Ep 37 - Alex Østergaard: How to Stop Overthinking and build Self-Trust

This is Alex Østergaard, coach and author of Dissolving Overthinking, who helps high achievers break free from overthinking, self-pressure, and the constant need to perform. His work focuses on uncovering the unconscious patterns that drive success on the outside—but create tension on the inside.In this episode, we dig into:Why high achievers often feel stuck despite doing everything rightHow early success patterns turn into pressure later in lifeThe hidden cost of always performing, pleasing, and provingWhy awareness alone isn’t enough to change your patternsAnd what it actually takes to feel aligned—not just successfulLet’s dive in.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/innerfreedomwithalex/Book: https://www.dissolvingoverthinking.com/The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to share insights on data, communication, and personal development.Highlight:00:00:00 – Teaser00:00:08 – Introducing Alex Østergaard00:01:32 – What “overthinking” really is00:02:41 – Where these patterns start00:04:05 – Performing, pleasing, proving00:05:38 – Why success can feel empty00:07:12 – Being capable but disconnected00:08:46 – The idea of being “over-adapted”00:10:03 – Why awareness isn’t enough00:11:27 – Control vs. self-trust00:13:02 – Letting go of performance identity00:14:36 – Emotional suppression and success00:16:08 – Why change feels unsafe00:17:42 – Recognizing your patterns in daily life00:19:10 – From insight to real change00:21:03 – Building a different relationship with yourself00:23:18 – What alignment actually feels like00:25:04 – Who this work is for00:27:12 – First step: uncovering your pattern00:29:30 – Final message

This is Achille Ettorre, a global keynote speaker and author of The Digital Advantage, who helps leaders move from AI confusion to real competitive advantage. With experience across Fortune 500 companies and building large-scale analytics programs, he knows what actually makes AI work inside organizations and why most efforts fail.In this episode, we dig into:Why AI is not a technology problem—but a people and process problemThe biggest mistake leaders make when adopting AIWhat leaders consistently underestimate about AIWhy human judgment and connection still matterAnd how AI can create more freedom in both work and lifeLet’s dive in.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achille-ettorre/Website: https://www.achilleettorre.com/The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to share insights on data, communication, and personal development.Highlights:00:00:00 – Teaser00:00:14 – Introducing Achille Ettorre00:01:28 – Background in data and early experiences00:02:27 – Mindset and continuous learning00:03:55 – AI and its broader impact00:04:42 – Using AI in daily life00:05:22 – Parenting and skill development00:06:08 – Career and personal life balance00:07:47 – Ethics and responsibility in AI00:09:09 – Preparing for what’s ahead00:10:08 – Education and AI00:11:23 – People, process, and technology00:13:18 – Challenges in organizations00:14:28 – Business vs. data perspectives00:15:16 – Rapid-fire questions00:15:57 – Common mistakes00:16:31 – Skills for the future00:16:51 – Misconceptions about AI00:17:19 – Human vs. AI00:17:34 – Explaining AI simply00:18:06 – Defining balance00:21:00 – Final takeaway

This is Rosanne Werner, she built a global data mindset program for 2,000+ people at Coca-Cola, helping teams make data a habit, not just a tool. With a background in finance, data, and behavioral science, she knows exactly why AI and analytics often fail to get adopted—and how to fix it.In this episode, we dig into:Why habits—not dashboards—drive a data-driven cultureHow to reduce friction so people actually use dataThe role of social learning in making AI tools stickAnd why AI can support soft skills—but never replace human connectionLet’s dive in.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanne-werner/The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development. 00:00:01 – Introduction by Gilbert00:00:35 – Biggest leadership mistake in data00:00:37 – Lead by example drives adoption00:02:24 – Habit loop for AI change00:04:39 – Making tools easy to use00:05:56 – Resistance: trust and relevance00:08:02 – Storytelling to gain buy-in00:09:26 – Emotions drive decision-making00:11:11 – AI fails from unclear goals00:13:28 – Translating numbers into stories00:14:46 – Insights profile: blue & yellow00:17:50 – Tailoring message to audience00:18:57 – Tips for active listening00:21:16 – Reading body language in meetings00:23:24 – AI as sparring partner00:24:50 – Five C’s for future skills00:27:54 – AI takes on grunt work00:29:05 – Neuroscience for better learning00:30:24 – Power of group learning00:39:22 – Key takeaway

Aliénor Hunter used to be a data analyst with huge social anxiety. Panicking over simple things, like ordering a sandwich.Speaking up felt terrifying.But she made a super inspiring transformation.Now, she’s a public speaking coach for Ultraspeaking, working with teams at Google and Netflix.She’s helping others go from anxious to confident.If you struggle with social anxiety or often overthink what to say…You’ll love this episode.We talk about:- The #1 mindset shift to reduce anxiety- How to not freeze when asked an unexpected question- A simple trick to make your presentations 10x more engaging- And why you don’t need perfect words to be a great communicatorLet’s jump in.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali%C3%A9nor-hunter-08a962186/The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development. Timestamps:00:00:00 – Intro & guest background00:01:13 – Childhood social anxiety story00:04:53 – From analyst to coach00:06:09 – Root cause of anxiety00:09:57 – Building evidence to challenge fears00:14:00 – Anticipation worse than speaking00:16:09 – Going first builds confidence00:17:54 – Speaking before thinking00:21:45 – Small talk and spontaneity00:25:47 – Power of pausing00:29:41 – Pauses in data presentations00:33:46 – Storytelling in business presentations00:40:52 – Showing your personality00:44:39 – Handling unexpected audience questions00:56:05 – Final advice

Douglas Laneyformer Gartner analyst, bestselling author of "Infonomics and Data Juice."He’s also the reason companies around the world are rethinking how they treat data; not just as information, but as a real business asset.Here’s what you’ll learn:How to "measure the ROI of your data"Why selling data is just "1 of 12 monetization strategies"How to use "storytelling and use cases" to influence non-technical stakeholdersHow to spark "creativity" in a data teamAnd the real story behind a billion-dollar search engine tweak at WalmartLet’s jump in.Linkedin:   / douglaney  Books:Infonomics: https://www.amazon.com/Infonomics-Mon...Data Juice: https://www.amazon.com/Data-Juice-Org...The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development. Timestamps:00:00:01 – Intro: Doug Laney’s data impact00:00:52 – What you'll learn in this episode00:07:16 – Innovation mindset for data professionals00:08:00 – 9/11 and the idea behind Infonomics00:09:31 – Treating data as a true business asset00:11:20 – 12 ways to monetize data00:12:42 – How to prioritize data ideas00:14:40 – Creativity over dashboards00:15:44 – Use cases as innovation drivers00:16:54 – Doug’s “Digital Twin” chatbot00:17:40 – What "Data Juice" really means00:19:30 – 3 approaches to valuing data00:23:01 – Walmart’s $1B search engine fix00:25:18 – Leading indicators in data strategy00:26:20 – Bridging the data-business gap00:28:15 – Building trust through metadata and storytelling00:29:30 – Rapid fire: mistakes, myths, and habits00:31:12 – Aligning analytics with business goals00:34:12 – Humor’s role in storytelling00:40:40 – Final takeaway: treat data like an asset

Today I spoke with Steve Huynh. He spent 18 years at Amazon, rising from the bottom ranks to Principal Engineer.Then he walked away.Now? He’s building his own thing, with 170,000+ YouTube subscribers. He’s helped thousands of tech professionals grow their careers.In this episode, you’ll learn:- What finally pushed Steve to leave Amazon- How introverts can build real relationships at work- A practical way to kill imposter syndrome- How storytelling can help you explain tech to non-technical peopleLet’s jump into the conversation.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-life-engineered/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@ALifeEngineeredThe MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development.Timestamps:00:00:01 – Why tech work often gets ignored00:00:13 – Meet Steve Huynh: Amazon to YouTube00:01:05 – What finally pushed him to quit00:03:07 – “I was holding myself back”00:04:50 – A book changed everything00:06:52 – No one cared about his YouTube00:09:14 – Family pressure after quitting Amazon00:10:20 – The trap of pleasing others00:13:45 – His way to kill imposter syndrome00:18:21 – Why tech folks crave escape00:22:41 – Storytelling helped him get promoted00:27:16 – You’re invisible without communication00:32:37 – Build connection without small talk00:36:27 – What YouTube taught him about growth00:41:03 – Becoming a dad changed his drive00:49:54 – The bathtub strategy for long-term wins

Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic is the bestselling author of Storytelling with Data. She’s the founder and CEO of the company by the same name, and she’s trained thousands of professionals around the world to communicate data in a way that actually makes people care.And that’s why she matters to you, because if you’ve ever shared a great insight and nothing happened… this episode will help you fix that.You’ll learn:- Why most presentations fail and how to make yours stick- How to prep your data story before touching PowerPoint- How to read your audience in real-time- The shift that helped Cole go from anxious to confidentLet’s dive in.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colenussbaumer/Books:Storytelling with Data: Before and After - Practical Makeovers for Powerful Data Stories -https://a.co/d/aWOyEEJStorytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals - https://a.co/d/aWOyEEJStorytelling with Data: Let's Practice! - https://a.co/d/eK3L5elStorytelling with You: Plan, Create, and Deliver a Stellar Presentation - https://a.co/d/ceway9oDaphne Draws Data - https://www.daphnedrawsdata.com/The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development. Timestamps:00:00:00 – Why color is the most underused data strategy00:01:42 – The #1 tip Cole gives data professionals00:05:18 – Using your voice and body to hold attention00:07:44 – Cole’s early struggles with public speaking00:10:14 – What helped her go from nervous to confident00:15:16 – When enthusiasm for data backfires00:18:10 – How to understand what stakeholders care about00:20:12 – Cole’s step-by-step method for storyboarding00:21:49 – When to start with a bang vs. build to a climax00:26:28 – A simple way to create contrast in storytelling00:29:08 – Waterfall charts and the “before & after” approach00:31:08 – Why presentations should feel like conversations00:33:17 – What to do when insights get ignored00:43:10 – Two skills analysts should double down on00:50:25 – The filler words she’s still working on

Martijn is a truth-seeker and communication rebel. You might know him from Dutch TV, where he stood out not for drama — but for daring to be real.Martijn is a former entrepreneur who sold his company and is now on a journey of self-discovery — through tantra, TV, and deep conversations.In this episode, we explore: Why saying no is the most honest thing you can doHow to handle awkward silences (and why they’re powerful)What happens when you stop pleasing others — and start living your truthThis one’s about radical honesty, deep connection, and being fully yourself. Let’s dive in.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjmvanhoek/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zijn.met.tijn/?hl=enWebsite: https://tantra-festival.com/martijn-van-hoek/The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development. Connect with me & free resources:👨🏻‍💻 Gilbert’s Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/eijkelenboom/🧠 Free email course: https://mindspeaking.com/datastorytelling📙 People Skills for Analytical Thinkers: https://mindspeaking.com/buy-book📈 Quick self-test on Data Communication: https://mindspeaking.com/maturity-model⭕ Subscribe to this YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi5ZoXknmNceEVVteS7_cVQ?sub_confirmation=1🎬 Turn your insights into a Data Story with my video course:http://www.mindspeaking.com/online-course Highlights:00:00 – Awkward silences = happiness 01:30 – How to handle difficult conversations 03:30 – Embracing awkwardness builds connection 06:20 – Why Martijn sent his date home 09:00 – Setting boundaries, even on reality TV 12:00 – Saying no = saying yes to yourself 14:50 – Birthday parties & people-pleasing 17:00 – Gilbert’s story on setting boundaries 20:00 – Inquiry exercise for deeper connection 24:30 – TV show sparked real-life reflection 28:50 – Handling feedback & public criticism 33:00 – Letting go of what others think 36:50 – Releasing drive rooted in ego 41:00 – Social media: curse & blessing 45:00 – From busyness to calm & self-awareness

Michelle Dunivan is the Senior Director of Insights & Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society.What’s remarkable? She has a PhD in Communication.Michelle is that rare analytics leader who speaks both “data” and “human.”She’s led teams across industries—turning complex analysis into real-world impact.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why your first stakeholder conversation shapes the outcome (not your slides)- The #1 move to lock in executive buy-in—*before* you present- The unexpected reason your best work gets ignored- A quick test to know if your insight clicked—or confused everyoneLet’s get into it.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-dunivan/The MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development. Timestamps:00:01:42 – One habit Michelle uses daily00:02:31 – Why there’s no single data truth00:03:53 – Analysts love data, not people?00:06:50 – What breaks analysts’ hearts at work00:08:16 – Why plain language builds trust00:11:19 – The mistake that kills engagement00:14:43 – How she reshapes messy presentations00:17:25 – What to say when unsure00:19:02 – How she gets exec buy-in early00:23:59 – Resolving leadership conflict (without drama)00:27:47 – The make-or-break for analytics projects00:30:30 – Why changing minds beats compliance00:34:00 – What made her invest in training00:43:52 – The difference with MindSpeaking’s training00:46:23 – Final message: everything communicates

Bill Schmarzo is widely known as The Dean of Big Data. With over 30 years of experience in advanced analytics, BI, and data science, Bill brings a rare combination of technical depth and business insight. He’s a Professor and the author of four books, including The Economics of Data, Analytics, and Digital Transformation and AI & Data Literacy.In this episode, you’ll learn valuable insights on the human side of data, including:1. The difference between being data-driven vs. value-driven2. How to create a truly data-driven culture3. The impact of generative AI on data science4. How to better understand the business side of your workA powerful conversation packed with perspective, practical advice, and a fresh take on what it means to lead with data.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmarzo/Big Data MBA: Driving Business Strategies with Data Science: https://shorturl.at/wy1cyBig Data: Understanding How Data Powers Big Business: https://shorturl.at/zQqOPThe Economics of Data, Analytics, and Digital Transformation: The theorems, laws, and empowerments to guide your organization's digital transformation: https://shorturl.at/i3YUBAI & Data Literacy: Empowering Citizens of Data Science: https://shorturl.at/CmiXCThe MindSpeaking podcast is about the Human Side of Data. I invite thought leaders to spread their insights about data, communication, and personal development. Highlights:01:29 – Learning vs knowledge03:36 – Why Bill had to unlearn BI?05:38 – Why tech teams love the wrong things?08:09 – Rise of ChatGPT: Tech skills still relevant?13:23 – What most people miss about data culture?22:00 – The IKEA effect in data science28:05 – Two tools Bill always uses before building30:40 – Why Bill says no to analytics translators?34:21 – What’s missing in data science education?37:04 – How Bill avoids mental atrophy?