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
Brad Feld on OCD, Depression, and the Courage to Be Honest
The Anxious Achiever
59 minutes
5 days ago
Brad Feld on OCD, Depression, and the Courage to Be Honest
Stigma loses its power when leaders tell the truth. In this episode, venture investor and Techstars co-founder Brad Feld shares why he went public about depression and OCD, how a 2013 crash led to a decade of deep therapy, and why aligning what you feel, say, and do is a leadership advantage. We talk about the “inappropriate anxiety spikes,” the trap of calling mental health a “superpower,” and the difference between passive and active avoidance. Brad also breaks down a simple dashboard for monitoring burnout, practical somatic cues to watch for, and clear guidance on when to hire a coach versus a therapist. Get ready to rethink performance, protect your team from collateral damage, and lead with courage, clarity, and real agency.
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In this Episode, You Will Learn
00:00 Why did you choose to speak openly about mental health?
09:00 How stigma and shame create a negative feedback loop for founders.
14:30 The irrational links between thoughts and actions that drive compulsion.
18:00 How reframing failure helps you find grace in what doesn’t work out.
20:00 The concept of “passive avoidance” and how it quietly erodes relationships.
26:00 What are the two ways anxiety shows up in leadership?
30:15 How absurdism brings comfort amid uncertainty.
33:30 Why performative passion often hides real insecurity.
37:45 The “anxiety spikes” that jump from 2 to 11 in seconds.
43:00 How ACT therapy helps you feel, accept, and act instead of suppressing emotion.
46:00 The dashboard of green–yellow–red lights to watch your energy in real time.
50:00 Advice to leaders who want to understand how their behavior impacts others.
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 Brad: @bfeld
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
