How the Ultra Successful Think (and Why Most People Self-Sabotage) with Dr. Julie Gurner

Many high achievers look successful on paper but feel constrained, overwhelmed, or quietly dissatisfied behind the scenes.

In this episode, Ted sits down with executive performance psychologist Dr. Julie Gurner to explore why driven people struggle with stress, control, motivation, and identity as their responsibilities grow. The conversation breaks down how success can outpace personal growth—and what happens when it does.

This episode offers a clear, grounded look at the psychological shifts required to sustain performance, health, and fulfillment at higher levels. Listen now!

Today's Guest

Dr. Julie Gurner

Dr. Julie Gurner is a doctor psychology and executive performance coach who works with high-level executives, founders, and elite performers in tech, finance, and other high-stakes industries. She is the founder of Ultra Successful, a widely read newsletter focused on the psychology of exceptional performance, and has been described by The Wall Street Journal as a real-world counterpart to Wendy Rhoades from Billions.

Connect to Dr. Julie Gurner

Website: DrGurner.com

Substack: DrGurner.substack.com

X: @drgurner

Instagram: @drgurner

You'll learn:

• Why high performers often sabotage success as their identity lags behind growth

• How control, stress, and overload quietly limit cognitive performance

• The difference between productive stress and stress that undermines decision-making

• Why motivation, discipline, and grinding are often misunderstood at high levels

What Ted and Julie discuss in this episode:

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Meet Dr. Julie Gurner: Performance Psychologist

02:13 High Performers and Fitness

03:40 The Role of Sleep in Performance

05:24 Cognitive Optimization for High Achievers

11:05 Managing Stress for Executives

14:01 Letting Go of Control to Succeed

14:49 The 80% Rule: Delegating for Growth

15:33 Building a Team: The Key to Scaling

16:18 Personal Growth for Business Success

17:03 Balancing Control and Delegation

18:31 Choosing the Right Business Partner

20:00 The Importance of Self-Belief

26:17 Final Thoughts