Can achievement become a coping mechanism? In this classic episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and former Facebook and Twitter growth leader Andy Johns to talk about the connection between childhood trauma, anxiety, achievement, and self-worth. Andy shares how growing up with instability, loss, and trauma shaped his relentless drive to succeed, why panic attacks eventually forced him to confront his mental health, and how years of healing helped him realize that achievement and self-love are not the same thing. We also dive into PTSD, entrepreneurship, intrusive thoughts, overwork, and why so many successful people struggle to slow down even after they've reached their goals. Tune in to learn why healing is the most important achievement of all.

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In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 What’s the connection between achievement and self-worth?

05:00 What "growth" really means in the startup world.

07:15 Why entrepreneurs are more likely to struggle with mental health conditions.

08:45 How anxiety can fuel exceptional performance and success.

15:00 Why speaking publicly about mental health felt so risky.

18:30 What are intrusive thoughts?

20:30 How childhood trauma can shape adult anxiety and depression.

25:15 The childhood experiences that contributed to Andy's PTSD.

30:15 When does achievement become an addiction?

34:15 How to recognize when overachievement is masking emotional pain.

35:45 Why mental health is about more than brain chemistry.

36:45 What is the biopsychosocial model of mental health?

38:15 How your experiences shape the way you think, feel, and live.

Resources + Links

Read Andy's writing at https://andyjohns.substack.com

Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever

Watch the podcast on YouTube

Find more resources on our website morraam.com

Follow

Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Follow Andy: on LinkedIn @andrewjohns + Substack @cluesdotlife