Ep 85. “Making It Without Losing It” with Forbes Top Rated Speaker Jess Ekstrom

In this episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and entrepreneur Jess Ekstrom to explore how we can pursue meaningful success without losing ourselves in the process.Jess explains why reaching the next milestone rarely creates the lasting fulfillment we expect, how the “post-achievement letdown” keeps high achievers chasing more, and why deciding what is enough is essential for sustainable ambition.They also discuss perfectionism, imposter feelings, motherhood, and Jess’s experience with postpartum depression. Jess shares how becoming a mother changed her identity, priorities, and relationship with productivity, and why successful women should be more transparent about the support that makes their work possible.Jess also reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of leading with clarity instead of trying to be liked, and her mission to help more women share their ideas from the stage.This conversation is an honest reminder that ambition itself isn’t the problem. What matters is who you become along the way, and whether you view the space between where you are and where you want to be as a painful deficit or an exciting experiment.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why accomplishments don’t always create fulfilmentWhat causes the post-achievement letdownHow to define what “enough” means in your current seasonWhy caring less about others’ perceptions can improve your workHow motherhood can reshape identity and ambitionWhy clarity is one of the kindest qualities a leader can offerHow to view your ambitions as an experiment rather than a deficitAbout Jess EkstromJess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, investor in women, best selling author, Forbes Top Rated Speaker and mom.Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess and her companies have been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America and more. More importantly, her companies have helped millions of women and girls around the world.She’s the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Making it Without Losing it. Her hobbies include writing, hiking, board games with her husband,Connect with Jess EkstromInstagram: www.instagram.com/jess_ekstromFacebook: www.facebook.com/jessekstromX: www.twitter.com/jess_ekstromTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessekstromLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-59160342/Mic Drop Workshop: https://micdropworkshop.com/Website: https://jessekstrom.com/About the HostDr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Workplace Wellness, Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.✅Want to explore Corporate Wellness Consulting and Fractional Well-being Officer work With Dr. Shabbir?Learn More:https://dramnashabbir.com/corporate-wellness-consulting/ Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s  🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization?Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ✨ What Type of Perfectionism is Sabotaging Your Success?Take the FREE 3-minute quiz and discover your predominant perfectionism pattern (Self-Critic? Frustrated Fixer? Performer? Sustainable High-Achiever?). You'll get a personalized podcast episode designed for YOUR type + a