In a year of research on the nature of work and mid-career evolution, one word keeps surfacing: compassion.
Compassion for others, yes. But more importantly, self-compassion.
It's essential for sustained performance at work, and essential for navigating the messy middle of mid-career.
This week’s guest reinforces that idea and expands our understanding with both science and practical tools we can put to use.
Heather Doyle Fraser is a publisher, author, entrepreneur, and coach who leads the
Compassionate Mind Collaborative.
In our conversation, Heather explains the physiology of self-compassion and the “threat, drive, soothe” emotional regulation system that shape our daily experience:
Threat – the fears of not being enough, of failing, of being judged.
Drive – the fuel, values, and purpose that makes us want to do/create something
Soothe – the comfort and self-care we can introduce into the equation
Heather shows how recognizing and balancing these forces supports both career growth and creativity.
She also shares tactical tools for creative output, from creating enough time, to shaping our physical environment, to cultivating a cognitive landscape where compassion leads instead of the critic.
We also dig into
- the vagus nerve and Theory Polyvagal theory
- comparisons between elite athletes and high performing leaders
- importance of cultivating curiosity
- how changing your state can help you find your flow
- the whiteboard shower hack
- Heather's family band
- our work together on my book Collaboration is King
Throughout our conversation the reminder is simple but profound: even the most seasoned leaders and creators wrestle with fear and doubt. What carries them forward is practice and support.
What is The Afternoon Shift?
The Afternoon Shift is a hub for mid-career marketing, media, and creative professionals navigating what’s next.
Hosted by Brady Sadler, this show explores how to thrive, not just survive, during the most pivotal stretch of our careers.
What started with a few small group conversations quickly became something deeper: research, newsletter, events, a growing community, and now these recorded conversations.
We're sitting down with incredible leaders across a wide range of businesses, to dig into personal stories, practical solutions, and the bigger questions shaping our work and our lives right now.
This isn’t just a show. It’s part of a larger effort to turn ideas into collaborations, and connections into meaningful work.
Because we believe career should be more of a team sport.
If this sounds like your kind of community, please hit the follow button. That's a small way you can help us connect with more people. Thanks for listening.
Join Us: https://theafternoonshift.com/
Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradysadler/