Unstuck with Jay Abbasi – Details, episodes & analysis

Meet Lorenzo. The apartment door slams behind him. His girlfriend’s words—“You’re never present.”—echo in his mind. He slumps onto the couch, takeout bag still in hand, jazz from the street outside barely cuts through the silence in his head. Once a star athlete known for his discipline and drive, Lorenzo is now the director of employee health services at a New Orleans hospital. He used to feel fulfilled. Now, most days feel like a blur of meetings, reports, and unacknowledged efforts. He’s gained weight, sleeps for hours, yet wakes up exhausted. He’s the go-to for everyone else—but has no idea how to ask for help himself. In this episode, Jay is joined by Caleb Campbell, West Point graduate, former NFL linebacker, and global keynote speaker. Caleb shares how high achievers like Lorenzo can move beyond burnout and performance-based identity to reconnect with purpose, emotional well-being, and authentic leadership. Through his personal story of expectation, identity crisis, and breakthrough, Caleb offers a roadmap for getting unstuck. If you’ve ever felt like your success came at the cost of your inner peace—or wondered how to reclaim your sense of self—this conversation is for you. Notable Quotes “Externally succeeding at the cost of internal wholeness is not winning.” — Caleb Campbell  “What if the pressure you feel isn’t a sign of failure, but an invitation to grow?” — Caleb Campbell “We have to learn how to allow ourselves to feel goodness in our life.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Caleb Campbell is a keynote speaker, resilience coach, and former NFL linebacker who helps leaders embrace uncertainty and unlock their "inner advantage." A graduate of West Point, Caleb was drafted by the Detroit Lions, becoming the first Army player permitted to serve and play simultaneously. But behind his achievements was a heavy burden of expectation. After navigating identity loss and panic attacks, Caleb transformed his experience into a message of hope and empowerment for others. Today, he speaks globally on how to lead with authenticity, courage, and inner clarity. Resources and Links Caleb Campbell Website – https://www.calebcampbell.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcalebcampbell Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/caleb_campbell 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 Friday’s solo episode, Jay will take a deeper dive into the Rumi poem "The Guest House"—the one Caleb mentioned during this interview. Jay will unpack its themes and explain how this centuries-old piece of poetry offers a surprisingly practical lens for dealing with disruptive emotions in daily life. If you’ve ever struggled with how to meet fear, frustration, or grief without being overtaken by it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Veronica, who felt like she’d lost her spark for the work she once loved. She struggled to get buy-in for her ideas and found herself hitting walls when trying to lead with impact. In this solo episode, Jay builds on that story by unpacking the practical art of influence. Drawing from his experience at Tesla and years of coaching leaders, Jay shares how to use the DISC personality framework to better understand the people around you—and tailor your communication to win trust, gain alignment, and create real momentum. Whether you're trying to get your boss on board with a new idea, shift a teammate’s mindset, or simply connect more deeply with others, this episode walks you through how to speak their language. You’ll learn the unique motivators behind each DISC profile—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and how to use that awareness to communicate more effectively, avoid friction, and create greater impact. If you’ve ever felt like you’re saying all the right things but still not being heard, this episode reveals how to stop pushing and start aligning—so your ideas finally land. Notable Quotes “Treat people how they want to be treated. That’s how you truly influence others.” — Jay Abbasi “The way I want to be treated may not be the way you want to be treated.” — 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 Lorenzo, the Director of Employee Health Services at a hospital in New Orleans. Despite his dedication, he’s feeling overlooked and under immense pressure—so much so that it’s starting to impact his health, his relationship, and his drive. Jay is joined by Caleb Campbell, a former NFL linebacker and global keynote speaker who shares how he rebuilt his identity after burnout. Together, they explore how high performers can move from surviving the weight of expectations to leading from within. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on reclaiming your purpose and unlocking your inner advantage.

Meet Diego. It’s late evening in Madrid, and the glow of his laptop is the only light in the room. He’s a senior leader at a global firm, known for his sharp insights and cool demeanor. But lately, behind closed doors, he feels stuck. The pressure is mounting, not from his boss or his team, but from a persistent inner voice.  He's consumed by fear: fear of not having the right answers, fear of failure, and fear of not being enough. Even as his children laugh in the next room and his wife checks in with a kind message, he can’t shake the weight in his chest.  In this episode, Jay is joined by Chad E. Foster, a resilience expert, author, and keynote speaker who turned a life-altering challenge—going blind in his early twenties—into a life of purpose, performance, and passion. Chad shares how leaders like Diego can break free from paralyzing fear by developing a new relationship with discomfort, prioritizing self-care, and reframing fear as a guide rather than a threat. Notable Quotes “Fear is the direction of travel.” — Chad E. Foster “You can’t grow inside your comfort zone.” — Chad E. Foster “Comfort leads to complacency. Discomfort leads to growth.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Chad E. Foster is a keynote speaker and the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development. After losing his sight in his early twenties, Chad went on to thrive in the corporate world, author best-selling books, and deliver keynotes to Fortune 500 companies. He is a black diamond skier, Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor, and passionate advocate for helping others transform adversity into advantage through his work as a speaker, author, and workshop facilitator. Resources and Links Chad E. Foster Website: https://chadefoster.com/ Blind Ambition: How to Go from Victim to Visionary: https://a.co/d/6iPHrpS Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadfoster/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindChadEFoster/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FindChadEFoster X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/ChadEFoster Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chadefoster 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 Friday’s solo episode, Jay will guide listeners through a transformational shift—how to stop fighting fear and instead reshape your relationship to it. You’ll learn how to sit with discomfort, reframe your internal dialogue, and turn fear into fuel for growth. This approach has helped Jay and his clients take bold risks and show up more powerfully in every area of life. Don’t miss it. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Dylan, a high-achieving professional facing uncertainty at work and indecisiveness about his future. Jay was joined by Nick Tasler, an expert in change and decision-making, who offered valuable tools for navigating transitions with clarity and courage. In this solo episode, Jay builds on that conversation by exploring the deeper concept of impermanence—the reality that everything in life is in a constant state of change. Drawing from Eastern philosophy, meditation practice, and personal insights, Jay introduces a three-step framework to help listeners accept, navigate, and even embrace change with peace of mind. Jay explains how resistance to change is what causes unnecessary suffering. We suffer not because things change, but because we expect them to stay the same. Whether it’s a job, relationship, or moment of happiness, clinging to permanence creates stress when the natural flow of life shifts. Through this episode, Jay helps listeners align with reality and see change not as something to fear—but something to trust. Listeners will learn how to: Accept the truth of constant change by observing it in nature and themselves. Notice when the mind tries to fix or control what’s impermanent, and interrupt the pattern. Lean in to the unknown with excitement, recognizing life as a meaningful and ever-evolving journey. If you’ve ever felt unsettled by uncertainty or stuck in your attempts to control the uncontrollable, this episode offers a fresh perspective and practical tools to find calm in the chaos and freedom in the flux. Notable Quotes “It is not impermanence that makes us suffer. What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not.” — Thich Nhat Hanh “You suffer when your mind tries to fix something that is, by its very nature, impermanent.” — 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 In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Diego, a high-performing professional in the tech industry, overwhelmed by anxiety and paralyzed by self-imposed pressure. Diego’s drive to succeed is impacting his health and productivity, leaving him stuck in a cycle of chronic stress. Jay is joined by Chad E. Foster, a keynote speaker and resilience expert who lost his eyesight as a young adult but built billion-dollar businesses, competed in jiu-jitsu, and became the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School’s leadership program. Together, they explore how to break free from self-sabotage and transform adversity into advantage. Don’t miss this inspiring and transformational episode.

Meet Dylan. It’s past midnight, and he’s still awake, staring at the TV while his thoughts spiral. In just a few days, he’ll start a new job—a fresh opportunity—but instead of feeling excited, doubt creeps in. What if I mess up again? What if this job is just like the last one? He left his previous role because of a toxic manager, but now he wonders—was it just the company, or is he the problem? His mind replays every past mistake, convincing him that history will repeat itself. The stress lingers into the morning, leaving him drained before the day even begins. Dylan wants to break this cycle. He wants to navigate change with confidence instead of fear. But how? In this episode, Jay is joined by Nick Tasler, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author who helps leaders like Dylan embrace change and make better decisions. Nick has worked with major companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan, and General Electric, and his research has been featured in the Harvard Business Review and The New York Times. Notable Quotes "Your brain will naturally focus three times more on what could go wrong than on what could go right." — Nick Tasler "Change isn’t just something to endure—it’s the springboard to every great thing you’ve ever accomplished." — Nick Tasler "No decision is forever. You can always make a second decision, and that’s the one that counts." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Nick Tasler is an organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author specializing in decision-making and change leadership. His research has been featured in major publications, and he has worked with global organizations to help leaders navigate uncertainty and make bold decisions. His latest book, Your Year of Wonders, explores how embracing change leads to personal and professional breakthroughs.   Resources and Links Nick Tasler Website: https://www.nicktasler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick_tasler/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicktasler/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NickTasler Your Year of Wonders: https://a.co/d/dB9cybl Ricochet: What to Do When Change Happens to You: https://a.co/d/iJLaV62 Domino: The Simplest Way to Inspire Change: https://a.co/d/6z6yZfB The Impulse Factor: An Innovative Approach to Better Decision Making: https://a.co/d/0628SVP 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 Friday, Jay will explore the power of impermanence—how embracing the reality of constant change can help you navigate uncertainty with ease. He’ll break down practical strategies for handling the unknown, drawing from Eastern philosophy and modern psychology. If you've ever felt anxious about the future or struggled with letting go, this episode will provide the mindset shifts and tools to help you stay grounded and move forward with confidence. Don’t miss it! Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Laura, who was feeling lost in her career, unsure how to regain her excitement and direction. Jay spoke with Dean Craig to share insights on career fulfillment and the power of mentorship. This inspired today’s discussion—how to find the right mentor and build a meaningful relationship with them. Many people recognize the value of mentorship but struggle with where to start. The process can feel overwhelming, leading them to give up before they even begin. In this episode, Jay outlines five simple steps to finding a mentor who can accelerate your growth, provide guidance, and help you achieve your goals. Drawing from personal experience, Jay shares how mentorship transformed his own career, from multiple promotions at Tesla to launching a successful business. He discusses the importance of identifying the right mentor, engaging with curiosity, and making an authentic connection. If you've ever felt like you're navigating your career alone or unsure how to seek guidance from experienced professionals, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action. Notable Quotes "Nobody makes it alone. The right mentor will help you hit the fast-forward button on your growth." — Oprah Winfrey. "One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and help them navigate a course to their destination." — John C. Maxwell "A mentor’s wisdom saves you years of trial and error. Why go it alone?" — 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, Jay introduces Dylan, who is starting a new job after leaving a toxic workplace. But he's worried about falling into the same patterns—overworking, people-pleasing, and struggling to set boundaries. Jay meets with Nick Tasler, an organizational psychologist and expert on the science of embracing change, to explore how leaders like Dylan can embrace change, make better decisions, and break free from overthinking. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or adjusting to change, this episode will equip you with practical strategies to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

Meet Laura. She’s successful, respected, and good at her job, yet every Sunday night, a familiar sense of dread creeps in. After six years at the same company, she feels uninspired, going through the motions without fulfillment. She wonders if she’s outgrown her role or if she’s simply stuck in a rut. The idea of change excites her—but also terrifies her. One evening, scrolling through LinkedIn, she sees a post from a former colleague celebrating a bold career leap. Why can’t I do that? she wonders. The fear of regret begins to outweigh the fear of making a move. But where should she start? In this episode, Jay is joined by Dean Craig, a workforce strategist and podcast host focused on helping professionals create careers they love. Dean shares his expertise on identifying career misalignment, reframing perspectives, and taking intentional steps toward fulfillment. Together, they discuss the biggest myths about job satisfaction, the power of mindset shifts, and why small, deliberate actions can lead to lasting career happiness. If you’ve ever felt stuck, questioned your career path, or wondered how to reignite your passion for work, this conversation is packed with insights to help you take control. Notable Quotes “Before you change jobs, change your mindset. A new role won’t fix a lack of alignment.” — Dean Craig "Leadership is not always connected to a title. You can lead from any seat you sit in if you want to." — Dean Craig "Being a leader isn’t about the title, it’s about how you show up and take responsibility." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Dean Craig is a workforce strategist and podcast host specializing in career transitions and professional development. With extensive experience in workforce training and leadership, he has helped professionals identify purpose, overcome stagnation, and create meaningful careers. His mission is to equip individuals with practical tools to take control of their career paths and find long-term fulfillment. Resources and Links Dean Craig Website: https://willwp.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-craig-a458097/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12KDSbLjZNy/ Podcast (All in a Day’s Work): https://open.spotify.com/show/0mGoT8oA4eMwJtneVFFZ7P?si=beb2f4185f6d4d0b  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 Friday, Jay will dive into the specifics of how to find a mentor and initiate that first conversation. Many professionals recognize the value of mentorship but struggle with how to approach potential mentors, what to say, and how to foster a meaningful connection. In this upcoming episode, Jay will break down the exact steps to confidently reach out, engage in productive conversations, and build lasting mentorship relationships. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask someone to be your mentor, this episode will give you the practical framework to make it happen.

In our last episode, we met Selena, a leader struggling with self-doubt and hesitancy to take bold action in her organization. Jay spoke with Kenston Henderson Sr. about how leaders can overcome these internal roadblocks and create cultures of confidence and psychological safety. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down what he calls natural programs—deeply ingrained mental patterns that hold us back from taking courageous action. Drawing from neuroscience and behavioral psychology, he identifies four primary programs: negative bias, the need for acceptance, the feeling of "never enough," and self-absorption. These patterns influence how we approach decisions, risks, and our own potential. To counteract these limiting programs, Jay shares seven actionable strategies to help you break free from self-sabotage and step into your full potential. From meditation and pattern interrupts to gratitude and acts of kindness, these tools will help you rewire your mindset and take bolder, more effective action in your career and life. If you’ve ever felt like your own worst enemy—hesitating, second-guessing, or playing small—this episode provides a clear roadmap to shift your thinking and move forward with confidence. Notable Quotes  "Our brains are wired to focus on the negative, but we don’t have to stay stuck in that pattern." — Jay Abbasi  "The need for acceptance is deeply ingrained in us, but true leadership comes from embracing your unique perspective." — Jay Abbasi "You perform at your best when you stop focusing on yourself and shift your attention to serving others." — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay AbbasiWebsite: 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 In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Laura, a professional who has lost her sense of fulfillment at work. Feeling drained and unmotivated, she’s been searching for ways to reignite her passion but isn’t sure where to start. Jay will be joined by Dean Craig, the Business Service Director at Wilmette Workforce Partnership and host of All in a Day’s Work, to explore how to rediscover purpose, shift perspectives, and build a career that feels meaningful again. If you’ve ever felt disengaged at work or struggled to find joy in your daily routine, don’t miss this insightful conversation. Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

Meet Selena. As a senior leader, she’s passionate about transforming workplace culture, but self-doubt and resistance from her team keep her from fully stepping into her role. Despite her vision for change, she hesitates when it’s time to take action, questioning whether she truly has the influence to make an impact. In this episode, Jay is joined by Kenston Henderson Sr., a cultural transformation expert, TEDx speaker, and leadership coach who helps professionals develop resilience, build trust, and lead with confidence. Together, they explore how leaders like Selena can overcome imposter syndrome, create psychological safety, and foster an environment where people feel valued and empowered. Kenston shares his Game-Changer Mindset, a framework that equips leaders to reframe obstacles as opportunities, develop strong communication skills, and take decisive action. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or wanted to elevate your leadership presence, this episode is filled with actionable takeaways to help you unlock your full potential. Notable Quotes "Being a game-changer is about significantly impacting a situation, raising the level of skill and awareness in the people around you." — Kenston Henderson Sr. "You don’t have to have all the answers. You have to be open to growth, learning, and making mistakes along the way." — Kenston Henderson Sr. "Culture starts with leadership. If leaders are open to growth and development, they will create environments where people thrive." — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Kenston Henderson Sr. is a keynote speaker, leadership coach, and workplace culture consultant. With a background in HR and corporate leadership, Kenston specializes in equipping leaders with the tools to create thriving, engaged workplaces where inclusion and resilience are at the core. Through his company, Live With Lyfe, he has helped organizations across industries transform their leadership approach and cultivate lasting impact. Resources and Links Kenston Henderson Sr. Website – https://livewithlyfe.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenstonlwl/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/livewithlyfe/ Facebook – https://facebook.com/LiveWithLyfe/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@LiveWithLyfe_ 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 Friday, Jay will dive deeper into the hidden natural programs that drive imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and negative thought patterns. He’ll explore how to recognize these automatic scripts and share actionable strategies to override them, so you can build confidence and advocate for your ideas in high-demand environments. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like a fraud or hesitated to speak up, this episode will give you the tools to shift your mindset and step fully into your potential. Don’t miss it! Stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Noah, a collaborative leader struggling to assert himself and communicate with confidence. Jay was joined by Erdem Koch, an expert in communication, to explore how leaders can overcome self-doubt and speak with clarity and impact. They discussed the role of storytelling in effective leadership, setting the stage for today’s episode. In this solo episode, Jay introduces the SPEAR Model of Storytelling, a framework designed to help professionals craft compelling narratives that captivate and influence. Whether in public speaking, job interviews, or high-stakes meetings, storytelling is a crucial skill that can drive success. Jay breaks down the five key elements of the SPEAR model: Scene – Set the stage and immerse the audience in the experience. Problem – Introduce the challenge that creates tension and interest. Evaluate – Assess the situation and consider possible responses. Application – Take action and implement a solution. Result – Share the outcome and key learnings. Using personal experiences, Jay demonstrates how this framework helps structure stories that engage, persuade, and leave a lasting impact. He also shares essential storytelling principles, including the power of body language, tonality, and brevity. If you’ve ever struggled to articulate your ideas in a way that resonates, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you become a more confident and effective storyteller. Notable Quotes "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller." — Steve Jobs "Great storytelling isn’t about remembering words; it’s about reliving experiences." — 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 In our next episode, Jay introduces Selena, a nonprofit executive struggling with self-doubt and disengaged employees. He’s joined by Kenston Henderson Sr., a cultural transformation expert and TEDx speaker, to discuss how leaders can build confidence, cultivate trust, and create inclusive workplace cultures. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!