What if the strongest antidote to perfectionism isn’t tougher goals, but kinder ones? We sit down with life coach and former Dartmouth swim coach Jenn Verser to explore how compassion—especially the kind we offer ourselves—can loosen the grip of people pleasing, fear of failure, and the constant need to outperform. Jen brings candid stories from elite athletics and real-world coaching, showing how high achievers can reframe identity, find alignment, and rebuild confidence without burning out.
We dig into why perfectionism is rising among students and professionals, how cultural pressure moves the finish line, and what happens when your “best” meets a room full of “bests.” Jenn shares practical tools that work: say your inner monologue out loud so you can hear its tone, practice receiving help as a gift rather than a debt, and use conversation—not just policy—to lead with integrity. Her story about keeping a struggling athlete on the team reveals how context, transparency, and accountability can transform outcomes. This is leadership that starts at the human level and scales through trust.
We also talk about life beyond the resume. Jenn explains her shift from corporate to coaching to be present for her child and aging parents, and how anyone can start realignment without quitting their job. Expect concrete takeaways on boundaries, self-trust, emotional recovery, and how to replace “always-on” with honest priorities. If you’ve been measuring your worth by output, this conversation offers a warmer, smarter metric: progress you can feel.
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