In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Dr Zen Zeng—a concert pianist, conference interpreter, professional speaker, and master teacher whose work bridges music, psychology, leadership, and personal growth. Zen draws on decades of international performance and coaching, sharing her journey from perfectionism and burnout to embracing imperfection and self-compassion.

Zen introduces her signature STAGE framework—a practical inward journey designed to help high achievers find sustainable excellence without burnout:

• S: Stillness—learning how to pause, listen deeply, and connect with your true self
• T: Truth—discovering what really matters to you, beyond societal or ego-driven expectations
• A: Alignment—living in sync with your core values and purpose, which fuels energy and resilience
• G: Growth—embracing personal evolution without losing yourself in the pursuit of success
• E: Expression—showing up authentically, sharing your story, and making your unique mark on the world

We discuss why intentional listening is the skill leaders (and humans!) need most, how to develop "imperfectionist" values, and why community and honest conversations are crucial for meaningful, lasting change. Zen also shares insights from her book "Crescendo: A High Achiever's Journey from Perfection to Freedom" and her Imperfectionist Collective—a global community supporting mindful excellence and wellbeing.

• Moving from performance and perfection to authenticity and freedom
• The warning signs of burnout and how self-awareness can help you course-correct
• The power of deep listening (not just in music or conversation, but in life)
• Redefining "success" and building systems for sustainable achievement
• How to be intentional in what you consume—food, content, relationships, habits
• The importance of imperfection, letting go, and community

• Website: zenzeng.net
• Instagram: @crescendo_with_zen
• The Imperfectionist Collective: join the waitlist via her website
• Her book "Crescendo: A High Achiever's Journey from Perfection to Freedom" is available now

💚 Whether you're navigating burnout, seeking deeper meaning, or ready to unlearn perfectionism, this episode is a toolkit for building a more sustainable, connected, and joyful way to achieve.

In this deeply personal episode, I speak with Dr Olivia Ong, a Melbourne-based GP and rehab physician, about her life-changing experience with a severe spinal cord injury, her journey through rehabilitation, and how she overcame multiple episodes of burnout.

Olivia shares vivid memories of the accident, her emergency spinal surgery, regaining mobility, and what it taught her about resilience and mindset. She explains how the rehab system shaped her path and how she developed an evolving approach to recovery and wellness, combining medical knowledge with nervous system coaching and somatic tools.

We discuss:

• The physical and emotional challenges of spinal cord injury and partial paralysis
• The importance of mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and daily "neurological safety check-ins"
• How burnout is linked to nervous system dysregulation and why mindset alone can't fix it
• Effective practices like breathwork, grounding, tapping, and movement to restore balance
• Olivia's evolution from trying to think her way out of burnout to embracing holistic coaching methods
• Her use of the Neurofit app to assess and train nervous system states, with a special discount code for listeners

Olivia also talks about her upcoming memoir, Back On My Feet, coming in February 2026, where she dives deeper into her recovery and personal growth journey.

• Spinal cord injury trauma, emergency care, and initial recovery
• Adjusting to life with paralysis and intense rehab exercises
• Understanding nervous system states: hyperarousal, freeze, play, and stillness
• Practical somatic tools for trauma, stress, and burnout
• Coaching strategies for self-care, emotional resilience, and physical wellness
• How to create lasting habits that take nervous system health seriously

• Website: drolivialeeong.com
• Neurofit app (with discount code): neurofit.app/app-checkout?c=DROLIVIA20

💚 This episode offers hope and actionable tools for anyone facing trauma, chronic stress, or burnout.

In this empowering episode, I chat with Coach Lita Mae Button, speaker, nurse, professional boxer, and founder of Punch Positive, joining me all the way from Canada.

From battling depression and self-doubt to becoming a national Golden Glove champion and motivational coach, Lita shares her powerful story of resilience, courage, and transformation — one punch at a time.

We explore how boxing, both physical and symbolic, can heal the mind, build confidence, and teach you to "step back in the ring" against life's toughest challenges.

Lita also breaks down her unique mindset system — the F.I.S.T. Formula — a structured and compassionate approach to building strength, focus, and confidence through boxing and mindset coaching.

🥊 What We Cover in This Episode

• How overcoming trauma through movement and mindset builds real confidence
• Why boxing is more than a sport — it's a metaphor for life and empowerment
• The F.I.S.T. Formula — Focus, Impact, Strength, and Together — for life transformation
• How gentle, non-contact boxing supports physical and emotional strength
• The link between gut health, mindset, and energy
• Stories of transformation from women and Parkinson's patients finding strength again
• How "Punch Positive" helps people overcome fear, rewire negative self-talk, and find community support
• Why consistency and emotional awareness outweigh motivation when creating fitness success

🌿 Top Takeaways

Lita reminds us that "fitness is psychology first." When we shift from fear to focus — from self-criticism to empowerment — we become stronger inside and out.

She also shares her approach to teaching beginners and women that fitness doesn't have to be intimidating — it can be fun, uplifting, and transformative.

✨ Want to Start Boxing, Improve Your Mindset, or Rebuild Confidence?

Lita offers beginner-friendly Punch Positive Masterclasses and 5-Day Challenges designed to help anyone — at any age — discover the joy of boxing and mindset growth.

• 🌐 Website: punchpositive.com
• 📲 Facebook: Lita Mae Button
• 🎥 YouTube: Punch Positive

• 🌿 Order my book Prescribing Lifestyle: mlcclinic.com.au
• 📱 Instagram: @dr_charlton_lifestyle_gp
• 📘 Facebook: Dr Charlton Lifestyle GP
• 🎧 Listen on Spotify: Prescribing Lifestyle

If you've ever faced fear, burnout, or self-doubt — this episode will remind you that you already have the strength to fight back. All it takes is one punch, one step, and one decision to stand tall again. 💥