In this episode, I had the honor of joining Maurice Philogene on Try Life On to share my journey from the polished corridors of Google and Microsoft to the meaningful, soul-aligned work I now do as an emotional intelligence coach.
We unpacked what it really feels like to be “successful” on paper and completely misaligned on the inside—and the quiet, persistent gut nudges that eventually became too loud to ignore. I opened up about the moment I realized burnout wasn’t just exhaustion, it was a signal—a call to radically redesign how I defined success, purpose, and leadership.
If you’ve ever felt like you were living someone else’s version of success, this conversation is your reminder: you get to choose again.
5 Key Takeaways:
- Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill—it’s the foundation for sustainable success and self-leadership.
- Burnout is often a clue, not a curse; it can become the catalyst for transformational clarity.
- Listening to your gut isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership practice.
- Redefining success means stepping away from external validation and designing your life around your values.
- Kindness and connection are often the most underestimated tools for building both business and legacy.
What is Big Meaningful Life?
Welcome to Big Meaningful Life.
Hi, I’m Sally Mahamdeh, an Emotional Intelligence-certified coach and trainer.
Are you someone who holds yourself to high standards, strives for ambitious goals, and feels deeply empathetic toward others?
If so, you might be a Sensitive Striver—just like me.
The driving question behind this podcast is simple yet profound:
How can you care deeply, achieve greatly, and truly enjoy the life you’re building?
Join me as we explore the answers with inspiring guests—coaches, psychologists, and neuroscientists—who share practical tools and transformative insights.
Your journey to a big, meaningful life—free from overwhelm—starts now.