Help Wanted – How to Master Your Super Power

Episode Date: August 21, 2025
Hosts: Jason Feifer & Nicole Lapin

Brief Overview

In this episode, Jason Feifer explores the complex relationship between our biggest strengths—our "superpowers"—and their hidden downsides, sharing personal stories and actionable advice inspired by clinical psychologist Martin Dubin’s new book, Blind Spotting. The episode unpacks how traits that drive our success can unconsciously morph into liabilities unless we actively manage them. Practical steps are offered for listeners to identify and balance their own superpowers for greater workplace effectiveness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Superpowers as Double-Edged Swords

• Main Message:
  The episode opens with Jason urging listeners to “reflect on today: what if your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness?” (00:33).
• Martin Dubin's Theory:
  Clinical psychologist Martin Dubin is cited: "Our challenges often emerge from investing too heavily in our strengths… super strengths become supernovas and tip into qualities that frustrate people around us and get in the way of our success." (00:44)
  • Examples:
    • Confident → Arrogant
    • Friendly extrovert → Overwhelming
    • Visionary → Poor execution
    • Agreeable boss → Indecisive

2. Jason’s Personal Story: “My Energy Was My Kryptonite”

• Jason recounts his early days on the keynote speaking circuit:
  • He believed his high energy was his unique advantage.
  • Four years ago, his wife gave him crucial feedback: “You were great, but the energy was way too much. It felt like you were screaming at people. And that constant energy felt like its own form of monotone.” (01:49)
  • Upon reviewing a video, Jason realized he was "an uncontrolled explosion, and it was a liability." (02:07)
• Insight: Even our gifts can become career hindrances if left unchecked.

3. Understanding 'Trait Blind Spots'

• Dubin’s Concept:
  “We are not as self aware as we believe. We tend to feel as if most of our traits, instincts and feelings are like everyone else's, except for where we see ourselves as exceptional or gifted in ways that we imagine can only serve as positive.” (02:26)
• Jason’s Admissions:
  Three personal examples of strengths gone awry:
  • Juggling projects → Overcommitting (02:54)
  • Asking questions → Overstepping boundaries
  • Being accessible → Creating email bottlenecks

4. How to Identify and Manage Your Superpower's Downsides

A. Finding the Problem

• Dubin’s Three Methods: (03:25)
  1. The “Too” Test:
     • List your standout qualities (decisive, collaborative, careful, etc.), then ask: Am I too decisive? Too collaborative? Too careful?
  2. Notice Complaints:
     • Are you criticized for excessive versions of your strengths? (e.g., thorough but slow to act)
  3. Context Dependency:
     • Does your superpower serve you less well in a new setting? (e.g., consensus builder at a startup)

B. Managing Your Blind Spot

• Dubin’s Practical Advice:
  “It is almost always more productive to become aware of our traits and then manage around them.” (04:33)
• Action Steps: (04:45)
  • Don’t try to suppress your instincts; instead, surround yourself with people— or create systems— to fill gaps your superpower leaves.
  • Example: CEO Mila, an introvert. Solution:
    • Hired Chief of Communications for external duties
    • Booked Mila only for critical external meetings
    • Embraced her introverted identity in branding
    • Set up comfortable employee breakfasts (05:29)
  • Bottom line: Pair self-awareness with strategic adjustments for optimal team and company performance.

5. Jason’s Resolution and Broader Takeaway

• How He Changed:

  • Deliberately experimented with a more natural, balanced speaking style on podcasts, dialing energy down to “maybe 70%” of previous levels (06:15)
  • Reframed his superpower: from “high energy” to “highly engaging”
  • Feedback from friends & clients reflected the positive shift: "Clients started wanting to bring me back for second or even third engagements, which never happened before." (06:40)

• Final Reflection:

  • "Success comes from balance, not from one strength alone. We cannot fall victim to our own excellence." (07:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Martin Dubin:
  • “Our challenges often emerge from investing too heavily in our strengths… The super strengths become supernovas and tip into qualities that frustrate people around us and get in the way of our success.” (00:44)
  • “It is almost always more productive to become aware of our traits and then manage around them.” (04:33)
• Jason Feifer:
  • “My job is to wake people up and hold their attention...But the energy was way too much. It felt like you were screaming at people.” (01:36)
  • “After a while, industry friends, including actually Nicole, my co host here on Help Wanted, started to notice and compliment me on this new presentation style." (06:40)
  • "Success comes from balance, not from one strength alone. We cannot fall victim to our own excellence." (07:10)

Important Timestamps

• 00:33 – Reflection: Strengths vs. weaknesses
• 01:36 – Jason’s wife delivers pivotal feedback
• 02:26 – Dubin on trait blind spots & self-awareness
• 03:25 – Dubin’s three strategies for identifying superpower liabilities
• 04:33 – Dubin’s advice on managing around your blind spot
• 05:29 – CEO Mila case study
• 06:15 – Jason describes his adjustment process
• 06:40 – Feedback and client success
• 07:10 – Final reflection on balance

Episode Tone

Warm, candid, and constructive—Jason uses personal vulnerability to explore professional growth, in line with the show’s practical, advice-driven ethos.

For more insights or to submit your own work issue, contact the show at helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com.