Women leaders aren’t burning out because they “can’t handle it.” They’re burning out because the workplace still rewards overfunctioning, perfectionism, and nonstop availability — especially for high-achieving women in midlife. In this episode of What the Shift, empowerment strategist Gia speaks with Johanna Danaher, founder of Anchor to Aspire™ Coaching and former Pfizer global talent leader, about the real reasons women leaders feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stuck in the do-it-all trap. Johanna shares her personal reinvention after a 25-year corporate career and breaks down the hidden patterns that derail women’s leadership growth, including: The root causes of burnout in women leaders How perfectionism, control, and people-pleasing fuel overfunctioning Why imposter syndrome spikes during career transitions and midlife The impact of menopause on energy, confidence, and leadership capacity The difference between effective leadership and chronic overdelivery How to set boundaries at work without guilt Why pausing is a critical leadership strategy—not a luxury How to build clarity, energy, and purpose during life and career transitions This episode is designed for high-achieving women navigating career pivots, midlife identity shifts, burnout recovery, or leadership advancement. If you’re tired of doing it all, holding it all, and proving it all — this conversation will show you how to lead with more clarity, confidence, and capacity. Listen now to learn how to stop performing success—and start leading with intention, energy, and power. Learn more about Johanna: anchortoaspire.com

We’ve glamorized burnout. Bragged about it. Normalized it. But here’s the truth: burnout isn’t tired — it’s a nervous system crash. In this eye-opening conversation, Gia sits down with Garrett Wood, clinical hypnotherapist, executive functioning specialist, and founder of Gnosis Therapy, to dismantle everything we think we know about burnout. They unpack the biology behind burnout — how chronic stress rewires your brain, why your coping mechanisms become biochemical addictions, and how early conditioning hardwires the “never enough” cycle into your nervous system. This isn’t about sleep hacks or bubble baths. It’s about reclaiming your body from survival mode.Because sustainable success is built through your well-being — not at its expense. Tune in to learn: Why burnout isn’t mental weakness — it’s a physiological shutdown How trauma, identity, and overachievement intersect to fuel exhaustion The hidden link between childhood attachment and adult burnout What “high-masking” looks like — and how it silently drains your energy How to regulate, relate, and reason your way back to sustainable performance If you’ve ever said “I’m just tired,” but you know it’s deeper than that—this episode will change how you see yourself, your success, and your nervous system. Learn more about Garrett: https://www.gnosistherapy.com/

You’ve read the books. You’ve done the mindset work. So why are you still running on empty? Because burnout isn’t just in your head—it’s in your body. In this powerful conversation, Gia sits down with Kathryn Spears, a NeuroSomatic Intelligence Practitioner and Fractional CMO who helps high-achieving women move beyond survival mode and lead from true physiological capacity. They unpack the hidden link between your nervous system and your leadership, how dysregulation shows up as overfunctioning and perfectionism, and why real change doesn’t start with your thoughts—it starts with your body. If you’ve ever felt like your drive is outpacing your energy, this episode will help you stop leading from depletion and start leading from alignment. In this episode: The neuroscience behind burnout and why mindset work alone can’t fix it How to identify when your body is stressed—even when you “feel fine” Why your nervous system determines your clarity, presence, and capacity Practical tools to rewire your stress response and reclaim sustainable success Listen now—and learn what it really takes to lead at full capacity. Learn more about Kathryn: beyondyourmindset.com

Some conversations are heavy—because they matter. In this deeply moving episode of What the Shift, Gia sits down with women’s rights attorney Alreen Haeggquist, whose story embodies what it means to turn trauma into truth and pain into purpose. After surviving years of abuse and silence, Alreen made it her life’s mission to fight for those who’ve been silenced by power, fear, and shame. As founder of Haeggquist & Eck, she’s spent more than two decades taking on institutions that believed they were untouchable—proving that no one is above accountability. Together, Gia and Alreen explore the courage it takes to say the hard thing, the emotional cost of silence, and the freedom that comes when you finally reclaim your voice. This episode is not just about survival—it’s about transformation, advocacy, and the ripple effect of truth. Learn more about Alreen: www.alreen.com Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse, harassment, attempted suicide, and trauma. Please listen with care, and if you are a survivor, seek professional or trusted support. You are not alone.

What happens when the life you’ve built begins to unravel—and no amount of achievement can fix it? In this raw and deeply moving episode, Brenda Zane—former Fortune 500 executive turned family advocate—shares the story of nearly losing her son to addiction, the guilt and isolation high-achieving parents quietly carry, and the moment she realized she could no longer live a double life. You’ll hear: The unspoken truth about parenting through crisis Why overfunctioning feels powerful—but keeps you stuck The shift from fixing to surrendering—and how it saved her family How a mother’s deepest heartbreak became her life’s mission This is more than a comeback story. It’s a wake-up call for any woman who’s trying to hold it all together while falling apart inside. Because sometimes what you think might break you…is what actually makes you. Learn more hopestreamcommunity.org

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build—by doing the thing you think you can’t. In this powerful episode of What the Shift, Gia sits down with Kelsey Lensman—sports medicine specialist, founder of Mission48, and creator of the national movement Xpand Your Limits—to unpack the truth behind real, earned confidence. From completing 48 fitness events in 48 states in 48 days to walking away from the safe path to pursue purpose, Kelsey shares how discomfort, faith, and resistance became the tools that shaped her into the woman she is today. You’ll hear: How to stop dismissing the “crazy idea” that keeps nudging you The difference between perceived confidence and earned confidence What strength really means—and why sometimes slowing down is the bravest move of all Why discomfort isn’t something to avoid—it’s the doorway to becoming who you’re meant to be This episode will challenge your limits, reframe your fear, and reignite your fire.It’s not about being ready. It’s about being willing. Learn more about Kelsey: xpandyourlimit.com

What if the only thing standing between you and your next level… is you? In this powerful episode of What the Shift, Gia sits down with Nada Lena Nasserdeen, founder and CEO of Rise Up For You, bestselling author, and two-time TEDx speaker, to talk about the confidence gap no one’s addressing—and the nine hidden “confidence crushers” silently holding high-achieving women back. From rebuilding her life after losing everything to building a global leadership movement, Nada shares what it really takes to stop performing success and start embodying it. We talk about: The difference between self-confidence and skill-confidence (and why most women get it wrong) Why people pleasing, perfectionism, and overachievement are not personality traits—they're protective strategies What’s really keeping you from making the ask, setting the boundary, or saying the hard thing How to rise—even when it feels like you’ve hit rock bottom This isn’t about learning to seem confident. It’s about becoming unshakable from the inside out. Learn more about Nada: riseupforyou.com

What if the first step to healing wasn’t more effort—but more honesty? In this raw and redemptive episode of What the Shift, Gia sits down with award-winning TV host, author, and mental health advocate Marci Hopkins to uncover the truth behind the high-functioning mask. Now 10 years sober, Marci shares the moment that shattered her façade—and the hard truth that saved her life. From growing up in chaos and surviving childhood trauma to navigating perfectionism, people-pleasing, and addiction as a high-achieving woman, Marci reveals the painful patterns that kept her stuck… and the daily practices that set her free. Together, Gia and Marci unpack: The hidden cost of “having it all together” Why high-functioning doesn’t mean healthy The subconscious programming that drives our self-abandonment How to rewire your worth and reclaim your peace If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t do this anymore”—this episode is your lifeline. You are not broken. You are not alone. And it is never too late to choose a different story. Learn more at wakeupwithmarci.com

You’ve reinvented your career. You’ve survived life’s pivots. But have you reprogrammed the internal wiring that keeps you stuck? In this bold and illuminating episode of What the Shift, Gia sits down with 3x bestselling author and peak performance coach Hilary DeCesare—named one of Success Magazine’s Top 10 Coaches of 2025—for a conversation that redefines what it really takes to relaunch your life from the inside out. Hilary shares how her signature 3HQ™ framework—aligning your Head, Heart, and Highest Self—helps high-achieving women ditch survival mode and unlock the next level of fulfillment, power, and impact. Inside, you’ll learn: Why getting “stuck” isn’t a dead-end—it’s outdated programming The real reason success doesn’t feel satisfying anymore How to shift your emotional state in under 2 minutes (yes, really) Why your beliefs are shaping your reality—and how to break free The one question to ask before your next big move Plus: Hilary walks Gia through her signature “Tune-In” method live on air. If you’re ready to upgrade your identity, not just your goals, this is the relaunch you didn’t know you needed.

What if your greatest power isn’t in adding more—but in undoing what was never you to begin with? In this episode of What the Shift, Gia sits down with powerhouse speaker, CEO, and relationship strategist Barb Betts, whose journey from hiding to healing is nothing short of transformational. From childhood disconnection and hair loss to reclaiming her voice and confidence, Barb shares how the very parts of herself she once tried to hide became the foundation of her impact and success. Together, they dive into: Why most people misunderstand authenticity—and what it actually means The hidden cost of “fitting in” at work and in life The four permissions every woman needs to stop hiding Why your relationship with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever build How real connection—not performance—creates trust and long-term growth This conversation will challenge everything you think you need to do to be seen, heard, and successful. It’s not about becoming more—it’s about becoming you. Learn more about Barb: www.barbbetts.com

You don’t need more willpower. You don’t need another mindset shift. You need to rewire the operating system that’s been running the show since childhood. In this fascinating episode, Break Method founder and mental health innovator Bizzie Gold pulls back the curtain on why so many high-achieving women stay stuck in patterns they can’t seem to break—no matter how much therapy, self-help, or inner work they’ve done. Her groundbreaking discovery? Self-deception follows predictable patterns that can be mapped, diagnosed, and rewired—with 98.3% accuracy. Inside the episode: Why your narrative is lying to you (and what to trust instead) How Bizzie’s data-driven diagnostic system bypasses willpower entirely The real reason high-performing women struggle in intimate relationships Why traditional therapy and self-help often make things worse This isn’t about coping. It’s about rewriting your emotional code so you can finally stop sabotaging the life, relationships, and success you actually want. Because your brain is a filthy liar—and it’s time you stopped believing everything it says. Learn more about Bizzie: https://bizziegold.com/bg-welcome

You know the addiction that gets rewarded with promotions, praise, and performance reviews?Busyness. In this episode of What the Shift, author and executive Barbara Burgess joins Gia to unpack the invisible addiction plaguing high-achieving women: doing more to feel like we matter. Together, they explore the voices of Enough and Not Enough, how to break the unconscious proving loop, and what happens when we finally stop performing our lives and start living them. Barbara shares the story that sparked her book Enough—a simple moment of sidewalk chalk that cracked her open and let the light in. Inside this conversation: The identity shift from resume to realness Why your body knows before your brain does How to quiet the voice of “Not Enough” (and give it a name) Why busyness is not a badge—it’s a barrier to presence What it takes to stop measuring your worth in output You don’t need to prove your value to earn your peace. Sometimes the boldest move is slowing down long enough to remember—you’re already enough. Learn more about Enough: corluma.com/enough

You’ve done everything “right”—you’re successful, capable, and high-functioning. But beneath the polished exterior? You’re exhausted. Disconnected. Over it. In this episode, Gia sits down with therapist, coach, and cycle-breaker Alyssa Scarano to unpack the truth about trauma responses that get rewarded—until they stop working. Together, they explore how coping mechanisms like over-functioning, hyper-independence, emotional suppression, and busyness are often rooted in childhood survival, not strength. Alyssa opens up about her own identity shift through motherhood, the pressure to be everything for everyone, and the moment she realized being strong was costing her peace. If you’ve ever felt like the success you built came at the expense of your own well-being, this conversation will hit deep. Topics We Cover: The hidden trauma behind “doing it all” Signs you’re stuck in survival mode (even if you look fine) Why hyper-independence isn’t a flex—it’s a wound How motherhood exposes generational patterns The truth about self-loyalty and nervous system safety What it actually looks like to break cycles and come home to yourself This episode is for the woman who’s done mistaking exhaustion for excellence. Your coping got you applause. But it also got you anxiety. Disconnection. Collapse. You can’t heal by doing more of what broke you. It’s time to stop performing and start reclaiming. Learn more about Alyssa here: collective-therapy.com

She had the six-figure job, the global title, the kids, the calendar—and a deep, unspoken sense that none of it actually fit. In this powerful episode, Dr. Michelle El Khoury shares the story of what happens when your career and motherhood feel like parallel lives—and the moment she decided to stop splitting herself in two. A former pharmaceutical executive turned perinatal wellness expert, Michelle opens up about the burnout, postpartum struggles, identity loss, and the wake-up call that changed everything. Together, we unpack:– Why balance is a myth—and what to build instead– The hidden cost of “doing it all” without support– How to parent, lead, and live with intention (not reaction)– The SMART Journey to Parenting framework that’s redefining success for working moms If you’ve ever felt like you’re checking all the boxes but still losing yourself in the process—this episode will meet you right where you are. You don’t have to choose between your ambition and your peace. But you do have to stop living two versions of yourself. Learn More about Michelle: smartparentingwithmichelle.com

She wasn’t just a patient—she was a respected healthcare provider. And still… no one listened. When Dr. Tara Harding faced infertility, endometriosis, and a series of alarming health crises, she expected answers. Instead, she got dismissal, “it’s just bad luck,” and unexplained diagnoses that went nowhere. That moment changed everything. In this raw conversation, Dr. Tara shares: How medical gaslighting shows up—and why it’s so dangerous The cultural conditioning that teaches women to downplay pain Why “unexplained” is never an acceptable answer The shift from playing it safe to building a purpose-driven business and clinic How to trust your body—and never hand over your power If you’ve ever been dismissed, doubted, or told “it’s normal” when you knew it wasn’t—this episode will remind you: Your body isn’t the problem. The system is. And you have more power than you think. Learn more about Dr. Tara: www.drtaraharding.com

Why do so many high-achievers feel like they’re still not enough—even after checking every box? In this powerful conversation, therapist and coach Trevor Hanson joins Gia to unpack how anxious attachment, inner child wounds, and overfunctioning keep us stuck in cycles of burnout, self-doubt, and chasing approval. Trevor shares his deeply personal story of career loss, toxic relationships, and the turning point that forced him to confront the beliefs driving his self-worth. Together, they explore: What anxious attachment really looks like in high-functioners How to recognize your personal protection patterns—and break the cycle Why overachieving is often just emotional avoidance in disguise The Tempo Cycle framework that reveals where you're stuck (and how to shift) How healing your inner child transforms your relationships, your confidence, and your peace This episode is a must-listen if you’re tired of white-knuckling your way through life—and ready to feel secure from the inside out.   Learn more about Trevor: theartofhealingbytrevor.com

What happens when you walk away from a dream job—and the identity that came with it? In this honest and energizing conversation, Gia sits down with Tara Clark—author, mental health advocate, and founder of Modern Mom Probs—to unpack what it really looks like to pivot, rebuild, and redefine success on your own terms. From leaving her corporate media career at Nickelodeon to launching a parenting platform that now reaches millions, Tara shares the unfiltered story behind the polished bio—and what most moms don’t talk about when it comes to ambition, identity, and the emotional load of motherhood. Together, they dive into: The identity crisis that hits when you leave a powerful title behind Why so many women struggle to give themselves permission to change The “mental load” and loneliness of modern motherhood The rise of the Type C Mom—and why balance isn’t about perfection How to stop proving, start living, and lead with self-trust If you’ve ever asked yourself Who am I without the job, the role, the resume?—this episode is your reminder: you’re allowed to pivot, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation. 🎧 Tune in now and discover what it really takes to redefine motherhood and success—on your own terms. Learn more about Modern Mom Probs: modernmomproblems.com

What if your drive wasn’t ambition—but addiction? In this raw and revelatory episode, Gia sits down with keynote speaker, business coach, and bestselling author Kim Rogne to unpack the hidden reason so many high-achieving women can’t slow down—even when they know they need to. From CEO of a multi-million-dollar real estate brokerage to founder of For the Love Of, Kim shares how a ski accident forced her to finally pause—and face the identity she'd been performing for decades. Together, they explore: The “fixer” identity and why so many women can’t stop rescuing How busyness becomes a coping mechanism—and an addiction The lie of balance and what it really means to live in alignment What it takes to rewrite your success story after burnout Kim’s bold move from hustle to harmony—and how you can make the shift too If you’ve been moving at full speed and still feel like it’s never enough, this conversation will stop you in your tracks—in the best way.

That pain, that fatigue, that anxiety? It’s not random. It’s your nervous system screaming what you’ve been too busy to feel. In this powerful conversation, licensed therapist and nervous system coach Grace Secker unpacks the hidden root of chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, and burnout—and how it’s often your body’s last-resort attempt to get your attention. Grace shares her personal journey from debilitating pain to full-body healing and introduces her Mind-Body Healing Method, a proven approach to regulation, safety, and sustainable wellness. We dig into: The brain-body connection and why pain is never just physical The link between emotional suppression and physical symptoms How trauma rewires your nervous system—and how to gently rewire it back Why “pushing through” is the fastest path to collapse What real regulation looks like—and how to come home to yourself again If you’ve been “functioning” but not truly living, this episode is your wake-up call. You’re not broken. You’re just disconnected from the one thing that can actually heal you: you. Learn more about Grace at: https://www.elevatetherapywellness.com

What does it really take to walk away from what’s working—and bet on what’s right? In this episode of What the Shift, I sit down with Leslee Owen, Co-Founder & CEO of Movement Maker Web Design Agency, to talk about the radical decision that changed everything. She was running a profitable coaching business, hosting a podcast, and doing all the “right” things—until she realized none of it felt aligned anymore. Leslee shares: The solo retreat that revealed the misalignment in her business Why she shut down a launch mid-promo—and never looked back What radical focus looks like at home and at work How to build a website that works as hard as you do The mindset shift that took her from burnout to billion-dollar clients If you've ever felt like the life you built no longer fits, this one will hit deep. Learn more about Leslee’s work at: https://movementmaker.pro