Most founders think stress is a problem to solve.

They try to suppress it, manage it, or push through it. But actually, stress isn’t the threat. It’s a signal. A diagnostic.

And when you treat it like something to get rid of, you miss the important message it’s trying to send.

The result? Slower decisions, tension with your team, and momentum leaks you can’t afford.

But if you know how to carry it — stress becomes your engine, not your enemy.

Today, you'll learn how to do just that.

About the Podcast:
Welcome to Think Mastery, where doctor of psychology and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari helps high-performing founders and leaders unlock what’s really slowing them down.

Each episode reveals hidden patterns, powerful mindset shifts, and psychological leverage you need to make faster decisions, lead with clarity, and scale without burning out.

Inside the episode:
• Why most high performers treat stress like a virus — and how it backfires
• A simple metaphor that will change how you think about your brain
• The real formula behind stress
• How to turn stress from a drag into a diagnostic tool

This episode is for Founders/Execs who...
• Feel like stress is starting to bleed into their decisions
• Push through pressure but keep slowing down
• Don’t know how to listen to stress without getting derailed

What to do next:
→ Book a Mirror Session to experience it firsthand (limited spots)
→ Know a founder or exec who needs this? Share the episode
→ Follow Dr. Yishai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryishai/

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is for general informational purposes only and shall not be relied on or construed as coaching advice or therapy.
All examples, stories, and scenarios are illustrative only. They are not guarantees of results or indicative of past or future outcomes. Results vary based on individual effort, personal factors, and external circumstances. No guarantees of success, performance, or outcomes are made.
Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions that affect your life, business, or mental health.

© 2025 Yishai Barkhordari, Psychologist, PLLC. All rights reserved.

Most founders push harder when pressure hits. But the real drag on performance isn’t strategy — it’s what you’re doing with your emotions. In this episode, Dr. Yishai breaks down the three hidden patterns that slow high-performers down, and shares what some top execs do differently to unlock speed, clarity, and execution — without burning out.

Welcome to Think Mastery, where doctor of psychology and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari helps high-performing founders and leaders unlock what’s really slowing them down. Each episode reveals hidden patterns, powerful mindset shifts, and psychological leverage you need to make faster decisions, lead with clarity, and scale without burning out.

Inside the episode:
[✓] Three reasons high-performers lose momentum — even with the right plan
[✓] Three performance modes that quietly slow you down
[✓] Why “managing stress” isn’t enough — and what to do instead
[✓] How to turn emotion into decision-making fuel (fast)

This episode is for Founders/Execs who:

• Feel like something is getting heavier — even when business is growing
• Want to move faster, without burning out or overriding their gut
• Are tired of mindset hacks and want leverage that actually works

What to do next:
→ Book a Mirror Session to experience it firsthand (limited spots)
→ Know a founder or exec who needs this? Share the episode
→ Follow Dr. Yishai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryishai/

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is for general informational purposes only and shall not be relied on or construed as coaching advice or therapy. Results may vary based on individual efforts and other factors. We make no promises or guarantees regarding your outcomes or success. We assume no responsibility for decisions or actions made based on the content in this podcast.

© 2025 Yishai Barkhordari, Psychologist, PLLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Think Mastery with Dr. Yishai. Hosted by Doctor of Psychology, entrepreneur, and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari. On this podcast, you'll hear real talk about life and business. Plus, how to use psychology to create more mastery and success in both.

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Blain, founder and principal of Windshift Capital, strategist at Shard Capital, and author of Blaine’s Morning Porridge, a sharp, witty market commentary read by over 10,000 bankers, investors, and politicians each morning. With nearly four decades of experience across finance, journalism, and economic education, Bill has a talent for making markets relatable—and isn’t afraid to say what others won’t.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why Being Wrong Can Be a Strategic Asset: Bill shares how one of his biggest market misreads became a catalyst for deeper insight—and how recognizing blind spots can create unexpected clarity and opportunity.
2. How to Sell Without Selling Out: Discover why Bill’s most valuable sales conversations begin with disagreement, and how challenging thinking is key to trust, influence, and results.
3. Markets, Mindsets, and Mantras: Learn how Bill’s unique blend of economics, psychology, and bold market mantras offer a fresh lens for navigating uncertainty and complexity.
4. Laziness, Guilt, and the Performance Myth: We unpack the internal tension between productivity and presence, and why some of the most successful people still feel “lazy.”
5. The Joy of Not Knowing: Explore the gift of curiosity and why trying to understand the world—rather than control it—can be a more powerful path to mastery and meaning.

Why This Episode is Worth Your Time:

If you’ve ever felt pressure to “have it all figured out,” this conversation is a breath of fresh air. Bill brings a rare blend of candor, curiosity, and strategy—and reminds us that being human, making mistakes, and staying open may just be the greatest edge we have. Whether you're in finance, leadership, or simply navigating life, this episode offers timeless insight and a good dose of humor along the way.

Learn More About Dr. Yishai:

If you're ready to level up your leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, connect with Dr. Yishai for one-on-one coaching or explore more resources at https://www.dryishai.com/

Disclaimer: All content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to Think Mastery with Dr. Yishai. Hosted by Doctor of Psychology, entrepreneur, and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari. On this podcast, you'll hear real talk about life and business. Plus, how to use psychology to create more mastery and success in both.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Schlafly, serial entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Mighty Cricket, and COO of JTolan Law. Sarah is a business builder, team empowerer, and master of cross-company execution. She’s helped launch and scale ventures across industries — from food innovation to law to HVAC — all while creating cultures of ownership, autonomy, and recovery-fueled performance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Formula Behind Daily Energy and Excitement: How Sarah fuels consistent output across multiple companies without sacrificing passion, focus, or well-being.
2. Context Switching as a Superpower: How Sarah uses multiple roles across companies to stay focused, sharp, and energized — defying traditional advice.
3. From Burnout to Boundaries: Sarah’s journey through burnout and the radical practices that now fuel her daily energy and excitement.
4. Building Business with a Chef’s Brain: How her background in culinary arts shaped her timing, flow, and coordination across multiple ventures.
5. How to Empower Teams Through Fit, Not Force: Why Sarah sees each team member as a puzzle piece to place, not a cog to control — and how she leverages their passions across companies.

Why This Episode is Worth Your Time:

This conversation is a masterclass in multidimensional leadership. Sarah doesn’t just build businesses — she builds teams, systems, and rhythms that work with people, not against them. Her insights on energy, recovery, people strategy, and identity are powerful for any founder, executive, or leader navigating growth, complexity, or change.

Learn More About Dr. Yishai:

If you're ready to level up your leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, connect with Dr. Yishai for one-on-one coaching or explore more resources at https://www.dryishai.com/.

Links:

• Sarah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahschlafly
• Think Mastery Podcast: https://thinkmastery.buzzsprout.com/

Disclaimer: All content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to Think Mastery with Dr. Yishai. Hosted by Doctor of Psychology, entrepreneur, and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari. On this podcast, you'll hear real talk about life and business. Plus, how to use psychology to create more mastery and success in both.

In this episode, I sit down with Kamran Adil—CEO of CloudTech, adjunct professor at the New York Institute of Technology, Forbes Business Council member, and a leader who champions a human first approach in tech. Kamran shares his journey from India to New York, his extensive experience in IT and consulting, and his passion for ensuring that every data point reflects a human experience. We dive into the importance of building a people-first culture in tech, the challenges of preparing quality data for Gen AI, and why long-term success depends on trust, transparency, and collaboration.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to integrate human values in technology-driven industries
• The importance of a people-first culture in IT and consulting
• Strategies for preparing quality data to unlock AI potential
• How collaboration and transparency drive long-term business success
• Leadership tips for navigating rapid technological change

Kamran Adil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamranadil/
Think Mastery Podcast: https://thinkmastery.buzzsprout.com/

Learn More About Dr. Yishai:
If you're ready to level up your leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, connect with Dr. Yishai for one-on-one coaching or explore more resources at https://www.dryishai.com/.

Disclaimer: All content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to Think Mastery with Dr. Yishai. Hosted by Doctor of Psychology, entrepreneur, and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari. On this podcast, you'll hear real talk about life and business. Plus, how to use psychology to create more mastery and success in both.

In this episode, I sit down with Oksana Matviichuk—the founder and CEO of OM Strategic Forecasting, co-author of the USA Today Best Seller Game On, Leaders Who Last, and one of New York’s top women leaders in 2023 and 2024. With over 15 years of experience as an advertising executive serving Fortune 500 C-suite clients and as a member of the Forbes Agency Council, Oksana blends strategic forecasting with a deep understanding of the human side of business. We explore how personal insight and psychological healing are essential to sustainable success, why looking inside yourself is key before making big decisions, and how entrepreneurs can navigate the disruptive changes of AI while keeping a human touch at the core of their operations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why self-awareness is crucial for lasting success
• How personal healing and reflection drive better business decisions
• The impact of AI on business models and the importance of quality data
• Strategies for building a sustainable, people-first culture in a rapidly changing world
• How embracing your origins and experiences can empower your entrepreneurial journey

Learn More About Dr. Yishai:
If you're ready to level up your leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, connect with Dr. Yishai for one-on-one coaching or explore more resources at https://www.dryishai.com/.

Disclaimer: All content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to Think Mastery with Dr. Yishai. Hosted by Doctor of Psychology, entrepreneur, and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari. On this podcast, you'll hear real talk about life and business. Plus, how to use psychology to create more mastery and success in both.

In this episode, I sit down with Brad Federman, co-founder of Aspire Talent Advisory, CEO of Performance Point, and best-selling author of three books. Brad has navigated the challenges of running multiple companies and transforming leadership practices. Now working on his next book, Never Delegate Again, he shares how smart delegation and a people-first approach can unlock team potential and drive sustainable growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The Challenge of Delegation: Why holding on to tasks can stunt growth and how effective delegation empowers your team.
• Building a High-Performing Culture: How to nurture talent and create an environment where every team member thrives.
• Overcoming Personal Barriers: Insights into overcoming the fear of letting go and embracing a growth mindset.
• Strategic Innovation in Leadership: Transform challenges into opportunities for business success through thoughtful leadership.
• Balancing Business and Personal Growth: Practical strategies to manage the emotional complexities of leadership while driving performance.

Why This Episode is Worth Your Time:

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for business leaders, founders, and executives eager to revolutionize the way they lead. Brad’s journey from operational CEO to strategic advisor offers a candid look at harnessing the power of delegation and cultivating a high-performing culture. If you're striving to boost team performance and overcome leadership challenges, this episode is a must-listen.

Learn More About Dr. Yishai:

If you're ready to level up your leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, connect with Dr. Yishai for one-on-one coaching or explore more resources at https://www.dryishai.com/.

Links:

• Brad Federman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfederman/
• Think Mastery Podcast: https://thinkmastery.buzzsprout.com/

Disclaimer: All content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to Think Mastery with Dr. Yishai. Hosted by Doctor of Psychology, entrepreneur, and executive coach Dr. Yishai Barkhordari. On this podcast, you'll hear real talk about life and business—plus how to use psychology to create more mastery and success in both.

In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Keegan, Chairman and Chief Executive of Beefierless Ventures, co-owner of Andretti Racing and United Auto Sports, and Senior Advisor to some of the world's largest private equity firms. Brendan shares his journey of transforming risk into opportunity through systems thinking, strategic playbooks, and fearless leadership. Discover how stepping back from day-to-day operations to empower others—and using business crises as catalysts—can drive transformational growth and leave a lasting impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to harness systems thinking and build a playbook to navigate crises.
• The value of strategic risk-taking and knowing when to step back to step up.
• Ways to create a culture that drives innovation and attracts top talent.
• Lessons from navigating major business challenges like the tech bubble, 9/11, and COVID.
• Strategies for developing fearless leaders and driving transformational growth.

Why This Episode is Worth Your Time:

• Real-life lessons from a seasoned CEO turned board advisor.
• Actionable insights on balancing operational control with empowering teams.
• A fresh perspective on turning challenges into strategic advantages.
• Tips for founders, executives, and leaders to foster sustainable growth.
• Learn how to leverage your experience to build a legacy of fearless leadership.

Learn More About Dr. Yishai: If you're ready to level up your leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, connect with Dr. Yishai for one-on-one coaching or explore more resources at https://www.dryishai.com/.

Links:

• Brendan Keegan’s LinkedIn
• Think Mastery Podcast

Disclaimer: All content shared in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
© 2024 Yishai Barkhordari, Psychologist, PLLC. All rights reserved.