149: The Hidden Cost of Being Agreeable

What if being agreeable is not only affecting your confidence, but it’s also affecting your health? Meet Penelope. She nods as her boss speaks, offering agreement before she can stop herself. Inside, she feels the weight of what she didn’t say. In her bag is a fully developed proposal she spent weeks building, designed to improve engagement and reduce burnout. But in moments that matter, she defaults to staying agreeable. What she wants most is the courage to speak up and become the leader she knows she can be. In this episode, Jay sits down with Shereen Thor, keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman. Together, they explore the hidden cost of people-pleasing, how early conditioning shapes behavior, and what it takes to break free and lead with authenticity, courage, and self-trust. Notable Quotes “Your brain is wired for survival, not happiness.” — Shereen Thor “You think you’re making a smart choice, but you’re making a choice that is killing you.” — Shereen Thor “Conflict is change trying to happen.” — Shereen Thor “Be the gift you’re meant to be.” — Shereen Thor About Our Guest Shereen Thor is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author of Revolutionary Woman. She helps leaders break free from conditioning, embrace their authentic voice, and lead with confidence, courage, and purpose. Through her coaching and training programs, she supports individuals and organizations in unlocking their full potential. Resources & Links Shereen Thor Revolutionary Woman Book – https://www.amazon.com/Revolutionary-Woman-Break-Rules-Purpose/dp/1737539403 Website – https://shereenthor.com/ LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/shereenthor Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/shereenthor/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay kicks off a special two-part series for his birthday month, sharing 10 lessons he would give his 20-year-old self. These are practical, actionable insights drawn from real experience, designed to help you navigate stress, take meaningful risks, and live with greater clarity and intention.