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The Anxious AchieverFrom LinkedIn Presents Author: Morra Aarons-Mele
Host Morra Aarons-Mele is on a mission to reframe how we think about anxiety and mental health in the workplace. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. We desperately need better models for leadership and a more holistic view of mental health. Our culture tells those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression that we cant succeed, but we tell a different story without sugarcoating the tough stuff. We feature stories from people whove been there and experts who can help you thrive. Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163 Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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ADHD Ahas from a Combat Pilot, a $250 Million Founder, and a Professor
Episode 288
Thursday, 22 January, 2026
What do a combat pilot, a $250M entrepreneur, and a world-renowned academic have in common? ADHD. In this episode, I revisit one of my favorite conversations about how ADHD shows up in high-performing leaders who live different lives. I sit down with Nate Swan, a combat pilot who thrives in high-stress environments, Dan Bastian, co-founder of Boom Chicka Pop, and Johan Wiklund, a professor who studies ADHD in entrepreneurship. We talk about hyperfocus, impulsivity, anxiety, late diagnosis, leadership, and the unexpected ways ADHD can become a competitive advantage. Get ready to learn how the very traits often labeled as “disorders” can fuel success, creativity, and resilience. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off. Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months. Talkiatry - Head to talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working genius.com In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 3 high achievers with ADHD live completely different lives. 03:15 Why chaotic environments calm the ADHD brain. 04:45 How anxiety and ADHD overlap. 05:30 What happens when ADHD goes undiagnosed in adulthood? 06:30 The career risks of ADHD medication for military pilots. 09:00 Leadership lessons from managing neurodiverse teams. 11:30 How the military is shifting its mental health culture. 18:00 The anxiety that never fully goes away. 20:30 Is ADHD good or bad? 25:30 The types of work that suit ADHD brains. 34:30 Designing work around energy cycles. 37:30 How to use ADHD and anxiety as motivators. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam
