Understanding perfectionism requires examining it in complete cultural context.
In this powerful episode of Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD, I sit down with Sahaj Kohli—author of But What Will People Say? and founder of Brown Girl Therapy—to explore how perfectionism shows up uniquely for children of immigrants and those navigating bicultural identities.
We dive deep into why so many high achievers feel “never enough,” how impression management keeps us in a “glass house,” and what it takes to rewrite the narrative with self-compassion, intergenerational understanding, and permission to rest.
Episode Takeaways
By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:
- The three types of perfectionism—self-oriented, other-oriented, socially prescribed—and how they manifest in immigrant households
- Why perfectionism often feels like survival for South Asian and bicultural communities
- The concept of impression management and the “glass house” metaphor that shapes identity and pressure
- How intergenerational compassion reframes family expectations and cultural survival stories
- Why rest and play are acts of resistance—and ways to reclaim joy for yourself and your ancestors
About The Guest:
Sahaj Kohli is a therapist, writer, and speaker whose work focuses on mental health, identity, and bicultural belonging. She is the founder of Brown Girl Therapy, the first and largest mental health community for children of immigrants, and the host of the podcast So We Have Been Told. Sahaj’s debut book, But What Will People Say?, offers an honest guide for navigating family expectations, bicultural identity, and mental health with compassion and clarity.
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician, TEDx Speaker, with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
Connect with Dr. Shabbir:
❌ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.
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What is Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir MD ?
Are you tired of chasing goal after goal, only to feel empty once you get there? Do you appear successful on the outside but feel unfulfilled on the inside? Or are you wondering how to even begin your journey to success?
Welcome to Success Reimagined with Amna Shabbir, MD—the podcast that challenges traditional definitions of success and explores what it truly means to thrive at the intersection of ambition and well-being.
Hosted by Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC—Founder and CEO, Dual Board-Certified Physician, and a fierce advocate for mental health. With advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, Behavior Change, and Leadership Development, Dr. Shabbir brings deep expertise to every conversation. She’s also a sought-after Professional Speaker and proud Super Mom to two young girls. Drawing from her multifaceted roles, she offers a fresh, honest perspective on the realities of ambition, success, and sustainable well-being.
Each episode delivers practical, evidence-based strategies to help you break free from burnout, perfectionism, and the endless chase for external validation. You’ll walk away inspired and empowered to build a life that aligns achievement with deep personal fulfillment.
If you're ready to reimagine success with intention and courage, hit subscribe, rate, and review the show—and start your journey to a more joyful, aligned life today.
Connect with Dr. Amna Shabbir:
Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md
Instagram: instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir
Facebook: facebook.com/dr.amnashabbir.md
Website: https://success-curated.com/
YouTube: youtube.com/@Dr.AmnaShabbir