In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Dr. Rick Eigenbrod, noted executive psychologist, Vistage International Chair and best-selling author, about what happens when achievement becomes an obsessive trap. They examine the illusion of “happily ever after,” the disorientation that strikes when you reach the top, and what comes next when you finally get what you want. From our earliest childhood, every fairy tale feeds us the same seductively simple script: Conquer the obstacle, rescue the prize, slay the dragon, and you will live “happily ever after.” In our adult lives—especially in corporate America—that myth gets rebranded into the grand narrative of success: sacrifice everything, hit your numbers, achieve status, sell your business or reach the top of the ladder, and all your problems will vanish. Yet, countless leaders arrive at that finish line only to discover the fairy tale is a delusion. When the goal is finally achieved, the celebration fades, and what follows is often an unexpected, terrifying void: an abrupt loss of structure, meaning, and identity. Dr. Rick Eigenbrod brings a rare and powerful perspective to this dilemma: He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and began his career teaching abnormal psychology and directing student mental health at University of California Davis. He went on to spend more than twenty (20) years as a Vistage International Chair, leading CEO peer groups and addressing more than 500 Vistage groups nationwide as a premier resource speaker. In addition, Rick has guided enterprise leadership development and cultural change inside global titans such as Google, AT&T, United Healthcare, and the Hewlett Foundation. Dr. Eigenbrod co-authored the influential Yale School of Management case study, “What’s Next? The Entrepreneur’s Epilogue and the Paradox of Success“, and is the author of the definitive book on this exact transition: “What Happens When You Get What You Want?” LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don’t miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: DR. RICK EIGENBROD: BIO: https://www.rickeigenbrod.com/about BOOKS / PAPERS: Book: What Happens When You Get What You Want?: Success and the Challenge of Choice, by Rich Eigenbrod, PhD Yale School of Management: What’s Next? The Entrepreneur’s Epilogue and the Paradox of Success: How entrepreneurs can move forward after an exit , by Jeanne Odendaal, Rich Eigenbrod, A. J. Wasserstein, Mark Agnew, Brian O’Connor WEBSITE: https://www.rickeigenbrod.com/
