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Published on:

11th Nov 2024

"If I’m doing so well, why don’t I feel like it?"

In this episode of Coached Podcast, host Keren Eldad delves into the paradox of overachievement—how external success can often mask deeper struggles of dissatisfaction, insecurity, and inner turmoil. Using the tragic story of Brandon Miller as a backdrop, Keren explores how ambition, perfectionism, and materialism can trap individuals in what she calls “gilded cages.” Drawing on personal anecdotes, literature, and pop culture, Keren offers insights on overcoming scarcity mindsets and embracing true joy.

Topics Covered:

  • The tragic story of Brandon and Candice Miller: A moral fable of hidden struggles behind a gilded lifestyle.
  • How the pressures of overachievement create internal conflict and contribute to mental health challenges.
  • Insights from Keren’s book GILDED: Break Free from the Cage of Ambition, Perfectionism, and the Relentless Pursuit of More.
  • The Overachievement Paradox: Why outward success often leads to inner discontent.
  • Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset for greater fulfillment.

Books and References Mentioned:

  • Keren Eldad's Book:
  • GILDED: Break Free from the Cage of Ambition, Perfectionism, and the Relentless Pursuit of More
  • Get your copy at: www.KerenEldad.com or (BreakFreewithGilded.com).
  • Matthew Perry:
  • Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
  • Perry’s memoir, reflecting on his own struggles with addiction, success, and inner conflict.
  • Truman Capote’s Swans:
  • Inspired by the television series Feud: Capote vs. the Swans.
  • Explores Capote’s relationships with high-society women and the metaphor of the swans—people who appear graceful but struggle underneath.

Themes Discussed:

  • The Overachievement Paradox:
  • How high achievers can feel trapped by their own success, leading to dissatisfaction and strained relationships.
  • Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets:
  • How scarcity thinking can fuel overwork and insecurity, and how adopting an abundance mindset opens doors to joy and freedom.
  • Materialism and the Pressure to Appear Perfect:
  • Insights into how outward success—especially on social media—can mask inner struggles.

Tools & Practices Mentioned:

  • Questioning Your Worldview:
  • Ask: Do I see the world as friendly or hostile?
  • Shift from scarcity to abundance by challenging fear-based assumptions.
  • Decision-Making Practice:
  • In moments of stress, ask yourself:
  • “Where am I coming from—fear or excitement?”
  • If the feeling is fear, pause before moving forward.

Episode Highlights:

  • Brandon Miller’s Story
  • A tragic example of hidden struggles behind a glamorous lifestyle.
  • Explores themes of debt, depression, and the toll of maintaining appearances.
  • Personal Story from Keren’s Coaching Journey:
  • A client hesitated to attend an Ivy League reunion due to societal pressures around financial success.
  • The Importance of Self-Awareness and Inner Work:
  • Identifying dissatisfaction and reframing success on your own terms.

Thank you for listening to Coached Podcast!

Stay tuned for the next episode in the Secret Thoughts of Superstars series.

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About the Podcast

COACHED with Coach Keren
Unlock the guidance you've been searching for with COACHED, the interactive, call-in podcast hosted by world-renowned executive and personal coach, Keren Eldad. From managing finances to building a successful career to navigating relationships, parenting, personal growth, and even complex topics, COACHED covers it all. Each week, Keren explores real, pressing issues shared by listeners, providing practical strategies and transformational coaching to help you overcome obstacles and thrive.

This season on The Secret Thoughts of Superstars: Surviving Success, Keren explores what happens when high achievers have seemingly "made it"—achieving career milestones, personal accomplishments, and financial success—yet still feel an underlying sense of dissatisfaction. Through seven candid solo episodes, Keren sheds light on the unspoken struggles even the most successful people face. Themes such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear of financial loss, and the overwhelming pressure to maintain an impeccable image are explored with honesty and empathy. These conversations offer valuable insights into the hidden complexities of overachievement while providing actionable strategies to help listeners shift from striving to thriving.

With her vast experience working with top executives, high achievers, and individuals pursuing meaningful change, Keren offers clear insights listeners can act on to drive sustainable results. In each episode, she answers real questions from listeners, breaking down complex situations into manageable steps and offering a roadmap to better relationships, a successful career, effective money management, and balanced living. No matter where you’re starting from, Keren’s advice empowers you to make positive changes, reinforcing your resilience and helping you create a life that aligns with your values and goals.

COACHED shares inspiring stories from people who have faced similar challenges, found solutions, and experienced lasting transformation. These real-life examples showcase the power of Keren’s approach, proving that no issue is too big to tackle and that success is within reach for everyone. More than just solutions, listeners gain inspiration, motivation, and the tools to take the next step in their journey. COACHED is a supportive space for those ready to learn expert strategies, unlock their potential, and step boldly into a future filled with purpose and achievement.


About the Host
A thought leader in the coaching world, Keren Eldad (“Coach Keren”) specializes in taking high achievers out of the futility of constant pursuit and into the greatest levels of success and fulfillment. Her coaching clients include Olympic athletes, politicians, Hollywood stars, Special Forces operatives and serial entrepreneurs, as well as renowned global organizations such as Estée Lauder, J.P. Morgan, and Nike. Keren is also the founder of THE CLUB, a community of leaders, entrepreneurs and coaches who encourage and support each other to reach their fullest potential and make their greatest contribution.

Recognized as a Top Ten Executive Coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Real Leaders Magazine, & Goop, Keren maintains gold-standard coaching credentials on top of her advanced academic degrees from The London School of Economics and the University of Jerusalem. She is also a former C-suite executive, who has lived and worked in 17 countries and on four continents, and now coaches leaders all around the globe in four languages: English, Spanish, Hebrew and French. With half a million views on her TEDx talks, and speaking engagements all over the world, Keren’s message seems to transcend borders. She hopes it resonates with you.
Coach Keren resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Ryan, and many beloved pets.


Resources
Website: https://www.kereneldad.com
Email: keren@kereneldad.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachkeren
Facebook: www.facebook.com/livewithenthusiasm

About your host

Profile picture for Keren Eldad

Keren Eldad

A thought leader in the coaching world, Keren Eldad (“Coach Keren”) specializes in taking high achievers out of the futility of constant pursuit and into the greatest levels of success and fulfillment. Her coaching clients include Olympic athletes, politicians, Hollywood stars, supermodels, Special Forces operatives and serial entrepreneurs, as well as renowned global organizations such as Estée Lauder, J.P. Morgan, and Nike… She is also the founder of THE CLUB, a community of leaders, entrepreneurs and coaches who encourage and support each other to reach their fullest potential and make their greatest contribution.
Recognized as a Top Ten Executive Coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Real Leaders Magazine, & Goop, Keren maintains gold-standard coaching credentials on top of her advanced academic degrees from The London School of Economics and the University of Jerusalem. She is also a former C-suite executive, who has lived and worked in 17 countries and on four continents, and now coaches leaders all around the globe in four languages: English, Spanish, Hebrew and French. With half a million views on her TEDx talks, and speaking engagements all over the world, Keren’s message seems to transcend borders. She hopes it resonates with you.
Coach Keren resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Ryan, and many beloved pets.
For booking and coaching consultations, contact: Lee@KerenEldad.com