March 10, 2025

Leading with Heart: Emotional Health for High Performers - David Charlson | Ep. #68

Show Notes
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David is a serial entrepreneur. He has helped launch and sell two multi-million dollar businesses, worked in the mortgage industry, and was CEO of a pet-food company, WAG.

His passion, however, is supporting high-performers in being connected to themselves and their families, while excelling in their work. His clients have included one of the largest hedge fund managers in the world, a Grammy award winner, and one of the biggest marketers on the planet.

Today, we’re diving into something I know many of us wrestle with: staying emotionally grounded while leading at the top—whether you’re running a company, chasing big goals, or just trying to show up as your best self. David’s got this rare ability to blend high-level leadership wisdom with a heart that’s always on, and I can’t wait to unpack that with him. So, let’s get into it—here’s my chat with David Charlson, a guy who makes me, and hopefully you, a little better just by listening.

Key Takeaways:

Emotional Health Starts with Authenticity: David defines emotional health as staying connected to your true self, not defaulting to self-protective patterns.
Psychological Safety Drives Performance: Drawing from Google’s Aristotle Project, David emphasizes that leaders must model vulnerability—sharing struggles and ideas—to create teams where innovation and honesty thrive.
Practical Anchors for Resilience: Under pressure, use "anchors" (e.g., inspiring quotes, memories) and "catalytic behaviors" (e.g., outdoor time) to reconnect with your authentic self quickly and consistently.
Release, Don’t Suppress: High performance doesn’t mean ignoring emotions. David and Josh advocate facing inner critics—crying, shaking, or jogging through them—to emerge more present and powerful.
Feedback Requires Filters: Stay open to feedback but test it against your "who"—your authentic identity. Surround yourself with "healthy mirrors" (trusted friends or coaches) to discern truth from distortion.
Masculinity and Femininity in Balance: David redefines leadership as embracing all expressions—sensitive or fierce—without labels, creating space for business creativity and strength.