Episode #76
You Don't Solve Anxiety — Here's What You Do Instead
In this episode of Optimising Leader Brilliance , Estelle Read sits down with author and mental health advocate Bryan Sachetta to unpack high-functioning anxiety — the hidden struggle that drives so many ambitious leaders to appear confident and in control while internally battling stress, perfectionism, and relentless overthinking. Bryan, author of the Get Out of Your Head book series, reveals why the most common advice around anxiety is wrong, and what actually works to build a healthier relationship with fear without sacrificing your edge. If you're a high achiever who's tired of using busyness as a shield and ready to lead with calm confidence, this conversation is your starting point. What You Will Learn Why high-functioning anxiety is especially common in leaders and high achievers — and why trying to "solve" it makes it worse How to spot the coping strategies that once served you but are now quietly driving overworking and perfectionism — and what to do instead Three practical, immediate habits for managing anxiety in the workplace — from moving your body to doing a quarterly stress inventory to giving yourself permission to do nothing Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! Estelle Read Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:22) Welcome & What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? (02:13) Interview Begins (10:43) Unpacking the Patterns – Behavioural Coping Strategies (15:20) A New Season of Anxiety – When It Gets Broader & More Nebulous (21:35) Keeping Up With Everything – Where Does It Come From? (28:21) Using Anxiety as a Gateway to Intimacy & Connection (37:36) Tools & Techniques – What Actually Helps (40:16) Early Influences – Writing, Music & Movement (42:15) Brian's Books (44:19) Question from the Previous Guest – Coping With Change & Uncertainty (46:25) Question for the Next Guest (47:17) Closing Tips & Words of Compassion (52:48) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice ⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal ⭐Follow or Contact Brian Sachetta Instagram: @getoutofyourhead Facebook: @getoutofyourheadbooks Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sachetta ⭐Follow Estelle Read: https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee ⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: https://estelleread.com/resources/ ⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes: ⬆️ The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE ⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & Stress, when you sign up. ⭐Help Us Keep Growing & Going: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen or watch, leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Thank you ❤️. ⭐Listen or Watch on YouTube: Listen on your favourite podcast platform here: https://estelleread.com/podcast/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstelleRead/podcasts ⭐Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.
