Anxiety At Work? Reduce Stress, Uncertainty & Boost Mental Health

Adrian Gostick & Chester Elton
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Dec 8, 2025 • 2min

Author Intro: The Culture Works Podcast

Hi, Chester Elton here. And Adrian Gostick. If you've been listening to our podcast, Anxiety at Work, first and foremost, we just want to say thank you. You know, we started that podcast during a really stressful time. There was a lot of anxiety. There was a lot of pressure. And those conversations were important. And by the way, they still are.  Right. But the conversation's evolving in leadership. And so are we. So we're launching a new podcast. It's called Culture Works podcast. It's about human -centered leadership. It's how it's changing the world and what the mission of leaders is today.  - How to build those workplaces where people really want to come and give their best. - What we're talking about is how we deal with real leadership challenges like managing hybrid teams,  - what recognition looks like for multi -generational workforces,  - how you build psychological safety during times of uncertainty and change, which we're all going through. Now, we're still going to delve into of the challenges you're dealing with, anxiety and burnout, and the human side of leadership. But we're also talking about what you have to do to get the culture right. The business outcomes, you know, the advantages, why it's a differentiator, how retention wins, and the moments when leadership actually works. So here's what we're asking you to do. If you don't mind, and we would love you to do this, subscribe to the Culture Works podcast.  Whatever you're listening to right now, make the Culture Works podcast part of your regular routine.  And join us to help build something better.  You know, there's lots of good people out there, lots of good leaders, and they want to share what they know with you.  And that's what we're going to do.  So thanks for listening, everybody.  Come on over to the Culture Work podcast.  You're welcome there too. Support the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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Jun 6, 2025 • 5min

Author Recap: Why Self-Compassion Is Your Secret Advantage

In a world that tells us to hustle harder and keep on our game face, self-criticism has become endemic for many people. But what if that voice in our heads is making us more anxious and less effective?Key TakeawaysSelf-Compassion Fuels Sustainable SuccessDetach Productivity from Self-WorthMindfulness Doesn’t Have to Be ComplicatedSpecial Thanks🎧 Production: Brent Klein🌟 Guest Coordination: Christy Lawrence🎯 Free Resources: TheCultureWorks.comNotable Quotes“Criticism comes from fear. Compassion comes from love.” – Matt Kovachis“Detach your productivity from your worth. Your value isn’t tied to your output.” – Matt Kovachis“When you’re kind to yourself, it becomes effortless to be kind to others.” – Matt KovachisWe encourage you to listen to the full episode here...Support the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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Jun 4, 2025 • 28min

Why Self-Compassion Is Your Secret Advantage

In a world that tells us to hustle harder and keep on our game face, self-criticism has become endemic for many people. But what if that voice in our heads is making us more anxious and less effective?In today’s fast-paced, perfection-driven world, self-criticism has become second nature—and for many, a barrier to mental health and professional growth. But what if self-compassion isn’t weakness, but a secret superpower?This week, Chester and Adrian sit down with Matt Kovatchis, a certified coach, mindfulness facilitator, and founder of Purposely Present Coaching, to explore the real cost of negative self-talk—and the liberating shift toward self-acceptance.Matt shares his personal journey from corporate burnout to emotional breakthrough, offering powerful strategies for developing resilience, reducing anxiety, and building a fulfilling life based on authenticity—not approval.Key TakeawaysSelf-Compassion Fuels Sustainable SuccessDetach Productivity from Self-WorthMindfulness Doesn’t Have to Be ComplicatedSpecial Thanks🎧 Production: Brent Klein🌟 Guest Coordination: Christy Lawrence🎯 Free Resources: TheCultureWorks.comNotable Quotes“Criticism comes from fear. Compassion comes from love.” – Matt Kovatchis“Detach your productivity from your worth. Your value isn’t tied to your output.” – Matt Kovatchis“When you’re kind to yourself, it becomes effortless to be kind to others.” – Matt KovatchisSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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May 23, 2025 • 5min

Author Recap: Transform Your Work Relationships by Active Listening

🔔 Subscribe & Share this episode if you believe leaders can—and should—create workplaces where people actually want to listen.What You'll Learn:Why deep listening is a radical act in today’s distracted worldHow leaders can balance empathy and efficiency in the workplaceThe surprising benefits of listening to your "foes"How self-reflection and curiosity make you a better listenerWhy listening ≠ agreement—and how to hold boundaries while staying presentA real-world story from Latvia that illustrates deep listening's power in divided communitiesWe encourage you to listen to the full episode here...Support the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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May 21, 2025 • 26min

Transform Your Work Relationships by Active Listening

These days, with everyone multitasking and constantly plugged in, real connection can feel rare. But what if the key to resilience and healthy relationships wasn't about talking more, but listening better? In a world filled with noise, distraction, and division, could the simple act of truly listening be the key to deeper connection, better mental health, and greater understanding—even across opposing viewpoints? In this powerful and timely episode, Chester and Adrian are joined by journalist and workplace mediator Emily Kasriel, whose upcoming book, Deep Listening, explores how we can transform our relationships by listening not just to others—but also to ourselves.Emily shares her 8-step method rooted in science and real-world examples—from Nelson Mandela’s reconciliation efforts to Indigenous listening rituals—showing how active listening can ease anxiety, bridge divides, and foster psychological safety at work and at home.What You'll Learn:Why deep listening is a radical act in today’s distracted worldHow leaders can balance empathy and efficiency in the workplaceThe surprising benefits of listening to your "foes"How self-reflection and curiosity make you a better listenerWhy listening ≠ agreement—and how to hold boundaries while staying presentA real-world story from Latvia that illustrates deep listening's power in divided communitiesNotable Quotes:“We rarely listen to understand. We listen to respond.” – Emily Kasriel “Listening does not signal agreement. It signals respect.” – Emily Kasriel “Being curious is the gateway to empathy and connection.” – Adrian GostickSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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May 16, 2025 • 7min

Author Recap: Be Shatterproof: Discover The New Science of Resilience

🔔 Subscribe & Share this episode if you believe leaders can—and should—create workplaces where people actually want to show up.What you will learn     Resilience Has a Limit — and That’s Okay     Self-Awareness is the New Strengt     Use the 2-2-2 Method to Regain Control🧠 Featured Quote:“This season needs a new strategy. Stop white-knuckling it—and choose to be an active participant in your own life.” — Dr. Tasha EurichListen to the full episode hereSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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9 snips
May 14, 2025 • 33min

Be Shatterproof: Discover The New Science of Resilience

Dr. Tasha Eurich, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author of Shatterproof, offers a fresh take on resilience rooted in self-awareness. She argues against relentless grit and shares a four-step roadmap to grow stronger without breaking. Practical tools include the 2-2-2 pause, grounding practices, and ways to spot triggers and unmet needs.
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May 9, 2025 • 7min

Author Recap: Letting Go of What Holds Us Back

🔔 Subscribe & Share this episode if you believe leaders can—and should—create workplaces where people actually want to show up.Top Takeaways1. Unhealthy Attachments Are Rooted in FearDr. Rosen explains that we all carry mental baggage—attachments to things like success, control, perfection, and even the future—that stem from deep-rooted fears. Identifying and confronting these fears is the first step to personal and professional freedom. 2. “Just Enough Anxiety” Is a Good ThingAnxiety isn’t always bad. In fact, a moderate amount can serve as a motivator. Too little can lead to complacency; too much causes chaos. The sweet spot—just enough anxiety—helps us grow, stay alert, and push past comfort zones.3. Living in the Present Unlocks FulfillmentBob’s formula for a well-balanced mindset: 10% in the past, 20% in the future, and 70% in the present. Being overly attached to what’s next—or what was—keeps us from experiencing contentment and clarity right now.Support the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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May 7, 2025 • 33min

Letting Go of What Holds Us Back

Hosts: Chester Elton & Adrian Gostick Guest: Dr. Bob Rosen, Psychologist & Author of Detach: Ditch Your Baggage to Live a More Fulfilling Life Run Time: Approx. 45 minutes Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWith a world full of uncertainty—from global unrest to economic instability—it’s no surprise that anxiety is on the rise. In this uplifting and enlightening conversation, Chester and Adrian welcome renowned psychologist Dr. Bob Rosen, who brings both deep expertise and personal vulnerability to the mic. Bob shares insights from his latest and most personal book, Detach, where he outlines the 10 unhealthy attachments that hold us back—and how to break free.Drawing on decades of coaching CEOs and working with global leaders, Bob introduces a transformational framework that helps people let go of fear-based behaviors and embrace a life filled with clarity, contentment, and connection.“Detach doesn’t mean disconnect—it means freeing yourself to live with intention.” — Dr. Bob RosenSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...
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Apr 12, 2025 • 5min

Author recap: The Three Cs of Meaningful Work: Community, Contribution & Challenge

In a world of complexity, purpose at work is still the clearest path to resilience and results.🔔 Subscribe & Share this episode if you believe leaders can—and should—create workplaces where people actually want to show up.Key Takeaways: - Meaningful Work is Built on the Three Cs: Community, Contribution, and Challenge - Small Moments Create Big Meaning: Leaders don’t need grand gestures to make work meaningful - Meaning is Contagious—Start by Creating it for Others: One of the most effective ways to deepen your own sense of purpose is to help others find meaning in their work.We encourage you to listen to the full episode and as always, we hope the time you spend with us will help remove the stigma of anxiety and mental health in the workplace and your personal life.Support the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you  find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams.They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...

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