The Happy Achiever Podcast

Hosted by Amal Grammas

Business Management Education

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to The Happy Achiever Podcast , the show for driven, big-hearted sales leaders, insurance producers, and financial advisors in the insurance and financial services industries. If you’re building a book of business, leading a team, or pushing toward your next level of growth - but the process is leaving you feeling stressed, stuck in self-doubt, or burned out - you’re in the right place. I’m Amal Grammas, a leadership and performance coach who has spent the last seven years helping more than 600 leaders and high achievers identify and overcome the internal obstacles that keep them from feeling fulfilled and performing at their best. I’m passionate about this work because I’ve lived it. After years of chasing goals while battling anxiety, I learned that lasting success isn’t built through pressure and overdrive, it’s built from within. Each episode blends practical tools, mindset shifts, and honest conversations about what it really takes to grow sustainably in high-pressure industries. Because success shouldn’t cost you your health, your confidence, or your happiness. New episodes drop Tuesday and Thursday mornings. 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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 28, 2026Episode 4549 min

How to Get More Referrals (Without Asking)

Are you working hard to grow your business but not seeing the results you want? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Amal sits down with business coach, speaker, and founder of The Resseguie Group, Dave Resseguie , to share a simple but powerful approach to getting more referrals—without asking for them. You'll learn: why the best referrals come from serving people, not selling to them how to build relationships that naturally lead to introductions simple ways to make clients and colleagues feel genuinely valued and why gratitude can change the way you lead, connect, and grow your business Dave shares practical strategies you can start using today—from warm introductions and handwritten notes to thoughtful gifts that people never forget. He also explains why the most successful advisors and leaders focus less on closing deals and more on becoming someone others genuinely want to recommend. If you want more referrals, stronger relationships, and a business built on trust, this episode is for you. Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere Get in touch with Dave: Dave's Website Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Recommended books from this episode: Giftology, by John Ruhlin The Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon Relationship Grit, by Joh Gordon

July 14, 2026Episode 441 hr 7 min

How to Go All In on Your Goals

What could you achieve if you stopped holding back and went all in? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Amal sits down with Karl Hartey, author of The Power of Going All In , for an unforgettable conversation about success, resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to create an extraordinary life. You'll learn: • how to turn a huge goal into small steps you can actually take • why commitment can change what's possible for you • how to make difficult decisions without letting money make them for you • and how to keep moving forward when life doesn't go the way you planned Karl shares how he went from milking cows and working 100-hour weeks to building an incredibly successful financial services business—and how he broke an impossible goal down into daily actions that helped him increase his production from £50,000 to £400,000 in one year. He also shares the heartbreaking story of losing his 16-year-old daughter, Charlotte, and how he turned unimaginable grief into purpose by fighting for change and creating a foundation in her name. If you have a big goal, are facing a difficult season, or know you're capable of more but haven't fully committed to going after it, this episode is for you. Because extraordinary lives aren't built by waiting for the perfect moment. They're built when you decide what matters—and go all in. The Power of Going All In, Karl Hartey Connect with Karl Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

July 7, 2026Episode 4345 min

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you achieve… it's still not enough? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Amal sits down with insurance leader Anne Capezza for an honest conversation about burnout, imposter syndrome, and the hidden pressure so many high achievers carry to prove themselves. You'll learn: • why success doesn't always quiet self-doubt • how childhood patterns can shape the way you work today • why trying to be perfect often leads to burnout • and what it takes to stop chasing approval and start defining success for yourself Anne shares how therapy, taking her first real vacation in over a decade, and learning to set boundaries completely changed the way she leads, works, and lives. If you've ever felt like you're constantly trying to prove yourself, afraid to make a mistake, or stuck in the cycle of "never enough," this episode is for you. Because real success isn't about proving your worth. It's about finally believing you already have it. Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

June 30, 2026Episode 4250 min

How to Create a Life You Won't Regret

What would your deathbed self tell you today? Would they be proud of how you're spending your time? The risks you're taking? The life you're creating? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast, Amal sits down with Lauren Deeley for a conversation that will make you think differently about your goals, your decisions, and the way you're living your life. You'll learn: • how to make decisions with more confidence • why fear keeps so many people stuck • how to stop worrying so much about getting it right • and a simple tool that can help you get clear on what really matters Lauren shares the story that inspired her TEDx Talk, What Would Your Deathbed Self Tell You Today? , and the question she has used for nearly 20 years to make some of the biggest decisions of her life. She also opens up about anxiety, self-doubt, chasing big goals, and the surprising lesson she learned while running a 100-mile race. If you've been putting off a dream, facing a difficult decision, or wondering whether you're playing too small, this episode is for you. Because someday you'll look back on the life you're living today. What do you want to see? Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere What Would Your "Deathbed Self" Tell You Today? Lauren Deeley | TED Follow Lauren on Instagram

June 25, 2026Episode 417 min

The 5 Minute Stress Reset

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck? In this short episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Amal guides you through a simple heart activation exercise that she uses with coaching clients to help them quiet mental noise, gain clarity, and approach challenges from a calmer, more grounded place. This practice can help you: • feel less stressed and anxious • clear your mind when you're overwhelmed • gain perspective on a problem you're trying to solve • and tap into more creativity, intuition, and confidence Many of Amal's clients use this exercise regularly to start their day with greater clarity and peace. If you've been carrying stress, overthinking a decision, or feeling stuck, save this episode and come back to it whenever you need a reset. Sometimes the answer isn't working harder. It's creating enough space to hear yourself think.

June 23, 2026Episode 4155 min

How to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your goals is the story you're telling yourself? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Amal sits down with former Major League Baseball player Ryan Lavarnway for a conversation about resilience, confidence, and what it takes to keep going when things don't go your way. You'll learn: • how to stop letting your current circumstances define what's possible • why asking "Why not me?" can change everything • the difference between fear of failure and fear of success • and how to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you Ryan shares the mindset that helped him go from a kid who didn't make the varsity team until his senior year to an All-American at Yale, a World Series champion, and a Major League Baseball player who was called up and sent down 26 times without giving up. If you've ever wondered whether you're capable of more, felt discouraged by setbacks, or questioned whether your goal is really possible, this episode is for you. Because confidence doesn't come from knowing you'll succeed. It comes from believing you're willing to do what it takes. Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Connect with Ryan Hire Ryan to Speak Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

June 18, 2026Episode 4012 min

3 Steps to Reach Your Biggest Goals

Do you have a big goal—but struggle to know where to start? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast, Amal shares the three steps she teaches leaders and sales professionals to help them achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. You'll learn: • why doing more isn't the answer • how to focus on what matters most and stop wasting energy on things that don't • how to break big goals into simple, manageable steps • and the accountability trick that can dramatically increase your chances of following through Amal shares practical tools from her Winner's Mindset Sales System™ and explains why confidence isn't built by waiting until you feel ready—it's built by taking consistent action. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a big goal or wondered why you know what to do but aren't doing it, this episode is for you. Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

June 16, 2026Episode 3953 min

How to Create a Life You Love

What if success isn't about working harder? What if it's about creating a life you're excited to wake up to? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Amal sits down with former Aetna executive Duncan Stuart for a conversation about success, leadership, and how to build a career without losing yourself in the process. You'll learn: • why so many high achievers get stuck going through the motions • how to create a career that energizes you instead of drains you • why the most successful people don't wait until retirement to enjoy their lives • and how to make more intentional choices about how you spend your time Duncan shares the lessons he learned during 20 years in corporate leadership, why he encouraged his team to truly unplug, how taking time to ski, climb, and recharge made him a sharper leader, and why creating a healthy culture starts with going first. If you've ever wondered whether success has to come at the expense of your happiness, health, or relationships, this episode is for you. Because the goal isn't to build a successful career. It's to build a successful life. Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

June 11, 2026Episode 3816 min

How to Achieve More Without Burning Out

Can you achieve big goals without burning yourself out? In this special episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Derek Kilgore turns the tables and interviews Amal about what she's learned from coaching hundreds of leaders, sales professionals, and high achievers. You'll learn: • the common trait Amal sees in the most successful people • why so many high achievers feel stressed even when they're making progress • how to stay focused on what matters most instead of trying to do everything • and the simple habits that help people achieve more while feeling less overwhelmed Amal also shares why people pleasing leads to burnout, how accountability builds confidence, and the exercise she uses to help clients get clear on what they really want. If you've ever felt like you're constantly chasing the next goal, struggling to be present, or wondering why success doesn't feel the way you thought it would, this episode is for you. Because achieving more doesn't have to come at the expense of your health, happiness, or the people you love. Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere

June 9, 2026Episode 3753 min

How to Be Successful Without Sacrificing What Matters Most

What if reaching your goals isn’t the only measure of success? In this episode of The Happy Achiever Podcast , Amal sits down with financial services leader Derek Kilgore for a conversation about success, purpose, discipline, and building a life you’re actually proud of. Derek shares the moment his 7-year-old daughter said something that completely changed how he looked at success—and why he realized achievement means nothing if you lose what matters most along the way. You’ll learn: • how to stay focused when motivation fades • why knowing your purpose makes it easier to stay disciplined when things get hard • how to create success in your career without sacrificing your family • and why serving others can lead to more fulfillment and better results Derek also shares how his faith and purpose shape the way he leads, why he believes mistakes are necessary for growth, and the simple habits that help him stay focused on what matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how to chase big goals while still being present for the people and things you love, this episode is for you. Because real success isn’t about winning in one area of your life. It’s building something you’re proud of in all of them. Click FOLLOW for More Episodes Connect with Derek Kilgore Get Your Free Blueprint for Success Get Amal's book: I Know You’re in There Somewhere It's Our Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff