In this premiere episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Erica Simon shares how design thinking's "bias to action" can transform our approach to personal and professional growth. Through her work at Stanford's d.school and beyond, Dr. Simon reveals practical strategies for breaking free from perfectionism and overthinking to create environments that actually support well-being. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, battling imposter syndrome, or trying to make a break-through in your personal growth, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on moving from insight to action.
Episode Highlights
- Understanding the difference between languishing and flourishing, and practical steps to move from one to the other
- How design thinking principles can be applied to personal well-being and career development
- Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt in academic and tech environments
- Why imposter syndrome affects female leaders more than men, and other gender gaps in career-related behaviors
- The role of "bias to action" in personal growth and why "failing forward" isn't really failing
Music: "Good Times" by Tommy Welton
Resources Mentioned
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek
- Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
- "More Isn't Always Better" - HBR, The Jam Experiment
- "Diversity, Stereotypes, and Intersectionality" - Margaret Shih, UCLA
- "Male and Female Entrepreneurs Get Asked Different Questions by VCs" HBR, Funding Gap Research
About Dr. Erica Simon
Dr. Simon has spent over 15 years working in healthcare and workplace settings, addressing the anxiety, stress, and burnout endemic to modern culture. Find her on:
Get in Touch
Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.
Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your o
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.