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 can’t succeed, but we tell a different story — without sugarcoating the tough stuff. We feature stories from people who’ve been there and experts who can help you thrive.
Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163
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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 can’t succeed, but we tell a different story — without sugarcoating the tough stuff. We feature stories from people who’ve been there and experts who can help you thrive.
Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163
Beekman 1802's Josh Kilmer-Purcell: Anxiety Is My Superpower
The Anxious Achiever
58 minutes
1 month ago
Beekman 1802's Josh Kilmer-Purcell: Anxiety Is My Superpower
So many high achievers feel like their anxiety or depression will hold them back, but what if those challenges are actually your edge? In this episode, I sit down with Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founder of Beekman 1802 and Amazing Race winner, to talk about how living with anxiety and depression can shape your leadership, your creativity, and your approach to risk. Josh shares the mindset shifts, practical tools, and partnership strategies that helped him build a $150M brand without ignoring mental health. We also dive into empathy as a business strength, using “nightmare boards” to manage risk, and why kindness is a measurable business advantage. Get ready to use your anxiety as your superpower!
In this Episode, You Will Learn
00:00 Meet Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founder of Beekman 1802.
05:00 Risk and mental health in entrepreneurship and leadership.
08:30 Anxiety as a superpower and depression as a source of empathy.
16:30 How to use anxiety as a strategic advantage in your business.
20:30 The 51% rule for making tough business and relationship decisions.
26:45 Tools to manage depression and build resilience.
32:30 What is a nightmare board?
34:45 How to reframe envy into growth and perspective.
40:00 What chickens and “crone hens” teach us about aging, purpose, and enoughness.
47:15 Why sticking to your success goalpost builds lasting contentment.
54:00 How to know if you belong among people or in nature.
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
Follow Josh on LinkedIn: @joshkilmerpurcell
The Anxious Achiever
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 can’t succeed, but we tell a different story — without sugarcoating the tough stuff. We feature stories from people who’ve been there and experts who can help you thrive.
Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163