This episode is part of a new format for The Happy Achiever Podcast.
On weeks when I bring on a guest, you’ll get two episodes: one where I interview them, and another where they ask me the questions. It’s a more personal conversation—an opportunity for you to hear the insights and stories I usually share behind the scenes with my clients.

And it’s fitting that Joe Moran is the first person to do this. Joe was one of my very first clients seven years ago, and we’ve been on a parallel growth journey ever since. We challenge each other, support each other, and hold each other accountable—so having him guide this conversation feels natural.

In this episode, Joe asks:

Why did you start The Happy Achiever Podcast?

I share what it felt like to reach financial success yet still feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unfulfilled—and why I don’t want any high achiever to stay stuck in that place.

What does “Happy Achiever” actually mean?

To me, it’s the ability to pursue big goals and feel confident, inspired, energized, and grounded while doing it—not stressed, resentful, or filled with self-doubt.

What does it take to reach big goals and feel amazing doing it?

I walk through the six pillars I teach every client:

• Mindset
• Continual growth
• Discipline
• Confidence
• Presence
• Movement

We explore why motivation isn’t enough, how discipline builds confidence, why old patterns can keep high achievers stuck, and why your energy—not your time—is your greatest advantage.

If you want to grow, evolve, and create success that feels meaningful and sustainable, this conversation will give you clarity and direction.

Hit follow and share this with another high achiever who’s ready for the next level—inside and out.

Sign up for Amal's Newsletter: Unlock Your True Potential (amalgrammas.com)

Connect with Joe Moran:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemoran27/

Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

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Send us a text

If you’ve ever found yourself giving too much, saying yes when you’re exhausted, or carrying stress that no one else sees, this conversation is going to speak directly to your heart.

In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast, I sit down with Joe Moran, a respected leader in the insurance industry and one of my longtime clients, someone who has done the deep inner work most high achievers avoid.

Joe gets honest about his relationship with money, the way people-pleasing shaped his early career, and the moment he realized that over-giving was costing him fulfillment, joy, and connection.

Joe shares:

• How growing up influenced his beliefs about security and success
• Why people-pleasing became his default—and how it led to burnout
• The silent retreat that forced him to confront his fears and finally hear himself
• The power of choosing authenticity over approval
• How daily gratitude shifted his mindset and his relationships
• Why setting boundaries is one of the greatest acts of self-love
• How leading by example shapes the next generation

This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about hitting numbers, it’s about who you become along the way. Joe’s journey shows us that personal growth often starts in the quiet moments we avoid, and that real peace comes from honoring your worth, your needs, and your truth.

If you’re ready to feel more confident, and more fulfilled, this conversation will give you the courage to slow down, look inward, and make the changes your future self will thank you for.

Hit follow and share this episode with a high achiever who needs permission to choose themselves for once.

Sign up for Amal's Newsletter: Unlock Your True Potential (amalgrammas.com)

Connect with Joe Moran:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemoran27/

Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

Click FOLLOW for More Episodes

Send us a text

Welcome to The Happy Achiever Podcast, a space for driven, big-hearted achievers who are ready to reach their biggest goals without losing themselves in the process.

If you want to achieve big goals and you’re willing to put in the work to make them happen, but the process is leaving you feeling more stress, anxiety, fear, or self-doubt than you’d like, then you’re in the right place.

I’m Amal Grammas, a leadership coach who has spent the last seven years helping over 600 leaders and achievers identify and overcome the obstacles that keep them from feeling fulfilled and reaching their true potential. I’m passionate about this work because I speak from experience. After years of chasing goals and battling my own anxiety, I learned that the path to lasting success starts from within.

In this podcast, we’ll use proven tools, science, and mindset shifts to explore how to heal, grow, and thrive—so you can gain the clarity and confidence you need to achieve extraordinary goals.

Expect honest conversations, real stories, and vulnerable moments—from me, my clients, and special guests—all aimed at helping you break old patterns, find peace in your heart, and feel a deep sense of purpose as you achieve more than you ever thought possible.

New episodes drop Mondays and Thursdays.

Check out my book I Know You’re In There Somewhere: Elevate Your Mindset to Release Stress & Unlock Your True Potential on Amazon.

To learn more about my work and how I help my clients, visit www.amalgrammas.com