
← Optimising Leader Brilliance: Enabling Calm, Confident, Strategic Leadership17 Aug · 55 min
You Don't Solve Anxiety — Here's What You Do Instead
<p>In this episode of <em>Optimising Leader Brilliance</em>, Estelle Read sits down with author and mental health advocate Bryan Sachetta to unpack high-functioning anxiety — the hidden struggle that drives so many ambitious leaders to appear confident and in control while internally battling stress, perfectionism, and relentless overthinking. Bryan, author of the <em>Get Out of Your Head</em> book series, reveals why the most common advice around anxiety is wrong, and what actually works to build a healthier relationship with fear without sacrificing your edge. If you're a high achiever who's tired of using busyness as a shield and ready to lead with calm confidence, this conversation is your starting point. </p><p>What You Will Learn </p><p>💡 Why high-functioning anxiety is especially common in leaders and high achievers — and why trying to "solve" it makes it worse </p><p>💡 How to spot the coping strategies that once served you but are now quietly driving overworking and perfectionism — and what to do instead </p><p>💡 Three practical, immediate habits for managing anxiety in the workplace — from moving your body to doing a quarterly stress inventory to giving yourself permission to do nothing </p><p> </p><p>Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth! </p><p> </p><p>Estelle Read </p><p>Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach & Speaker </p><p> </p><p>Timestamps: </p><p>(00:00) Introduction </p><p>(01:22) Welcome & What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? </p><p>(02:13) Interview Begins </p><p>(10:43) Unpacking the Patterns – Behavioural Coping Strategies </p><p>(15:20) A New Season of Anxiety – When It Gets Broader & More Nebulous </p><p>(21:35) Keeping Up With Everything – Where Does It Come From? </p><p>(28:21) Using Anxiety as a Gateway to Intimacy & Connection </p><p>(37:36) Tools & Techniques – What Actually Helps </p><p>(40:16) Early Influences – Writing, Music & Movement </p><p>(42:15) Brian's Books </p><p>(44:19) Question from the Previous Guest – Coping With Change & Uncertainty </p><p>(46:25) Question for the Next Guest </p><p>(47:17) Closing Tips & Words of Compassion </p><p>(52:48) Pause, Reflect & Act – Mini Coaching Practice </p><p> </p><p>⭐Download My Free Journal & Self-Coaching Tool: </p><p><a href="https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>https://mailchi.mp/dab4b2568b71/free-inner-brilliance-outer-shine-journal</u></a> </p><p> </p><p>⭐Follow or Contact Brian Sachetta </p><p>Instagram: @getoutofyourhead </p><p>Facebook: @getoutofyourheadbooks </p><p>Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sachetta </p><p> </p><p>⭐Follow Estelle Read: </p><p><a href="https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>https://linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee</u></a> </p><p> </p><p>⭐Access Resources or Book a Free Discovery Call: </p><p><a href="https://estelleread.com/resources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>https://estelleread.com/resources/</u></a> </p><p> </p><p>⭐Estelle Read’s Coaching Programmes: </p><p>⬆️<a href="https://estelleread.com/next-level-leadership-programme/%E2%81%A0%20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL</u></a> </p><p>🎇<a href="https://estelleread.com/the-shine-coaching-programme/%E2%81%A0%20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE</u></a> </p><p> </p><p>⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book: </p><p><a href="https://amzn.eu/d/67dE4CH%E2%81%A0%20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress </u></a> </p><p> </p><p>⭐Subscribe to Estelle Read’s Blog: </p><p><a href="https://mailchi.mp/a0cfa5a8a10c/8chmrywh3r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Receive my free workbook: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism & St