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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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

Send us a text

As a new manager or leader, you may be feeling more self-doubt and stress than you’re used to feeling. New leaders shouldn’t have to struggle alone to become great leaders!

In today's episode, we're diving into the art of setting boundaries with your boss—starting with how to confidently say no without burning bridges. If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by unrealistic demands, this is the guide you didn't know you needed.

In this video, you'll learn:

1. How to become more comfortable initiating communication even when it feels hard.

2. The 3 steps you can take today to set boundaries with your boss so you can get better results, feel more confident, and less stressed.

3. How to use specific language to skillfully set boundaries when your boss piles on without understanding how much you already have on your plate.

When you set boundaries, you feel less stressed, and more confident. You have more balance in your life and people respect you more.

Get access to The FREE New Leader Starter Kit:

The FREE New Leader Starter Kit will help you focus on what's most important so you can reach your 3–6-month goals with ease.

You'll learn how your dominant behavioral patterns influence your approach to the three most common challenges for new leaders:

1. Prioritizing & Setting Boundaries

2. Setting Clear Expectations & Delegating

3. Holding People Accountable & Achieving Goals

New managers shouldn't have to struggle alone to become great leaders! Go to www.amalgrammas.com for more resources that will help you become the leader everyone loves!

Send us a text

Setting boundaries isn’t about saying no to everything; it’s about saying yes to what’s most important. When you set clear boundaries, you’ll feel less stressed, more confident, and you'll create a more engaged and motivated team environment.

In this video, you'll learn:

1. The underlying reasons why you haven't been setting boundaries - whether that's wanting to be liked, discomfort with conflict, or a need to prove yourself.

2. The benefits of setting clear boundaries and how to gain trust and respect from anyone.

3. A simple, yet powerful 5-step process my leadership coaching clients use to set boundaries confidently.


Get access to The FREE New Leader Starter Kit:

The FREE New Leader Starter Kit will help you focus on what's most important so you can reach your 3–6-month goals with ease.

You'll learn how your dominant behavioral patterns influence your approach to the three most common challenges for new leaders: 1. Prioritizing & Setting Boundaries, 2. Setting Clear Expectations & Delegating, 3. Holding People Accountable & Achieving Goals

New managers shouldn't have to struggle alone to become great leaders! Go to www.amalgrammas.com for more resources that will help you become the leader everyone loves!

Send us a text

You're always busy, and you feel stressed out and overwhelmed as a new leader. The first step to feeling less stressed and more confident as a new or emerging leader is to prioritize what matters most.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. The underlying reasons why you haven't been prioritizing as much as you should - whether that's people pleasing, perfectionism or confusion.

2. The benefits of prioritizing.

3. A simple 3-step process my leadership coaching clients use to focus on the things that get results quickly so you can reach your goals faster and easier in the next 3-6 months.

Prioritizing isn't about doing less; it's about doing what's most important. When you focus on what matters most, you and your team will reach your 3-month goals with ease.

Plus, prioritizing will make you feel less stressed, and more confident and it will lead to a more engaged and motivated team.

Get access to The FREE New Leader Starter Kit:

The FREE New Leader Starter Kit will help you focus on what's most important so you can reach your 3–6-month goals with ease.

The FREE New Leader Starter Kit will also aid you in recognizing your work style. Your work style has gotten you where you are today. It has helped you succeed, but it can also limit your growth and inhibit your confidence. You'll learn how your dominant behavioral patterns influence your approach to the three most common challenges for new leaders: 1, Prioritizing & Setting Boundaries, 2. Setting Clear Expectations & Delegating, 3. Holding People Accountable & Achieving Goals

New managers shouldn't have to struggle alone to become great leaders! Go to www.amalgrammas.com for more resources that will help you become the leader everyone loves!

Send us a text

You've just been promoted to your first management role. You're super excited and you know you can do well.

But then, this little voice comes into your head and says, "You don't know what the hell you're doing! You're going to be found out. Your team won't like you; you'll get a bad review and then you'll get demoted."

It's normal for new managers and leaders to feel unsure of themselves, but I'm here to tell you that you have what it takes to become a leader everyone loves!

In this video, you'll learn about how your biggest strength can become your biggest weakness, and how to expand on that strength and build your confidence by understanding your workstyle.

Get access to The FREE New Leader Self-Assessment in the FREE New Leader Starter Kit:


The FREE New Leader Starter Kit will aid you in recognizing your work style. Your work style has gotten you where you are today. It has helped you succeed, but it can also limit your growth and inhibit your confidence. You'll learn how your dominant behavioral patterns influence your approach to the three most common challenges for new leaders: 1, Prioritizing & Setting Boundaries, 2. Setting Clear Expectations & Delegating, 3. Holding People Accountable & Achieving Goals

Send us a text

In this episode of The Happy Leader Podcast, Amal speaks with Jason Lavender, Co-Founder & CEO of Electives, and MIT grad about the "Sweet Spot of Purpose" - Feeling good inside yourself while making others feel good.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The lessons Jason learned in how to create a high level of delight with your customers no matter what you do for a living.
• The secret to living an inspired life.
• How the culture of excellence is tied to a strong purpose.
• How to go after a goal and persevere through the tough times when people say no over and over again.
• How improv classes could change your life.

To read Jason's article, Sushi on an Airplane, an Italian Beltmaker, and The Perfect Sandwich go to https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jasontlavender_every-customer-is-your-most-important-customer-activity-7117486081846992896-QaN6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop.

To learn more about how Amal helps leaders, please go to: Unlock Your True Potential (amalgrammas.com)