Meet Natalie. It’s late in the evening, and her office light is still on. Next to her sits a cold cup of coffee as unread emails pile up on her screen. Another meeting looms tomorrow, and her team is stretched thin. Natalie wants to lead well, to be the kind of leader her people deserve, but lately, she feels like she’s pouring from an empty cup.
For years, Natalie has thrived as the VP of Business Development for a national defense research organization. Her relentless drive has fueled her success, but the cost is undeniable. Most nights, her husband eats dinner alone. Her personal education goals are indefinitely on hold. And every time she tries to rest, her mind races with deadlines and demands. She tells herself, “If I just push through this quarter, things will ease up.” But they never do.
In this episode, Jay speaks with Lisa Pachence, Master Certified Coach and executive mentor who helps high-achieving leaders break free from burnout and redefine success on their own terms. Lisa is a “recovering overachiever” who now helps others trade perfectionism for peace and productivity for purpose.
Together, Jay and Lisa explore the difference between therapy, mentoring, coaching, and how coaching helps people rise above the stories they tell themselves. Lisa reveals how to identify the “game” you’re playing in life, where your sense of worth really comes from, and why redefining success is less about balance and more about self-awareness.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of achievement without fulfillment, this episode will help you slow down, realign your values, and play a new game, one that actually feels like winning.
Notable Quotes
“Overachievers often follow a winning strategy that isn’t based on their own values, it’s designed to avoid failure.” — Lisa Pachence
“What’s the game you’re winning at, even if you don’t want to be playing that game?” — Lisa Pachence
“The first step to change is rising above your story, becoming aware you’re even telling it.” — Jay Abbasi
About Our Guest
Lisa Pachence is a Master Certified Coach, executive mentor, and recovering overachiever who helps leaders redefine success, reclaim their time, and lead with authenticity. With a background in HR and recruitment for Fortune 100 companies, Lisa brings real-world insight to the pressures leaders face and the courage it takes to choose fulfillment over exhaustion. Through her company, Coaching with LP, she empowers professionals to break free from burnout, protect their energy, and lead lives that are not just successful, but deeply satisfying.
Resources and Links
Lisa Pachence
Website – https://www.coachingwithlp.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapachence/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoachesCreatingCommunity/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/coachingwithlp/
Jay Abbasi
Website – https://jayabbasi.me/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast
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Join Us Next Time
On Friday’s episode, Jay’s getting into the Halloween spirit, exploring seven life lessons from scary movies. From Friday the 13th to Beetlejuice, Jay will share what these stories reveal about fear, courage, and the human condition. It’s a lighter, more playful episode that still offers powerful insights into personal growth.
Until then, stay inspired, stay resilient, and stay connected to what truly matters.