Success Is An Iceberg

Janel Donohue
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Success is an Iceberg is a podcast about the real story behind success—the part most people never see. Hosted by Janel Donohue, each episode dives beneath the surface to explore leadership lessons and the perserverance, setbacks, hard decisions, and personal growth that shape true leadership and lasting achievement. Through honest conversations with leaders, innovators, and everyday achievers, Janel shares the reality of what it takes to keep showing up, push through doubt, and grow into the person you're becoming. Because leadership isn't about titles or degrees—it's about ownership, resilience, and believing you belong here, even when confidence feels uncertain. If you're building something meaningful and doing the unseen work behind the scenes, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Behind the Scenes of Leadership: The Power of Vulnerability and Courageous Conversations

    In this episode, host Janel Donohue explores vulnerability as a cornerstone of courageous leadership. Through a personal story about an employee named Georgie, who secretly struggled financially while hiding it behind a confident exterior, Janel illustrates how leaders often misread behaviors by making assumptions instead of asking questions. Drawing on Brené Brown's Dare to Lead, she introduces the concept of "rumbling" — having honest, curiosity-driven conversations — and shares practical language tools to transform difficult interactions into moments of genuine connection and understanding.           Timestamps Introduction to Success as an Iceberg (00:00:03) The host introduces the podcast's theme: exploring the hidden struggles and perseverance behind visible success and what true leadership means. The Story of Georgie (00:00:53) The host shares a story about an employee named Georgie who wanted leadership opportunities but surprisingly declined a perfect one. Initial Misinterpretation and Regret (00:02:19) The host describes her shock and disappointment at Georgie's refusal, admitting she made negative assumptions about Georgie's commitment and drive. The Courage to Lead with Vulnerability (00:03:20) The episode's theme is introduced: leading with vulnerability, addressing fears and feelings, and managing behaviors in leadership effectively. Vulnerability as a Leadership Skill (00:04:48) The host challenges the traditional view of leadership, arguing that the strongest leaders are those who embrace and use vulnerability. The Man in the Arena Quote (00:06:05) The host shares Theodore Roosevelt's famous quote to illustrate that true leadership involves taking risks and being in the arena. Looking Below the Waterline (00:07:32) Leaders must look beyond visible behaviors to understand the underlying fears, feelings, and stories that drive their team members. The Rest of the Story (00:08:46) The host reveals the real reason Georgie declined the opportunity: she was struggling financially and couldn't afford the gas money. Avoiding Tough Conversations (00:11:31) Leaders often avoid difficult conversations, leading them to create and act on incorrect stories they've made up in their heads. What is a Rumble? (00:12:57) The concept of a "rumble" from Brené Brown is introduced: a conversation defined by curiosity, generosity, and staying engaged. The Six Myths of Vulnerability (00:14:12) The host debunks common myths about vulnerability, such as it being a weakness or something that can be avoided. Introduction to Rumble Language (00:15:49) Practical communication tools and phrases from Brené Brown are shared to help transform difficult conversations from accusations to curious inquiries. "The Story I'm Making Up Is..." (00:17:27) The host highlights her favorite rumble phrase, explaining how it helps check assumptions before they become damaging, incorrect beliefs. Choosing Courage Over Comfort (00:21:09) The host explains that meaningful growth and leadership require choosing courage, which often involves stepping into uncomfortable but necessary situations. Three Questions for Reflection (00:22:31) The host poses three questions for listeners to reflect on: Where are you choosing comfort over courage? What conversation are you avoiding? What is the story you're making up? Conclusion and Call to Action (00:23:54) The host encourages listeners to rumble, lead with courage, and remember that success is built on moments of vulnerability.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'Leadership isn't a title; it's ownership of who you are and how you show up.' 'It's learning to stand in the room and say, "I belong here," even when doubt is sitting quietly behind your confidence.' 'The strongest leaders aren't those who avoid vulnerability; they're the ones who know how to use it and lean into it.' 'We judge others by their actions and we judge ourselves by our intentions.' 'Comfort and courage rarely coexist.'   RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Janel Donohue Website: jdonohueleadership.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify   "Leadership begins the moment you get curious enough to replace assumptions with courageous conversations."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    25 min

  2. May 22

    Why Self-Care Isn't Selfish with Barb Gustavson: The Science of Refilling Your Cup to Lead Better

    In this episode of Success as an Iceberg, host Janel Donohue welcomes Barbara Gustavson, speaker, facilitator, brain health educator, and founder of Discover Next Step Consulting. Barbara is passionate about helping community leaders, caregivers, and professionals navigate stress, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation with practical, science-backed tools. Drawing from psychology and neuroscience, she translates complex brain health concepts into relatable strategies that help people think more clearly, manage their energy, and lead with greater resilience. Barbara also oversees Dr. Daniel Amen's brain health certification programs, supporting clinicians, educators, and organizations in building healthier habits for wellness and leadership. Barbara shares how success often masks hidden struggles beneath the surface, including burnout, negative thought patterns, and emotional exhaustion. Through practical frameworks like REGROUP and the HALT method, she offers tools for managing stress, resetting the nervous system, and building productive peace. She also opens up about overcoming learning disabilities and low self-esteem, reminding listeners that effective leadership isn't about pushing harder, but learning how to work with your brain during life's most demanding seasons. Together, Janel and Barbara explore the hidden work beneath every success story and the importance of self-care, resilience, and embracing imperfection along the way.   Timestamps Podcast Introduction (00:00:03) The host introduces the podcast's theme: exploring the unseen hard work and perseverance that lies beneath the surface of success. Welcoming the First Guest (00:00:53) Host Janel Donohue welcomes her first guest, Barb Gustavson, expressing her admiration for Barb as a friend and mentor. The Iceberg of Success (00:01:33) Janel shares how she admired Barb from afar, seeing only the "tip of the iceberg" before getting to know her. Introducing Barb Gustavson (00:02:57) Janel formally introduces Barb Gustavson, highlighting her work as a speaker, facilitator, brain health educator, and consultant. Appearing Successful While Struggling Internally (00:03:40) Barb discusses moments of looking fine on the outside while internally experiencing stress, panic, and nervous system dysregulation. Recognizing and Managing Overwhelm (00:05:51) Barb explains how she learned to recognize her patterns of shutting down and developed tools to regulate her nervous system. The Power of Daily Practice (00:08:02) Barb shares her daily mindfulness practices, like deep breathing and taking "brain breaks," to build resilience against stress. Listen to the Whisper, Not the Two-by-Four (00:09:23) Barb explains the importance of recognizing what gives and drains energy to avoid reaching a point of total burnout. Early Signs of Burnout for Leaders (00:12:24) Barb identifies over-committing as a key early sign of burnout and reframes self-care as essential for effective leadership. The Origin of Self-Retreats (00:15:20) Barb shares how her caregiving journey led her to start taking monthly self-retreats to reset and recharge her brain. The HALT Method for Overwhelm (00:20:39) Barb introduces the HALT method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) as a tool to identify and address immediate needs. Advocating for Your Own Needs (00:23:17) The importance of using your words to advocate for your own needs, as no one else will do it for you. How Chronic Responsibility Changes the Brain (00:25:38) Barb explains how chronic stress can physically change the brain, showing up as trauma and impacting executive function. What High-Functioning People Avoid Hearing (00:27:04) High-capacity people often miss early signs of burnout, like cynicism or constant depletion, and need to create more margin. The REGROUP Framework (00:32:12) Barb outlines her REGROUP framework: Resilience, Energy, Guard your margin, Regulate your nervous system, Operate from alignment, Update thinking, Prioritize brain health. Tackling Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS) (00:36:32) Barb explains how to question and reframe automatic negative thoughts (ANTS) using a four-question process to retrain the brain. Naming Your Brain (00:42:02) Barb suggests naming your brain to create distance from negative thoughts and have a more objective internal conversation. The Journey Beneath the Bio (00:43:49) Barb shares that her unseen journey involved overcoming learning disabilities and mining for her own strengths and self-worth. Advice for Those Barely Hanging On (00:47:49) Barb's advice is that there's nothing wrong with you; it might be your nervous system, which you can change. Accept It, Change It, or Move On (00:48:34) Barb's moment is learning to move forward on decisions even when not 100% sure, accepting "good enough" over perfection.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'Listen to the whisper, don't wait for the two-by-four.' 'I need to pour into my own cup first. I can give to myself too, and if I don't, I'm actually not as effective.' 'We can advocate for others easily, but to advocate for our needs, no one else is going to advocate for us.' 'I felt kind of clumsy in my growth. That was the hardest for me, was to allow myself to find my own process and be okay with being messy.' 'I think for me, allowing myself to move forward even if I don't have all the answers.'   RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Janel Donohue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify   FOLLOW BARB: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaragustavson/ https://amzn.to/4rAbBGi   "Burnout doesn't happen overnight—it starts when we ignore the quiet signals telling us we need care too."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    52 min

  3. May 22

    The Most Powerful Affirmation for Leaders: "I Belong Here"

    In this episode of Success as an Iceberg, host Janel Donohue explores the theme of belonging and self-doubt in leadership. She vulnerably shares how, despite her accomplishments, she often whispered "I don't belong here" in professional settings. Through a series of meaningful coincidences at a networking event called Be the Bean, Janel receives powerful affirmations that she does belong. Drawing on Harvard's Counterclockwise Experiment, she highlights how mindset shapes reality, encouraging listeners to replace negative self-talk with affirmations like "I belong here" — because owning your place is at the heart of true leadership.   Timestamps Introduction to "Success as an Iceberg" (00:00:03) The host introduces the podcast's theme: exploring the unseen struggles and perseverance behind success and the importance of belonging. The Habit of Comparison (00:00:54) Janel discusses the natural human tendency to compare ourselves to others, often focusing on their external accomplishments versus our internal feelings. Sharing Personal Vulnerabilities (00:02:26) Janel vulnerably shares her own deep-seated feeling of not belonging in certain rooms, despite her outward success and accomplishments. The "Be the Bean" Networking Event (00:03:27) Janel recounts attending a networking event and explains the "Be the Bean" metaphor, which is about positively changing your environment. Key Principles of "Be the Bean" (00:05:50) A breakdown of the core ideas from the networking group: transform your environment, create positive change, and build community. First "I Belong Here" Moment (00:07:06) During a networking exercise, a partner shares how seeing Janel made her feel she belonged, confirming Janel's prayer about the episode. Second "I Belong Here" Moment (00:08:08) A second networking partner affirms "you belong here" after Janel shares her need for a website builder, providing another sign. The Illusion of Success (00:10:24) Leaders who only show their wins can make others feel inadequate, whereas sharing vulnerabilities is more inspiring and relatable. Overcoming Self-Doubt in Leadership Roles (00:11:38) Janel reflects on past leadership roles where she initially felt she didn't belong but eventually realized her value and contributions. The Discomfort of a New Venture (00:15:26) After leaving a long-term job to start her own company, Janel describes the return of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. A Student's Transformation (00:16:40) Janel shares the pride of seeing a student who once felt out of place confidently own the stage during a presentation. The Third "I Belong Here" Confirmation (00:17:51) A mentor confirms Janel's place on stage at an event, providing the third sign that she should create this episode. You Belong Because You Are You (00:18:59) An encouragement to listeners that they belong because of their unique gifts, experiences, and strengths, not by comparing to others. The Power of Your Thoughts (00:20:17) Janel explains that your mind and body believe what you tell them, whether the thoughts are negative or positive. The Counterclockwise Experiment (00:21:20) A 1979 Harvard study is cited, showing how changing men's environment and mindset physically reversed some signs of aging. Using Positive Affirmations (00:25:36) Janel commits to using positive affirmations to reprogram her brain and combat negative self-talk about her new business venture. Conclusion and Final Encouragement (00:27:56) The host closes by encouraging listeners to share the episode, keep doing the hard work, and believe they belong.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode  'I have whispered to myself, "I don't belong here," and I immediately start comparing myself to others in the room.' 'I quickly turned my thinking around to, "I do belong here."' 'I have had to learn that I belong here because of what I bring to the table, and it is okay if it is different.' 'You belong here because you are the only one who can be you.' 'Believe that you belong here, wherever your here is.'   RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Janel Donohue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/ LinkedIn is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify   "Belonging begins the moment you stop comparing yourself and start owning who you are."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    28 min

  4. May 22

    Unlocking Your Two Working Geniuses: The Key to More Joy and Fulfillment at Work

    In this episode of Success Is an Iceberg, host Janel Donohue explores Patrick Lencioni's "Six Types of Working Genius" model. Using the acronym WIDGET, she breaks down six work styles—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—explaining how each person has two natural "geniuses," two "competencies," and two "frustrations." Janel shares her own geniuses (Galvanizing and Discernment) and highlights how understanding this model can boost team dynamics, productivity, and personal fulfillment. As a certified facilitator, she encourages listeners to discover their own working genius and apply these insights in their professional lives.   Timestamps Introduction to the Six Types of Working Genius (00:01:16) The host introduces the concept of the "Six Types of Working Genius," a model created by Patrick Lencioni.  Why Working Genius is a Valuable Tool (00:04:32) The host explains how this model differs from others and how it improves joy, productivity, morale, and team effectiveness. The WIDGET Acronym Explained (00:07:43) Each of the six types of working genius—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—is defined and explained. Geniuses, Competencies, and Frustrations (00:12:23) The host explains that everyone has two geniuses, two competencies, and two frustrations among the six types of work.  The Host's Personal Working Genius Profile (00:14:26)  Janel Donohue shares her own geniuses (Galvanizing, Discernment), competencies (Enablement, Tenacity), and frustrations (Wonder, Invention) as an example. How to Apply the Working Genius Model (00:22:28) The host encourages listeners to reflect on their own geniuses and frustrations and how they interact with their team members. Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'When I started this model, I was not maximizing my joy and fulfillment, but I didn't know why.' 'You can be really good at one of your working frustrations, and that's dangerous because everybody thinks because you're good at it, you love to do it.' 'When I did this assessment, it was such an "aha" moment for me because my frustrations are in wonder and in invention.' 'When I see the light bulbs go off, it is so rewarding. When I see teams working together, when I get the response where people say, "This has changed the way our team works," I love it.' 'What I want you to walk away with today is you are a genius, and I hope that I can be a part of you figuring out what your geniuses are.'   RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Janel Donohue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/ LinkedIn is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/   FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify   "Your greatest strengths aren't just what you're good at—they're the work that gives you energy and fulfillment."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    24 min

  5. May 22

    What Lies Beneath Success: Are You Seeing the Whole Iceberg?

    In the debut episode of Success as an Iceberg, host Janel Donohue introduces her podcast's core theme: true success lies beneath the surface, built on hard work, failures, and perseverance rarely seen by others. She shares a powerful kindergarten memory of overcoming bullying, which taught her a lifelong mantra—you can't control what happens, but you can control your response. Janel reflects on her own leadership journey, including self-doubt in her consulting work, and encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability. The episode sets the tone for honest conversations with leaders about the hidden struggles behind their achievements.   Timestamps Welcome to "Success as an Iceberg" (00:00:03)  The host introduces the podcast's core concept: success is more than what's visible on the surface. The Human Tendency to Compare (00:00:55) The speaker discusses why we naturally compare ourselves to others, focusing on external achievements while ignoring our internal feelings. The Iceberg Analogy of Success (00:02:32) Success is like an iceberg; what's seen above the water is small compared to the hard work hidden beneath. A Personal Moment of Doubt (00:03:43) The host shares a recent story of feeling defeated after a difficult client conversation, questioning her own new career path. The Passion for Leadership (00:04:56) Despite challenges, the speaker's passion for leadership concepts and helping other leaders improve lives drives her forward. A First Lesson in Leadership (00:07:08) The host recounts a childhood story of being bullied in kindergarten for her appearance due to a birth defect. A Mother's Leadership Mantra (00:09:22) Her mother's advice to "accept it, change it, or move on" becomes a foundational leadership lesson. Confronting the Bully (00:11:19) Following her mother's advice, she confronts the bully with kindness, changing the dynamic and ending the teasing. Speaking at Leadership Fredericksburg (00:13:43) The host shares her experience being invited to speak at a leadership program and feeling insecure among more experienced speakers. Sharing the Iceberg Concept (00:16:58) She explains how she used the iceberg visual in her presentations to teach about the unseen work behind success. The Goal of the Podcast (00:20:33) The host outlines her hope to create a community where guests and listeners can share their "under the waterline" stories.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode "Leadership isn't a title or a degree; it's ownership of who you are and how you show up." "It's learning to stand in the room and say, 'I belong here,' even when doubt is sitting quietly behind your confidence." "When we fail, those are the times—if we get back up—that we make the biggest difference." "I did learn a life mantra that I use every day now: you don't have control over what happens to you, but you do have control over how you respond." "If we can all be a little vulnerable and share about those things that we persevered through, maybe other leaders would be a little braver."   RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Janel Donohue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/ LinkedIn is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify   "Success isn't built by what people see—it's shaped by everything you overcame beneath the surface." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    22 min

  6. Trailer

    Success Is an Iceberg with Janel Donohue: The Truth Beneath the Surface

    In this teaser episode, leadership facilitator, speaker, and storyteller Janel Donohue introduces her new podcast, Success Is an Iceberg, premiering May 22nd. Janel shares the powerful idea behind the show: what people see as "success" is only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath every achievement are the failures, doubts, difficult conversations, and defining moments that truly shape a leader. Through honest conversations and real stories, this podcast invites listeners to explore the unseen side of success and discover what it really takes to lead with authenticity and purpose.   Timestamps The Illusion of Success (00:00:00) We often see success as effortless, overlooking the hidden struggles and challenges that lie beneath the surface of achievement. Introducing the "Success is an Iceberg" Concept (00:00:15) Success is like an iceberg; the visible part is small compared to the unseen failures, insecurities, and hard decisions below. Podcast Launch Announcement (00:00:34) Janel Donohue announces her new podcast, "Successes in Iceberg," launching on May 22nd to explore leadership and personal growth.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'I'm Janel Donohue, leadership facilitator, speaker, and storyteller.' 'On May 22nd, I'm launching the Successes in Iceberg podcast.' RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Janel Donohue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janel.s.donohue/ LinkedIn is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Success Is An Iceberg on Apple Podcasts and Spotify   "Success isn't built by what people see—it's shaped by everything you overcame beneath the surface." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Success is an Iceberg is a podcast about the real story behind success—the part most people never see. Hosted by Janel Donohue, each episode dives beneath the surface to explore leadership lessons and the perserverance, setbacks, hard decisions, and personal growth that shape true leadership and lasting achievement. Through honest conversations with leaders, innovators, and everyday achievers, Janel shares the reality of what it takes to keep showing up, push through doubt, and grow into the person you're becoming. Because leadership isn't about titles or degrees—it's about ownership, resilience, and believing you belong here, even when confidence feels uncertain. If you're building something meaningful and doing the unseen work behind the scenes, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Janel Donohue
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Success Is An Iceberg

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