Are you stuck in the cycle of doing more but not actually growing? In this powerful conversation, leadership researcher and bestselling author Ryan Gottfredson breaks down the crucial difference between being and doing and why upgrading who you are matters far more than upgrading your to-do list.
Whether you're a leader, creator, entrepreneur, or someone navigating burnout, this episode will help you understand why traditional self-improvement often fails… and what it really takes to transform your life from the inside out.
With Ryan, we explore why high achievers often hit invisible ceilings, why burnout keeps returning, and how your inner operating system — your mindsets, nervous system, identity, and sense-making — determine the quality of your relationships, leadership, and long-term success.
In today’s world, we’re taught to hustle harder, learn more skills, collect certifications, and keep pushing. But Ryan reveals a life-changing truth:
Real transformation doesn’t start with doing more; it begins with becoming more.
Together, we explore why high achievers often hit invisible ceilings, why burnout keeps returning, and how your inner operating system, your mindsets, nervous system, identity, and sense-making determine the quality of your relationships, leadership, and long-term success.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The game-changing difference between horizontal vs. vertical development
✅ Why the most skilled people still struggle to lead effectively
✅ How your childhood wiring shapes your adult decision-making
✅ What “heat experiences” are and how they can fuel rapid growth
✅ Practical tools for strengthening self-regulation and emotional resilience
✅ How to shift out of self-protection and into value creation
✅ Why you can’t outwork or outthink a dysregulated nervous system
✅ How identity, confidence, and self-worth impact your leadership
✅ Simple daily practices to develop your “being” side
Why You Should Watch:
If you're ready to lead with clarity, reduce burnout, and unlock deeper personal transformation, this episode is for you.
Connect with Ryan Gottfredson
🌐 Website: https://ryangottfredson.com
Connect with Starter Girlz Podcast
🌐 Website: https://startergirlz.com
🙌 Partner: Walt Mills Productions
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