What matters in the end is that people get the message.” — Jay Abbasi “The text on the slide shouldn’t be telling the story for you.” — Jay Abbasi “If I can see step one through step four at the same time, I’m not listening to you anymore.” — Jay Abbasi “Animation should serve timing and clarity, not distraction.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. ⁠Submit Your Story⁠  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Zara, a high-performing project manager whose ambition and pressure have begun to impact her well-being and family life. Jay is joined by Julie Lewis, high-altitude mountaineer, expedition leader, resilience consultant, and keynote speaker, to explore how professionals can build resilience that supports a full life, not just a busy one.

  34. 141

    135: From Anxiety to Executive Presence

    Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It often means you care. Meet Gloria. Confident one-on-one but anxious in high-stakes rooms, Gloria freezes when presenting to senior leaders. Despite being capable and respected, anxiety hijacks her focus, causing her to avoid visibility and stall her growth. What she wants most is presence, confidence, and the ability to speak up when it matters.  In this episode, Jay speaks with Stephanie Richardson, a certified speaking coach, former therapist, keynote speaker, and international bestselling author. Stephanie breaks down how high-achieving professionals can shift from anxiety to executive presence by addressing mindset, preparation, and delivery, without trying to become someone they’re not. Notable Quotes “Fear overtakes logic. Anxiety hijacks her brain.” — Stephanie Richardson “You don’t get confidence first. You build it through evidence.” — Stephanie Richardson “You don’t know what you don’t know. And when you don’t have the knowledge, it’s hard to have the confidence.” — Stephanie Richardson About Our Guest Stephanie Richardson is a certified speaking coach, former licensed professional counselor, keynote speaker, and international bestselling author. She helps high-achieving leaders overcome anxiety, build confidence, and communicate with clarity and executive presence, especially in high-stakes moments. Her work blends psychology, coaching, and practical communication tools to help professionals perform at their best. Resources & Links Stephanie Richardson Website – https://stephanierichardsonuyp.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachstephanierichardson/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@coachstephanierichardson Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/UnlockYourPotentialwithStephanie Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay walks through how to create a masterful PowerPoint presentation. He’ll share seven practical principles used in keynotes and workshops to help your slides support your message, not distract from it. If presentations are part of your role, this episode will give you tools you can apply immediately.

  35. 140

    134: The 7-Step Formula for Better Meetings

    A meeting without a clear desired outcome is a scheduled chit chat devoid of purpose. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down why so many meetings feel exhausting, unproductive, and unnecessary, and what to do instead. Drawing from his corporate background and years of leadership experience, Jay shares a 7-step blueprint for running meetings that are focused, efficient, and actually move work forward. From deciding whether a meeting is needed in the first place to setting clear outcomes, managing time, preventing derailment, and closing with concrete action items, this framework helps leaders reclaim their calendars and protect their energy. If meetings are a major part of your workday, this episode offers a practical reset. Notable Quotes “A meeting without a clear desired outcome is a scheduled chit chat devoid of purpose.” — Jay Abbasi “Respectfully interrupting is part of good leadership.” — Jay Abbasi “Clear action items are what turn conversation into execution.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 MOMENTUM: A Mastermind for Emerging Leaders If you’re ready to get to the next level in 2026 and willing to step outside your comfort zone, this case-study mastermind is designed for leaders only.  https://jayabbasi.me/momentum/ Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gloria, a Director of Product Strategy who experiences intense anxiety when presenting to executives and advocating for herself. Jay is joined by Stephanie Richardson, world-class speaking coach, Maxwell Leadership certified coach, keynote speaker, and international bestselling author, to explore how high-achieving professionals can overcome fear, communicate with presence, and step confidently into leadership moments that matter.

  36. 139

    133: Don’t Be a ‘Know-It-All’ Leader

    Being a top performer doesn’t mean you’re ready to lead. Meet Gerard. A successful sales representative turned manager, Gerard knows how to execute, but struggles to earn buy-in from his team. Meetings feel heavy. Feedback feels forced. The harder he pushes, the quieter the room gets. He feels like his team just doesn’t trust him. In this episode, Jay sits down with Damon Lembi, a former Division I athlete, CEO of Learn It, bestselling author, and host of The Learn-It-All Podcast. Damon breaks down why many high performers struggle when they step into leadership and how shifting from a “know-it-all” mindset to a “learn-it-all” approach builds trust, confidence, and real influence. This conversation explores what great leaders do differently when it comes to listening, feedback, ego, communication, and earning trust without control. Notable Quotes “Sometimes you need to go slow to go fast.” — Damon Lembi “Your title doesn’t earn trust. Your behavior does.” — Damon Lembi “The moment a leader becomes the bottleneck, growth stops.” — Damon Lembi About Our Guest Damon Lembi is the CEO of Learn It, a live learning and development company that helps organizations build leadership, communication, and AI readiness skills. A former Division I baseball player, Damon has spent more than 30 years helping leaders move from individual success to team-driven impact. He is the author of The Learn-It-All Leader and host of The Learn-It-All Podcast. Resources & Links Damon Lembi Website – https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/ The Learn-it-All-Leader Book – https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/books  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearnItAllPodcast Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Learn.iT.anywhere/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/damonlembi/ X – https://x.com/learnitanywhere Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Free Live Virtual Workshop: Leading at the Speed of AI Register here (limited to 100 seats): https://jayabbasi.me/workshop Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay breaks down how to run meetings that actually move work forward. Drawing from a proven formula he uses with leaders and teams, he’ll share a practical blueprint to help you reduce wasted time, increase clarity, and make meetings more effective and engaging. And on Wednesday, January 7th at 12 PM Eastern, Jay is hosting Leading at the Speed of AI, a live, interactive virtual workshop for emerging leaders ready to level up.  Reserve your seat here: https://jayabbasi.me/workshop

  37. 138

    132: 3 Skills To Get Ahead in 2026

    The leaders who win aren’t the strongest or smartest; they’re the most adaptable. In this solo episode, Jay kicks off 2026 by breaking down the three skills every leader must develop to stay relevant, influential, and effective in a world shaped by rapid change and AI-driven disruption. Drawing on research, leadership experience, and real-world examples, Jay explains why adaptability is now the defining advantage and how it’s built through emotional mastery, courageous action, and effective influence. This episode is a practical roadmap for emerging leaders who want to grow without losing their humanity. Notable Quotes “You can't wait for all the information. You have to take a risk and act in a world that is changing so quickly.” — Jay Abbasi “The people who succeed are the ones willing to take courageous, sometimes messy action.” — Jay Abbasi “If you’re worried about AI taking your job, the one thing you need to lean into is how you influence others.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Free Live Virtual Workshop: Leading at the Speed of AI Register here (limited to 100 seats): https://jayabbasi.me/workshop Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gerard, a newly promoted Director of Sales struggling to get results from his team. Jay is joined by Damon Lembi, former Division I athlete, CEO, and bestselling author, to explore how leaders can shift mindset, communicate more effectively, and lead with confidence after promotion. A must-listen for anyone stepping into bigger responsibility.

  38. 137

    Unstuck Classics: Stop Waiting for the “Perfect Time”

    The illusion of security is often more dangerous than uncertainty. In this Unstuck Classic, we revisit the story of Jonah, a seasoned SaaS leader with over 20 years of experience who feels trapped in a role that once inspired him and now drains him. Jonah has ideas, talent, and ambition, but fear keeps him stuck. Fear of failing. Fear of financial risk. Fear of disrupting the life he’s built. Each night ends the same way, scrolling job postings he never applies to, wondering when clarity and courage will finally arrive. This Unstuck Classics episode revisits a powerful conversation with Kevin Karschnik, global keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and mindset expert. Kevin has reinvented himself multiple times and shares a practical, grounded approach to building something new without taking reckless risks. From financial runways to mindset shifts, this conversation reframes what “security” really means and why waiting for perfect conditions keeps people stuck. If a reset has been on the mind, but action keeps getting delayed, this episode is worth revisiting. Notable Quotes “The illusion of security is often more dangerous than uncertainty.” — Kevin Karschnik “Getting out of your comfort zone is a process, not a single leap.” — Kevin Karschnik “The perfect time doesn’t exist. The best time to start is today, with the resources you already have.” — Kevin Karschnik About Our Guest Kevin Karschnik is a global keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience, avoid burnout, and build sustainable success. Kevin has founded multiple businesses and is known for his practical approach to mindset, entrepreneurship, and intentional risk-taking. Resources & Links Kevin Karschnik \Website – https://kevinkarschnik.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkarschnik/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/kevinkarschnik Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KevinKarschnik Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kevinkarschnik/ X – https://x.com/kevinkarschnik Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares a major announcement and breaks down three skills every leader needs to thrive in 2026, accounting for AI, constant change, and the realities of modern communication. Don’t miss it.

  39. 136

    Unstuck Classics: Lead With Joy: How To Reignite Your Spark

    In this Unstuck Classic, we revisit the story of Veronica, a leader who deeply cares about culture, connection, and people, yet feels worn down by an organization that prioritizes performance metrics over humanity. Her ideas to reignite morale are repeatedly delayed, leaving her questioning whether purpose and joy still have a place at work, and how she can reconnect with the spark that once drove her. This Unstuck Classics episode revisits one of the most listened-to conversations in the podcast’s history, a powerful dialogue with Amanda Gore, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and author of Joy Is an Inside Job. With more than 25 years of experience helping organizations like Google, Disney, and Cisco, Amanda shares how joy, connection, and emotional intelligence are not distractions from performance, but the foundation of it. If you’ve been running on fumes, questioning your impact, or feeling disconnected from meaning at work, this episode is a reminder worth revisiting. Notable Quotes “Joy is not something outside of you. It’s the essence of who you are; love, peace, and joy.” — Amanda Gore “Most people think joy is excitement, but real joy is quiet peace and acceptance.” — Amanda Gore “Everything in business is about feelings, whether we admit it or not.” — Amanda Gore About Our Guest Amanda Gore is a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, author, and expert in emotional intelligence, joy, and human-centered leadership. With over 25 years of experience working with global organizations including Google, Disney, and Cisco, Amanda helps leaders reconnect to purpose, strengthen culture, and create workplaces where people genuinely thrive. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience to help individuals rediscover joy as a sustainable way of being. Resources & Links Amanda Gore Website – https://amandagore.com/ Book: Joy Is an Inside Job – https://a.co/d/j5V19lF LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalgore Facebook – https://facebook.com/thejoyproject.amandagore/ X – https://twitter.com/amandagore_joy Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/amandagorejoy/ YouTube – https://youtube.com/user/amandagoretv Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time There will be no new episode this Friday due to the holiday. Unstuck returns on Monday the 29th with another classic conversation, “Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time,” featuring Kevin Karshnik. A timely reminder for anyone ready to stop delaying what matters most as 2026 approaches.

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    131: 4 Simple Steps to Achieve Your Goals in 2026

    “It’s not just the goal that matters, it’s the quality of life you experience along the way.” In this solo episode, Jay breaks down why most people get goal setting wrong and how leading with emotion, excitement, or long wish lists often leads to burnout and discouragement. As the year winds down, Jay offers a simple, grounded framework to help you set goals that actually stick and support the life you want to experience in 2026. Rather than chasing outcomes or milestones for their own sake, Jay walks you through a four-step process that starts with experience, narrows focus, and identifies the uncomfortable but necessary actions required to move forward. If you want clarity, consistency, and momentum in the new year, this episode gives you a practical place to begin. Notable Quotes “People often get goal setting wrong because they lead too much with emotion.” — Jay Abbasi “Don’t make the outcome something you need in order for you to be okay.” — Jay Abbasi “What matters is the experience you want to have, not just the achievement.” — Jay Abbasi “If you try to focus on 20 different things, you set yourself up for failure.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck”Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday, Jay revisits an Unstuck Classic with Amanda Gore in the episode “Lead With Joy: How to Reignite Your Spark.” One of the most listened-to conversations since the podcast launched, this episode helps refocus joy, authenticity, and human connection as core priorities for 2026. A meaningful way to carry this year forward.

  41. 134

    130: A Conversation with My Wife

    "Perceived risk and perceived stability are both illusions." Most people believe they’re choosing between safety and uncertainty. But as you’ll hear in this episode, neither is as real as we think. Meet Alexandra. By late morning, her workday felt finished, not because the work was done, but because it no longer stretched her. As an analyst at the Federal Reserve, she had stability, structure, and respect, yet felt bored, disconnected, and quietly restless. The future, manager, director, VP, looked safe and predictable but uninspiring. Practical and deeply risk-aware, leaving certainty felt uncomfortable, even irresponsible. Still, something inside her wouldn’t settle; she wanted to build more and create meaning, even if the path forward wasn’t clear. Today, Alexandra is a successful real estate entrepreneur, investor, and strategist who built a career aligned with her values through intentional, incremental decisions. In this special episode, Jay sits down with his wife, Alexandra Preziosi, for an honest conversation about career change, calculated risk, journaling, finances, discomfort, and what it truly takes to move from feeling stuck to building a life that feels aligned. The conversation is reflective, grounded, and filled with lessons shaped by real experience. Notable Quotes “We have this perceived risk and this perceived stability, but it’s all made up.” — Alexandra Preziosi “You may never feel comfortable, and that’s okay.” — Alexandra Preziosi “If it doesn’t work out, you can always make another decision.” — Alexandra Preziosi About Our Guest Alexandra Preziosi is a real estate entrepreneur and investor, and a former analyst at the Federal Reserve. Known for her thoughtful, intentional approach to decision-making, Alexandra navigates change through self-reflection, calculated risk, and long-term vision. Her story offers a grounded perspective on career transitions, embracing discomfort, and creating a life that feels both stable and meaningful. Resources & Links Alexandra Preziosi Website – https://alexpreziosirealestate.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrapreziosi/ Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070492525113 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alexpreziosi_real_estate/ 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay helps you get ready for 2026 with a simple, practical approach to goal setting. Instead of overcomplicating the process, he’ll walk you through an exercise designed to bring clarity, focus, and direction so you can build a plan that actually sticks. Don’t miss it.

  42. 133

    129: 10 Lessons I’m Taking Into 2026 (Part 2)

    “The lessons that resonate most are the ones we’re meant to carry forward.” In this solo episode, Jay shares the top five lessons he’s taking into 2026, insights shaped by his keynotes, workshops, coaching sessions, and personal experiences throughout 2025. These lessons explore how to channel anger for meaningful change, prioritize social connection, improve inner dialogue, recharge consistently, and take bold, timely action. This closing chapter of the two-part series invites you to reflect on what fueled your growth this year and what you want to accelerate in the new one. If you’re preparing for a stronger, more intentional 2026, these principles will help you get there. Notable Quotes “Anything in your life, professional or personal, if something is making you angry, that could actually be the catalyst to positive change.” — Jay Abbasi “Social connections are not optional. They are a necessary part of being human.” — Jay Abbasi “Of all the conversations you're having, the most important conversation is the one you have with yourself.” — Jay Abbasi “You'll never have it all figured out. If you wait for the perfect time, you're going to be waiting a long time.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday, Jay shares a special in-person episode featuring his wife, Alexandra Preziosi. Together, they explore how Alex left her 9 to 5, conquered fear, and built a thriving real estate business from the ground up. A powerful story of reinvention, courage, and taking bold steps toward your future.

  43. 132

    Unstuck Classics: Embracing Change and Making Better Decisions

    What if the problem isn't that there's too much change, but that you're looking at it all wrong? In this episode, we revisit the story of Dylan, who's stepping into a new role, fearing he'll be in the same situation as in his last position. His last role burned him out, and Dylan's unsure how he could approach this new opportunity with a fresh perspective. We're returning to one of the most impactful conversations since launching Unstuck. Jay met with Nick Tasler, organizational psychologist and bestselling author. Together, they unpack what it means to embrace change instead of fear it, think more clearly, and make decisions with confidence instead of hesitation. If you missed this conversation the first time or just need a reminder, this one hits differently on the second listen. Resources & Links Nick Tasler Website – https://www.nicktasler.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nick_tasler/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicktasler/ X – https://twitter.com/NickTasler Your Year of Wonders – https://a.co/d/dB9cybl Ricochet: What to Do When Change Happens to You – https://a.co/d/iJLaV62 Domino: The Simplest Way to Inspire Change – https://a.co/d/6z6yZfB The Impulse Factor: An Innovative Approach to Better Decision Making – https://a.co/d/0628SVP Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time This Friday, Jay continues his list of the Top Lessons Learned from 2025; the real game changers to take into 2026. Clarity, confidence, momentum, and practical strategies to move forward with purpose. Don’t miss it.

  44. 131

    128: 10 Lessons I’m Taking Into 2026 (Part 1)

    “The lessons we carry forward shape who we become next.” In this solo episode, Jay reflects on 2025 and shares the first five lessons he found most impactful, both from his own growth and from what resonated most with audiences, workshop participants, and coaching clients. These lessons highlight where leaders are growing, where they’re struggling, and what is most needed to thrive in 2026. From embracing AI with clarity instead of fear to mastering the power of deep breathing, feedback language shifts, emotional navigation through the ARIA framework, and the underrated power of brevity, this episode gives you five principles you can apply immediately as you look ahead to the new year. Notable Quotes “There are people during those times when the internet came out, who stayed in the past and their fears didn't allow them to step into the next phase.” — Jay Abbasi “It’s not about thinking, at some point you have to act.” — Jay Abbasi You already have resilience. You don't need more resilience.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday, Jay releases a throwback episode, one of the most meaningful conversations since the show began, to help you close out 2025 strong and enter 2026 with clarity and momentum. And next Friday, Jay returns with Part Two, sharing the top five lessons of the year. A powerful finish to 2025 is coming.

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    127: The Truth About Children’s Screen Time

    Your child’s first addiction might come from their screen… not a substance. Most parents don’t know it. Most media companies won’t tell you. But the brain science is clear, overstimulating content changes the developing mind. Meet Daniel. It’s nearly 8 p.m. when he walks through the door, exhausted from back-to-back meetings and a demanding day. His three-year-old son, Leo, is sitting on the couch, eyes locked on a tablet as another video auto-plays. Daniel whispers, “Hey buddy,” but Leo doesn’t look up. A wave of guilt hits. He knows screens shouldn’t be raising his son, but he relies on them, ten minutes to answer an email, thirty minutes for a meeting, an hour just to decompress. Earlier that week, Leo’s teacher mentioned attention struggles. Now Daniel fears the long-term effects but doesn’t know how to break the cycle. Today, Jay sits down with Will Maurer, award-winning media executive, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab. Will is considered the father of children’s media reform, exposing how studios engineer content to hijack a child’s attention, and what parents can actually do instead. His mission: protect the developing brain, reduce shame, and give parents realistic, science-backed solutions in a world where screens aren’t going away. Notable Quotes “Stories like Daniel’s aren’t bad parenting, they’re symptoms of a broken system.” — Will Maurer  “If parents knew the neural effects of this content, they would make different choices.” — Will Maurer  “A child under two should be an active participant, not a hijacked viewer.” — Will Maurer About Our Guest Will Maurer is an award-winning media executive, researcher, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab. After discovering the hidden production techniques engineered to keep babies glued to screens, Will left the traditional media world to lead a movement for transparency, reform, and harm-reduction in early-childhood screen time. He now educates parents, policymakers, and creators on how to protect children’s developing brains with practical, compassionate, science-rooted strategies. Resources & Links Will Maurer Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab Website – https://www.cmrrl.org/ Website – https://linktr.ee/willmaurer LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmaurer YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@EarlyYearsMedia Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cmrrl.org Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/will.maurer/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@willreforms 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time Next Friday, Jay shares 10 of the best lessons he learned in 2025, wisdom pulled from keynote stages, workshops, coaching clients, and his own personal growth. On December 5th, you’ll hear lessons 10 through 6, and the following Friday, the top five. Then, as the year closes, Jay will help you map your goals for 2026 with clarity and intention. Don’t miss it.

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    126: 3 Science-Backed Gratitude Practices

    “Gratitude isn’t about listing more things. It’s about going deeper into the ones that truly matter.” In this solo episode, Jay explores the science behind gratitude and why it can significantly improve your mood, resilience, physical health, and relationships. Drawing from Dr. Laurie Santos’ renowned Yale course The Science of Well-Being, Jay breaks down how hedonic adaptation keeps us from appreciating what we have and why learning to savor positive experiences is essential for lasting happiness. Jay shares three research-backed gratitude practices that help you slow down, counteract constant stimulation, and train your mind to feel more grounded, connected, and fulfilled. These strategies are simple, repeatable, and powerful when practiced consistently. Notable Quotes  “Hedonic adaptation makes it hard for us to be grateful for things and to really enjoy things because we keep raising the bar.” — Jay Abbasi “Every day you can do this. Something’s happening every day where you can really allow yourself to go deeper and savor that moment.” — Jay Abbasi “Rather than forcing yourself to make a very long list of all the things you're grateful for, I invite you to reflect on one thing and go a few layers deep.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Daniel, a devoted father struggling to balance work demands with raising his young son, Leo. Feeling guilty about relying on screens to keep Leo occupied, Daniel wants to break the cycle and create healthier habits for his family. Jay is joined by Will Maurer, award-winning media executive, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Children’s Media Research & Reform Lab, who is widely regarded as the father of children’s media reform. They dive into how parents can navigate screen time with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

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    125: Dancing in the Comfort Zone

    Discomfort isn’t danger. It’s data. Most people misread that signal and pull back. But discomfort is often pointing us toward growth. Meet Gabriella. After 25 years in marketing, she’s never experienced this much change at once. New metrics. New leadership. New priorities that contradict last week’s priorities. The constant shift has shaken her confidence and left her second-guessing every move. At home she feels grounded, but at work she’s overwhelmed, replaying conversations, hesitating in meetings, and worrying whether her CEO sees her as capable or replaceable. What she wants most is to respond instead of react, and to finally trust herself again. Today, Jay sits down with Anne Bonney, an international speaker and change leadership expert known for helping people communicate courageously, navigate uncertainty, and build resilience in moments of discomfort. Anne’s personal story, from moving across continents as a child to reinventing her career multiple times, gives her a powerful perspective on letting go, embracing change, and finding courage in the unknown. Notable Quotes “Discomfort is a speed bump, not a stop sign.” — Anne Bonney “Don’t wait until you feel brave. You’ll wait forever.” — Anne Bonney “You’re going to be uncomfortable either way — so which discomfort do you choose?” — Anne Bonney About Our Guest Anne Bonney is a change leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps leaders embrace uncertainty, strengthen emotional intelligence, and move through fear with confidence. She has worked with global organizations like NASA, Under Armour, and Lockheed Martin, sharing practical tools for navigating transition and thriving in the discomfort zone. Resources & Links Anne Bonney Website – https://ignitingyourcourage.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annebonney/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF6svpLe3qVb6eCKyeY4_Nw Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SpeakerAnneBonney Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/speakerannebonney/ 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores the science of gratitude, why your brain naturally focuses on what you lack and how small daily practices can shift your attention toward what truly matters. If you want more presence, peace, and emotional resilience, this episode will give you tools you can use right away.

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    124: A 5-Step Framework To Be More Consistent

    Consistency isn’t hard because we’re incapable, it’s hard because instant gratification keeps winning. Today, Jay breaks down why distractions pull us off track and introduces a five-step framework, inspired by Wayne Dyer, to help you delay gratification, understand your triggers, and follow through on the meaningful actions that create long-term results. If you’ve ever wondered why staying consistent feels so hard, or how to train your mind to delay gratification, this episode gives you the roadmap. Notable Quotes “Instant gratification may quench your desires momentarily, but delayed gratification fuels lasting achievements.” — Serena Williams “We’ve become so addicted to instant gratification that we're blind to the impact it has on our lives.” — Frank Sonnenberg “Instant gratification leads to long-term mediocrity.” — Courtney Conley “When you observe the impulse instead of reacting to it, you create the space for choice.” — Jay Abbasi  Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gabriela, a seasoned marketing leader navigating constant change, shifting expectations, and a relentless pace that leaves her feeling unsteady. Jay is joined by Anne Bonney, change-leadership expert, speaker, and author, to unpack how someone in Gabriela’s position can build courage, adapt with confidence, and stay grounded when everything feels in flux. A powerful conversation for anyone facing uncertainty or rapid transformation. Don’t miss it

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    123: Stop Lying to Yourself

    Meet Trevor. It’s past midnight, and Trevor is still in his office, finishing charts under the dull glow of fluorescent lights. As an oncologist at one of the country’s top hospitals, he carries a heavy emotional load delivering devastating news to families, forcing a hopeful tone for others, and holding the weight of life-and-death decisions every day. On the outside, Trevor is accomplished and respected. On the inside, he feels exhausted, disconnected, and increasingly fraudulent. His routines have slipped. His confidence has taken a hit. And hours lost to social media leave him comparing his life to everyone else’s highlight reel. Despite his success, Trevor can’t shake the feeling that he’s failing himself. He wants balance, consistency, and clarity, but he isn’t sure how to begin. Today, Jay is joined by Leon Thurston Jr., founder of the University of Unstuck, speaker, author, and coach who helps people break free from self-deception and step into radical honesty. Through his own story of struggle and awakening, Leon has built a movement that empowers others to tell the truth, to themselves first and create transformation from the inside out. Together, Jay and Leon explore how self-honesty is the first step toward healing, why so many people hide behind false narratives, and what it really takes to face the truth with courage and compassion. Notable Quotes “You can’t be the principal, the janitor, and the student. At some point you’re going to hit burnout.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “Many of us lack confidence because you’re the only person who’s ever heard every lie you’ve ever told.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “If someone lied to you as much as you lie to yourself, would you trust them?” — Jay Abbasi “Sometimes a crisis is the only thing that forces us to change our behavior.” — Leon Thurston Jr. About Our Guest Leon Thurston Jr. is a speaker, author, and transformational coach dedicated to helping people confront limiting beliefs and rewrite their internal stories. As the founder of University of Unstuck, Leon has inspired thousands through his talks, online programs, and social content that blends humor, truth, and emotional depth. His work challenges people to stop running from themselves and start living from a place of integrity, purpose, and faith. Resources and Links Leon Thurston Jr. University of Unstuck Website – https://www.universityofunstuck.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-thurston-jr-2b635355/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@leejuniorunstuck Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lee.junior.50?ref=bookmarks Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leejuniorunstuck/ 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will break down how to live intentionally rather than in constant reaction mode. Including a five-step process to interrupt that automatic pull toward distraction, retrain your mind to tolerate boredom, and build the capacity for deeper focus and steady progress.  If you’ve been struggling with follow-through or constant distraction, this episode will help you shift your mindset and step fully into your potential. Until then, stay courageous, stay conscious, and stay Unstuck.

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    122: 7 Steps to Rid Yourself of Excuses

    In our last episode, Jay spoke with Mitch Bohn, whose story of resilience and refusing to make excuses inspired today’s topic. In this solo episode, Jay explores why excuses keep us stuck, how they limit our potential, and what it takes to break free from the stories we tell ourselves. Drawing from Wayne Dyer’s teachings and a powerful seven-step framework Jay uses in his own coaching, this episode guides you through identifying the excuses holding you back and replacing them with clarity, ownership, and intentional action. Jay explains how excuses are often rooted in old narratives, perceived limitations, or protective behaviors,and how shifting your mindset opens the door to a better future. If you’ve ever felt like your excuses were louder than your belief in yourself, this episode offers a practical and empowering path to let go of what’s holding you back and step into who you’re capable of becoming. Notable Quotes “The only thing an excuse gives you is an option out of the life you'd like to live.” — Wayne Dyer  “Where the excuse ultimately comes from is the decision that you made that this excuse is valid.” — Jay Abbasi “You have to be open to the possibility that what you’ve been telling yourself may not be true.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Trevor, an oncologist at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. Despite his dedication to saving lives, he’s been struggling with imposter syndrome, comparison, and burnout from constantly putting others first. Jay will be joined by Leon Thurston Jr., speaker, coach, and author, whose mission is to help people become their own greatest solution. Together, they’ll explore how someone devoted to saving others can learn to start by saving himself. Don’t miss this powerful and deeply meaningful conversation.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Real people. Real stories. Real solutions. I’m Jay Abbasi, host of Unstuck, and as a former leader at Tesla, I understand the whirlwind of challenges in the modern work scene. In this podcast, we reveal how to thrive in demanding work environments through relatable, real-life stories.   Each episode starts with a true story of modern professional challenges, followed by expert insights to help you thrive at work including practical advice on resilience, mental health, and work life balance. Get unstuck and build the life and career you’ve always wanted.

HOSTED BY

Jay Abbasi

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