Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

A difficult boss makes work harder. A toxic boss causes harm. Meet Adrina. She’s a successful senior director who loves her work, but something has changed. Her CEO’s constant criticism and subtle comments have slowly chipped away at her confidence. Meetings are quieter, people second-guess themselves, and Adrena has stopped looking forward to Mondays. She doesn’t hate her career. She just feels like she’s losing herself in it. Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, organizational psychologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Together, they explore how to distinguish a difficult boss from a toxic one, recognize the warning signs, and know when it may be time to walk away. Notable Quotes “A truly toxic boss does not think they’re toxic.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “You can’t coach the toxicity out of someone.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “A difficult boss does not want to cause harm.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “Who you work for can impact your joy or your misery.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “People’s advice who have gotten out of a toxic boss is, ‘I wish I had quit sooner.’” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett About Our Guest Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and expert on toxic leadership and workplace wellbeing. Her research explores the impact toxic bosses can have on employees and organizations, including eight toxic boss personas featured in her book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner. Her work helps people recognize harmful workplace patterns, protect their wellbeing, and make better decisions about their careers. Resources & Links Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Website – https://drlaura.live/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurahambley/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drlaura.live Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Laura.whereworkmeetslife/ X – https://x.com/drlauralive YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@dr.laurawhereworkmeetslife TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@drlaura.live Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares a story he’s never fully told before: why he really left Tesla. Drawing from his own experience with toxic leadership, Jay explores how to recognize the difference between a difficult leader and a toxic one, what happens when an unhealthy environment starts changing who you are, and how to know when it’s finally time to walk away.

The best leaders don’t solve every problem. They empower others to solve them. In this solo episode, Jay explores a common leadership trap: playing the hero. Drawing from his own experience as a leader, he explains why constantly answering questions, solving problems, and swooping in to save the day can unintentionally prevent your people from becoming more resourceful and capable. Jay shares seven practical strategies for shifting from the hero to the captain, from pausing before jumping in and assuming people’s brilliance to asking better questions, seeking advice, acting on suggestions, and spotlighting others. If you want to empower your people, build greater trust, and stop carrying everything on your shoulders, this episode offers a practical path forward. Notable Quotes “The hero is the firefighter, the person who solves every problem, who's ready to swoop down and save the day.” — Jay Abbasi “The captain is empowering their people to do the work.” — Jay Abbasi “Don't just ask the single surface question, go beyond that.” — Jay Abbasi “You are a person of influence. Take that responsibility seriously and be sure that you are giving other people the spotlight.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Adrena, a senior director at a consulting firm who feels numb, unsupported, and uninspired by a manager whose leadership includes constant criticism and passive-aggressive communication. Jay is joined by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, to explore how to recognize the difference between a difficult season and a toxic environment, and find your way back to work you once loved.

Motivation doesn’t create action. Action creates motivation. Meet Melissa. She stares through the windshield at the county administration building, overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and being the person everyone turns to when things fall apart. She loves helping people, but she has become so focused on carrying everyone else's problems that she has forgotten to make space for herself. In this episode, Jay sits down with Angela Davies, founder of Mind Your Grit and Leadership and Wellbeing Consultant. After experiencing severe burnout and panic attacks firsthand, Angela now helps leaders and organizations maintain high performance while prioritizing wellbeing. Together, they explore why wellbeing is the foundation of sustainable performance, how to stop playing the hero, why perfectionism can become a protective mechanism, and the truth about motivation: action creates motivation. Notable Quotes “Motivation doesn't come before action. Action creates motivation.” — Angela Davies “Perfectionism is a protective mechanism.” — Angela Davies “Downsize, don't delete.” — Angela Davies “What is your version of a rich life?” — Angela Davies About Our Guest Angela Davies is the founder of Mind Your Grit and a leadership and wellbeing consultant who helps leaders and organizations create sustainable high performance without sacrificing wellbeing. After experiencing severe burnout and panic attacks during her own corporate career, Angela studied psychology and began exploring how wellbeing, resilience, and grit can work together to help people perform at their best without burning out. Resources & Links Angela Davies Website – https://www.mindyourgrit.com/about LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelardavies Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mind.your.grit YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@workandwellnesspod Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives deeper into the difference between being the hero and being the captain. If you're constantly putting out fires, solving everyone else's problems, and carrying too much on your shoulders, this episode will explore how to step out of hero mode and become the captain of your own ship. Jay will share personal stories from his time at Tesla and lessons from coaching hundreds of leaders at Fortune 100 companies to reveal what really works.

The best of Unstuck may still be ahead of us. After 200 episodes of Unstuck, Jay looks ahead to what’s next. In this solo episode, he shares five areas he wants to explore more deeply as the podcast evolves, along with the types of experts and leaders he hopes to bring into future conversations. From AI and neuroscience to real-world corporate leadership, peak performance, and generational differences, Jay explores where Unstuck could go next and why these topics matter for leaders navigating a rapidly changing world. Most importantly, he invites you into the conversation: What would help you most in your life and career right now? Notable Quotes “We shouldn't take AI as the replacement for leadership and communication.” — Jay Abbasi “I want to pair that with people who are actually there in the midst of it right now.” — Jay Abbasi “There are people who dedicate their lives to human performance and high performance, and we can learn a ton from those folks.” — Jay Abbasi “I want you to be on this journey with me. We're shoulder to shoulder here.” — Jay Abbasi Email Jay! Jay would love to hear from you. Share your feedback, suggest topics or guests you’d like to hear on Unstuck, and let him know how we can make the podcast even better. Your input helps shape where the show goes next. Email Jay: [email protected] 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Melissa, an HR director at a public agency who is the person everyone turns to when things fall apart. Between work, three kids, and everything she takes on for others, she’s completely drained. Jay is joined by Angela Davis, founder of Mind Your Grit and a leadership and well-being consultant, to explore how leaders can stop carrying everyone else’s weight and recognize that taking care of themselves isn’t stepping away from leadership, it’s what makes them great leaders.

The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t have figured out. In this special 200th episode of Unstuck, Jay continues his countdown of the 10 things he was wrong about and shares the five lessons that have changed him most. After nearly 200 episodes of conversations, research, reflection, and growth, he looks back on the beliefs that no longer serve him and the perspectives that have reshaped the way he lives and leads. Jay explores why honesty matters more than protecting people from uncomfortable truths, why the body should come before the mind, why work-life balance may be the wrong goal, and why giving and receiving are equally important. He closes with the biggest lesson of all: the freedom that comes from admitting you don’t have everything figured out. If you want to keep growing, stay adaptable, and lead with greater curiosity, this episode is a powerful reminder to remain open to changing your mind. NotableQuotes “Don’t ever justify bending the truth because you’re trying to protect someone else’s feelings.” — Jay Abbasi “There’s nothing wrong with receiving.” — Jay Abbasi “I’ve been wrong about the fact that I have anything figured out.” — Jay Abbasi “I’ve also found it to be really freeing to know that I don’t have to figure it out.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Friday’s episode, Jay looks ahead to the next chapter of Unstuck. After reflecting on 200 episodes and the lessons that shaped him, he’ll explore the topics, questions, and ideas worth diving into next, and invite listeners to help shape what the next 50 to 100 episodes could become.

Growth begins when you’re willing to admit you were wrong. As Unstuck approaches its 200th episode, Jay looks back at how nearly 200 episodes of conversations, research, and personal growth have changed the way he thinks. In this special two-part series, he shares 10 things he once believed that he now realizes he was wrong about. In Part 1, Jay counts down lessons 10 through 6, from something as fundamental as how we breathe to bigger shifts in how he thinks about mindfulness, self-doubt, courage, and leadership. He explores why mindfulness alone isn’t enough, why even the highest achievers experience self-doubt, why courage doesn’t require battling fear, and why leaders must consider both their intentions and their impact. It’s a candid reflection on what it means to remain open, challenge your assumptions, and keep evolving. Notable Quotes “I think the difference between those who stay stuck and those who get unstuck is that people who get unstuck are open to learning and trying new things.” — Jay Abbasi “Mindfulness is not enough.” — Jay Abbasi “Self-doubt will always be there. How you manage it though, that is a choice that you can make.” — Jay Abbasi “Intention and impact are equally important. Take ownership of both.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday, Unstuck celebrates Episode 200. Jay continues this special two-part series by revealing the top five things he was wrong about and the lessons that have had the greatest impact on him throughout his journey with the podcast. After nearly 200 episodes of conversations, research, and learning, Jay reflects on the ideas that have transformed the way he thinks, lives, and leads.

Every time you say yes, you’re saying no to something else. Meet Carl. He’s a successful real estate agent with no shortage of ideas or opportunities. But behind the deals, billboards, and growing business, he’s exhausted. He struggles to delegate, takes too much on himself, and every new idea adds another responsibility to an already crowded life. Carl wants to keep his ambition without sacrificing his happiness, relationships, or peace. In this episode, Jay sits down with JM Ryerson, founder of Let’s Go Win, executive coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Together, they explore the power of choice, how to escape the victim mindset, and why every “yes” comes with a hidden “no.” Notable Quotes “Every time you say yes, you are saying no to something else.” — JM Ryerson “You are not a victim. You are 100%. You got yourself into this position. You can make the choice to get yourself out.” — JM Ryerson “I can only really take care of two things: my attitude, my activity.” — JM Ryerson “Are you going to choose to put yourself first or everyone else first?” — JM Ryerson About Our Guest JM Ryerson is the founder of Let’s Go Win, an executive coach, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and performance expert. He helps high-performing leaders simplify execution, strengthen accountability, and achieve meaningful success without sacrificing their well-being. His work focuses on helping people take ownership of their choices, build habits that support sustainable performance, and show up as the best version of themselves. Resources & Links JM Ryerson Website – https://letsgowin.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmryerson-salesandcultureexpert/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/letsgowinofficial/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@letsgowin Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay kicks off a special two-part series celebrating the road to Episode 200. Instead of sharing what the podcast has confirmed, Jay counts down 10 things he was wrong about, beliefs and perspectives that changed through conversations with guests, research, and nearly 200 episodes of Unstuck. Episode 199 begins the countdown with lessons 10 through 6, revealing how the podcast has changed Jay’s own thinking along the way.

If you want people to trust you, don’t wait for it to happen. Build it. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down five practical strategies for becoming someone your colleagues, leaders, stakeholders, and direct reports genuinely trust. Because when people see you as credible, they’re more likely to invite you into important conversations, listen to your ideas, and give you a seat at the table. Jay shares why getting results is only the beginning. He explains how to socialize your accomplishments without bragging, build credibility behind the scenes, demonstrate that you’re truly listening through “repeat backs” and “call backs,” and grant trust instead of waiting for others to earn it. If you want to strengthen your influence and become someone people consistently turn to, these five strategies offer a practical place to start. Notable Quotes “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” — Ernest Hemingway “Trust is something that you can't just wait for and hope happens. You have to build it.” — Jay Abbasi “Don't wait for people to trust you. Trust them first and it will be reciprocated.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Carl, a successful and ambitious real estate entrepreneur who finds himself riding constant highs and lows. He gets excited about new initiatives but struggles to follow through before becoming overwhelmed by everything he's carrying. Jay is joined by JM Ryerson, founder of Let's Go Win, executive coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, to explore how to build a successful business or career without letting the pursuit of success cost you everything.

Not every performance problem is a training problem. Meet Lucy. She works in learning and development at a nonprofit she believes in, yet leadership repeatedly asks for quick PDFs that rarely change behavior. She wants to stop taking orders, ask better questions, and solve the real issue. Today, Jay sits down with Heather Burright, nonprofit learning and development consultant, speaker, and host of the Learning for Good podcast. Together, they explore why training alone rarely changes behavior and how leaders can design learning that produces meaningful, lasting results. Notable Quotes “The goal isn’t training. The goal is change.” — Heather Burright “When you view yourself as a change agent, you’re forced to pause and ask better questions.” — Heather Burright “Learning is uncomfortable because it’s something you’re probably not already good at.” — Heather Burright “When we approach it as a conversation and not a debate we need to win, we’re much more likely to walk away satisfied.” — Heather Burright About Our Guest Heather Burright is a nonprofit learning and development consultant, speaker, and host of the Learning for Good podcast. She helps mission-driven organizations move beyond check-the-box training and build learning experiences that create measurable behavior change. Through Skill Masters Market, Heather works with nonprofit leaders and learning professionals to identify performance barriers, strengthen internal influence, and design practical solutions that support both employees and organizational goals. Resources & Links Heather Burright Skill Masters Market Website – https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heather.burright/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@SkillMastersMarket Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores one of the most important ingredients of influence: trust. He explains why some people earn a seat at the table while others struggle to get their ideas heard, regardless of how valuable those ideas may be. You’ll learn how to strengthen your credibility, build more meaningful relationships, and show up in a way that makes others more willing to listen, collaborate, and support your ideas.

You don’t have to believe everything the voice in your head tells you. In this solo episode, Jay shares an unconventional strategy for dealing with the inner critic: give it a name. Inspired by an experience at a silent meditation retreat, Jay explains how a character from The Incredibles, Jack-Jack, became a powerful way for him to create distance from difficult thoughts and emotional reactions. Rather than fighting, resisting, or judging your inner critic, Jay walks through a practical process for relating to it with compassion. By choosing a character, bringing it to mind when triggered, accepting what arises, and responding with kindness, you can create space between your emotions and your actions. If overthinking or emotional reactions sometimes get the best of you, this episode offers a memorable way to respond more intentionally and make better decisions. Notable Quotes “You have to learn how to accept it and acknowledge that it's there.” — Jay Abbasi “If you could really look at something and observe it, then you're going to make a better choice in the moment.” — Jay Abbasi “Speak to that character like you would speak to the people you love most in this world.” — Jay Abbasi “You will create space within 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Lucy, a learning and development professional in the nonprofit world who feels like she's become an order taker for leadership. She knows she has more to offer but struggles to gain the buy-in needed to contribute more strategically. Jay is joined by Heather Burright, nonprofit L&D consultant, speaker, and podcast host, to explore how professionals like Lucy can stop simply reacting to requests and start driving meaningful change.

What if being harder on yourself isn’t making you better? Meet Dwayne. He’s a respected COO who appears calm and confident, but internally he second-guesses himself, replays conversations, and feels like he should always be doing more. His instinct to help also leads him to take on too much, leaving him drained.What Dwayne wants most is to quiet the inner critic, trust himself, and lead with more confidence and authenticity. Today, Jay sits down with Kristen Harcourt, executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence expert. Together, they explore how leaders can challenge self-doubt, practice vulnerability, and quiet the inner critic without losing their edge. Notable Quotes “There’s a part of them that believes that inner critic that can be very loud has helped them get to where they are today.” — Kristen Harcourt “Once you make conscious what was unconscious, you get to create a new story and a new way of showing up.” — Kristen Harcourt “You have to start by coaching yourself.” — Kristen Harcourt “Ultimately, we all want to give and receive love.” — Kristen Harcourt About Our Guest Kristen Harcourt is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence expert who helps leaders become more self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and intentional in how they lead. Her work focuses on helping high performers better understand their internal patterns, quiet their inner critic, strengthen emotional resilience, embrace vulnerability, and create deeper connections with the people they lead. Resources & Links Kristen Harcourt Website – https://kristenharcourt.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenharcourt/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kristenharcourt/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kristenharcourt/ X – https://x.com/@kristenharcourt/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmeNVxP4IwkjSdLFpp696zQ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares the story of Jack Jack and a simple technique he learned years ago on a meditation retreat for dealing with the inner critic. Instead of fighting that critical voice or allowing it to take over, Jay explains how he learned to respond with greater kindness while still maintaining his edge. You’ll learn how to create your own version of this technique to work through self-doubt, stop fighting with yourself, and change your relationship with the voice that constantly tries to put you down.

Your best ideas may be waiting for you to stop doing. In this solo episode, Jay introduces Mindfreeness, a concept he defines as intentionally freeing your mind to explore, imagine, connect ideas, and discover new possibilities. While mindfulness creates space to observe the present moment, Mindfreeness creates space to explore what your mind can uncover when it isn't constantly occupied. Drawing from neuroscience, his work with leaders, and his own experiences, Jay explains why periods of boredom and mental white space can unlock creativity and new solutions. He shares practical ways to cultivate Mindfreeness through silent drives, showers, household chores, journaling, walks, and even intentionally blocking white space on your calendar. If your mind is constantly in "go, go, go" mode, this episode offers an invitation to do less, and discover what emerges. Notable Quotes “Mindfulness: space to observe. Mindfreeness: space to explore.” — Jay Abbasi “Your subconscious will come to the surface and it will work to solve the problem on its own.” — Jay Abbasi “You need to just be in a state where you can allow for ideas to come to you.” — Jay Abbasi “Make Mindfreeness a part of your 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Dwayne, COO of a mid-sized accounting firm who can't stop replaying something he said during an executive meeting. Although others see him as stoic and confident, beneath the surface he's struggling with self-doubt, overthinking, and immense pressure. Jay is joined by Kristen Harcourt, executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence expert, to explore how leaders can quiet their inner critic and lead in a way that feels strong, confident, and human.

The distractions aren't the problem. They're symptoms. Meet Fareed. A year ago, he was disciplined. Early mornings. Workouts. Building a side business. Today, he's spending hours scrolling sports news for games he barely cares about while the life he actually wants slips further away. Married with two young children and working as a data manager, he feels disconnected from his goals, his family, and even himself. He tells everyone he's fine, but deep down he's wondering where his drive went, and whether he'll ever get it back. Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Bobby Shelton, executive self-leadership coach, author, and host of The Self Leadership Lab. After transforming his own life through radical honesty, discipline, and self-leadership, Bobby now helps high performers stop performing for everyone else and start becoming the person they truly want to be. Notable Quotes "If you're living for other people, you're never going to serve other people." — Dr. Bobby Shelton "What are you avoiding?" — Dr. Bobby Shelton "I stopped saying, 'I have to.' I started saying, 'I get to.'" — Dr. Bobby Shelton About Our Guest Dr. Bobby Shelton is an executive self-leadership coach, speaker, author, and host of The Self Leadership Lab. Through his coaching, writing, and leadership development programs, he helps individuals strengthen their inner leadership, build lasting discipline, and create meaningful success by aligning their actions with their values instead of external expectations. Resources & Links Dr. Bobby Shelton Website – https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/ Battlecat Coaching Website– https://battlecatcoaching.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbobbyshelton/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@TheSelfLeadershipLab Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay introduces a new concept he calls Mindfreeness. While mindfulness helps you become present, mindfreeness helps create the mental space needed for creativity, insight, and better decision-making. You'll learn practical ways to reduce mental clutter, unlock fresh thinking, and create the conditions for your best ideas to emerge. If you've ever felt mentally overloaded or stuck, you won't want to miss this episode.

Your success depends less on managing your time and more on managing your energy. In this solo episode, Jay explores why energy, not time, is one of the most overlooked drivers of resilience and high performance. Reflecting on his own struggles with afternoon crashes and burnout, he shares the practical shifts that helped him sustain greater focus, consistency, and productivity throughout the day. Jay introduces three essential sources of energy: body, mind, and connection, and explains how each one contributes to your ability to perform at your best. Rather than encouraging listeners to overhaul their lives overnight, he offers a simple framework for identifying one area to improve, choosing one energy-producing habit, and creating a system that makes it easier to stay consistent. If you want to feel more energized, resilient, and capable of navigating life's challenges, this episode offers a practical place to start. Notable Quotes “Energy is everything.” — Jay Abbasi “We do not perform well in isolation over long periods of time.” — Jay Abbasi “It's not an escape from. It's a fuel for.” — Jay Abbasi “Pick one area, pick one activity, and create a first this, then that sequence.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Farid, a data manager at an energy company who has lost the discipline and consistency he once had. As distractions, procrastination, and unhealthy habits begin to take over, Jay is joined by Dr. Bobby Shelton, executive self-leadership coach, author, and host of the Self Leadership Lab, to explore how leaders can overcome self-sabotage, build lasting discipline, and become the person they know they're capable of being.

Overwhelm isn't the problem. It's the symptom. Meet Sandani. It's Saturday morning, but she can't get out of bed. Her three children are full of energy while she's running on empty. As a management accountant navigating uncertainty at work and constant financial worries at home, she never truly stops thinking. Even weekends meant for rest become consumed by anxiety about the future. Sandani isn't lazy. She isn't unmotivated. She's simply carrying more than her mind and body were designed to hold. What she wants most is to stop surviving and start feeling like herself again. Today, Jay sits down with Corrie LoGiudice, keynote speaker, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of The 5 Overwhelm Culprits. After navigating extraordinary personal adversity, Corrie developed a practical framework to help leaders identify what's really driving their overwhelm so they can regain clarity, confidence, and the energy to move forward. Notable Quotes "Overwhelm is data." — Corrie LoGiudice "Confidence is an inside job." — Corrie LoGiudice "Goals are your GPS." — Corrie LoGiudice "Build your systems for your worst days, not your best days." — Corrie LoGiudice About Our Guest Corrie LoGiudice is a keynote speaker, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of The 5 Overwhelm Culprits. Drawing from her own journey through profound personal adversity, she helps leaders uncover the hidden patterns that lead to stress and overwhelm so they can build resilience, gain clarity, and lead with greater confidence and purpose. Resources & Links Corrie LoGiudice Website – https://corrielo.com/ The 5 Overwhelm Culprits Book –https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-5-Overwhelm-Culprits/Corrie-LoGiudice/9780757326103  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iamcorrielo Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/iamcorrielo TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcorrielo X – https://x.com/iamcorrielo YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/iamcorrielo Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/iamcorrielo/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores why energy, not time, is often the biggest obstacle to consistency. You'll discover three categories of energy-producing activities, how to identify the practices that recharge you most, and practical strategies for building routines that help you stay energized even during life's busiest seasons. If you've ever felt like you simply don't have the energy to follow through, this episode will give you a new way to think about sustainable performance.

You can care deeply about others without abandoning yourself. In this solo episode, Jay explores why so many high achievers struggle with people-pleasing and how this common pattern can quietly lead to stress, burnout, and resentment. Drawing from his own experiences and personal reflections, he explains how our earliest relationships can shape our desire to keep others happy, even at the expense of ourselves. Jay introduces a new framework he calls the Joy Equilibrium, a simple but powerful way to think about balancing giving and receiving. Rather than encouraging listeners to stop caring about others, he explains why lasting fulfillment comes from contributing to the people around you while also creating space to receive joy, rest, and connection. If you've ever found yourself putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own, this episode offers a healthier path forward. Notable Quotes “Don't turn 180 degrees and start being a self-absorbed narcissist. Find the balance.” — Jay Abbasi “Too much giving, and you're going to drain yourself.” — Jay Abbasi “As long as you have a healthy balance of giving and receiving, you'll have the fuel to perform at a high level.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Sandani, a management accountant who has reached a breaking point. Overwhelmed by stress, pressure, and constant demands, she can barely get out of bed. Jay is joined by Corrie LoGiuidice,, keynote speaker, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and creator of the Five Overwhelm Culprits, to explore how professionals can overcome overwhelm, regain their energy, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience

What if resilience has nothing to do with pushing harder? Meet Prita. A small cut on her finger sends her into tears. She knows it isn't about the cut. As a project manager navigating a major company acquisition while raising three young children, she's constantly bracing for the next crisis. At work, her manager's unpredictable moods keep everyone on edge. At home, she carries the weight of work, parenting, meal planning, and trying to hold everything together. What Prita wants most isn't less responsibility, it's the ability to feel calm, confident, and in control again. Today, Jay sits down with Jenn Cassetta, international keynote speaker, high-performance coach, author, and third-degree black belt in Hapkido. After surviving 9/11, Jenn discovered how martial arts could build not only physical strength, but emotional resilience. Together, they explore practical ways to regulate stress, replenish your energy, and develop what Jenn calls "the resilience reservoir." Notable Quotes "Calm, confident, relaxed, and ready." — Jenn Cassetta "When your reservoir is full, you can regulate your nervous system." — Jenn Cassetta "Without a practice, everything's going to feel like a tiger." — Jenn Cassetta "You don't have to react. You can breathe first." — Jenn Cassetta About Our Guest Jenn Cassetta is an international keynote speaker, high-performance coach, author, and third-degree black belt in Hapkido. She helps leaders and organizations build resilience, confidence, and personal safety from the inside out. Jenn has worked with companies including Apple, Visa, Uber, and Nike, combining ancient martial arts wisdom with modern leadership practices to help people thrive under pressure. Resources & Links Jenn Cassetta Website – https://jennifercassetta.com/ The Art of Badassy Book – https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Art-of-Badassery/Jennifer-Cassetta/9780757324321 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cassetta/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jenncassetta/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JenniferCassetta TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@jenncassetta YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jenncassetta Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores why so many people sacrifice their own needs to keep everyone else comfortable. He shares a practical framework for recognizing people-pleasing patterns, setting healthier boundaries, and learning how to put yourself first without becoming selfish or disrespectful. If you've ever struggled to speak up, ask for what you need, or stop carrying everyone else's burden, this episode is for you.

What if the only thing standing between you and your potential is the story you're telling yourself? In this solo episode, Jay explores why self-doubt is a natural part of being human and explains that confidence isn't about eliminating fear, it's about choosing how to respond to it. Drawing from Kobe Bryant's perspective, his own personal experiences, and lessons from his leadership journey, Jay shares three practical strategies to overcome self-doubt: reminding yourself daily of who you are, pausing to normalize self-doubt when it appears, and taking action before you feel fully confident. Through relatable stories and actionable advice, this episode will help you build greater confidence, strengthen your mindset, and move forward even when uncertainty shows up. Notable Quotes "You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it." — Kobe Bryant "You are going to feel self-doubt for the rest of your life. The question is: will you give into it or will you rise above it?" — Jay Abbasi "You have the power of choice. If you step into that power, you write the script." — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Prita, a project manager at a tech company navigating the pressure of a major acquisition while dealing with an unpredictable manager and the demands of raising three young children. Jay is joined by Jenn Cassetta, international keynote speaker, author, high-performance coach, and third-degree black belt in Hapkido, to explore how leaders can protect their energy, regulate stress, and build inner strength to prevent burnout.

When did telling the truth become an act of courage? Meet Silvio. Halfway through a one-on-one with his direct report, he hears himself say, "I'm sorry." Sorry for bringing up the missed follow-through. Sorry for expecting more. Sorry for pushing. The meeting ends politely, but nothing changes. Silvio is respected, thoughtful, and well-liked. Yet every time he softens the truth to avoid discomfort, his confidence takes another hit. What he wants most is the courage to stop chasing approval and start leading with conviction. Today, Jay sits down with Ryan Berman, founder of Courageous, keynote speaker, and author of Return on Courage. For more than 25 years, Ryan has helped leaders and organizations overcome fear, embrace difficult conversations, and build the kind of courage that drives meaningful change. Together, they explore why courage isn't the absence of fear, it's the willingness to act despite it. Notable Quotes "Inaction is an action." — Ryan Berman “There is no change without courage, and there is no courage without fear.” — Ryan Berman “Five percent of us will fight, and 95% won’t.” — Ryan Berman "Knowledge, faith, and action." — Ryan Berman About Our Guest Ryan Berman is the founder of Courageous, a keynote speaker, branding expert, and author of Return on Courage. He works with leaders and organizations to build courageous cultures, navigate uncertainty, and turn fear into forward momentum. His clients include Google, Procter & Gamble, Kellogg's, Snapchat, and many other global brands. Resources & Links Ryan Berman Website – https://ryanberman.com/ Return on Courage Book – https://www.returnoncourage.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bravewhatshard/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/couragebrands/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thecourageouspodcast/shorts Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay takes a deep dive into one of the biggest obstacles to courage: self-doubt. If you've ever held back from speaking up, questioned your abilities, or worried too much about what others might think, this episode will help you shift your mindset, quiet your inner critic, and build the confidence to show up more boldly in the moments that matter most.

Courage isn't the absence of fear. It's choosing to move forward despite it. In this solo episode, Jay explores what courageous leadership really looks like and why courage is about far more than bold decisions. Drawing from leadership experiences, coaching conversations, and timeless wisdom, he explains that fear is a natural part of leadership, and that the goal isn't to eliminate it, but to develop a healthier relationship with it. Jay introduces six distinct types of courage every leader can cultivate: moral, social, emotional, intellectual, creative, and physical courage. Through practical examples and reflective questions, he shows how each type can strengthen trust, improve decision-making, encourage innovation, and help leaders show up with greater authenticity. If you want to lead with more confidence and integrity, this episode provides a practical framework to help you do just that. Notable Quotes “Courage is not being fearless… but stepping forward on your journey anyway.” — Dr. Rebecca Ray “Don't fight fear. Don't resist fear. Don't avoid fear. Work with it.” — Jay Abbasi “Will sharing how I feel create connection or emotional burden?” — Jay Abbasi “What if you asked your team instead of telling them?” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Silvio, a Director of Business Development at a finance company who avoids difficult conversations in an effort to keep the peace. As accountability slips and team performance suffers, Jay is joined by Ryan Berman, founder of Courageous and author of Return on Courage, to explore how leaders can stop hiding behind being "nice" and develop the courage to lead with honesty, clarity, and conviction.

What if one hour of reflection could change the rest of your year? In this solo episode, Jay shares a powerful midyear reflection exercise designed to help you reset, refocus, and finish the year strong. As 2026 reaches its halfway point, he encourages listeners to step back from the busyness of life and evaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and where to focus their energy moving forward. Through nine thoughtful questions, Jay walks you through a practical process for identifying wins, learning from setbacks, clarifying priorities, and creating a meaningful plan for the months ahead. Rather than approaching goal-setting from a place of pressure or self-criticism, he emphasizes reflection, intentionality, and action. If you want to make the most of the remainder of the year, this episode provides a simple framework to help you do exactly that. Notable Quotes “You live life looking forward. You understand life looking backward.” — Søren Kierkegaard “What’s the biggest lesson I learned in the first half of 2026?” — Jay Abbasi “Pause, reflect, look back, look ahead, and make 2026 your best year.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Hector, a General Manager at a wholesale building materials company who is beginning to lose the trust of his team. Although he is driven, accountable, and focused on results, his leadership style is creating distance and impacting performance. Jay is joined by Michelle Troseth and Tracy Christopherson, co-founders of Missing Logic, co-authors of Polarity Intelligence, and hosts of the Burnout Proof Leadership Podcast, to explore how leaders can balance people and performance without sacrificing either.

One communication habit can change the trajectory of a conversation. In this solo episode, Jay concludes his countdown of the 10 most impactful communication techniques he has learned throughout his career as a speaker, coach, and leader. These are practical tools designed to help you build trust, strengthen relationships, increase your influence, and communicate with greater confidence. In Part 2, Jay reveals his top five techniques, including how to gain buy-in before offering feedback, project confidence through body language, slow down your speech for greater impact, strengthen connections through eye contact, and use a single word that can transform the way you lead conversations. These subtle but powerful practices can dramatically improve how others receive your message and respond to your ideas. Notable Quotes “If you just communicate, you can get by. But if you communicate skillfully, you can work miracles.” — Jim Rohn “Brevity is confidence. Length is fear.” — Axios “Hold your eye contact just a bit more than what you're comfortable doing.” — Jay Abbasi “You can acknowledge someone as a human and continue to discuss what needs to improve.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Amy, Senior Director of Quality for a global food distribution company, who finds herself locked in a frustrating conflict with a fellow leader whose resistance is making collaboration nearly impossible. Jay is joined by Jenn Whitmer, leadership expert and TEDx speaker, to explore how leaders can navigate tension, improve communication, and create a culture where people genuinely want to work together.

What if every thought you believed... wasn't true? Meet Zayd. He's a successful attorney, but lately success feels more like survival. Long hours, constant pressure, and one piece of critical feedback can consume his mind for days. Even when he's home with his wife and four children, he's mentally somewhere else. He wants to stop overthinking, reconnect with his work, and finally be present for the people who matter most. Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Gregory T. Obert, licensed psychologist, therapist, and podcast host. Together, they explore why high achievers often become trapped by their own thoughts, how mindfulness can interrupt destructive patterns, and practical strategies to reduce stress, improve decision-making, and prevent burnout. Notable Quotes "It's paying attention on purpose to the present moment, non-judgmentally." — Dr. Gregory T. Obert "Just shoving your emotions down isn't going to make them go away." — Dr. Gregory T. Obert "You don't have to attach yourself to the hardship of the now." — Dr. Gregory T. Obert About Our Guest Dr. Gregory T. Obert is a licensed psychologist, therapist, speaker, and podcast host who specializes in helping high-performing professionals manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve emotional well-being. His work combines practical psychology with evidence-based strategies to help people build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Resources & Links Gregory T. Obert Royal Oasis Psychotherapy Institute Website – https://www.royaloasispi.com/ Website – https://gregorytobert.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorytobert YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DrGOBERT Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drgtobert/ X – https://x.com/DrGTObert Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay shares his Top 5 Communication Techniques that have had the greatest impact on his life and career. These are the strategies that have helped leaders become more influential, build stronger relationships, and communicate with greater confidence. If you want practical techniques you can immediately apply at work and in life, you won't want to miss this episode.

The way you communicate may be the biggest factor in your success. In this solo episode, Jay kicks off a two-part countdown of the 10 most impactful communication techniques he has learned throughout his career as a speaker, coach, and leader. These are practical strategies he has relied on to build trust, strengthen relationships, and influence others, even in situations where he had no formal authority. In Part 1, Jay counts down techniques 10 through 6, including how to communicate empathy through body language, avoid habits that weaken your presence, ask questions that uncover deeper insights, build rapport through mirroring, and create meaningful connections by sharing personal stories. Rather than trying to master everything at once, he encourages listeners to focus on one technique at a time and turn it into a lasting habit. Notable Quotes “Communication works for those who work at it.” — John Powell “You don't want to unintentionally communicate either impatience or insecurity.” — Jay Abbasi “Mirroring someone's body language… helps at a subconscious level for the person to feel much more comfortable with you.” — Jay Abbasi “You need to be the one that proactively is vulnerable… to enable the other person to do so.” — 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 Join Us Next Time On Monday's episode, you'll meet Zayd, an attorney balancing a demanding career and raising four children while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and on the path to burnout. Jay is joined by Dr. Gregory T. Obert, psychologist, therapist, and expert in stress management, to explore how high-performing professionals can recognize unhealthy stress patterns, regulate their nervous systems, and create a life where they thrive instead of merely surviving.

What if the voice holding you back… is your own? Meet Jamie. She’s a Director of Regulatory Affairs who knows her business inside and out. Her team trusts her. Her results speak for themselves. But in leadership meetings, she gets quiet. While others confidently share their ideas, Jamie finds herself holding back, replaying conversations long after they end and wondering why her voice seems to disappear when it matters most. What she wants isn’t to become someone else. She simply wants the confidence to speak up, be heard, and earn the opportunities she knows she’s capable of handling. Today, Jay sits down with Allison Shapira, executive communication expert, keynote speaker, bestselling author, Harvard lecturer, and former opera singer. For more than two decades, Allison has helped leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Together, they explore how leaders can move beyond perfection, build trust through authentic communication, and find the courage to speak up when the stakes are high. Notable Quotes “You go from nervous to service.” — Dave Bricker “Your work does not speak for itself. You have to speak for it.” — Allison Shapira “You can't communicate with others until you first learn how to communicate with yourself.” — Allison Shapira About Our Guest Allison Shapira is a keynote speaker, executive communication coach, bestselling author, and lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School. She works with Fortune 100 executives, entrepreneurs, and public leaders to help them communicate authentically, build trust, and lead with greater impact. Her latest book is AI for the Authentic Leader. Resources & Links Allison Shapira Ai for the Authentic Leader – https://allisonshapira.com/ai-for-the-authentic-leader/ Website – https://allisonshapira.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonshapira/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/AllisonShapira Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/allisonshapira/ X – https://x.com/allisonshapira Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay begins a two-part countdown of the most effective communication techniques he has ever learned. Drawing from years of coaching leaders, delivering keynotes, and studying communication, he shares practical strategies to help you influence more effectively, strengthen relationships, and increase your impact. If you want to become a stronger communicator, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The way you talk to yourself may be the very thing holding you back. In this solo episode, Jay explores the difference between self-criticism, self-observation, and flow states, and why understanding these distinctions can dramatically improve your performance, resilience, and well-being. Drawing from the teachings of Anthony de Mello, Viktor Frankl, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Jay explains why harsh self-judgment creates unnecessary psychological suffering and how a practice of self-observation can help you become more self-aware without becoming self-critical. He also breaks down the role of flow states and when to observe yourself versus when to let go and fully immerse yourself in the moment. Notable Quotes “There is only one cause of unhappiness. The false beliefs you have in your head.” — Anthony de Mello “Self-criticism does not serve you.” — Jay Abbasi “Be that kind of coach for yourself that you would want if you were playing sports.” — Jay Abbasi “You need to be able to observe yourself without judgment.” — Jay Abbasi “Flow is being completely involved in an activity for its own sake.” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 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 Jamie, Director of Regulatory Affairs for a medical equipment manufacturer, who knows she has the skills to move up but struggles to project confidence and presence in high-stakes conversations. Jay is joined by Allison Shapira, Harvard lecturer, executive advisor, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and former opera singer, to explore how leaders can communicate with greater confidence, credibility, and impact.

Why is it so much easier to know what to do than to actually do it? Meet Sebastian. The team call ends and he's staring at his reflection through a blank screen, frustrated because he did it again. A developer brought him a problem and rather than coach or delegate, Sebastian took it on himself. This week, he promised he'd stop being the bottleneck. But when the pressure hit, he fell back into the same pattern. He reads leadership books, listens to podcasts, and genuinely wants to grow, yet he keeps asking himself the same question: Why does knowing better never seem to turn into doing better? Today, Jay sits down with Scott J. Allen, PhD, leadership educator, researcher, speaker, and host of the Practical Wisdom for Leaders podcast. Scott shares insights on self-awareness, behavior change, leadership development, and how to close the gap between what we know and how we actually show up. Notable Quotes “Leaders don't have to have the answers. Sometimes they need to elevate the right questions.” — Scott J. Allen “Self-awareness is ground zero.” — Scott J. Allen “What people are raising their hands for out there in the world is incredibly difficult to do well.” — Scott J. Allen About Our Guest Scott J. Allen, PhD, is a leadership educator, researcher, speaker, and host of the Practical Wisdom for Leaders podcast. For more than two decades, he has studied leadership development, helping leaders strengthen self-awareness, navigate complexity, and build the habits that lead to long-term success. Resources & Links Scott J. Allen Website – https://www.scottjallen.net/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-j-allen/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@PracticalWisdomForLeaders 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 difference between self-criticism, self-observation, and flow states. Drawing from a recent conversation with his book editor, he explains why self-observation is a critical skill for growth, how it differs from harsh self-judgment, and why flow states are essential for peak performance. If you want to improve your ability to take action, perform at a higher level, and create meaningful results, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

What if trust isn’t something people earn, but something leaders choose to give? In this solo episode, Jay challenges a common leadership belief: that trust must always be earned. While leaders certainly need to earn the trust of their teams, Jay argues that effective leadership begins by granting trust to others and empowering them to succeed. Drawing from personal experiences, leadership lessons, and real-world examples, he introduces a three-part framework for raising standards and building accountability: Inspiration, Education, and Accountability. Jay explains how these three elements work together to create high-performing teams and how leaders can identify which area may be missing for themselves or the people they lead. Notable Quotes “Trust is granted.” — Jay Abbasi “If you are not inspired, then you will not be inspiring.” — Jay Abbasi “Oftentimes there’s just a knowledge gap.” — Jay Abbasi “Your job as a leader is to identify the gap.” — 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 Sebastian, a software development leader who struggles with procrastination, overcommitment, and turning knowledge into action. Jay is joined by Scott J. Allen, leadership educator, researcher, speaker, and host of Practical Wisdom for Leaders, to explore how leaders can close the gap between what they know and how they lead.

Why do so many leaders sacrifice respect in pursuit of approval? Meet Leo. During a meeting with other regional leaders, the conversation turns toward his team's performance. Missed deadlines. Poor follow-through. Lack of accountability. As Leo listens, he realizes the concern isn't just about his team. It's about him. He's well-liked, but other leaders are beginning to question whether he'll enforce standards when it matters most. Leo wants to lead with compassion, but he also wants to be respected, trusted, and taken seriously. Today, Jay sits down with Jason O. Harris, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, combat pilot, keynote speaker, and creator of the No Fail Trust® Framework. Drawing from decades of military leadership experience, Jason shares practical strategies for building trust, creating accountability, and leading teams without sacrificing humanity. Notable Quotes “Your goal and objective is not to be liked. Your goal and objective is to lead.” — Jason O. Harris “Connection leads to commitment. Commitment leads to accountability. Accountability leads to trust.” — Jason O. Harris “Be the most interested person in the room, not the most interesting person in the room.” — Jason O. Harris About Our Guest Jason O. Harris is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, combat pilot, keynote speaker, and leadership expert. Through his No Fail Trust® Framework, he helps organizations build stronger cultures of trust, accountability, and execution. His work focuses on helping leaders create high-performing teams through intentional communication, meaningful connection, and proven leadership principles. Resources & Links Jason O. Harris Website – https://jasonoharris.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonoharris/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jasonoharris/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jasonoharrisspeaks YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@JasonOHarris TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonoharris1 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 practical framework for holding people accountable without becoming harsh, controlling, or authoritarian. Through real-life examples and actionable strategies, you'll learn how to build trust, set clear expectations, and create accountability while maintaining strong relationships. If you've ever struggled to balance empathy with leadership, this episode is for you.

The problem isn’t your willpower. The problem is your system. In this solo episode, Jay challenges one of the most common beliefs in personal development: that success comes from being more disciplined. Drawing from personal stories about rebuilding routines, growing a business, and strengthening relationships, he explains why relying on willpower often leads to frustration and self-criticism. Instead, Jay makes the case that consistency is not a motivation problem but a systems problem. Through practical examples and actionable strategies, he demonstrates how creating the right structures can make positive habits easier to maintain and help you achieve meaningful results without constantly fighting yourself. If you've ever wondered why you struggle to follow through, this episode offers a refreshing and practical perspective. Notable Quotes “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” — James Clear “Your brain is not wired for that.” — Jay Abbasi “It was the systems that needed help, not my willpower.” — Jay Abbasi “You don’t need to rely on your willpower. The system is there.” — 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 Leo, a leader whose team is underperforming and facing growing pressure from other departments. Jay is joined by Jaso Harris, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, combat pilot, and keynote speaker, to explore how leaders can create accountability, build trust, and improve performance without sacrificing the human side of leadership.

What happens when pressure slowly turns you into someone you no longer recognize? Meet Dino. He’s a treasury manager leading a team through layoffs, pressure, and nonstop demands. At work, everyone is overwhelmed. At home, he feels disconnected from the family he loves most. The habits that once kept him grounded, exercise, journaling, meditation, have disappeared, replaced by exhaustion, stress eating, and nightly escapes. What he wants most is the strength to lead without falling apart himself. In this episode, Jay sits down with Mark Divine, retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author, and founder of SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind. Together, they explore how everyday people can develop resilience, discipline, and mental toughness without needing to become Navy SEALs. Notable Quotes “If you’re not training your body and mind, the world is training it for you.” — Mark Divine “You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Crawl, walk, run.” — Mark Divine “The breath is the bridge between the body, the mind, and the spirit.” — Mark Divine About Our Guest Mark Divine is a retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind. Drawing from decades of military leadership, martial arts, Zen training, and mindfulness practices, Mark helps individuals and organizations develop resilience, focus, emotional control, and mental toughness in high-pressure environments. Resources & Links Mark Divine SEALFIT Website – https://sealfit.com/ Website – https://markdivine.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/markdivineofficial Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/markdivineofficial YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@markdivineofficial Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/mamiekstewart/ X – https://x.com/MarkDivine 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 deep dive into the systems and routines that helped him become more consistent over time. If you’ve ever struggled to stick with habits, follow through on goals, or maintain momentum, this episode will walk you through the practical mindset shifts and systems that made the biggest difference in his own life.

What if your phone is exhausting your brain without you realizing it? In this solo episode, Jay explores eye-opening research on how smartphones impact attention, cognitive performance, and presence, even when they are not being used. Drawing from a study out of the University of Chicago, he explains how simply having your phone visible can drain mental resources and reduce your ability to focus fully on what matters most. Jay breaks down the neuroscience behind attention and distraction, why our brains are wired to respond to phones the way they do, and how this constant pull impacts relationships, meetings, and overall well-being. He also introduces a simple but powerful strategy called “trial separation” to help you reclaim focus, improve presence, and free up cognitive energy for the people and priorities that matter most. Notable Quotes “Your phone doesn’t even need to be on to negatively impact your cognitive ability.” — Jay Abbasi “Your brain is literally wired to treat your phone buzzing the same way it treats someone calling your name across the room.” — Jay Abbasi “When your phone is visible, you don’t have access to your full cognitive capacity.” — Jay Abbasi “Free up your cognitive ability for the things that matter.” — 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 Dino, a treasury manager overwhelmed by pressure, stress, and unhealthy coping habits as he struggles to lead effectively while neglecting his own well-being. Jay is joined by Mark Divine, retired Navy SEAL commander, bestselling author, and founder of SEALFIT, to explore how leaders can rebuild mentally, physically, and emotionally from the inside out.

Why do so many meetings leave people feeling drained instead of productive? Meet Heather. It’s 8 p.m. and she’s still staring at her laptop. Her days are packed with back-to-back meetings, leaving no time to think, plan, or actually do the work. By the end of the day, she feels exhausted, behind, and disconnected from the life waiting for her outside the screen. In this episode, Jay sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart, founder of Modern Manager and author of Momentum. Together, they unpack why most meetings fail, how poor meeting culture quietly drains energy and productivity, and what leaders can do to reclaim time, attention, and focus. Notable Quotes “A conversation can grow to the size of its fishbowl.” — Mamie Kanfer Stewart “Running meetings is a skill.” — Mamie Kanfer Stewart “There’s almost always someone in the meeting wondering why they’re there.” — Mamie Kanfer Stewart “Meetings don’t have to be the bane of existence at work.” — Mamie Kanfer Stewart About Our Guest Mamie Kanfer Stewart is the founder of Modern Manager, host of The Modern Manager Podcast, and author of Momentum. She works with leaders and organizations to improve communication, collaboration, and meeting culture through practical systems that help teams work more effectively and intentionally. Resources & Links Mamie Kanfer Stewart Website – https://www.mamieks.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamiekanferstewart/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mamie.kanfer.stewart/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@themodernmanager Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/mamiekstewart/ X – https://x.com/mamieks 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 fascinating new research from the University of Chicago on cell phone use and cognitive performance. The findings reveal that distraction is not just affecting productivity when you’re actively using your phone, but even when the phone is simply nearby. If you’ve been struggling to focus, stay present, or feel mentally clear, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Feeling stuck does not mean you’re lost. It just means something needs to change. In this solo episode, Jay walks through a practical four-step process to help you gain clarity, create a meaningful vision, and move forward with intention. Whether you feel lost in your career, uncertain about your future, or overwhelmed by too many ideas, this episode is designed to help you reconnect with direction and purpose. Drawing from his coaching work and personal development principles, Jay explores the common patterns that keep people stuck and how to work through them. He breaks down how to identify your strengths, reconnect with your passions, and align them with real problems that need solving so you can create a vision that is both meaningful and actionable. Notable Quotes “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time.” — Joel A. Barker “You can’t fix what you can’t see.” — Jay Abbasi “When you combine strengths, passions, and problems that need solving, that’s how you craft your vision.” — 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 Heather, a senior product manager whose overloaded schedule is draining her energy and impacting her personal life. Jay is joined by Mamie Kanfer Stewart, author and host of The Modern Manager Podcast, to explore how leaders can reclaim their time, reduce unnecessary meetings, and create a more sustainable and effective way of working.

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.

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.

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.

What if the question you’re asking is the reason you feel stuck? Meet Tanya. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/1 LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/shereenthor 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.