Lead with Balance with Jessie Li

Jessie Li
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Business

Lead with Balance is more than a podcast; it’s a community where high achievers support each other in redefining success. Hosted by global finance and entrepreneurial leader Jessie, the show brings you insightful conversations with top leaders, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and therapists. Together, we explore actionable strategies for authentic leadership, breaking through limiting norms, and doing the deep inner work required to connect to our authentic selves. Tune in to discover how to thrive in a high-stakes career without losing yourself—featuring practical wellness and longevity tips to optimize your performance and healthspan. Continue the conversation and elevate your journey by joining our Lead with Balance Monday newsletter. Newsletter: https://leadwithbalance.substack.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Oct 30

    Preventive Health Leader: The Daily Habits Ambitious Women Need for Energy, Longevity, and Success | Eva-Maria Hasenauer

    Why do hyper-ambitious women continuously excel in male-dominated boardrooms, only to suffer silently from burnout, stress, and anxiety? In this episode of Lead with Balance, host Jessie Lee sits down with Eva-Maria Hasenauer—Chief Commercial Officer at Lanserhof Group, world’s top integrated medical wellness, and visionary leader in preventive health. From scaling world-class medical wellness resorts across Europe to balancing high-stakes executive leadership with sustainable daily protocols, Eva-Maria shares sharp, actionable insights on how high-performing women can master gut health, implement non-negotiable wellness habits, set firm boundaries, and align career ambition with true longevity. Key Takeaways:Foundational Wellness Over Quick Fixes: High-performance devices and bio-hacks only work when built on a consistent foundation of proper sleep, whole foods, and daily movement.The Power of Daily Micro-Habits: Small, sustainable practices—like non-negotiable step counts, mindful chewing, and lighter evening meals—drive long-term vitality.Listening to Your Body: Stripping away inflammation through a plant-forward, whole-food approach restores natural intuition and energy levels.Strategic Support Systems: Utilizing professional coaching in phases and engaging with community empowers women to overcome imposter syndrome and own their seat at the table.Prioritizing Prevention: Shifting society's view toward proactive healthcare, annual blood work, and routine diagnostics is essential for healthy aging. Episode Timestamps:00:00 - 05:00 Intro & Lanserhof’s Medical Wellness Vision05:00 - 08:30 Daily Non-Negotiables: Sleep, Nutrition & Movement08:30 - 13:00 Traveling Smart & Maintaining Routines on the Road13:00 - 18:00 Gut Health, Plant-Based Eating & Reducing Inflammation18:00 - 24:00 The Power of Coaching & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome24:00 - 28:30 Uncoupling Identity from Corporate Title28:30 - 34:10 Fireside Q&A: Wellness Myths, Investments & Aging Follow Eva-Maria Hasenauer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-maria-hasenauer-69016694/ Website: https://lanserhof.com/ Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Preventive Health Leader: The Daily Habits Ambitious Women Need for Energy, Longevity, and Success | Eva-Maria Hasenauer

  2. Oct 23

    If He Can Do It, You Can Too — Stop Waiting Until You’re Perfect | Sylvia To

    Why do hyper-ambitious women continuously excel in male-dominated boardrooms, only to suffer silently from burnout, stress, and anxiety? In this episode of Lead with Balance, host Jessie Li sits down with Sylvia To—Director at Bullish Capital Management, Web3 investor, former institutional finance leader, and co-founder of Blue Balls. From navigating 24/7 financial markets to stepping off the perpetual burnout wheel, Sylvia delivers actionable strategies on how high-performing women can master wealth preservation, overcome self-doubt, set firm boundaries, and align career ambition with authentic fulfillment. In this episode, we cover: Why you can pull away from work without walking away from your careerThe “5 out of 7 boxes” mindset that holds women back from askingWhere to start investing if you’re not from a finance backgroundThe 5–10 year planning method Sylvia uses to define successWhy Sylvia says you can have both career success and love, if you’re honest about wanting both Episode chapters: 00:00 - 01:05 What Sylvia does in Web3 venture capital01:05 - 03:11 The wake-up call: redefining success03:11 - 05:14 Boundaries in a 24/7 market, and what recharges her05:14 - 08:55 Drop the “busy as armour”08:55 - 15:41 Financial freedom: invest early, skip stock picking15:41 - 24:29 Her sauna-wear startup and the science of heat and cold for the body24:29 - 29:38 Becoming irreplaceable: ask boldly, own your wins29:38 - 35:51 Planning life in 5–10 year cycles35:51 - 41:06 Your authentic self and women lifting women41:06 - 43:48 Career pivots: do you look forward to tomorrow?43:48 - 47:16 Fireside questions Follow Sylvia To: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sylvia-bullish/ Bullish: https://www.bullish.com/ Blue Balls: www.blueballs.health Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    If He Can Do It, You Can Too — Stop Waiting Until You’re Perfect | Sylvia To

  3. Oct 16

    The Preventative Health Expert: The Truth About Biohacking Trends & The 2 Non-Negotiable Habits For High Performers | Dr. Sinead Sheridan

    In this episode of Lead with Balance, host Jessie Li sits down with world-renowned expert Dr. Sinead Sheridan to unpack the truth about optimizing physical and mental performance under chronic stress. If you are navigating high-pressure corporate environments, juggling endless professional and personal demands, and looking for science-backed, easy-to-implement protocols that actually move the needle, this conversation is your ultimate roadmap. From the single best predictor of longevity to the hidden truth about female cardiovascular health and why popular quick-fix trends might be destroying your metabolism, Dr. Sheridan delivers clear, non-negotiable protocols designed for time-poor leaders. In this episode, you will learn: Brain-Boosting Exercise: Physical movement alters brain chemistry, increasing hippocampus size for memory, releasing BDNF for nerve growth, and boosting dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine for executive focus.The Hidden Female Heart Crisis: Cardiovascular disease presents differently in women (e.g., fatigue, nausea, jaw/arm pain instead of chest pain) and often hides in microvasculature, leading to frequent emergency room misdiagnoses.Beyond Standard Bloodwork: Standard panels miss critical risk factors; tracking APO B and Lipoprotein(a) provides a true picture of cardiovascular risk.The #1 Longevity Biomarker: Your VO2 Max (aiming for 35) is the single greatest predictor of all-cause mortality and functional capability as you age.Foundations Over Hype: Advanced therapies like NAD+ infusions, hyperbaric oxygen, and red light are ineffective unless your core foundations—sleep, movement, and nutrition—are optimized first. Chapters: 00:00 - 01:25 Introduction to Dr. Sinead Sheridan01:25 - 04:02 How Exercise Rewires Your Brain for Executive Focus & Stress Relief04:02 - 05:48 Micro-Exercise Snacks: Why Prolonged Sitting Harms High Performers05:48 - 10:20 Female Cardiovascular Risk: Misdiagnoses, Symptoms, & Perimenopause10:20 - 13:58 Essential Longevity Biomarkers: Moving Beyond Basic Blood Panels13:58 - 18:40 VO2 Max: The Ultimate Predictor of Healthspan & Lifespan18:40 - 24:19 Validated Longevity Protocols vs. Overhyped Wellness Trends24:19 - 27:06 Nutrition & Cortisol: Why Meal Skipping & Fasting Trigger Fat Storage27:06 - 30:35 Perimenopause, Chronic Stress, & Hidden Blood Sugar Spikes30:35 - 33:24 Prioritizing Sleep & Listening to Your Body Over Wearable Data33:24 - 35:03 Quickfire Fireside: VO2 Max, Sugar Myths, & Detox Cleanse Fallacies Follow Dr. Sinead Sheridan: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-sinead-sheridan-phd-22124347 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sineadsheridan/ Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Preventative Health Expert: The Truth About Biohacking Trends & The 2 Non-Negotiable Habits For High Performers | Dr. Sinead Sheridan

  4. Oct 9

    The Parenting Expert: The Dangerous Myth of "Work-Life Balance" & How To Finally Cure Mother's Guilt | Heide Cheuk

    The pursuit of "work-life balance" is a dangerous myth. If you are exhausted from carrying the invisible load and constantly battling mother's guilt while trying to scale your career, it is time to throw out the old playbook. You cannot cure maternal guilt by simply trying to do more. In this episode of Lead with Balance, host Jessie Li sits down with Heide Cheuk—a former corporate attorney turned Child & Family Psychotherapist, Family Mental Health Specialist, and Parenting Coach. Heide shares her expertise on why the traditional idea of "work-life balance" is a dangerous myth that keeps ambitious women trapped in cycles of perfectionism, maternal guilt, and severe burnout. If you are a corporate executive, founder, or rising leader carrying the weight of high-pressure career demands while navigating parenting, relationships, and societal expectations, this conversation offers science-backed, actionable protocols to help you shift from constant overload to grounded, sustainable performance. Key Highlights & Takeaways:The Myth of Balance: Why chasing an equal 50/50 split is mathematically impossible, and why high achievers must shift from striving for "balance" to recognizing "seasons".Decoding Guilt vs. Shame: The critical cognitive distinction between "mother's guilt" and shame—and how to convert toxic guilt into immediate, actionable micro-steps.Attunement Over Absence: Why spending just 20 to 30 minutes of deep, uninterrupted attunement with your child creates far more psychological safety than being physically present all day while mentally checked out.The Neuroscience of De-escalation: A quick, 90-second self-regulation tool (Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain) to calm your nervous system instantly during high-stress morning routines or corporate high-pressure moments.Rupture & Repair: Why secure relationships aren't built on perfection—70% of parent-child interactions are naturally mismatched, making post-conflict repair the ultimate key to building emotional resilience in children.Lightening the Invisible Load: Understanding the hidden mental toll of "anticipating and monitoring" family logistics, and how to execute the Harvard-developed CPE Framework (Conception, Planning, Execution) to delegate effectively without losing control. Episode Timestamps:00:00 - 01:28 Introduction to Heide Cheuk & Family Mental Health01:28 - 03:28 The Work-Life Balance Myth: Why High Achievers Are Set Up to Fail03:28 - 05:33 "You Can Have It All, But Not at the Same Time": Navigating Life's Seasons05:33 - 08:29 Unpacking "Mother’s Guilt": Moving From Cognitive Friction to Action08:29 - 11:15 Quality Over Quantity: The Neuroscience of Parent-Child Attunement11:15 - 13:24 Practical Attunement in Real Life: Calm Moments vs. High-Conflict Mornings13:24 - 17:25 The Power of Rupture & Repair: Why Perfection Is Bad for Your Child's Resiliency17:25 - 21:21 Regulating Under Pressure: The "Hand Model of the Brain" & Micro-Grounded Breathing21:21 - 24:00 What Is the "Invisible Load"? Why High-Performing Women Burn Out24:00 - 26:57 How to Delegate the Invisible Load: The CPE (Conception, Planning, Execution) Framework Book recommended by Heide Cheuk: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky Follow Heide Cheuk: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidecheuk/ Website: https://www.luminaminds.com/ Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Parenting Expert: The Dangerous Myth of "Work-Life Balance" & How To Finally Cure Mother's Guilt | Heide Cheuk

  5. Oct 2

    ⁠Fertility Expert: What Every Ambitious Woman Needs to Know About Fertility, Career, and Motherhood

    Before you book an egg-freezing consultation or map out your family timeline, you need to hear the truth no one is talking about openly. High-achieving women are used to controlling every outcome, but when it comes to fertility, the corporate playbook stops working—leaving even the most successful leaders facing burnout in silence. In this episode of Lead with Balance, host Jessie Li sits down with Jennifer Sossna-McGrath, Founder of Ovul Concierge. After navigating six years of her own complex fertility struggles, Jennifer now helps women bridge the gap between medical realities and mental well-being. Today, she unpacks the unspoken truths of fertility, egg freezing, and family planning that every ambitious woman needs to consider before starting her journey. Jennifer shares actionable insights on: The Superwoman Trap & Invisible Load: Why high achievers struggle to ask for support, and how offloading logistics prevents emotional burnout. The Biological Reality of Egg Freezing: Demystifying egg reserve drop-offs after 30 and 35, AMH testing, and choosing the optimal time to act. Cross-Border Fertility Logistics & Financial Planning: Navigating treatment costs in expensive hubs like Hong Kong (150k HKD) versus destination medical hubs like Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Silent Struggles & Normalizing Grief: Breaking the taboos around miscarriage (1 in 5 pregnancies), male-factor infertility (40–50% of cases), and the hidden pain of internal competition/pregnancy announcements. 3-Month Mindset & Holistic Protocol: Essential daily habits, Mediterranean nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, and TCM support to optimize egg and sperm quality. Managing Career and Motherhood: Why having a baby isn't the end of your executive career path, especially with strong support systems. You cannot out-strategize your biological timeline, and you shouldn't have to navigate it in the dark. If you’re a high-achieving woman balancing a demanding career with the quiet pressure of family planning, consider this episode your wake-up call—and your roadmap for what to do next. Chapters: 00:00 - 00:30 Introduction to Lead with Balance & Guest Jennifer McGrath 00:31 - 01:35 What is Fertility Concierge Service & Why Ovio Concierge? 01:36 - 03:09 Jennifer’s Personal Journey and Inspiration 03:10 - 04:33 Overcoming the "Superwoman Trap" & Asking for Help 04:34 - 05:43 The Role of Concierge Support During Vulnerable Times 05:44 - 07:31 Egg Freezing: Ideal Age & Biological Reality 07:32 - 08:26 How Many Eggs Should You Freeze? 08:27 - 09:53 Factors to Consider: AMH Testing, Mindset & Support 09:54 - 11:12 Financial Considerations & Popular Overseas Destinations 11:13 - 13:37 Travel Logistics, Treatment Protocols & Downtime 13:38 - 15:37 Navigating Miscarriages & Silent Struggles 15:38 - 16:33 Mindset Shift & Building Supportive Communities 16:34 - 20:02 Breaking Taboos Around Miscarriage in Asian Culture 20:03 - 22:15 Managing Emotional Energy & Setting Personal Boundaries 22:16 - 23:41 Preparing for the Fertility Journey: A Marathon, Not a Sprint 23:42 - 25:04 Holistic Preparation: Nutrition & Lifestyle Changes 25:05 - 26:44 Balancing Career, Motherhood & Support Systems 26:45 - 29:01 Quick Fire Questions: Advice, Rest, and Hindsight 29:02 - 29:43 Closing Remarks & Where to Find Ovio Concierge Follow Jennifer McGrath: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sossna-mcgrath-016bb620 Website: ovulconcierge.com Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ⁠Fertility Expert: What Every Ambitious Woman Needs to Know About Fertility, Career, and Motherhood

  6. Sep 25

    The Longevity Doctor: What Women Should Know Before Biohacking

    In this episode of Lead with Balance, host Jessie Li sits down with Dr. med. Jan Stritzke, MaHM—Specialist in Cardiology & Internal Medicine, expert in precision prevention, longevity, and medical wellness, and Medical Director at Lanserhof Sylt. Drawing on decades of clinical experience at the intersection of cardiovascular health, healthy ageing, and functional diagnostics, Dr. Stritzke breaks down why the conventional playbook for performance fails high-performing women—and what actually works instead. Dr. Stritzke demystifies the distinction between lifespan and healthspan, exposing why blindly following viral wellness trends, NAD supplements, or extreme biohacks often backfires. Together, they walk through evidence-based, actionable protocols tailored for busy corporate leaders and entrepreneurs navigating chronic stress, perimenopause, travel, and high-pressure environments. In this episode, we cover: The Longevity Pyramid: Why standard preventive diagnostics (cancer screenings, cardiovascular checks, annual blood panels) must precede high-end longevity protocols.Hallmarks of Ageing: Identifying your unique personal ageing drivers—from gut dysbiosis to mitochondrial health—rather than copying generic routines.Movement & Key Longevity Biomarkers: Why hand grip strength and body impedance matter more than basic scale weight, and how spirometry/lactate testing identifies your true fat-burning zone.Fueling & Muscle Preservation: The truth about protein intake, the danger of constant mTOR overactivation, and why post-workout timing matters.Female-Specific Fasting Protocols: Why zero-calorie or aggressive fasting backfires for women (especially in the luteal phase), and how to align fasting with your hormonal cycle.Weight Gain, Stress & Bioidentical Hormones: Why elevated stress prevents weight loss regardless of caloric deficit, and how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protects muscle mass, bone density, and arterial health. If you’ve done everything right on paper and still feel exhausted, overcommitted, or frustrated by shifting metabolism, this conversation offers you science-based tools you can implement in your daily life! Chapters: 00:00 - 03:00 Introduction to Dr. Jan Stritzke & Redefining Longevity03:00 - 07:22 Lifespan vs. Healthspan & The Longevity Pyramid07:22 - 11:08 Personalizing Longevity: Hallmarks of Ageing & Peptides11:08 - 13:28 Key Physical Biomarkers: Hand Grip Strength & Body Impedance13:28 - 18:58 Cardio, Spirometry & Finding Your Optimal Fat-Burning Zone18:58 - 21:52 Strength Training, Protein Intake & Avoiding mTOR Overactivation21:52 - 28:11 Female Fasting Protocols & Cycle-Synced Nutrition28:11 - 33:00 Stress, Perimenopause Weight Gain & Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Follow Dr. Jan Stritzke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docstritzke/ Website: https://lanserhof.com/en/ Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Longevity Doctor: What Women Should Know Before Biohacking

  7. Sep 17

    Liz Bradford: When Working Harder Stops Working

    High-achieving women are rewarded for sprinting from day one—saying yes to everything, working twice as hard, and putting everyone else first. Until the system that got you here starts working against you. In this episode of Lead with Balance, host Jessie Li sits down with Liz Bradford, former MD and COO in global banking (HSBC, Bank of America), performance coach, qualified trainer, and co-founder of Maia. After 21 years at the top, Liz burned out twice—once in London, then again after moving to Australia thinking a “relaxed” new life would fix it. Changing countries, jobs, and industries didn’t work. The problem wasn’t the environment. It was the playbook. Liz shares the advice she wishes someone had given her in her 20s: your career is a marathon, not a sprint. She breaks down: Why taking time off isn’t enough—and what actually rebuilds you from burnoutThe four pillars of wellbeing (and the one she added herself)How to draw boundaries when you’re time-poor, in a male-dominated industry, and everyone’s urgent problem becomes yoursFinding purpose without quitting your job (values + strengths + passion)The physical protocols that actually work for high-performing women—especially after 35: protein targets, strength training over cardio, morning fuel to flatten cortisol, why calorie counting and long-term intermittent fasting often backfire, and simple supplements that support energy, muscle, and hormones Practical, evidence-based tools you can implement even when you’re exhausted, overcommitted, and still expected to outperform. If you’ve done everything right on paper and still feel like something fundamental isn’t working, this conversation is for you. Listen if you’re a high-achieving woman (corporate leader, entrepreneur, or rising talent) navigating high-stress environments, the sandwich generation, perimenopause, or the quiet question: Why am I still this tired? Chapters 00:00 - 02:27 Highlight02:27 - 05:00 Introduction to Guest Liz Bradford & Her Background05:00 - 08:04 Advice for Women in Their 20s: Pacing Your Career08:04 - 12:30 Recovering from Burnout & Setting Boundaries12:30 - 16:48 The Four Pillars of Well-Being & Finding Purpose16:48 - 19:40 Physical Health, Strength Training & Muscle Preservation19:40 - 24:34 Nutrition: Protein Intake, Cortisol & Intermittent Fasting Follow Liz Bradford: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizbradford/ Website: https://transformperform.ai Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeadWithBalance Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Liz Bradford: When Working Harder Stops Working

  8. Sep 11

    Turn Burnout Into Growth: How to Rewire Your Mind for Success

    Success in the corporate world often demands our complete dedication, but what happens when life throws everything at you all at once? In this episode of Lead with Balance, I sit down with Sanam Thakur, cognitive neuroscience expert and the founder of the "Rethink Lab", to unpack the reality of chronic stress and the neuroscience of resilience. As high-achieving professionals, we are conditioned to keep climbing the ladder, even when facing profound personal losses or internal struggles. We push through burnout, ignore our foundational needs, and continue to perform. But what happens when that relentless drive collides with major life shifts? In this episode, we dive deep into the convergence of major life events she experienced about 10 years ago: getting married, receiving a massive corporate promotion, and losing her mother. She reveals how these simultaneous events led to chronic stress, ultimately forcing her to step away from her career to rebuild her foundational self-awareness. If you've ever struggled to balance personal grief with professional expectations, or simply want to understand the science behind regaining control of your mind—this story will inspire you to rebuild your life. In this episode, you will learn: The Neuroscience of Flow: Understanding the critical differences between flow states and stress states in our daily lives.Redefining Resilience: Why Sanam shifted her core driver from achievement to resilience after the passing of her mother.Mental Scaffolding: How to identify your intrinsic values to build a sustainable psychological framework to overcome chronic stress.Navigating Non-Linear Paths: Lessons learned from dropping out, returning to graduate, and learning that resilience means maintaining a sense of balance while constantly moving forward. Chapters:  00:00 - 02:35 The Intro & Meet Sanam Thakur  02:35 - 06:10 From Berkeley to Hong Kong: Navigating a Non-Linear Path  06:10 - 12:45 The Convergence: Marriage, Corporate Directorship, and Grief  12:45 - 18:20 Understanding Cognitive Neuroplasticity & Positive Psychology  18:20 - 24:15 Flow States vs. Chronic Stress States  24:15 - 29:30 Shifting from Achievement to True Resilience  29:30 - 32:00 Building Your Mental Scaffolding Take Sanam Thakur’s Identify Your Core Intrinsic Values Quiz Here: https://therethin.kit.com/67f53a9b69  Follow Sanam Thakur: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanamthakur/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therethinkcoach  Website: https://lab.therethink.com/  Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/ Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Turn Burnout Into Growth: How to Rewire Your Mind for Success

  9. Sep 9

    The Cost of Perfectionism: How to Achieve More by Stressing Less

    Perfectionism is often worn like a badge of honor in the corporate world, but at what cost? In this episode of Lead with Balance, I sit down with Dr. Claire Christopher to unpack the hidden dangers of chronic overachievement. As high-achieving women, we are conditioned to wear masks. We put on our armor to survive in hyper-competitive, male-dominated industries, we strive for perfection to out-perform expectations, and we constantly put everyone else—our bosses, our partners, our children—before ourselves. But what happens when that relentless drive leads to burnout? Claire Christopher is a clinical psychologist, relationship counsellor, and clinical hypnotherapist with over 16 years of experience, currently serving as a Counsellor at Psynamo Group Limited and the President of the Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong. Before dedicating her practice to helping high-performing professionals break the cycle of toxic perfectionism, she spent 20 years navigating the intense, fast-paced finance industries of the UK and Hong Kong. She shares her unfiltered clinical expertise and personal journey to help us redefine our relationship with success. We dive deep into the impossible "rules" we unconsciously set for ourselves, how childhood protective mechanisms trap us in a cycle of overworking, and the courageous steps it takes to rebuild your life around your true values. She also provides a quick 20-question assessment to help you determine if perfectionism is becoming a problem for you. If you've ever felt the pressure to over-perform, struggled with the crushing weight of societal expectations, or simply forgot how to recharge yourself—this story will inspire you to reclaim your identity. In this episode, you will learn: The "Tipping Line": How to recognize when healthy ambition crosses into toxic perfectionism, triggering lack of sleep, anxiety, and relationship breakdowns.The Three Perfectionist Rules: A deep dive into Identity, Fear of Evaluation, and Relational Responsibility—and how these mechanisms trap high-achieving women.The "4,000 Weeks" Mindset: A powerful perspective shift to stop postponing joy and start prioritizing what truly matters in our short lives.Sustainable Ambition: Practical, easy-to-implement protocols to start saying "not now" and make room for true restorative rest. Take Dr. Claire Christopher's self check quiz: Are You a Perfectionist? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FvtKIFKrUnTkogtJnD34O17y8cPu0gy7/view?usp=drive_link What Type of Perfectionist Are You? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ImoGFQrNw0gAT0xqqWgJslChRgjS9SPP/view?usp=drive_link  Chapters: 00:00 - 02:35 The Intro & Meet Dr. Claire Christopher  02:35 - 04:10 What Inspired Her Research Into Perfectionism  04:10 - 06:33 Surviving The Boys' Club: 20 Years In High-Pressure Finance  06:33 - 10:16 The Root Of Perfectionism & Childhood Protective Mechanisms  10:16 - 13:35 Recognizing The Tipping Line To Burnout  13:35 - 15:10 The Severe Physical & Mental Costs Of Overworking  15:10 - 17:39 The 3 Unconscious Rules Driving Perfectionists  17:39 - 22:24 How To Actually Align Your Ambition With Your Core Values  22:24 - 25:07 Small Sustainable Changes & The Art of Saying "Not Now"  25:07 - 27:04 The "4,000 Weeks" Mindset  27:04 - 31:00 How To Reframe Perfectionism Into A Superpower  31:00 - 32:21 Outro & The 20-Question Assessment Tool Follow Claire Christopher: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-claire-christopher-b3774829/ Website: www.clairechristopher.com Follow Jessie Li: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ Website: https://www.jessieli.co/ Lead With Balance: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/  Youtube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-with-balance/  Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Cost of Perfectionism: How to Achieve More by Stressing Less

  10. Aug 27

    Jessie Li: Escaping Corporate Burnout & The Intimate Truth I’ve Never Shared

    For the first time ever, the microphone is turned on me. In this very special, completely unscripted second episode of Lead with Balance, I handed the interviewer's chair over to a close friend and agreed to answer whatever they asked me. No pre-screened questions. No preparation. Just the raw, unfiltered truth. As high-achieving women, we are conditioned to wear masks. We put on our armor to survive in hyper-competitive, male-dominated industries, we strive for perfection to out-perform expectations, and we constantly put everyone else—our bosses, our partners, our children—before ourselves. But what happens when the mask becomes too heavy? From navigating the hyper-intense world of investment banking to experiencing severe corporate burnout, I share my unfiltered journey of leaving a traditional career behind. We dive deep into the heavy reality of mom guilt, navigating a failing marriage while trying to keep it all together, and the courageous steps it takes to rebuild your life around your true passions. If you've ever felt the pressure to over-perform, struggled with the crushing weight of societal expectations, or simply forgot how to recharge yourself—this story will inspire you to reclaim your identity. In this episode, you will learn: The "Tabletop Strategy": A practical, easy-to-implement framework to catch and prevent corporate burnout before it breaks you.Somatic Release: How high-stress environments trap trauma in your body, and the exact physical protocols to release it.The "North Star Method": A powerful tool to cut through the noise of people-pleasing and reconnect with your authentic self.How to navigate the impossible double standards placed on working mothers without losing your mind. Chapters: 00:00 - 01:52 The Intro 01:52 - 03:17 Why I Handed Over The Microphone (And Relinquished Control) 03:17 - 06:23 Breaking Generational Expectations: Choosing My Own Path 06:23 - 10:48 The Overperformer's Trap & Surviving Male-Dominated Boardrooms 10:48 - 14:00 The Terrifying Reality Of Walking Away From "Success" 14:00 - 18:23 The "Tabletop Strategy": A Proven Framework To Stop Burnout 18:23 - 21:07 Hitting Rock Bottom: The Silent Reality Of A Failing Marriage 21:07 - 24:30 The Crushing Weight Of Mom Guilt & Impossible Career Choices 24:30 - 27:14 The Science Of Stress: How To Physically Release Trauma From Your Body 27:14 - 31:40 The Disease Of People-Pleasing (And How To Finally Cure It) 31:40 - 36:08 The Unspoken Double Standard For Working Mothers 36:08 - 39:56 How To Actually Empower The Next Generation Of Female Leaders 39:56 - 42:20 The "North Star Method": A Practical Tool To Reclaim Your Identity 42:20 - Dancing With Wolves: The Secret Behind My New Book Get to know us: Lead with Balance Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadwithbalance Lead with Balance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lead_with_balance Jessie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli Jessie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ More about Jessie: https://www.jessieli.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jessie Li: Escaping Corporate Burnout & The Intimate Truth I’ve Never Shared

  11. Aug 19

    What It Really Means to Lead with Balance

    Navigating a high-pressure career demands adaptability, but it should never require self-abandonment. Welcome to the inaugural episode of Lead with Balance—the ultimate space for high-achieving, ambitious women ready to shatter the old rules and redefine career success. Host Jessie Li dives deep into the critical intersection of authentic leadership, personal identity, and holistic well-being. Discover the exact roadmap to leading with undeniable power while staying radically grounded in your true self. You do not have to choose between your ambition and your well-being. Tune in now to reclaim both. Newsletter: https://leadwithbalance.substack.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What It Really Means to Lead with Balance
  • 11 Episodes

About

Lead with Balance is more than a podcast; it’s a community where high achievers support each other in redefining success. Hosted by global finance and entrepreneurial leader Jessie, the show brings you insightful conversations with top leaders, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and therapists. Together, we explore actionable strategies for authentic leadership, breaking through limiting norms, and doing the deep inner work required to connect to our authentic selves. Tune in to discover how to thrive in a high-stakes career without losing yourself—featuring practical wellness and longevity tips to optimize your performance and healthspan. Continue the conversation and elevate your journey by joining our Lead with Balance Monday newsletter. Newsletter: https://leadwithbalance.substack.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-li-cfa/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessieli/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information