Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Ryan Paugh, co-founder of Brazen Careerist, Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), and Community.co (the organization behind Forbes Councils), and co-author of Superconnector. Called "a cult legend in the online community building world" by Mashable, Ryan brings rare, hard-won wisdom on what it truly takes to build communities that last.
This conversation is rich, candid, and deeply human. Ryan opens up about discovering his gift for community building organically, not through a master plan, but through listening, showing up, and embracing the mess. He and Dr. Shabbir explores perfectionism, failure, the Dunbar number, navigating the AI era authentically, and what success really means once you've built something meaningful.
Whether you're an entrepreneur or an ambitious professional trying to build your network intentionally, this episode will challenge and inspire you.
Episode Takeaways:
- Listen first. Genuine community starts with tuning into people's needs and creating psychological safety.
- Start before you're ready. You don't need a platform or a perfect plan, just grit and a willingness to lead by example.
- Stay human in the AI era. Use AI to refine your ideas, not replace your voice, your authenticity is your biggest competitive edge.
- Best Practices for Community Building - the Do’s and Don’ts
- Impostor Syndrome and how it showed up for Ryan early in his career tied together with failure.
- Guard your time. Never make blind introductions and be intentional about who and what gets your energy.
- Redefine success. The real win is freedom, balance, and doing work you love, not the unicorn exit.
About the guest:
Ryan Paugh is a pioneer in building curated, technology-enabled communities for ambitious professionals. He co-founded Brazen Careerist, a career platform for high-achieving young professionals recognized by Mashable as a top social network for Gen Y entrepreneurs, before partnering with Scott Gerber to launch Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), described by Entrepreneur as "one of the most elite organizations of its kind." Today, as Co-Founder, President & COO of Community.co, the organization behind Forbes Councils, Ryan continues building on that vision, creating membership experiences and business opportunities for thousands of executives, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs nationwide. Mashable has called him "a cult legend in the online-community building world.
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and 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
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
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❌ 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