Curious Leadership: Executive Coaching with Lucy Paulise

Lucy Paulise
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Work shouldn’t drain you—it should help you shine. Join award-winning author Lucy Paulise for bite-sized episodes that bridge the gap between professional strategy and personal well-being. We dive into the psychology of how you work, live, and breathe, offering tools to manage your time, emotions, and energy. Through real stories, reflection prompts, and practical tools, Lucy helps you shine through your strengths, reconnect with your purpose, and lead with curiosity. #lifecoaching #executivecoaching #highperformance #wellbeing #becuriuos

  1. 2d ago

    #17 Training Your Nervous System: Hacking Sleep, Stress and Focus

    Are you running your career with the accelerator constantly pressed down? In high-stakes business and elite sports, endurance used to be a badge of honor, until chronic stress, lack of focus, and disrupted sleep caught up. In this episode of Curious Leadership, Lucy Paulise sits down with Dr. Jo Brown, Head of Performance at Nuropod, human performance engineer, PhD, and physiotherapist to Olympic champions and elite athletes. We dive deep into why true high performance isn't about time management, but autonomic nervous system regulation. Dr. Jo breaks down how your vagus nerve acts as the main "Wi-Fi line" between your body and brain, and why training your nervous system's flexibility is the final frontier in human performance. In this episode, we cover: The Accelerator vs. The Brake: Understanding sympathetic drive vs. parasympathetic recovery using the Formula 1 car analogy. What is Autonomic Flexibility? How to shift fluidly between high-output stress and deep calm on demand. The Neuroscience of the Ear: How direct stimulation through superficial nerve fibers at the tragus sends clean, one-way signals straight to the brainstem. The 3-Pillar Framework: How to Regulate, Recover, and Rewire your brain for better decision-making. Metrics That Matter: Boosting Heart Rate Variability (HRV) by 18%–60%, cutting systemic inflammation, and improving memory recall by up to 38%. Real-World Protocols: How busy executives, leaders, and triathletes can regulate their nervous system in just 5 to 15 minutes a day—at their desk, driving, or before sleep. Whether you're struggling to shut your brain off at 3 AM or looking for an edge in high-stakes decision-making, this episode will change how you view stress, performance, and recovery. Connect & Resources: Read Luciana's Forbes Column: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2026/10/09/how-to-train-your-nervous-system-hacking-sleep-stress-and-focus/ Follow Luciana on Instagram: @lucypaulisecoach Book a 1-on-1 coaching session https://www.lucypaulise.com/book-a-coaching-session-with-lucy-paulise/

    #17 Training Your Nervous System: Hacking Sleep, Stress and Focus

  2. Sep 2

    #16 All-Or-Nothing Thinking: 5 Steps To help You Find Balance

    Are you a high performer who lives in extremes? Either a project is a massive success or a total failure. You're either going 100% all-in with relentless intensity, or you're shut down at 0%. In this episode of the Curious Leadership Podcast, host Lucy Paulise breaks down the "Light Switch" dynamic of executive performance. Learn why high performers default to binary logic, how harsh self-criticism accelerates burnout, and how to use the 50% Rule to find sustainable balance in the middle ground. In this episode, we cover: The anatomy of binary thinking: idealizing best-case vs. catastrophizing worst-case scenarios. Why hyper-focus leads to the "Sprint and Collapse" cycle. How self-compassion acts as a high-performance dimmer switch. The 5-step framework to shift from judgment to strategic curiosity. 📄 Read the full Forbes article: [Insert Link] ✨ Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Session (In-Person or Online): Visit lucypaulise.com to work on time management, career transitions, stress, or ADHD focus strategies. https://www.lucypaulise.com/book-a-coaching-session-with-lucy-paulise/ https://www.lucypaulise.com/how-to-overcome-all-or-nothing-thinking-5-steps-to-find-balance/https://www.lucypaulise.com/how-to-overcome-all-or-nothing-thinking-5-steps-to-find-balance/

    #16 All-Or-Nothing Thinking: 5 Steps To help You Find Balance

  3. Jul 24

    #15 How To Better Manage Your Energy

    Ever build the perfect Timeboxed calendar, only to abandon it by 2:00 PM due to total cognitive exhaustion? The problem isn't a lack of discipline—it's a biological deficit. In this episode of Curious Leadership, Lucy Paulise breaks down the physical engine required to keep your focus sharp and your schedule intact. Discover how your prefrontal cortex consumes energy and why structure without fuel guarantees burnout. In this episode, we cover: Timeboxing vs. Biological Fuel: Why time management fails without energy management. The 3-to-4 Meal Rule: Why desk-grazing ruins focus and how structured timing stabilizes your brain. Creatine for Executives: How ATP replenishment protects performance under heavy cognitive load (especially for women in leadership). The 5-Minute Neuro-Reset: A simple physical circuit breaker to restore prefrontal cortex focus in real-time. Read the Energy Management Article: https://www.lucypaulise.com/forget-time-management-why-energy-management-is-the-real-executive-secret/ Deep Dive Article on Creatine & Energy: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2026/07/12/3-reasons-why-creatine-is-the-ultimate-high-performance-womens-fuel/ Book Your 1-on-1 Fit Call: https://www.lucypaulise.com/book-a-coaching-session-with-lucy-paulise/ Connect on Instagram: @lucypaulisecoach

    #15 How To Better Manage Your Energy

  4. Jun 5

    #14 Hyperfocus Unleashed: Using Timeboxing and GTM Strategy to Master ADHD

    Have you ever felt like your non-linear brain was a chaotic mess of distractions, while simultaneously knowing you are incredibly brilliant at what you do? In this high-energy episode of Corporate Therapy, host Lucy Paulise sits down with Desiree Borja, an elite Go-to-Market (GTM) and Partnerships Strategist who has completely mastered the art of high-functioning ADHD. Desiree shares her fascinating journey of shifting from the friction of traditional time management to a state of complete alignment, finding the "joy" in her non-linear, visual-spatial mind. Desiree lifts the hood on how her hyperfocus allows her to visualize complex, multi-million dollar product journeys after sitting in just one or two meetings. But hyperfocus is a double-edged sword. To keep from burning out, Desiree reveals the exact system she uses to survive project overwhelm: Luciana’s own Timeboxing framework, breaking down monumental tasks incrementally, and leveraging accountability coaches. In this episode, we unpack: 🚀 The Hyperfocus Superpower: How a non-linear brain spots ecosystems, fast-tracks stellar business partnerships, and builds instant trust. ⏱️ The Timeboxing Savior: How Desiree uses Luciana's timeboxing tools as an everyday operational shield against executive burnout. 🧩 The Personalized STP Model: How Desiree maps Philip Kotler's GTM model to neurodivergence—featuring Segmentation (using the NFL-trusted Kolbe A assessment), Targeting your exceptional traits, and Positioning your career around the reality that passion isn't optional; it's your fuel. If you are a high-achiever tired of trying to fit your brain into traditional boxes and ready to design the life you always knew was possible, this 15-minute episode is your blueprint. Other Resources: 👉https://www.lucypaulise.com/high-functioning-adhd-at-work-the-strength-nobody-talks-about/👉 Book a Coaching Session with Lucy Paulisehttps://www.lucypaulise.com/book-a-coaching-session-with-lucy-paulise/

    #14 Hyperfocus Unleashed: Using Timeboxing and GTM Strategy to Master ADHD

  5. May 21

    #13 High-Functioning ADHD At Work: The Strength Nobody Talks About

    To the outside world, you have it completely together. You have the packed calendar, the consistent promotions, and the flawless presentations. People look at you and see a typical high achiever. But internally, there is a quiet, exhausting storm. In this bite-sized episode of Corporate Therapy, host Lucy Paulise pulls back the curtain on the reality of high-functioning ADHD in a workplace built for linear minds. We break down the actual brain chemistry behind the "dopamine deficit," explain why you unconsciously wait until the absolute last minute to shift your engine into panic mode, and confront the hidden cost of masking your struggles: severe executive burnout. Stop trying to force your non-linear mind into a rigid corporate box. Tune in to learn why you aren't lazy, how your brain actually operates, and get a practical 5-minute tool—the 45/15 Rule—to start leading with clarity instead of running on empty. Links mentioned in this episode: Read Lucy's latest column on High-Functioning ADHD on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2026/05/21/high-functioning-adhd-at-work-the-strength-nobody-talks-about/ Explore my Timebox book https://www.lucypaulise.com/timebox/ Connect or book a career strategy session: lucypaulise.com

    #13 High-Functioning ADHD At Work: The Strength Nobody Talks About

  6. Apr 29

    #12 How to Turn Your Greatest Weakness Into Purpose and Direction

    Have you ever woken up at 3:00 AM on a Sunday with a knot in your stomach, dreading the Monday ahead? Most leaders spend their entire careers trying to hide their flaws, striving to appear as "finished products." In this episode, executive coach Lucy Paulise breaks the myth of "focusing only on your strengths." Through her Curious Leadership framework, Lucy explains why your leadership gaps aren't a threat to your authority—they are the compass pointing toward your deepest purpose. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why avoiding your weaknesses or pretending they don't exist is draining your energy and stalling your career. How to transform Sunday anxiety into a strategic competitive advantage. The 3 mental shifts to move from a "perfect expert" to a high-growth leader. As Lucy says: "Weaknesses exist so that you can wake up with a purpose on Sunday morning." Don’t hide from them; learn from them. 🌐 Read the full article: Dive deeper into this topic and explore more strategies on my blog: lucypaulise.com 🚀 Take your leadership to the next level:Are you ready to stop overcompensating and start leading with curiosity? Join my Curious Leadership executive coaching program. https://www.lucypaulise.com/executive-coaching/ ✨ Work with me: Book your 1-on-1 Fit Call today to see if my framework is the right match for your career goals: https://calendly.com/lucypaulise/coaching-fit-and-direction 📸 Let’s connect on Instagram: Follow me for daily tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and leadership reflections: https://www.instagram.com/lucypaulisecoach/https://www.instagram.com/lucypaulisecoach/ 🔗 Links & Resources:https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2026/04/27/3-ways-to-turn-your-leadership-gaps-into-your-purpose-driven-advantage/

    #12 How to Turn Your Greatest Weakness Into Purpose and Direction

  7. Apr 21

    #11 The 50% Rule: Why Active Surrender is Your New Power Move

    Are you white-knuckling your way through the work week? For high achievers, giving 120% often feels like the only path to success. But what if that intensity is actually the very thing killing your deals, draining your team, and leading you straight to burnout? In this episode of Corporate Therapy, executive coach Lucy Paulise explores the counterintuitive power of the 50% Rule. Learn why "over-functioning" creates a repellent energy and how mastering the art of Active Surrender can make you more magnetic, influential, and effective. Lucy breaks down: The Over-Functioning Trap: Why doing 90% of the heavy lifting demoralizes those around you. The "Strategic Vacuum": How to use silence and curiosity to invite collaboration and buy-in. Your Inner Temperature: A practical mindset shift to maintain emotional steadiness, no matter how "stormy" the environment. The Quick Audit: Three red flags that show you're forcing it, and how to pivot back to flow. Stop trying to engineer the "Yes" and start leading with intention. This week, try the 50% challenge and see who moves to meet you at the line. Connect with Lucy: Book a 1-on-1 Coaching Session: https://www.lucypaulise.com/book-a-coaching-session-with-lucy-paulise/ Visit the Website: www.lucypaulise.com Read More on Forbes & More: The 50% Rule: Why Active Surrender Is The Ultimate Career Power Move https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2026/03/31/the-50-rule-why-active-surrender-is-the-ultimate-career-power-move/ How to stop people-pleasing https://www.lucypaulise.com/how-to-stop-people-pleasing-at-work-and-set-boundaries/https://www.lucypaulise.com/how-to-stop-people-pleasing-at-work-and-set-boundaries/

    #11 The 50% Rule: Why Active Surrender is Your New Power Move

  8. Mar 10

    #10 Stop People-Pleasing: The Leadership Boundary High Achievers Need

    Why do so many high achievers struggle to say no? In this episode of Corporate Therapy, executive coach and Forbes contributor Lucy Paulise explores one of the most common patterns she sees in high-performing professionals—people-pleasing disguised as dedication. Many leaders become known as the reliable problem-solver: the one who steps in, says yes, and keeps everything running smoothly. But over time, constantly prioritizing others’ needs can quietly lead to exhaustion, resentment, and burnout. Lucy explains why people-pleasing is often a learned survival strategy rooted in early experiences and how it can show up in leadership, especially for women navigating pressure, expectations, ADHD, or trauma. Drawing from her Curious Leadership Framework, Lucy shares practical tools to help leaders break the pattern, including: The ABCD method of self-talk to pause automatic “yes” responses The Three Brains check-in to evaluate decisions with your head, heart, and gut The 4Cs Strategy Loop to set boundaries with clarity and confidence If you’re a leader who feels responsible for everything—or struggles to protect your time—this episode will help you replace people-pleasing with clear, sustainable boundaries. Because you don’t shine by doing everything. Featured Resources & Links: 📖 Read the Full Forbes Article:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2026/03/10/how-to-stop-people-pleasing-at-work-and-lead-with-authentic-authority/ 🛠️ Access the Corporate Therapy Library: Get free worksheets, EQ assessments, and the "Timebox" starter kit at  https://www.lucypaulise.com/my-corporate-therapy-library/ 🤝 Work With Lucy: Book a 1-on-1 coaching session to find your internal anchor:  https://www.lucypaulise.com/book-a-coaching-session-with-lucy-paulise/ 🌐 Visit the Website:  www.lucypaulise.comYou shine by focusing on what truly matters. This week, try it.

    #10 Stop People-Pleasing: The Leadership Boundary High Achievers Need
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Work shouldn’t drain you—it should help you shine. Join award-winning author Lucy Paulise for bite-sized episodes that bridge the gap between professional strategy and personal well-being. We dive into the psychology of how you work, live, and breathe, offering tools to manage your time, emotions, and energy. Through real stories, reflection prompts, and practical tools, Lucy helps you shine through your strengths, reconnect with your purpose, and lead with curiosity. #lifecoaching #executivecoaching #highperformance #wellbeing #becuriuos

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