Discomfort isn’t danger. It’s data. Most people misread that signal and pull back. But discomfort is often pointing us toward growth. Meet Gabriella. After 25 years in marketing, she’s never experienced this much change at once. New metrics. New leadership. New priorities that contradict last week’s priorities. The constant shift has shaken her confidence and left her second-guessing every move. At home she feels grounded, but at work she’s overwhelmed, replaying conversations, hesitating in meetings, and worrying whether her CEO sees her as capable or replaceable. What she wants most is to respond instead of react, and to finally trust herself again. Today, Jay sits down with Anne Bonney, an international speaker and change leadership expert known for helping people communicate courageously, navigate uncertainty, and build resilience in moments of discomfort. Anne’s personal story, from moving across continents as a child to reinventing her career multiple times, gives her a powerful perspective on letting go, embracing change, and finding courage in the unknown. Notable Quotes “Discomfort is a speed bump, not a stop sign.” — Anne Bonney “Don’t wait until you feel brave. You’ll wait forever.” — Anne Bonney “You’re going to be uncomfortable either way — so which discomfort do you choose?” — Anne Bonney About Our Guest Anne Bonney is a change leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps leaders embrace uncertainty, strengthen emotional intelligence, and move through fear with confidence. She has worked with global organizations like NASA, Under Armour, and Lockheed Martin, sharing practical tools for navigating transition and thriving in the discomfort zone. Resources & Links Anne Bonney Website – https://ignitingyourcourage.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annebonney/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF6svpLe3qVb6eCKyeY4_Nw Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SpeakerAnneBonney Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/speakerannebonney/ 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores the science of gratitude, why your brain naturally focuses on what you lack and how small daily practices can shift your attention toward what truly matters. If you want more presence, peace, and emotional resilience, this episode will give you tools you can use right away.

Consistency isn’t hard because we’re incapable, it’s hard because instant gratification keeps winning. Today, Jay breaks down why distractions pull us off track and introduces a five-step framework, inspired by Wayne Dyer, to help you delay gratification, understand your triggers, and follow through on the meaningful actions that create long-term results. If you’ve ever wondered why staying consistent feels so hard, or how to train your mind to delay gratification, this episode gives you the roadmap. Notable Quotes “Instant gratification may quench your desires momentarily, but delayed gratification fuels lasting achievements.” — Serena Williams “We’ve become so addicted to instant gratification that we're blind to the impact it has on our lives.” — Frank Sonnenberg “Instant gratification leads to long-term mediocrity.” — Courtney Conley “When you observe the impulse instead of reacting to it, you create the space for choice.” — 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on the show? Submit it through the link below and Jay may highlight it in a future episode, offering personalized insights to help you move forward. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Gabriela, a seasoned marketing leader navigating constant change, shifting expectations, and a relentless pace that leaves her feeling unsteady. Jay is joined by Anne Bonney, change-leadership expert, speaker, and author, to unpack how someone in Gabriela’s position can build courage, adapt with confidence, and stay grounded when everything feels in flux. A powerful conversation for anyone facing uncertainty or rapid transformation. Don’t miss it

Meet Trevor. It’s past midnight, and Trevor is still in his office, finishing charts under the dull glow of fluorescent lights. As an oncologist at one of the country’s top hospitals, he carries a heavy emotional load delivering devastating news to families, forcing a hopeful tone for others, and holding the weight of life-and-death decisions every day. On the outside, Trevor is accomplished and respected. On the inside, he feels exhausted, disconnected, and increasingly fraudulent. His routines have slipped. His confidence has taken a hit. And hours lost to social media leave him comparing his life to everyone else’s highlight reel. Despite his success, Trevor can’t shake the feeling that he’s failing himself. He wants balance, consistency, and clarity, but he isn’t sure how to begin. Today, Jay is joined by Leon Thurston Jr., founder of the University of Unstuck, speaker, author, and coach who helps people break free from self-deception and step into radical honesty. Through his own story of struggle and awakening, Leon has built a movement that empowers others to tell the truth, to themselves first and create transformation from the inside out. Together, Jay and Leon explore how self-honesty is the first step toward healing, why so many people hide behind false narratives, and what it really takes to face the truth with courage and compassion. Notable Quotes “You can’t be the principal, the janitor, and the student. At some point you’re going to hit burnout.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “Many of us lack confidence because you’re the only person who’s ever heard every lie you’ve ever told.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “If someone lied to you as much as you lie to yourself, would you trust them?” — Jay Abbasi “Sometimes a crisis is the only thing that forces us to change our behavior.” — Leon Thurston Jr. About Our Guest Leon Thurston Jr. is a speaker, author, and transformational coach dedicated to helping people confront limiting beliefs and rewrite their internal stories. As the founder of University of Unstuck, Leon has inspired thousands through his talks, online programs, and social content that blends humor, truth, and emotional depth. His work challenges people to stop running from themselves and start living from a place of integrity, purpose, and faith. Resources and Links Leon Thurston Jr. University of Unstuck Website – https://www.universityofunstuck.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-thurston-jr-2b635355/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@leejuniorunstuck Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lee.junior.50?ref=bookmarks Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leejuniorunstuck/ 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will break down how to live intentionally rather than in constant reaction mode. Including a five-step process to interrupt that automatic pull toward distraction, retrain your mind to tolerate boredom, and build the capacity for deeper focus and steady progress.  If you’ve been struggling with follow-through or constant distraction, this episode will help you shift your mindset and step fully into your potential. Until then, stay courageous, stay conscious, and stay Unstuck.

In our last episode, Jay spoke with Mitch Bohn, whose story of resilience and refusing to make excuses inspired today’s topic. In this solo episode, Jay explores why excuses keep us stuck, how they limit our potential, and what it takes to break free from the stories we tell ourselves. Drawing from Wayne Dyer’s teachings and a powerful seven-step framework Jay uses in his own coaching, this episode guides you through identifying the excuses holding you back and replacing them with clarity, ownership, and intentional action. Jay explains how excuses are often rooted in old narratives, perceived limitations, or protective behaviors,and how shifting your mindset opens the door to a better future. If you’ve ever felt like your excuses were louder than your belief in yourself, this episode offers a practical and empowering path to let go of what’s holding you back and step into who you’re capable of becoming. Notable Quotes “The only thing an excuse gives you is an option out of the life you'd like to live.” — Wayne Dyer  “Where the excuse ultimately comes from is the decision that you made that this excuse is valid.” — Jay Abbasi “You have to be open to the possibility that what you’ve been telling yourself may not be true.” — 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Trevor, an oncologist at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. Despite his dedication to saving lives, he’s been struggling with imposter syndrome, comparison, and burnout from constantly putting others first. Jay will be joined by Leon Thurston Jr., speaker, coach, and author, whose mission is to help people become their own greatest solution. Together, they’ll explore how someone devoted to saving others can learn to start by saving himself. Don’t miss this powerful and deeply meaningful conversation.

Meet Jerry. He wakes to the sound of hospital machines beeping. The ceiling above him feels foreign. There’s a dull ache in his back and panic rising in his chest as he remembers the ladder, the fall, the shouting voices. At 25, Jerry was a proud construction worker, building homes with his own hands. Now, he can’t lift his arm. The doctors say he might walk again, with time, patience, and relentless therapy, but for now, he can’t even sit up on his own. He tells his family he’s okay, but inside he’s angry, ashamed, and terrified that this is all that’s left. Today, Jay is joined by Mitch Bohn, a podcaster, broadcaster, and TEDx speaker born with spina bifida, a condition that left him unable to walk. Instead of letting his disability define him, Mitch has dedicated his life to amplifying voices in sports and creating accessibility through his nonprofit AccessBillings. He reminds us that life’s greatest impact doesn’t come from what we can’t do, it comes from finding our way to what we love. Together, Jay and Mitch explore how to rediscover meaning when life changes your plans, how to transform frustration into purpose, and how loving something you can’t do might just be the path to fulfillment. Notable Quotes “There’s always a way to do what you love. It’s just going to look different.” — Mitch Bohn “Why dwell on the things you can’t change? Focus on how you can still show up.” — Mitch Bohn “Anger isn’t always bad. It can be the fuel that drives meaningful change.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Mitch Bohn is a podcaster, community advocate, and founder of AccessBillings, a nonprofit organization committed to improving accessibility across Montana. Born with spina bifida, Mitch has undergone more than 20 surgeries yet built a thriving career highlighting athletes, coaches, and advocates through his podcast Wide Left Sports. His story and TEDx talk inspire audiences to overcome adversity with resilience, purpose, and a no-excuses mindset. Resources and Links Mitch Bohn AccessBillings Website – https://accessbillings.org/about/ Wide Left Sports Website – https://wideleftsports.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-bohn-8293b3157/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mitch.bohn.2025/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bohn.2313 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay dives into the power of no excuses, how to recognize when self-limiting stories are holding you back, and how to replace them with empowering beliefs. He’ll share a simple seven-step framework inspired by Wayne Dyer and Byron Katie to help you finish the year strong and start 2026 with unstoppable momentum. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I can’t,” this next episode will help you challenge that voice and rediscover what’s possible. Until then, stay resilient, stay resourceful, and stay Unstuck.

In our last episode, we met Dina, a senior director whose racing thoughts made it hard to slow down and focus. Jay was joined by Maura Thomas, a globally recognized productivity expert and author, who explained that it’s not time we manage, it’s attention. In this solo episode, Jay expands on that idea and shares five powerful strategies to help you reclaim your focus and train your attention. Drawing on science and lived experience, Jay explores how attention works like a muscle and offers specific tools to strengthen it. From meditation and mindful movement to setting rules for your devices, each method is designed to help you reduce reactivity, increase presence, and create more meaningful productivity. Jay reveals how simple daily choices, like allowing yourself to be bored, going “monk mode,” or removing unnecessary notifications, can retrain your brain to stay anchored on what truly matters. By applying even one of these practices, you’ll start to notice more calm, clarity, and control throughout your day. If you’ve been feeling scattered or easily pulled off track, this episode will give you the tools to master your attention and make your focus your greatest advantage. Notable Quotes “Attention is a limited resource. So pay attention to where you pay attention.” — Howard Rheingold “You don’t pay attention. Attention pays you.” — Jay Abbasi “Be less reactive, be intentional, and reclaim the power of where your focus goes.” — 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Jerry, a young man whose life was suddenly upended by tragedy. Struggling with depression and uncertainty, he’s searching for a way forward. Jay will be joined by Mitch Bohn, who was born with spina bifida and turned his own challenges into a mission to amplify stories of resilience through sports. Together, they’ll explore how Jerry can rebuild from within and rediscover purpose after loss. Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring conversation!

Meet Dina. She grips the steering wheel tighter as her phone buzzes in the cup holder. At a red light, she glances down, her daughter’s text flashes on the screen: “How far are you? We’ve been waiting.” Her stomach sinks. She should’ve left the office an hour ago. But one email led to another, and now she’s late for dinner again. Dina is the Senior Director of Customer Service at a fast-growing software company. She’s driven, reliable, and endlessly available. Between long meetings, Spanish classes, and cello lessons, she fills every moment, but still feels exhausted. Beneath her achievements lies a quiet longing for calm, clarity, and time with her family. Today, Jay sits down with Maura Thomas, one of the top time management experts in the world, a TEDx speaker, and author of six books, including Attention Management and Everyone Wants to Work Here. Maura teaches leaders that true productivity isn’t about managing time, it’s about managing attention. Her Empowered Productivity System helps professionals reclaim focus, reduce stress, and accomplish more of what matters most. Together, Jay and Maura unpack how leaders like Dina can break free from distraction, redefine success, and create a life that’s not just full, but fulfilling. Notable Quotes “It’s hard to get somebody to believe something when their livelihood depends on them not believing it.” — Maura Thomas “You can’t solve a distraction problem with a time solution. The antidote to distraction is attention.” — Maura Thomas “Sometimes the best thing you can do for your work is not work.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Maura Thomas is an award-winning speaker, trainer, and author recognized among the world’s top 10 time management professionals. Through her Empowered Productivity System, she helps individuals and organizations regain control of their attention, achieve peak performance, and cultivate work-life balance. Maura’s work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, and her clients include Google, Dell, and the U.S. Air Force. Resources and Links Maura Thomas Website – https://www.maurathomas.com/ The Empowered Productivity Assessment - https://www.maurathomas.com/productivity-assessment  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauranevelthomas-productivity-trainer/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/regainyourtime 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay explores five simple strategies to reclaim your attention, practical, evidence-based methods to help you regain focus, cut through distraction, and take back control of your day. If you’ve been feeling scattered or overstimulated, this next episode will help you get grounded, clear, and present in what truly matters most. Until then, stay mindful, stay intentional, and stay Unstuck.

In this special Halloween episode, Jay explores seven surprising life lessons hidden inside some of the most iconic horror films and characters. From Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees to Michael Myers, Beetlejuice, Frankenstein, Dracula, and Jigsaw, Jay reveals how even the scariest stories can teach us something powerful about self-awareness, resilience, and gratitude. Each character offers a reflection of the human experience, our fears, our patterns, and our potential to grow beyond them. From learning that nightmares aren’t real to realizing the importance of gratitude for life itself, this episode invites listeners to find meaning in the unexpected and take inspiration from the unlikeliest of places. If you’ve ever loved a good Halloween movie or found yourself facing a few of your own “monsters,” this fun and thought-provoking episode will leave you entertained and inspired. Notable Quotes “Nightmares aren’t real. They’re just stories you tell yourself, and once you see that, you’re free.” — Jay Abbasi “You’re going to get knocked down, but like Michael Myers, you keep getting up. That’s resilience.” — Jay Abbasi “Be grateful for your life. Don’t wait until something shakes you to appreciate it.” — 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Dina, the Senior Director of Customer Success at a fast-growing software company. She’s passionate about her work but struggling to slow down, constantly feeling overbooked and overwhelmed. Jay will meet with Maura Thomas, ranked among the top 10 time management professionals in the world, TEDx speaker, and author of six books, to explore how Dina can reclaim her attention and create a life that doesn’t just feel full, but fulfilling. Don’t miss this insightful and actionable discussion!

Meet Natalie. It’s late in the evening, and her office light is still on. Next to her sits a cold cup of coffee as unread emails pile up on her screen. Another meeting looms tomorrow, and her team is stretched thin. Natalie wants to lead well, to be the kind of leader her people deserve, but lately, she feels like she’s pouring from an empty cup. For years, Natalie has thrived as the VP of Business Development for a national defense research organization. Her relentless drive has fueled her success, but the cost is undeniable. Most nights, her husband eats dinner alone. Her personal education goals are indefinitely on hold. And every time she tries to rest, her mind races with deadlines and demands. She tells herself, “If I just push through this quarter, things will ease up.” But they never do. In this episode, Jay speaks with Lisa Pachence, Master Certified Coach and executive mentor who helps high-achieving leaders break free from burnout and redefine success on their own terms. Lisa is a “recovering overachiever” who now helps others trade perfectionism for peace and productivity for purpose. Together, Jay and Lisa explore the difference between therapy, mentoring, coaching, and how coaching helps people rise above the stories they tell themselves. Lisa reveals how to identify the “game” you’re playing in life, where your sense of worth really comes from, and why redefining success is less about balance and more about self-awareness. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of achievement without fulfillment, this episode will help you slow down, realign your values, and play a new game, one that actually feels like winning. Notable Quotes “Overachievers often follow a winning strategy that isn’t based on their own values, it’s designed to avoid failure.” — Lisa Pachence “What’s the game you’re winning at, even if you don’t want to be playing that game?” — Lisa Pachence “The first step to change is rising above your story, becoming aware you’re even telling it.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Lisa Pachence is a Master Certified Coach, executive mentor, and recovering overachiever who helps leaders redefine success, reclaim their time, and lead with authenticity. With a background in HR and recruitment for Fortune 100 companies, Lisa brings real-world insight to the pressures leaders face and the courage it takes to choose fulfillment over exhaustion. Through her company, Coaching with LP, she empowers professionals to break free from burnout, protect their energy, and lead lives that are not just successful, but deeply satisfying. Resources and Links Lisa Pachence Website – https://www.coachingwithlp.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapachence/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoachesCreatingCommunity/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithlp/ 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday’s episode, Jay’s getting into the Halloween spirit, exploring seven life lessons from scary movies. From Friday the 13th to Beetlejuice, Jay will share what these stories reveal about fear, courage, and the human condition. It’s a lighter, more playful episode that still offers powerful insights into personal growth. Until then, stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.

In our last episode, we met Zahir, a leader struggling to inspire his team. Jay was joined by Russ Peterson Jr., who shared insights on how to deliver messages that motivate people and drive real behavior change instead of putting them to sleep. In this solo episode, Jay takes listeners behind the scenes into his personal process for crafting and delivering powerful presentations. He shares his Program Charter, a blueprint that helps speakers and leaders design talks that move audiences to action. From defining the audience’s current challenges to mapping their desired outcomes, Jay reveals how to create content that’s relatable, memorable, and truly transformational. He also introduces the Three S’s Framework: Stories, Studies, and Simulation, to help presenters connect emotionally, back up their points with credible research, and get audiences actively engaged. Whether you’re leading a team meeting, presenting new ideas, or preparing for a keynote, this episode provides a step-by-step approach to make your message land with lasting impact. If you’ve ever wanted to speak in a way that informs, inspires, and drives change, this episode gives you the exact structure to make it happen. Notable Quotes “Begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination.” — Stephen Covey “What people want is ultimately to be heard, to be recognized, to be valued. They want to feel a part of something.” — Jay Abbasi “Stories capture emotion, studies provide logic, and simulation creates experience. When you combine all three, your message sticks.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Program Charter Template 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Natalie, the VP of Business Development for a resource organization supporting national defense. She’s a high achiever who keeps pushing through heavy workloads at the expense of her health and personal life. Jay will be joined by Lisa Pechacek, a master-certified coach and executive mentor who helps high performers break free from burnout and redefine success on their own terms. Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring discussion!

Meet Zahir. The conference room is silent as he clicks through his slides. As Director of Global Supply for an international tech company, he’s presenting a new strategy to unify operations across three continents. The numbers are solid, but he can feel the energy slipping away. Eyes drift to phones. Nods are polite, not passionate. Zahir knows his data is strong, but his message is falling flat. After the meeting, he lingers by the window, staring at the city skyline. He’s known for solving complex problems, but the one thing he can’t seem to solve is how to inspire his team. He wonders, “How do I get them to care?” In this episode, Jay is joined by Russ Peterson Jr., co-founder of iSpeak and award-winning communication coach who has trained leaders worldwide on how to influence through powerful storytelling. Russ helps professionals move beyond bullet points and data to craft messages that resonate and inspire action. Together, Jay and Russ explore how storytelling transforms leadership communication, turning facts into feelings, information into inspiration. Russ shares his five-step storytelling framework, breaks down the difference between influence and manipulation, and reveals why great leaders always make their audience the hero. If you’ve ever struggled to get buy-in for your ideas, motivate your team, or make your message memorable, this episode will teach you how to engage hearts and minds through the art of story. Notable Quotes “When you make your audience the hero, you inspire them to take action.” — Russ Peterson Jr. “Start with your audience, not yourself. Influence begins when you make them the hero.” — Russ Peterson Jr. “Stories are what allow us to internalize cause and effect.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Russ Peterson Jr. is the co-founder of iSpeak, an award-winning communication training company that helps professionals master the art of influence and presentation. A lifelong student of communication, Russ discovered his passion for speaking after witnessing Zig Ziglar captivate an audience without a single slide, just words and body language. Since then, Russ has trained leaders across the world on how to connect through storytelling, communicate with confidence, and move audiences to action. His work focuses on helping people go beyond information sharing to truly inspire change through their message. Resources and Links Russ Peterson Jr. AI Coaching - https://www.ispeaku.com/course/corporate-ovations code PRES50 to get 50% off of an 8-hr workshop training Website – https://www.russpetersonjr.com/ iSpeak Website – https://www.ispeaku.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/russpetersonjr/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/russpetersonjr Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/russpetersonjr/?hl=en X – https://x.com/russpetersonjr 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will take you behind the scenes to share how he prepares for a presentation from start to finish. He’ll walk through his Program Charter process, a step-by-step framework he developed during his years in learning and development and explain how it helps him design talks that are relevant, customized, and action-driven. Whether you’re delivering to your team, your company, or a global audience, this episode will give you practical tools to craft presentations that connect and inspire. Until then, stay curious, stay intentional, and keep telling stories that move people.

In this solo episode, Jay reflects on the wisdom of seven timeless quotes by the 13th-century poet Rumi. Each quote has shaped his perspective on resilience, growth, and the way we relate to ourselves and others. From embracing pain as a teacher to recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, Jay unpacks the deeper meaning behind Rumi’s words and shares how they can be applied in everyday life. Jay dives into each quote with practical reflections, encouraging listeners to reframe challenges, recognize their potential, and move through life with greater clarity and purpose. Whether you’re facing setbacks, striving for growth, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers timeless lessons to help you expand your perspective and strengthen your resilience. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient wisdom can guide modern challenges, this episode will leave you with insights that inspire and tools you can carry forward. Notable Quotes “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” — Rumi “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” — Rumi “You were born with wings. Why crawl through life?” — Rumi “Beyond notions of wrong and right, there is a field. We’ll meet there.” — Rumi “The moon remains bright when it does not shun the night.” — Rumi “If you are irritated by every rub, how will you become polished?” — Rumi “What you seek, seeks you.” — Rumi 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Zahir, the director of global supply for an international tech company. Zahir is struggling to inspire his team and spark motivation. Jay will be joined by Russ Peterson Jr., co-founder of iSpeak and an award-winning communication coach, to explore how leaders can use storytelling to influence, inspire, and rally their teams behind a shared vision. Don’t miss this insightful and practical conversation!

Meet Reggie. The alarm blares again as steam rises from the conveyor belt. Some employees shout over the noise while others stand idle. As plant manager of a mid-sized food processing facility, Reggie has held this place together for more than 25 years. But lately, he feels like he’s plugging holes in a dam that’s about to burst. Veteran workers are burning out. New hires quit after a few weeks. Corporate demands more efficiency, more output, more results. And in the middle of it all, Reggie’s stress boils over. In one meeting, after hearing complaints about impossible quotas, he snaps: “You think you have it hard? Try running this place.” The silence that followed stung worse than his outburst. Walking the plant alone that evening, Reggie realized he hadn’t been caring for his people, or himself. In this episode, Jay is joined by Mark Black, resilience expert, coach, and award-winning author of The Resilience Roadmap. Born with a life-threatening heart defect, Mark received a rare heart and double-lung transplant at 24. Against all odds, he went on to run four marathons, build a thriving career, and dedicate his life to teaching resilience. Together, Jay and Mark explore why resilience isn’t about bouncing back to who you were before, but about growing through adversity to become stronger. Mark shares his seven-step framework for resilience, explains why acceptance and adaptability are the twin pillars of growth, and reveals how to close the gap between “oh no” and “now what”. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of the world or resisting changes you can’t control, this conversation will give you a new perspective on resilience, and the tools to cultivate it every day. Notable Quotes “Resilience isn’t about bouncing back. It’s about growing through adversity and becoming stronger.” — Mark Black “When you’re healthy, you have dozens of priorities. When you’re sick, you have one.” — Mark Black “The best version of you already exists. Resilience is choosing to show up as that version, even on hard days.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Mark Black, CSP is a resilience expert, coach, and award-winning author of The Resilience Roadmap. After surviving a rare heart and double-lung transplant at age 24, Mark went on to run marathons and build a career inspiring leaders and organizations worldwide. His powerful story, combined with practical strategies, helps people reframe adversity as an opportunity for growth. Mark has spoken to thousands across North America, equipping them with tools to adapt, persevere, and thrive in the face of constant change. Resources and Links Mark Black Website – https://markblack.ca/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/IAmMarkBlack Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IAmMarkBlack X – https://twitter.com/IAmMarkBlack 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck”Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will do something a little different. Jay will explore the timeless words of 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi. He’ll share seven of his favorite Rumi quotes, unpack what they mean, and explain how they’ve shifted his own perspective on resilience, happiness, and purpose. These words have shaped Jay in countless ways, and now he’ll break down how you can apply their wisdom to your own life. Until then, stay strong, stay adaptable, and keep growing through the challenges.

In our last episode, we met Lucy, a leader in the hospitality industry who felt the entire weight of responsibility was on her shoulders. With her team not fully showing up, the pressure grew heavier. Jay spoke with Annie Meehan about how Lucy could take better ownership, care for herself, and step into stronger leadership. That conversation introduced a powerful idea: assuming positive intent. In this solo episode, Jay explores why assuming positive intent is one of the most valuable lessons he’s ever learned. He shares how this mindset allowed him to release resentment, work with difficult people, and grow his career. Drawing from research by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky and findings on “hostile attribution bias,” Jay explains how our choices directly shape our happiness and relationships. Jay also breaks down three actionable strategies to help apply this mindset daily: setting the intention each morning, creating and repeating a personal axiom throughout the day, and reframing situations to respond with compassion instead of resentment. If you’ve ever struggled with difficult people or found yourself holding onto negativity, this episode will give you practical ways to shift your perspective, protect your peace, and strengthen your resilience. Notable Quotes “Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different.” — Indra Nooyi “Our intentional, effortful activities have a powerful effect on how happy we are, over and above the effect of set points and circumstances.” — Sonja Lyubomirsky “They’re doing their best. At times, their version of best won’t be the same as yours, but it’s the best they have right now.” — Jay Abbasi Resources and Links Jay Abbasi Website: https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylabassi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story  Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Reggie, a plant manager at a mid-sized food processing facility. After working his way up, he’s now facing a team that’s stressed, overworked, and burning out, and he’s suffering too. I’ll be joined by Mark Black, a resilience expert, coach, and award-winning author, to explore how leaders like Reggie can turn adversity into advantage, cut through excuses, and build lasting resilience. Don’t miss this inspiring and practical discussion!

Meet Lucy. She slams her laptop shut after another long, frustrating day. Deadlines are missed, clients are unhappy, and she feels like she’s carrying the weight of everyone else’s mistakes. At home, the words spill out: “People just don’t care, and I can’t fix that.” Later that night, she replays her own frustration. Deep down, she knows she’s fallen into a victim mindset, projecting stress onto her team, resenting their lack of motivation, and feeling powerless to turn things around. She wants to lead with positivity and hope, but wonders, where do I start when I’m overwhelmed myself? In this episode, Jay is joined by Annie Meehan, international keynote speaker, author of 11 books, and consultant known as the Pineapple Person. Annie has inspired audiences worldwide with her message of resilience, optimism, and choosing to be exceptional. Her Pineapple Principle teaches people to stand tall with confidence, wear a crown to remember their worth, and be sweet on the inside, leading with kindness and authenticity. Together, Jay and Annie explore how pain can fuel purpose, why excuses keep us stuck, and how small daily choices can transform both our mindset and the culture we create around us. Annie shares her P3 Formula; pain plus passion equals purpose, and practical strategies to eliminate excuses, celebrate wins, and inspire others by example. If you’ve ever felt stuck in blame, burnout, or self-doubt, this conversation will remind you that you always have the power to choose better and to live exceptionally. Notable Quotes “Pain plus passion equals purpose. You always have a choice to become bitter or better.” — Annie Meehan “Stand tall, wear your crown, and be sweet on the inside — that’s the Pineapple Principle.” — Annie Meehan “We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control the story we tell ourselves.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Annie Meehan is a professional keynote speaker, author, and consultant who empowers leaders and teams to replace excuses with ownership, build resilience, and create exceptional cultures. Known as the Pineapple Person, Annie has written 11 books, including Be the Exception and The Pineapple Principle. Her life story, from moving 83 times before age 18 to weathering storms both literal and personal, fuels her passion for helping others turn pain into purpose. Annie’s contagious energy, humor, and practical strategies inspire audiences to embrace change and live without excuses. Resources and Links Annie Meehan The Pineapple Principle book – https://www.anniemeehan.com/products-services/#2314 Website – https://www.anniemeehan.com/meet-annie-meehan/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniemeehan/?locale=en_US YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_sfO33tt3VRf6xIwuEKcg Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AnnieMeehanSpeaking Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mikedrobbins/ X – https://x.com/annienoexcuses 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will take a deeper look at the power of assuming positive intent. He’ll share research, practical tools, and real-world examples on how reframing the stories you tell yourself about others can lower resentment, improve leadership, and make you a happier person. If you’re ready to shift your mindset and bring more compassion into your daily life, this episode will give you the roadmap. Until then, stay intentional, stay kind, and keep choosing to be exceptional.

In our last episode, we met Cindy, an executive leader struggling to get her team aligned. Jay was joined by Mike Robbins, who shared insights on taking ownership and embracing change. While many leaders buy into these ideas, they often struggle with execution, especially when it comes to addressing conflict head-on. In this solo episode, Jay introduces a simple but powerful tool for handling conflict in professional environments: the HEAT framework. Whether you're dealing with tension that impacts team morale, productivity, or relationships, HEAT equips you to navigate these challenging conversations with clarity and empathy. Jay breaks down each step: start with How it feels, provide a clear Example, explain the Affect, and end with a collaborative Takeaway. Using this approach, you can address conflict without avoiding it or escalating it. The framework empowers leaders to show up with both humanity and emotional intelligence, creating trust and alignment even in tough moments. If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up because you didn’t know how, this episode offers a structured, practical method to help you turn conflict into connection. Notable Quotes "It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare." — Patrick Lencioni "You are human, and you’ve got to show up as a human. But you can’t just express emotions without self-awareness and emotional intelligence." — 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, Jay introduces Lucy, who manages a mid-sized hospitality group. Lucy feels like she’s carrying the weight of everyone else’s mistakes, with morale low, stress rising, and her patience running thin. Jay will be joined by Annie Meehan, a dynamic keynote speaker, author, and consultant who helps leaders and teams eliminate excuses, build resilience, and create thriving workplace cultures. Don’t miss this inspiring and actionable discussion!

Meet Cindy. She has a fresh agenda in front of her as she works to keep the leadership meeting on track. But already, the conversation has drifted into side comments and jabs between department heads. Marketing blames sales. Sales blames operations. The tension is quiet but sharp, and Cindy can feel the energy spiraling into another round of finger-pointing. As COO of a fast-growing company, she’s proud of the past five years, but trust is wearing thin. Departments guard priorities, collaboration fades, and people hesitate to share. Projects get done, but the spark of we’re in this together is gone. Driving home, Cindy wonders: How do I rebuild trust? In this episode, Jay is joined by Mike Robbins, keynote speaker, author of five books, and expert on leadership, culture, and emotional intelligence. Mike has spent over two decades helping top organizations like Google, Microsoft, and the San Francisco Giants build trust, foster collaboration, and create high-performing teams. A former professional baseball player, Mike brings lessons from the field and boardroom to help leaders strengthen connection and drive results. Together, Jay and Mike explore why authenticity is the foundation of trust and how leaders can create cultures of openness and collaboration. Mike shares his Authenticity Equation, honesty minus self-righteousness plus vulnerability, and explains how to take ownership without self-blame, rebuild relationships, and lead through change with empathy and courage. If you’ve ever struggled with silos, conflict, or the challenge of leading through change, this episode will give you tools to help your team thrive and remind you everything comes down to people and relationships. Notable Quotes “Honesty minus self-righteousness plus vulnerability equals authenticity.” — Mike Robbins “When you argue with reality, you lose, but only 100 percent of the time.” — Mike Robbins “Nothing changes until you do. Leadership begins with looking in the mirror.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Mike Robbins is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, coach, and author of five books, including We’re All In This Together. A former professional baseball player drafted by the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals, Mike draws on his journey from the pitcher’s mound to the boardroom to help leaders and teams build trust, embrace change, and create high-performance cultures. His work has been translated into 15 languages and has helped organizations worldwide elevate performance and connection. Resources and Links Mike Robbins We’re All In This Together book – https://mike-robbins.com/together/ Website – https://mike-robbins.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrobbins/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEdTDA1zhOS4g2f_raFk70w Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mikerobbinspage/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mikedrobbins/ X – https://x.com/mikedrobbins TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@mikedrobbins 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will share a step-by-step communication framework he’s used in workshops and keynotes to help leaders address breakdowns in team dynamics. You’ll learn how to give feedback and navigate conflict with clarity and care, even when emotions are running high. These are the same strategies Jay has seen transform organizations and rebuild trust from the inside out. Until then, stay authentic, stay connected, and remember that everything starts with the courage to own your part.

In our last episode, we met Bobby, a sales leader frustrated by a stagnant team. Alongside high-performance coach Alan Stein Jr., we explored the importance of simplifying success and committing to the process. In this solo episode, Jay dives into five practical habit hacks designed to help you follow through with the actions that matter most. Drawing from research by James Clear (Atomic Habits) and his own experience coaching professionals around the world, Jay shares strategies to build systems that support consistent action, even when motivation fades. You’ll learn how to preview and review your day to plan ahead and reflect on progress, stack habits by pairing new actions with established routines, pair activities to maximize time, make habits visible so they stay top of mind, and make the process fun to keep yourself engaged. Each hack includes real-world examples, from simple Post-it reminders to creative games, that show how small tweaks in environment and mindset can lead to big results. If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent with the habits you know will move you forward, this episode offers clear, actionable steps to help you finally make those habits stick. Notable Quotes “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” — James Clear “Previewing and reviewing is a requirement to stay committed and continuously improve.” — Jay Abbasi “Make the hard thing fun, and you’ll stop avoiding it.” — 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Cindy, the COO of a growing company caught in a culture of blame and finger-pointing. With trust fading and collaboration breaking down, she feels overwhelmed and unsure how to restore a sense of unity. Jay will be joined by Mike Robbins, keynote speaker, author, and team culture expert whose clients include Google, Microsoft, and the San Francisco Giants. Together they’ll explore how Cindy can rebuild trust, strengthen her team’s culture, and inspire people to show up authentically. Don’t miss this inspiring and actionable discussion.

Meet Bobby. He’s leaning forward at the head of the conference table, arms crossed, listening as his sales team lists missed deadlines, client changes, and delays from other departments. Bobby listens, but as the complaints pile up, his jaw tightens. Finally, he cuts in: “Look, we all have challenges. You want better results? Do the work. Focus on what you can control and stop making excuses.” The room falls silent. Eyes drop to notepads. And as the meeting ends, Bobby walks to his office with an uneasy feeling. He knows barking orders isn’t creating lasting change, but he’s frustrated. His capable salespeople are distracted and failing to execute the fundamentals. He wants a high-performing team that collaborates, hits deadlines, and stays focused without burning themselves or him out. In this episode, Jay is joined by Alan Stein Jr., keynote speaker, author, and former high-performance coach who spent 15 years working with elite athletes including Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant. Alan now helps leaders raise performance by simplifying success, mastering the basics, and creating teams that thrive under pressure. Alan shares powerful lessons from the hardwood, including his first meeting with Kobe Bryant and the surprising drills that defined Kobe’s greatness. Together, they explore why chasing shortcuts undermines execution, how to identify the “big three” responsibilities that drive results, and why discipline is really about making present decisions your future self will thank you for. If you’ve been overwhelmed by complexity or tempted to skip the fundamentals, this episode will help you simplify, focus, and build a culture where excellence becomes inevitable. Notable Quotes “Complexity undermines execution. Success is about mastering the basics.” — Alan Stein Jr. “Discipline is making a decision in the moment that aligns with the person you want to become.” — Alan Stein Jr. “Focus on the process. When you love the work, you’ve already won before the game even starts.” — Jay Abbasi About Our Guest Alan Stein Jr. is a keynote speaker, performance coach, and author of Raise Your Game and Sustain Your Game. After 15 years working with NBA superstars like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant, Alan now teaches business leaders how to apply the same high-performance habits to their teams. His programs help organizations simplify success, master the fundamentals, and create cultures built on discipline, accountability, and consistent excellence. Resources and Links Alan Stein Jr. Website – https://alansteinjr.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-stein-jr/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/alansteinjr Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alansteinjr/ X – https://x.com/AlanSteinJr 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will share five proven hacks to help you stay disciplined and committed to the fundamentals, even when they feel boring or uncomfortable. These are the same strategies he’s used with clients and in workshops worldwide to help people build habits, routines, and rituals that lead to lasting success. If you’re ready to fall in love with the process and master the basics in your work and life, don’t miss this practical, high-impact episode.

In our last episode, we met Chloe, a talented director struggling to communicate with confidence and influence senior leaders at her company. Alongside guest expert Stacey Hanke, we explored her “Monday to Monday” philosophy and how consistent communication builds trust and credibility. In this solo episode, Jay reveals seven actionable techniques that anyone can develop to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and impact. From mastering eye contact to owning your tone, Jay explains why each skill matters and how practicing them can transform your presence, whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or deepening personal relationships. Jay challenges listeners to pick one technique to focus on first, practice it until it becomes habit, and then move to the next. These are the same fundamentals he has refined over years as a speaker, coach, and podcast host, and they remain the hallmarks of every great communicator. If becoming a more influential and engaging communicator is important to you, this episode gives you a clear starting point and a plan to improve starting today. Notable Quotes “Being a great listener makes you a great leader.” — Jay Abbasi “Practice isn’t optional. It’s the requirement for becoming a master communicator.” — Jay Abbasi “Pick one technique, master it, and only then move on to the next.” — 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 Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time In Monday’s episode, you’ll meet Bobby, a seasoned construction leader who has worked his way up from sales to general manager. Despite his experience, Bobby finds himself frustrated with an underperforming sales team and struggling to manage his own impatience, both at work and at home. Jay will sit down with Alan Stein Jr., keynote speaker, author, and former high-performance coach who has worked with NBA superstars like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant. Together they’ll explore how Bobby can lead his team to peak performance while keeping himself, and those he loves, out of burnout. Don’t miss this inspiring and actionable discussion!