Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay explores why knowing what to do isn't enough to create lasting change. If you've ever committed to building healthier habits, setting new goals, or making positive changes only to fall back into old patterns, this episode is for you. Jay shares practical strategies to set realistic expectations, follow through on commitments, and build the self-trust needed to create lasting results.

Nov 2, 2026 51 min

217: Beware Of These 7 Leadership Monsters!

Season 1, Episode 217

Show notes

What if the biggest threat to your workplace is the leadership habits you don't even realize you have?

In this Halloween-themed solo episode, Jay explores seven common leadership monsters that can quietly damage workplace culture, drain team energy, and affect how people experience their leaders. From the Ghost who avoids difficult conversations to the Vampire who drains everyone's energy, Jay breaks down the behaviors that leaders should recognize in themselves and others.

Through the Zombie, Frankenstein, Werewolf, Mummy, and Mad Scientist, Jay highlights how disengagement, controlling behavior, emotional unpredictability, resistance to change, and constantly chasing new ideas can affect a team. The goal is to become more self-aware and intentional so you can serve your people better.

Notable Quotes

“People want to feel understood and heard and validated.” — Jay Abbasi

“We can't change other people as much as we'd love to. We can change ourselves.” — Jay Abbasi

“Your people shouldn't have to suffer because of that if you're no longer in.” — Jay Abbasi

Resources and Links

Jay Abbasi

Join Us Next Time

On Monday's episode, you'll meet Bonnie, who recently launched her HR consulting business but struggles with people-pleasing, standing up for herself, and speaking her mind, especially when dealing with authority figures. Jay is joined by Paul Salter, high-performance hypnotherapist, mindset and performance coach, to explore how people like Bonnie can stop letting pressure hijack their performance, build greater self-trust, and execute at the level they know they're capable of, even when the pressure is on.

Oct 30, 2026 18 min

216: Everything Is Low Stakes

Season 1, Episode 216

Show notes

What if the pressure you're feeling is pressure you're creating?

Meet Peter. He's a successful chief marketing officer at a major EV company. His campaigns deliver results, but his team feels disconnected. His meetings lack energy, watching another executive effortlessly connect with his team, Peter realizes something is missing. He wants to create a culture where people genuinely enjoy working together, but his own insecurity and fear of judgment keep getting in the way.

In this episode, Jay sits down with Scott Bloom, comedian, keynote speaker, professional emcee, and author of The Atomic Morning Miracle. Together, they explore how humor can transform workplace culture, why we make everything feel so high stakes, and how letting go of the need for approval can help us become more confident, connected, and joyful.

Notable Quotes

"The fact of the matter is everything's low stakes. We make everything high stakes." — Scott Bloom

"Get rid of the to-do list, focus on a to-be list." — Scott Bloom

"Laughter lowers our defenses, our resistance, allows us to engage a little bit more with other people." — Scott Bloom

"This is not about you. This is about your team. This is about your audience. What are you there to give?" — Scott Bloom

About Our Guest

Scott Bloom is a comedian, keynote speaker, professional emcee, and author who uses humor to help organizations strengthen relationships, build connection, and create more engaging workplace cultures. Having worked with organizations including FedEx, Pfizer, Ford, IBM, PepsiCo, and Verizon, Scott brings decades of entertainment experience to the corporate world. His book, The Atomic Morning Miracle, blends comedy, personal development, and practical exercises to help people release unnecessary pressure, embrace uncertainty, and experience more joy.

Resources & Links

Scott Bloom

Website – https://www.scottbloomconnects.com/

The Atomic Morning Miracle Book – https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-atomic-morning-miracle

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbloomconnects/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/scottbloomconnects/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/scottbloomconnects

X - https://x.com/BloomConnects

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/Fugazzi1

Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/scottbloom

Jay Abbasi

Website – https://jayabbasi.me/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay has a special Halloween episode featuring The 7 Leadership Monsters. From intimidating bosses to destructive leadership habits, Jay explores seven frightening leadership patterns, how they show up in the workplace, and practical ways to make sure you never become one of them. It's a fun, thought-provoking look at the behaviors that can turn even well-intentioned leaders into workplace monsters.

Oct 26, 2026 1 hr

215: 5 Takeaways from the Best Book I Read in 2026

Season 1, Episode 215

Show notes

What if creating the life you want isn't about trying harder, but learning to stop forcing it?

In this solo episode, Jay shares five powerful lessons from Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland, his favorite book of 2026 so far. Drawing from the book's unconventional approach to visualization, intention, and personal growth, he explores how our thoughts, choices, and emotional states can shape the way we experience life.

From recognizing the power of choice and avoiding energy-draining distractions to reducing importance, practicing visualization, and aligning heart and mind, Jay breaks down five concepts into practical takeaways. If you want to pursue meaningful goals with greater clarity, less resistance, and more fulfillment, this episode offers a fresh perspective on creating the life you want.

Notable Quotes

“The world is but a mirror of your attitude toward it.” — Vadim Zeland

“You have so much power in your choices.” — Jay Abbasi

“Making things too important creates resistance.” — Jay Abbasi

“You want your mind to serve your heart, not the other way around.” — Jay Abbasi

Resources and Links

Jay Abbasi

Join Us Next Time

On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Peter, the chief marketing officer at an EV charging company who struggles to create the same energy, connection, and excitement he sees in other leaders. Jay is joined by Scott Bloom, comedian, professional MC, keynote speaker, and author of The Atomic Morning Miracle, to explore how leaders can bring more humor, warmth, and humanity into the workplace while creating a culture people genuinely enjoy being part of.

Oct 23, 2026 17 min

214: Your Greatest Strength Is Hurting You

Season 1, Episode 214

Show notes

What made you successful might be the very thing holding you back.

Meet Kyle. He's the CEO of a thriving renewable energy company with over 150 employees. He's brilliant, driven, and relentlessly focused on results. But his demanding schedule, impatience, and constant overthinking are taking a toll. His company is winning, but he's exhausted, his relationship is suffering, and he's terrified that slowing down could cost him everything he's built.

In this episode, Jay sits down with Christina Lecuyer, former professional golfer, executive coach, and host of Decide It's Your Turn. Together, they explore how your greatest strengths can become your biggest weaknesses, why success doesn't have to require suffering, and how to achieve more without sacrificing what matters most.

Notable Quotes

"The thing that makes you super successful is oftentimes the thing that really hurts you." — Christina Lecuyer

"I don't understand why people don't realize that time is the greatest asset on the planet." — Christina Lecuyer

"I was petrified that if I was nice to myself and if I was kind to myself, I wasn't going to try as hard." — Christina Lecuyer

"What are you so afraid will happen if you start doing it a different way?" — Christina Lecuyer

About Our Guest

Christina Lecuyer is a former professional golfer, executive coach, podcast host, and trusted advisor to high-achieving entrepreneurs and business leaders. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming perfectionism and redefining success, Christina helps CEOs and founders gain clarity, overcome limiting beliefs, and create success that aligns with their personal values. Through her coaching and Decide It's Your Turn podcast, she empowers people to take action, trust themselves, and build lives that feel as fulfilling as they look.

Resources & Links

Christina Lecuyer

Website – https://www.christinalecuyer.com/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinalecuyer/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/bechristinaa

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bechristina/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6LYaHUVwD9kkepqf1Zfcyg

Jay Abbasi

Website – https://jayabbasi.me/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay dives into five powerful lessons from Reality Transurfing, a book that challenges how we think about achieving our goals and creating the lives we want. From releasing resistance to shifting your mindset and taking intentional action, Jay breaks down practical takeaways to help you stop forcing outcomes and start moving toward the future you want to create.

Oct 19, 2026 57 min

213: 7 Steps to Avoid Running Bad Meetings

Season 1, Episode 213

Show notes

Great meetings aren't about filling time. They're about making every minute count.

In this solo episode, Jay tackles one of the most common workplace frustrations: unproductive meetings. Drawing from his leadership experience at Tesla and his work coaching leaders, he shares a practical seven-step framework for running meetings that respect people's time, create clarity, and drive meaningful results.

From questioning whether a meeting is necessary and defining clear outcomes to setting agendas, managing distractions, and establishing accountability, Jay walks through how to make every meeting more effective. If you want to eliminate wasted time, improve team engagement, and turn conversations into action, this episode offers a clear path forward.

Notable Quotes

“Great work is happening between the meetings.” — Jay Abbasi

“We want to be really considerate about how we're spending our time, very intentional about the time we're putting on other people's calendars.” — Jay Abbasi

“Knowing what the end goal is of the meeting is crucial for you to be able to communicate well with your people at the start of the meeting and throughout.” — Jay Abbasi

“You don't just ignore them, nor do you feed them.” — Jay Abbasi

Resources and Links

Jay Abbasi

Join Us Next Time

On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Kyle, the CEO of a fast-growing renewable energy company whose overthinking, packed calendar, and relentless drive are beginning to affect his marriage and personal life. Jay is joined by Christina Lecuyer, former professional athlete and executive consultant, to explore how leaders can quiet the mental noise, trust their decisions and teams, and build success without carrying the weight of everything themselves.

Oct 16, 2026 17 min

212: We've Been Promoting the Wrong Leaders

Season 1, Episode 212

Show notes

Just because someone delivers results doesn't mean they can lead people.

Meet Ganesh. He's a successful senior product manager at a major airline. Executives love him, his team delivers results, and his career is thriving. But when one of his best employees unexpectedly resigns, he starts questioning his leadership. His team rarely speaks up, and feedback suggests he's intimidating. He's been so focused on performance that he may have forgotten the people behind it.

In this episode, Jay sits down with Marcel Schwantes, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of Humane Leadership. Together, they explore why organizations promote the wrong leaders, how trust drives performance, and what it really takes to lead with both accountability and humanity.

Notable Quotes

"If you really want to initiate that cycle of trust, starts with you, the leader." — Marcel Schwantes

"They have to make sure that people know that they matter, that they have a voice." — Marcel Schwantes

"You have to have not only, yes, you have to hold people accountable, but what about the caring side?" — Marcel Schwantes

About Our Guest

Marcel Schwantes is an executive coach, keynote speaker, author, and leadership expert who helps organizations build healthier, more human workplaces. Drawing from his experience in HR leadership and his own encounters with toxic management, Marcel advocates for a leadership approach grounded in trust, authenticity, and developing others. His book, Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss, challenges traditional leadership practices and explores the behaviors that create stronger teams and sustainable performance.

Resources & Links

Marcel Schwantes

Website – https://www.marcelschwantes.com/

Humane Leadership Book – http://www.marcelschwantes.com/book-humane-leadership

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fO2r_ZQ3wy5ie522f-DTQ?view_as=public

X – https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes

Jay Abbasi

Website – https://jayabbasi.me/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay shares practical meeting hacks that can transform how you lead your team. From starting meetings effectively and encouraging honest feedback to keeping employees engaged and communicating difficult news, Jay reveals simple strategies he's used and taught leaders to make meetings more productive, meaningful, and effective.

Oct 12, 2026 52 min

211: 7 Steps to Master Networking

Season 1, Episode 211

Show notes

Networking isn't about what you can get. It's about the value you can give.

In this solo episode, Jay shares his seven-step approach to building meaningful professional relationships and mastering the art of networking. Drawing from his experience growing a successful coaching and speaking business, he explains why effective networking begins with a mindset of giving rather than getting.

From identifying the right people and engaging authentically on LinkedIn to sending personalized messages, scheduling conversations, and following up, Jay walks through a practical process anyone can apply. If you want to expand your network, create new opportunities, and build lasting relationships without feeling transactional, this episode offers a clear path forward.

Notable Quotes

“Networking that matters is helping people achieve their goals.” — Seth Godin

“What can I give? Who can I help? How do I provide value in a way that helps both myself and others to achieve goals?” — Jay Abbasi

“You can change someone's day with a nice voice note.” — Jay Abbasi

“A value driven call starts with curiosity and genuine interests.” — Jay Abbasi

Resources and Links

Jay Abbasi

Join Us Next Time

On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Ganesh, a senior manager at a major airline who discovers that his high standards may be intimidating the very people he leads. Jay is joined by Marcel Schwantes, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of Humane Leadership, to explore how leaders can maintain high performance while building trust, creating stronger connections, and becoming someone people genuinely want to follow.

Oct 9, 2026 15 min

210: Reinvent Yourself (Before You Have To)

Season 1, Episode 210

Show notes

Reinvention doesn’t have to begin with quitting. It begins with curiosity.

Meet Terrence. He’s a successful senior vice president with a good salary, a wife, two young kids, and plenty of responsibility. But lately, his work feels transactional. His team seems disconnected, his calendar is packed, and he can’t shake the feeling that something is missing.

He doesn’t want to blow up the life he’s built. He also doesn’t want to wake up 10 years from now wishing he’d taken a chance.

In this episode, Jay sits down with Jeff Pelaccio, longtime executive, speaker, and host of The Corporate Couch. Together, they explore how to recognize when it’s time for a change, reinvent yourself before circumstances force you to, and build relationships that can open doors you never expected.

Notable Quotes

“You control how you show up.” — Jeff Pelaccio

“The more people you know, the more people you can help.” — Jeff Pelaccio

“If your job was 30% better than it is now, would you stay or leave?” — Jeff Pelaccio

“You always need to look at it and reinvent and rethink things.” — Jeff Pelaccio

About Our Guest

Jeff Pelaccio is a longtime executive, speaker, and host of The Corporate Couch, a podcast exploring the human side of leadership, careers, resilience, and reinvention. After navigating nine involuntary career transitions himself, Jeff brings a unique perspective to career change and job searching. His work encourages people to strengthen relationships, control what they can control, and approach career transitions with curiosity rather than desperation.

Resources & Links

Jeff Pelaccio

Website – https://thecorporatecouch.podbean.com/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpelaccio/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jeffpelaccio

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jeffpelaccio/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@TheCorporateCouch-x7u

Jay Abbasi

Website – https://jayabbasi.me/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay dives deeper into something he once resisted but has come to see as one of the most valuable tools for building a career or business: networking. Jay shares the strategies that have worked for him and his clients to build genuine relationships without making networking feel transactional. Whether you’re in corporate, an entrepreneur, or building something of your own, you’ll learn how to connect with people, add value, and create opportunities that can accelerate your career or business.

Oct 5, 2026 58 min

209: Don’t Be The Duck

Season 1, Episode 209

Show notes

Great leaders don’t pretend to be calm. They learn how to become calm beneath the surface.

In this solo episode, Jay challenges a leadership lesson he learned early in his career: “Be like a duck.” While a duck appears calm above the water while paddling furiously underneath, Jay explains why this approach can lead to inauthenticity, overwhelm, and a disconnect between what leaders show and what they actually feel.

Instead, Jay encourages leaders to “be the water” and shares seven ways to build genuine calm and composure from within. From pausing and slowing down to breathing, practicing mindfulness, staying curious, walking away, and collaborating with others, this episode offers a practical framework for responding to pressure without pretending it isn’t there.

Notable Quotes

“You want to establish that sense of calm and composure at a deeper level mentally and emotionally so that you can respond to it rather than react.” — Jay Abbasi

“To be like the water, you have to learn how to slow down to then speed up.” — Jay Abbasi

“To me, leadership is really about curiosity.” — Jay Abbasi

“As leaders, we can sometimes feel very lonely. You feel very siloed.” — 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 Terrance, a senior vice president at a national logistics company who feels like his work has become transactional and has lost his passion for what he does. Jay is joined by Jeff Pelaccio, longtime executive leader, speaker, and host of The Corporate Couch, to explore how leaders can reconnect with what matters, build resilience through uncertainty, and find the courage to reinvent themselves without losing everything they’ve built.

Oct 2, 2026 15 min

208: AI Can’t Think For You

Season 1, Episode 208

Show notes

Just because AI can do it doesn’t mean it should.

Meet Michelle. She’s a VP of HR trying to keep pace with a CEO who moves fast. One week it’s AI, the next it’s retention, then recruiting. Everyone expects Michelle to solve problems, protect the culture, and pick up the pieces when something breaks. She wants to stop reacting to the latest priority and start helping shape what comes next.

In this episode, Jay sits down with Naomi Titleman, former CHRO of American Express Canada, ex-Deloitte consultant, and trusted advisor to HR leaders. Together, they explore how to use AI without surrendering critical thinking, why leaders need to solve the problem before choosing the technology, and how to lead people through rapid change.

Notable Quotes

“We need to dial into our critical thinking at every juncture.” — Naomi Titleman

“Is this an AI moment or is this a my brain moment?” — Naomi Titleman

“If I am, I’m going to start with my brain first.” — Naomi Titleman

About Our Guest

Naomi Titleman is a former CHRO of American Express Canada, ex-Deloitte consultant, and trusted advisor to HR leaders navigating the future of work. Through future foHRward, Naomi helps organizations and HR leaders navigate transformation, strengthen their people strategies, and prepare for the changing workplace. Her work explores the intersection of AI, leadership, culture, and the human skills organizations need to thrive through change.

Resources & Links

Naomi Titleman

future foHRward Website – https://www.futurefohrward.com/who-we-are

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomititlemancolla/

future foHRward LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-fohrward/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/futurefoHRward/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/futurefohrward/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@foHRsightpodcast

Jay Abbasi

Website – https://jayabbasi.me/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay shares an analogy he’s used for years about the duck and the water and what it can teach us about leading through pressure and change. Drawing from his early mistakes as a new manager and his experience coaching leaders at major organizations, Jay explores how great leaders remain composed on the surface while navigating the challenges underneath. You’ll learn how to guide your team through change, achieve at a high level, and keep your people engaged along the way.

Sep 28, 2026 52 min

207: How to Handle a Difficult Employee

Season 1, Episode 207

Show notes

When coaching isn’t working, it may be time to stop talking about the work and start talking to the person.

In this solo episode, Jay explores what to do when you’ve coached, given feedback, shown empathy, and nothing seems to work. Drawing from a memorable leadership exercise at Tesla, he shares how leaders can move beyond surface-level conversations and create a “moment of truth” with a difficult employee.

Jay also breaks down his EPIC framework, Example, Pause, Impact, and Change or Continue, to help leaders balance empathy with accountability. From slowing down and choosing the right tone to knowing when it may be time to involve HR, this episode offers a practical approach for navigating difficult conversations while still giving people every opportunity to succeed.

Notable Quotes

“What you have to do in that moment is to have that moment of truth.” — Jay Abbasi

“I believe we should always be empathetic.” — Jay Abbasi

“It's okay to acknowledge how they feel and shift the conversation over to the performance and what you're expecting.” — Jay Abbasi

“If they're not excelling, if they're not happy or they're not able to do the job well, there's a better job out there for them.” — Jay Abbasi

Resources and Links

Jay Abbasi

Join Us Next Time

On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Michelle, a VP of HR at a national home services company who feels drained by the relentless pace of new technology and AI. Jay is joined by Naomi Titleman, former CHRO of American Express Canada, ex-Deloitte consultant, and founder of future foHRward, to explore how leaders can stop reacting to constant change and start shaping the future of work before it gets shaped for them.

Sep 25, 2026 15 min

206: Gen Z Isn’t the Problem

Season 1, Episode 206

Show notes

Before you blame the next generation, look in the mirror.

Meet Robert. After 25 years in hospital leadership, he’s frustrated. Younger nurses seem distracted, overwhelmed, and resistant to feedback. His usual leadership strategies aren’t working, and turnover keeps rising. For years, Robert blamed the next generation. Now he’s wondering if he’s the one who needs to adapt.

In this episode, Jay sits down with Tim Elmore, bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Growing Leaders. Together, they explore how leaders can replace generational stereotypes with curiosity, connect with Gen Z, and develop younger employees instead of simply judging them.

Notable Quotes

“They want work to feel fun, but be challenging.” — Tim Elmore

“Don’t think control, think connect.” — Tim Elmore

“Don’t think tell, think ask.” — Tim Elmore

“If we can combine high expectation and high belief, we now have a magical formula that will work with this next gen.” — Tim Elmore

About Our Guest

Tim Elmore is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Growing Leaders. For decades, he has studied generational trends and helped leaders better understand, connect with, and develop emerging generations. Tim has written more than 40 books and spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. His work helps organizations bridge generational gaps, strengthen leadership, and prepare younger people to thrive in their careers and lives.

Resources & Links

Tim Elmore

Website – https://www.timelmore.com/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyelmore/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drtimelmore

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tim_elmore

Threads – https://www.threads.com/

X – https://x.com/timelmore

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@TimElmoreInc

Jay Abbasi

Website – https://jayabbasi.me/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast

Join Us Next Time

On Friday, Jay tackles what to do when you’ve tried to connect, listen, coach, and support an employee, but nothing seems to work. He shares an eye-opening exercise from his learning and development days and explores how to be both kind and honest when someone continues to show a lack of motivation. You’ll learn how to have the conversation that may finally help someone respond, without becoming overly harsh or overly accommodating.

Sep 21, 2026 1 hr

205: 7 Signs of a Toxic Leader

Season 1, Episode 205

Show notes

There’s a difference between a difficult leader and a toxic one. Do you know how to spot it?

In this solo episode, Jay shares a personal story from his time at Tesla to explore the difference between a difficult leader and a truly toxic one. Drawing from an experience he has rarely discussed in detail, he breaks down seven warning signs that can help you determine whether a challenging leadership situation is manageable or something more harmful.

From a bad reputation and lack of curiosity to playing favorites and publicly shaming others, Jay explains the behaviors that can reveal a deeper leadership problem. If you’ve ever questioned whether a leader is simply difficult or genuinely toxic, this episode offers a practical framework to help you recognize the signs, protect yourself, and decide when it may be time to create distance.

Notable Quotes

“You always have to start by accepting what is.” — Jay Abbasi

“If the reputation of this leader is one that is quite negative, you need to take that data seriously.” — Jay Abbasi

“If the person seems to be pretty careless about it and they don't show any remorse or ownership, that's a sign.” — Jay Abbasi

“The common denominator is that we have a leader who lacks self-awareness.” — Jay Abbasi

Resources and Links

Jay Abbasi

Join Us Next Time

On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Robert, a leader struggling to motivate and connect with a younger member of his team. Jay is joined by Tim Elmore, bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Growing Leaders, to explore how leaders can bridge generational differences, let go of assumptions, communicate more effectively, and develop great talent across generations.

Sep 18, 2026 17 min

204: Is Your Boss Toxic, or Just Difficult?

Season 1, Episode 204

Show notes

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.

In this episode, 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/

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.

Sep 14, 2026 58 min

203: Stop Playing the Hero

Season 1, Episode 203

Show notes

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

Join Us Next Time

On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Adrina, 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.

Sep 11, 2026 18 min

202: Stop Waiting to Feel Motivated

Season 1, Episode 202

Show notes

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/

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.

Sep 8, 2026 52 min

201: What’s Next for Unstuck

Season 1, Episode 199

Show notes

The best of Unstuck is still 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: jay@jayabbasi.me

Resources and Links

Jay Abbasi

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.

Sep 4, 2026 13 min

200: 10 Things I Was Wrong About (Part 2)

Season 1, Episode 200

Show notes

The more I learn, the more I realize how much I haven't 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

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.

Aug 31, 2026 17 min

199: 10 Things I Was Wrong About (Part I)

Season 1, Episode 199

Show notes

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