How Good Can It Get

Ep. 116 The Biggest Leadership Lie We All Believe About Wellbeing

We’ve been sold the wrong story about wellbeing.
It’s not that leaders don’t care enough.
It’s not that they aren’t resilient enough.
And it’s definitely not that they need one more productivity hack.
The real problem?
Leaders are hemorrhaging energy trying to control things that were never theirs to manage in the first place.
In this episode, I break down the single biggest barrier to wellbeing I see across founders, people leaders, and women running entire households: letting external uncertainty steal time, focus, and nervous system capacity.
Takeaways
Control is the illusion. Influence is the work.
Fear is an energy leak. Focus is a stabilizer.
Your humanity is your advantage.
Leadership doesn’t require certainty.
Recovery is essential work, not a reward.
Positive focus isn’t denial—it’s discernment.
If you’re tired of feeling braced for impact—and ready to reclaim your energy—this episode is for you.
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
Soul Goal Free, Live Workshop 11:30 CST Dec. 16 
Soul Goal Workshop Sign Up: bit.ly/soulgoalworkshop
 
The Creative Reset Sat. January 17 in St. Paul: http://eventbrite.com/e/the-creative-reset-for-women-rediscovering-their-creative-voice-tickets-1968857473704 

Ep. 115 This Podcast is for YOU!

Bree discusses transforming work into a craft, emphasizing the need for personal empowerment and the identification of resistance in one's professional life.
 
She invites listeners to join her Soul Goals workshop 11:30 CST Dec 16 and reflects on her journey of redefining her work to focus on individual needs rather than corporate demands.
 
Bree encourages listeners to embrace their resistance as a guide towards a more fulfilling and aligned work experience.
 
Takeaways
How work as a craft enhances fulfillment.
Eliminate tasks that drain your energy.
Identify what no longer excites you in your work.
Recognize that this journey is lifelong.
Shift focus from corporate to individual empowerment.
Embrace resistance as a sign of misalignment.
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
Soul Goal Free, Live Workshop 11:30 CST Dec. 16 
Soul Goal Workshop Sign Up: bit.ly/soulgoalworkshop
 
The Creative Reset Sat. January 17 in St. Paul: http://eventbrite.com/e/the-creative-reset-for-women-rediscovering-their-creative-voice-tickets-1968857473704 

Ep. 114 Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First with Guest Stephanie Wall Morrow

Bree Johnson hosts guest Stephanie Wall Morrow who advocates for integrating genuine self-care into daily life. They discuss the creation of The Self Care Circle, accessible self-care practices, the significance of mindfulness and intention, and the myths surrounding self-care.
Stephanie also shares insights on navigating self-care with ADHD, effective time management strategies, and the importance of creating supportive work environments for neurodivergent professionals. 
Takeaways
Putting yourself first allows you to help others.
Accessible self-care practices can be simple and effective.
Mindfulness and intention are key to genuine self-care.
Self-care practices can vary by individual and season.
Debunking myths around self-care can empower individuals.
ADHD requires tailored self-care strategies.
Connect with Guest Stephanie 
Gift for Listeners: My Self Care Circle
 
 

Ep. 113 The Weight of Others' Expectations

The often unrecognized burden of meeting others' expectations, particularly for women who are caregivers, is intense and time consuming. Bree reflects on her personal experiences during the holiday season and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming time and energy for oneself.
 
She encourages listeners to recognize the invisible weight of expectations and to prioritize their own desires and joy, rather than solely focusing on pleasing others. The conversation highlights the need for women to say yes to themselves and to embrace their own needs and preferences.
 
Takeaways
The weight of expectations can be overwhelming for women.
Many expectations are unspoken and inherited.
Saying no to others is not the same as saying yes to yourself.
Reclaiming time and energy is essential for personal joy.
Women often prioritize others' needs over their own desires.
Disappointment of others can feel dangerous but is necessary for self-care.
Choosing oneself can lead to greater joy and fulfillment.
It's important to recognize the pressure we put on ourselves.
Saying yes to small desires can have a big impact.
We are here to live our lives wild and free.
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
The Creative Reset Sat. January 17 in St. Paul: http://eventbrite.com/e/the-creative-reset-for-women-rediscovering-their-creative-voice-tickets-1968857473704 

Ep. 112 Nothing Is Wrong with You If You're Merely Surviving

Bree addresses the challenges many face during the holiday season, particularly those who feel they are merely surviving rather than thriving. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's struggles and introduces the concept of the wellness wheel, which consists of eight core areas of well-being. Bree advocates for making small, manageable adjustments in life rather than overwhelming yourself with the pressure to thrive in all areas. 
 
Keywords: holiday season, wellness wheel, mental health, gratitude, self-care, emotional well-being, micro adjustments, thriving, surviving, work recovery
 
Takeaways
The holiday season can amplify feelings of struggle.
It's okay to not be thriving; acknowledge your feelings.
The wellness wheel consists of eight core areas of well-being.
You don't need to have all areas of your life in order to thrive.
Small shifts can lead to significant changes over time.
Focus on one area of well-being that feels doable.
By prioritizing small adjustments, you can build strength.
Surviving is part of being human; it's not a failure.
Control the controllables in your life.
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
Download Your Wellbeing Playbook: bit.ly/wellbeingplaybook

Ep. 111 Stop Defending, Start Connecting

Have you every thought about how your childhood conditioning affects your adult relationships, particularly the tendency to justify actions and defend oneself in interpersonal interactions? Bree Johnson discusses the impact of early experiences on emotional responses and communication patterns in adulthood.
 
Takeaways
We are conditioned from a young age to justify our actions.
Defending ourselves becomes a learned response.
Childhood experiences shape our adult relationships.
The patterns we learn as children persist into adulthood.
Self-justification can hinder effective communication.
Understanding our conditioning can lead to personal growth.
Awareness of these patterns is the first step to change.
Emotional responses are often rooted in early experiences.
Work relationships are influenced by childhood conditioning.
Breaking the cycle requires conscious effort.
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
Download Your Wellbeing Playbook: bit.ly/wellbeingplaybook

Ep. 110 How to Confront Quiet Fear

If you're feeling fear, anxiety, or overwhelm, tune in to this episode where Bree delves into the complexities of fear, particularly the subtle, insidious types that keep individuals from embracing change and stepping out of their comfort zones.
 
She discusses how fear can masquerade as practicality, leading to a cycle of negative thinking and avoidance. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting these fears to foster personal growth and resilience.
 
keywords: fear, comfort zone, change, safety, self-discovery, personal growth, overcoming fear, mental health, resilience, self-awareness
 
Takeaways
The quiet, relentless kind of fear keeps you small.
Fear disguises itself as a protective mechanism.
Rehearsing worst-case scenarios does not prepare us.
Fear can prevent us from embracing change.
Recognizing fear is the first step to overcoming it.
Staying in your comfort zone limits personal growth.
Fear can be practical but often leads to avoidance.
Confronting fear is essential for self-discovery.
Understanding fear helps in building resilience.
Personal growth requires stepping out of comfort zones.
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
Download Your Wellbeing Playbook: bit.ly/wellbeingplaybook

Ep. 109 Is Identity Death Essential with Guest Michelle Ghassemi

Guest Michelle Ghassemi helps Bree explore the themes of identity death, personal growth, and self-sabotage in the context of entrepreneurship. Michelle shares her journey of transitioning from the beauty industry to becoming a business mentor for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and the tools needed to navigate significant life changes.
 
They discuss the challenges of self-sabotage, the necessity of quiet reflection, and the importance of building a supportive community. Michelle also offers insights into her business assessment tool designed to help entrepreneurs evaluate their current situation and find clarity in their business journey.
 
Takeaways
Identity death can feel like grief or panic.
Personal growth often requires stepping into uncertainty.
Self-sabotage is a common challenge during transitions.
Building a personal brand is about ownership and authenticity.
Quiet reflection is essential for self-discovery.
Patience is crucial when navigating life changes.
Understanding triggers for self-sabotage helps in overcoming it.
Creating daily rituals can support mental well-being.
It's important to control what you can in your life and business.
Community support can ease the journey of entrepreneurship.
Connect with Guest Michelle Ghassemi
Free: Unblock Your B.S.A short worksheet to help business owners get unstuck, clear mental noise, and move forward with grounded momentum.Unblock Your BS
CEO Business Operating SnapshotA simple CEO-level clarity tool that helps business owners see their numbers clearly, stop reacting emotionally, and make calmer, more strategic decisions without complicated software or accounting overwhelm.CEO Operating Dash

Ep. 108 Stopping Gold Medal Syndrome

Bree talks about Gold Medal Syndrome as a way to describe how we all often focus on outcomes and miss out on the good stuff  - particularly the 'messy middle' - where growth and effort occur. Outcomes aren't often as they seem. We're rarely as happy as we think we'll be once we achieve that hoped for outcome and contentment right where you are is an option rather than solely aiming for accolades and achievements.
 
Takeaways
Life is about how you lived the dash.
The messy middle is where growth happens.
Achievements are byproducts of effort and process.
Focus on the journey, not just the destination.
Gold medals are not the only measure of success.
Embrace the challenges in the middle of life.
Personal growth comes from navigating difficulties.
Attention should be on the process, not just outcomes.
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
Download Your Wellbeing Playbook: bit.ly/wellbeingplaybook

Ep. 107 Blocks, Clocks, & Socks: Leaders’ Time Management Tools with Guest Rhonda Parmer

Bree Johnson hosts Rhonda Parmer to explore innovative leadership coaching approaches, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, discovering personal strengths, and the impact of burnout on leaders. Rhonda shares her personal experiences and insights on how to navigate challenges in leadership, particularly regarding gender dynamics and the necessity of intentionality in preventing burnout. The discussion also highlights practical tips for managing time and health, ultimately reinforcing the idea that effective leadership is rooted in understanding oneself and others.
Takeaways
Rhonda's journey into coaching began with a desire to help others discover their strengths.
Self-awareness is crucial for leaders to understand their unique contributions.
Curiosity in leadership can uncover underlying issues rather than jumping to conclusions.
Building a leadership bench is essential for organizational growth and sustainability.
Burnout often stems from a lack of self-care and awareness of personal limits.
Gender dynamics in leadership require open communication and understanding.
Intentionality in managing time and health is key to preventing burnout.
Personal experiences can shape a leader's approach to coaching and support.
Practical strategies like blocking time and setting boundaries can enhance productivity.
Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth.
Connect with Guest Rhonda Parmer
Website: www.rhondaparmer.com 
 
Connect with Host Bree Johnson
Insta: @breejohnsonofficial
Website: www.executiveunschool.com
Download Your Wellbeing Playbook: bit.ly/wellbeingplaybook