In this episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Stephanie Romero sits down with Pittsburgh entrepreneur Adam Lackett to explore the hidden costs of “grind culture” and the deeper work of building a life that is both sustainable and meaningful. Adam shares how early assumptions about success shaped a pressure-cooker approach to work, how burnout and dissatisfaction led him toward therapy, and how mindfulness practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction became a turning point in learning to relate differently to stress, self-criticism, and constant mental noise. Together, they unpack the difference between reacting and responding, why boundaries often begin with the belief that you deserve care, and how bringing wellbeing into the workplace is less about forcing meditation and more about cultivating a culture that supports people over pure production.
Resources Adam Mentioned:
Books by Jon Kabat-Zinn (including works on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Books and app resources from Headspace
The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa (a detailed, analytical roadmap to meditation practice)
Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com
Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)
Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events. Give Today! www.awakenpittsburgh.org/support
Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.
