EP183 Self-Compassion Tools for High Achievers

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What if being kind to yourself wasn’t just a nice idea—but the key to better relationships, leadership, and daily peace?

In this episode, Angela sits down with executive coach and author Massimo Backus to explore what self-compassion in action really looks like—especially for high achievers and recovering perfectionists. With Sami on a surprise maternity leave (yay!), Angela and Massimo keep it real, diving into everything from early childhood stories and emotional filters to workplace typos and repairing strained relationships.

You’ll learn:

• Why self-love is hard to say—and even harder to practice
• How childhood coping strategies become adult roadblocks
• The 3-part framework for building a self-compassion habit
• Why trying to "silence" your inner critic doesn’t work
• How to respond differently (and more kindly) to conflict, failure, and feedback

This isn’t fluff. It’s practical, transformative, and—yes—a little messy. But that’s what makes it so powerful.

📘 Grab Massimo’s Book:

Human First, Leader Second: How Self-Compassion Outperforms Self-Criticism
Perfect for leaders, professionals, and anyone ready to rethink the myth that harshness equals success.

🔗 Connect with Massimo:

• Website: massimobackus.com
• LinkedIn: Massimo Backus

🎧 Whether you're deep into your healing journey or just starting to realize you’ve been too hard on yourself, this episode is your permission slip to soften, reframe, and show up differently—starting today.

Order Traveling Light wherever you get your books!

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