When the Achievement Drive Becomes a Trap - with Graziela Cajado Ogland

In this final part of our mini-series, Maya and Graziela dive into two of the most common and misunderstood patterns in high-achievers, especially those in leadership or caregiving roles. You’ll discover why avoiding conflict and over-giving can erode your confidence, your clarity, and your career and most importantly, how to shift into the sage mindset that restores power, presence, and peace.We cover:The hidden costs of people-pleasing and conflict avoidanceHow these saboteurs undermine leadership and wellbeingA 4-step framework for having difficult conversations with graceWhy boundaries are not selfishHow to activate your “sage” powers to lead with empathy and impactThe hidden costs of people-pleasing and conflict avoidanceHow these saboteurs undermine leadership and wellbeingA 4-step framework for having difficult conversations with graceWhy boundaries are not selfishHow to activate your “sage” powers to lead with empathy and impactTo find out more about Maya you can connect with her at www.mayagudka.comConnect with Graziela on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracoaching/

In part two of the Positive Intelligence mini-series on The Executive Coach Podcast, Maya Gudka and executive coach Graziela Cajado-Ogland explore two saboteurs that organisations often reward: the Hyper-Achiever and the Hyper-Rational.These patterns can fuel incredible performance, but left unchecked, they distort our sense of self-worth. Maya's clients are increasingly coming to her specifically wanting to work on their self-worth, and this conversation explores why that matters.Maya shares openly how these saboteurs have impacted her personally, and Graziela brings insights about the real cost of overusing these patterns in leadership and life.The conversation covers how we link our value to our results and what happens when we fail, why being overly rational can leave people feeling unheard, and the three magic words for high-achievers: "Do you want to be heard, hugged, or helped?" They discuss treating emotions as data rather than distractions, and redefining success on your own terms.This episode is particularly relevant for leaders who feel their self-worth is tied to outcomes, high-performers struggling to connect emotionally, anyone navigating career transitions or identity shifts, and coaches and executives ready to lead with more empathy.You’ll Learn:Why hyper-achieving can erode self-worthHow hyper-rationality limits emotional connection and leadership effectivenessThe link between internal judgment and judgment of othersPractical ways to redefine success and reclaim your self-worthHow to treat emotions as data—not distractionsHow to honour your values without burning outWho This Is For:High performers who feel pressure to constantly prove themselvesLeaders who feel emotionally disconnected or misunderstoodCoaches, execs, and entrepreneurs ready to build more sustainable successAnyone navigating transitions in identity, career, or relationshipsYou can connect and find out more about Maya on her website www.mayagudka.comConnect with Graziela on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracoaching/

If you're a high-achiever, what's holding you back likely isn’t a lack of ambition or skill—it's the unseen internal patterns running in the background. In this powerful episode, we explore the Positive Intelligence framework by Shirzad Chamine to reveal the 9 "saboteurs" that drain your energy, impact your leadership, and quietly sabotage your success.Executive coach Graziela Cajado-Ogland joins Maya to lay the foundations of this framework and introduce the Judge the master saboteur. Together, they share real-world leadership examples and personal stories that make this framework immediately relatable and practical.If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, people-pleasing, over-control, or being overly rational, this episode will leave you with a whole new lens on yourself and the people around you.What You’ll Learn:The 9 saboteurs and how they show up in high-achieversWhy the Judge is the most damaging of allHow empathy, not judgment, transforms leadershipThe difference between high standards and self-sabotageHow to begin shifting these patterns to lead with more clarity, confidence, and calmThis is the first of a 3-part mini-series exploring Positive Intelligence and how it can elevate your leadership, relationships, and inner peace.You can connect with Maya on her website www.mayagudka.comConnect with Graziela on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracoaching/

🎙️ Welcome back to The Executive Coach Podcast where we help high-achievers design careers and lives they’re excited to wake up to.This episode is designed to help you finish the year strong, with clarity, confidence, and a sense of grounded momentum.In this episode, I’ll guide you through a reflective yet practical process to:Revisit your original goals with fresh eyesScan your calendar to recognise hidden winsDefine what a "strong finish" looks like for YOUSet high-leverage, tiny actions that create momentumClear space by deleting what no longer matters🔍 Whether this year has gone to plan or not, you still have time to make it meaningful, without burning out or overhauling everything.This isn't hustle. It's conscious design. Let’s get intentional and end the year proud of how you showed up.✨ Helpful Resources MentionedCareer Blind Spots Checklist https://www.mayagudka.com/career-blindspots-checklistVision Unblocked https://www.mayagudka.com/vision-unblocked

Are you feeling a little scattered post-summer? Forgot your word of the year? Lost track of your goals? You’re not alone and it’s not too late.In this short but powerful episode, Maya offers a grounded and inspiring 90-day reset to help you finish the year with clarity, intention, and pride. With just one question “What’s the one thing I want to toast to on New Year’s Eve?” you’ll be able to cut through perfectionism, reconnect with what matters, and focus your energy on something truly meaningful.This reset is designed to help high-achievers like you design the kind of year-end that sets the tone for a spacious and exciting 2026. Whether it’s a personal challenge, a professional pivot, or nurturing a relationship, this approach keeps it simple and powerful.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The one question that will reset your focus and energyWhy 90 days is the perfect window for meaningful changeHow to choose a single goal that feels doable and deeply satisfyingThe difference between input vs. outcome goals (and how to choose wisely)Ideas for work, personal growth, and relationships to inspire your “one thing”You can find out more about Maya’s short and powerful program to help you clarify your next chapter Vision Unblocked here https://www.mayagudka.com/vision-unblocked

We often talk about the magic of morning routines, but the real secret? They start the night before. In this episode, Maya shares her simple, soulful evening routine, designed to help high achievers wind down, recharge, and set the tone for a spacious, focused, and exciting tomorrow.From screen-time boundaries and stretching rituals to her favourite journaling question and the genius app that finally broke her WhatsApp habit, Maya offers a refreshingly imperfect yet intentional look at how she ends her day. You’ll also hear about the small tweaks, like planning protein or dimming the lights that make a big impact on energy and clarity.Whether you’re ready to overhaul your nights or just want a few realistic ideas that actually fit a busy life, this episode has you covered.What You’ll Learn:Why your evening routine is the true foundation for a great workdayMaya’s personal “power down hour” and how she makes it doableThe Clear Space app that changed her digital habitsA better way to reflect on your day (spoiler: it’s not a basic gratitude list)How small wins (like charging headphones!) add up to big calmConnect with Maya over on Linkedin https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka or at her website https://www.mayagudka.com/

Welcome back to The Executive Coach Podcast, where we help high achievers move beyond box-ticking busyness and into careers that feel spacious, fulfilling, and exciting to wake up to.In today’s episode, I’m diving into a bold but essential truth:Senior-level promotions aren’t earned - they’re negotiated.This insight struck a nerve when I first shared it on social media, and for good reason. If you’ve been working tirelessly, delivering results, and still feel overlooked this episode is for you.I share behind-the-scenes stories from my own career and from recent client breakthroughs to show how promotions really happen at the top.We’ll explore:Why relying on merit alone can stall your progressThe role of strategic sponsorship and visibilityHow executive presence is often code for "playing the game"Why trust, timing, and negotiation matter more than you thinkThe questions you must ask if you're not advancingYou’ll also hear the hard-won lessons that helped me and my clients, move into senior leadership by design, not default.💡 If you’ve ever felt like you're doing everything right and still being passed over, this episode will shift your mindset and your strategy.👉 Unwritten Rules of Career Success Program can be found here https://www.mayagudka.com/unwritten-rules – Learn how to build influence, identify sponsors, and make your promotion inevitable.

Do you ever feel like you’re working hard, doing all the right things, even exceeding expectations and yet, somehow, you still feel behind?Maybe colleagues are being promoted, someone just landed a board role, or LinkedIn is buzzing with achievements that make you question your own progress. You’re not underperforming… but something still feels off.In this episode, Maya Gudka breaks down:✨ 3 hidden reasons high achievers feel behind✨ Why not having a personal vision leaves you vulnerable to comparison✨ How being strategically bad at some things is the key to growth✨ Practical questions to help you reset and refocus on your pathThis is not about hustling harder or fixing yourself overnight, it’s an invitation to prune back, clarify your vision, and create success that feels expansive and meaningful.💡 Want to take this further?Check out Maya’s Vision Unblocked here https://www.mayagudka.com/vision-unblocked

Maya Gudka shares how to reset your morning routine for success—without the guilt, the 12-step rituals, or the 5AM alarms.✨ Whether your mornings start with a school run, Zoom call, or you’re just wondering where your coffee mug went—this is for you.You’ll learn:✅ The only two things your morning really needs (backed by science)❌ The one habit you can drop—and even benefit more by doing it later☀️ Why daylight and gentle movement are non-negotiables for your energy🧠 How to tap into your "deep work" brain before distractions set in☕ A surprising tip to pair your morning coffee with productivity📓 Why reflective journaling might actually belong in the eveningThis is not about doing more—it’s about doing what works. Maya also shares how she’s personally adjusting her own mornings for better flow (even with a busy family life!).🟡 Ready to reclaim your mornings with clarity and calm?Check out Maya's Vision Unblocked program – a 3-day audio micro-course designed for busy professionals ready to reconnect with their long-term goals: https://www.mayagudka.com/vision-unblocked

We’re doing something a little different this August on The Executive Coach Podcast:Welcome to the August Rejuvenation Series!Every weekday you will receive one tiny, super doable tip, to help you switch gears this August and, as we coaches like to say, rest hard!I’ve searched for the tiniest actions (often 60 seconds or less!) that can have the biggest rejuvenation impact and layered up to create a fabulous set of August rituals!You can log each daily here:www.mayagudka.com/rejuvenationDon’t forget to screenshot me your progress - you can message me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagudka/