Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

Jay Abbasi
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Real people. Real stories. Real solutions. I’m Jay Abbasi, host of Unstuck, and as a former leader at Tesla, I understand the whirlwind of challenges in the modern work scene. In this podcast, we reveal how to thrive in demanding work environments through relatable, real-life stories.   Each episode begins with a story based on real life professional challenges (some details are changed to protect anonymity), followed by expert insights to help you thrive at work including practical advice on resilience, mental health, and work life balance. Get unstuck and build the life and career you’ve always wanted.

  1. 1d ago

    204: Is Your Boss Toxic, or Just Difficult?

    A difficult boss makes work harder. A toxic boss causes harm. Meet Adrina. She’s a successful senior director who loves her work, but something has changed. Her CEO’s constant criticism and subtle comments have slowly chipped away at her confidence. Meetings are quieter, people second-guess themselves, and Adrena has stopped looking forward to Mondays. She doesn’t hate her career. She just feels like she’s losing herself in it. In this episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, organizational psychologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Together, they explore how to distinguish a difficult boss from a toxic one, recognize the warning signs, and know when it may be time to walk away. Notable Quotes “A truly toxic boss does not think they’re toxic.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “You can’t coach the toxicity out of someone.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “A difficult boss does not want to cause harm.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “Who you work for can impact your joy or your misery.” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett “People’s advice who have gotten out of a toxic boss is, ‘I wish I had quit sooner.’” — Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett About Our Guest Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and expert on toxic leadership and workplace wellbeing. Her research explores the impact toxic bosses can have on employees and organizations, including eight toxic boss personas featured in her book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner. Her work helps people recognize harmful workplace patterns, protect their wellbeing, and make better decisions about their careers. Resources & Links Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett Website – https://drlaura.live/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurahambley/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drlaura.live Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Laura.whereworkmeetslife/ X – https://x.com/drlauralive YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@dr.laurawhereworkmeetslife TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@drlaura.live 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 shares a story he’s never fully told before: why he really left Tesla. Drawing from his own experience with toxic leadership, Jay explores how to recognize the difference between a difficult leader and a toxic one, what happens when an unhealthy environment starts changing who you are, and how to know when it’s finally time to walk away.

    204: Is Your Boss Toxic, or Just Difficult?

  2. 4d ago

    203: Stop Playing the Hero

    The best leaders don’t solve every problem. They empower others to solve them. In this solo episode, Jay explores a common leadership trap: playing the hero. Drawing from his own experience as a leader, he explains why constantly answering questions, solving problems, and swooping in to save the day can unintentionally prevent your people from becoming more resourceful and capable. Jay shares seven practical strategies for shifting from the hero to the captain, from pausing before jumping in and assuming people’s brilliance to asking better questions, seeking advice, acting on suggestions, and spotlighting others. If you want to empower your people, build greater trust, and stop carrying everything on your shoulders, this episode offers a practical path forward. Notable Quotes “The hero is the firefighter, the person who solves every problem, who's ready to swoop down and save the day.” — Jay Abbasi “The captain is empowering their people to do the work.” — Jay Abbasi “Don't just ask the single surface question, go beyond that.” — Jay Abbasi “You are a person of influence. Take that responsibility seriously and be sure that you are giving other people the spotlight.” — 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 Adrina, a senior director at a consulting firm who feels numb, unsupported, and uninspired by a manager whose leadership includes constant criticism and passive-aggressive communication. Jay is joined by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, to explore how to recognize the difference between a difficult season and a toxic environment, and find your way back to work you once loved.

    203: Stop Playing the Hero

  3. Sep 8

    202: Stop Waiting to Feel Motivated

    Motivation doesn’t create action. Action creates motivation. Meet Melissa. She stares through the windshield at the county administration building, overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and being the person everyone turns to when things fall apart. She loves helping people, but she has become so focused on carrying everyone else's problems that she has forgotten to make space for herself. In this episode, Jay sits down with Angela Davies, founder of Mind Your Grit and Leadership and Wellbeing Consultant. After experiencing severe burnout and panic attacks firsthand, Angela now helps leaders and organizations maintain high performance while prioritizing wellbeing. Together, they explore why wellbeing is the foundation of sustainable performance, how to stop playing the hero, why perfectionism can become a protective mechanism, and the truth about motivation: action creates motivation. Notable Quotes “Motivation doesn't come before action. Action creates motivation.” — Angela Davies “Perfectionism is a protective mechanism.” — Angela Davies “Downsize, don't delete.” — Angela Davies “What is your version of a rich life?” — Angela Davies About Our Guest Angela Davies is the founder of Mind Your Grit and a leadership and wellbeing consultant who helps leaders and organizations create sustainable high performance without sacrificing wellbeing. After experiencing severe burnout and panic attacks during her own corporate career, Angela studied psychology and began exploring how wellbeing, resilience, and grit can work together to help people perform at their best without burning out. Resources & Links Angela Davies Website – https://www.mindyourgrit.com/about LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelardavies Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mind.your.grit YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@workandwellnesspod 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 dives deeper into the difference between being the hero and being the captain. If you're constantly putting out fires, solving everyone else's problems, and carrying too much on your shoulders, this episode will explore how to step out of hero mode and become the captain of your own ship. Jay will share personal stories from his time at Tesla and lessons from coaching hundreds of leaders at Fortune 100 companies to reveal what really works.

    202: Stop Waiting to Feel Motivated

  4. Sep 4

    201: What’s Next for Unstuck

    The best of Unstuck is still ahead of us. After 200 episodes of Unstuck, Jay looks ahead to what’s next. In this solo episode, he shares five areas he wants to explore more deeply as the podcast evolves, along with the types of experts and leaders he hopes to bring into future conversations. From AI and neuroscience to real-world corporate leadership, peak performance, and generational differences, Jay explores where Unstuck could go next and why these topics matter for leaders navigating a rapidly changing world. Most importantly, he invites you into the conversation: What would help you most in your life and career right now? Notable Quotes “We shouldn't take AI as the replacement for leadership and communication.” — Jay Abbasi “I want to pair that with people who are actually there in the midst of it right now.” — Jay Abbasi “There are people who dedicate their lives to human performance and high performance, and we can learn a ton from those folks.” — Jay Abbasi “I want you to be on this journey with me. We're shoulder to shoulder here.” — Jay Abbasi Email Jay! Jay would love to hear from you. Share your feedback, suggest topics or guests you’d like to hear on Unstuck, and let him know how we can make the podcast even better. Your input helps shape where the show goes next. Email Jay: jay@jayabbasi.me 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 Melissa, an HR director at a public agency who is the person everyone turns to when things fall apart. Between work, three kids, and everything she takes on for others, she’s completely drained. Jay is joined by Angela Davis, founder of Mind Your Grit and a leadership and well-being consultant, to explore how leaders can stop carrying everyone else’s weight and recognize that taking care of themselves isn’t stepping away from leadership, it’s what makes them great leaders.

    201: What’s Next for Unstuck

  5. Aug 31

    200: 10 Things I Was Wrong About (Part 2)

    The more I learn, the more I realize how much I haven't figured out. In this special 200th episode of Unstuck, Jay continues his countdown of the 10 things he was wrong about and shares the five lessons that have changed him most. After nearly 200 episodes of conversations, research, reflection, and growth, he looks back on the beliefs that no longer serve him and the perspectives that have reshaped the way he lives and leads. Jay explores why honesty matters more than protecting people from uncomfortable truths, why the body should come before the mind, why work-life balance may be the wrong goal, and why giving and receiving are equally important. He closes with the biggest lesson of all: the freedom that comes from admitting you don’t have everything figured out. If you want to keep growing, stay adaptable, and lead with greater curiosity, this episode is a powerful reminder to remain open to changing your mind. NotableQuotes “Don’t ever justify bending the truth because you’re trying to protect someone else’s feelings.” — Jay Abbasi “There’s nothing wrong with receiving.” — Jay Abbasi “I’ve been wrong about the fact that I have anything figured out.” — Jay Abbasi “I’ve also found it to be really freeing to know that I don’t have to figure it out.” — 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 Friday’s episode, Jay looks ahead to the next chapter of Unstuck. After reflecting on 200 episodes and the lessons that shaped him, he’ll explore the topics, questions, and ideas worth diving into next, and invite listeners to help shape what the next 50 to 100 episodes could become.

    200: 10 Things I Was Wrong About (Part 2)

  6. Aug 28

    199: 10 Things I Was Wrong About (Part I)

    Growth begins when you’re willing to admit you were wrong. As Unstuck approaches its 200th episode, Jay looks back at how nearly 200 episodes of conversations, research, and personal growth have changed the way he thinks. In this special two-part series, he shares 10 things he once believed that he now realizes he was wrong about. In Part 1, Jay counts down lessons 10 through 6, from something as fundamental as how we breathe to bigger shifts in how he thinks about mindfulness, self-doubt, courage, and leadership. He explores why mindfulness alone isn’t enough, why even the highest achievers experience self-doubt, why courage doesn’t require battling fear, and why leaders must consider both their intentions and their impact. It’s a candid reflection on what it means to remain open, challenge your assumptions, and keep evolving. Notable Quotes “I think the difference between those who stay stuck and those who get unstuck is that people who get unstuck are open to learning and trying new things.” — Jay Abbasi “Mindfulness is not enough.” — Jay Abbasi “Self-doubt will always be there. How you manage it though, that is a choice that you can make.” — Jay Abbasi “Intention and impact are equally important. Take ownership of both.” — 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, Unstuck celebrates Episode 200. Jay continues this special two-part series by revealing the top five things he was wrong about and the lessons that have had the greatest impact on him throughout his journey with the podcast. After nearly 200 episodes of conversations, research, and learning, Jay reflects on the ideas that have transformed the way he thinks, lives, and leads.

    199: 10 Things I Was Wrong About (Part I)

  7. Aug 24

    198: Every ‘Yes’ Costs You Something

    Every time you say yes, you’re saying no to something else. Meet Carl. He’s a successful real estate agent with no shortage of ideas or opportunities. But behind the deals, billboards, and growing business, he’s exhausted. He struggles to delegate, takes too much on himself, and every new idea adds another responsibility to an already crowded life. Carl wants to keep his ambition without sacrificing his happiness, relationships, or peace. In this episode, Jay sits down with JM Ryerson, founder of Let’s Go Win, executive coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Together, they explore the power of choice, how to escape the victim mindset, and why every “yes” comes with a hidden “no.” Notable Quotes “Every time you say yes, you are saying no to something else.” — JM Ryerson “You are not a victim. You are 100%. You got yourself into this position. You can make the choice to get yourself out.” — JM Ryerson “I can only really take care of two things: my attitude, my activity.” — JM Ryerson “Are you going to choose to put yourself first or everyone else first?” — JM Ryerson About Our Guest JM Ryerson is the founder of Let’s Go Win, an executive coach, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and performance expert. He helps high-performing leaders simplify execution, strengthen accountability, and achieve meaningful success without sacrificing their well-being. His work focuses on helping people take ownership of their choices, build habits that support sustainable performance, and show up as the best version of themselves. Resources & Links JM Ryerson Website – https://letsgowin.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmryerson-salesandcultureexpert/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/letsgowinofficial/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@letsgowin 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 kicks off a special two-part series celebrating the road to Episode 200. Instead of sharing what the podcast has confirmed, Jay counts down 10 things he was wrong about, beliefs and perspectives that changed through conversations with guests, research, and nearly 200 episodes of Unstuck. Episode 199 begins the countdown with lessons 10 through 6, revealing how the podcast has changed Jay’s own thinking along the way.

    198: Every ‘Yes’ Costs You Something

  8. Aug 21

    197: The 5 Strategies That Make People Trust You

    If you want people to trust you, don’t wait for it to happen. Build it. In this solo episode, Jay breaks down five practical strategies for becoming someone your colleagues, leaders, stakeholders, and direct reports genuinely trust. Because when people see you as credible, they’re more likely to invite you into important conversations, listen to your ideas, and give you a seat at the table. Jay shares why getting results is only the beginning. He explains how to socialize your accomplishments without bragging, build credibility behind the scenes, demonstrate that you’re truly listening through “repeat backs” and “call backs,” and grant trust instead of waiting for others to earn it. If you want to strengthen your influence and become someone people consistently turn to, these five strategies offer a practical place to start. Notable Quotes “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” — Ernest Hemingway “Trust is something that you can't just wait for and hope happens. You have to build it.” — Jay Abbasi “Don't wait for people to trust you. Trust them first and it will be reciprocated.” — 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 Carl, a successful and ambitious real estate entrepreneur who finds himself riding constant highs and lows. He gets excited about new initiatives but struggles to follow through before becoming overwhelmed by everything he's carrying. Jay is joined by JM Ryerson, founder of Let's Go Win, executive coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, to explore how to build a successful business or career without letting the pursuit of success cost you everything.

    197: The 5 Strategies That Make People Trust You
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Trailer

5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Real people. Real stories. Real solutions. I’m Jay Abbasi, host of Unstuck, and as a former leader at Tesla, I understand the whirlwind of challenges in the modern work scene. In this podcast, we reveal how to thrive in demanding work environments through relatable, real-life stories.   Each episode begins with a story based on real life professional challenges (some details are changed to protect anonymity), followed by expert insights to help you thrive at work including practical advice on resilience, mental health, and work life balance. Get unstuck and build the life and career you’ve always wanted.

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Abbasi
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    209
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jay Abbasi Consulting LLC | 2024 | All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Unstuck with Jay Abbasi

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