Ep 24. Busy Brain and Cultural Pressure with Dr. Romie Mushtaq

What if perfectionism isn't just a mindset problem but a neurological one?

In this transformative episode of Success Reimagined, host Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq as they unravel the hidden connection between burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism and how to heal from the inside out.

Dr. Romie introduces the concept of "busy brain", a state driven by neuroinflammation and chronic stress, and outlines a science-backed protocol that has helped thousands of high achievers find clarity, focus, and peace. From redefining South Asian cultural expectations to dismantling internalized perfectionism, this conversation is raw, validating, and deeply liberating.

Together, they explore:

✅What the “Busy Brain” really is and why it’s not just anxiety or ADHD
✅Why perfectionism may actually stem from inflammation and ego, not just personality
✅The Busy Brain Test and how to score your stress levels
✅How cultural narratives impact South Asian women’s mental health and ambition
✅What it means to “define your own decade” and make your own life list
✅Why therapy isn’t weakness but a peak performance strategy

👤 About The Guest:

Dr. Romie Mushtaq is a triple board-certified physician in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness, blending the power of science with the wisdom of holistic healing. She is the founder of the BrainSHIFT Institute and currently serves as the Chief Wellness Officer at Great Wolf Resorts, where she leads mental and physical wellness initiatives for over 12,000 employees.

A sought-after keynote speaker and corporate wellness strategist, Dr. Romie has helped Fortune 500 companies and global organizations address burnout, optimize brain health, and elevate leadership performance. She is also the author of the USA Today and Amazon bestselling book, The Busy Brain Cure, which presents a groundbreaking protocol to heal chronic stress and reclaim focus, energy, and emotional resilience.

Her expertise has been featured on NPR, NBC, TEDx, and in Forbes, but what makes her message resonate is her lived experience—recovering from professional burnout and rediscovering her purpose. With compassion, clarity, and science-backed insight, Dr. Romie empowers high achievers to silence the noise, align with their purpose, and lead with both heart and brain.

🔗Connect with Dr. Romie:

💻 Website: https://drromie.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drromie/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drromie/

🎙About the Host:
Dr. Amna Shabbir is a Dual Board-certified Physician, Master Certified Coach, Professional Speaker, Employee Wellness Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, and Super Mom. She empowers high achievers to redefine success and create sustainable well-being via coaching, speaking, and virtual programs. Dr.Shabbir is the Founder of Amna Shabbir Wellness Coaching and the Early Career Physicians Institute®.

This episode is part of her special book-writing project on unmasking perfectionism.

🔗Connect with Dr. Shabbir:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking

❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.

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