Leading with Heart: Emotional Health for High Performers - David Charlson | Ep. #68
Episode description
David is a serial entrepreneur. He has helped launch and sell two multi-million dollar businesses, worked in the mortgage industry, and was CEO of a pet-food company, WAG.
His passion, however, is supporting high-performers in being connected to themselves and their families, while excelling in their work. His clients have included one of the largest hedge fund managers in the world, a Grammy award winner, and one of the biggest marketers on the planet.
Today, we’re diving into something I know many of us wrestle with: staying emotionally grounded while leading at the top—whether you’re running a company, chasing big goals, or just trying to show up as your best self. David’s got this rare ability to blend high-level leadership wisdom with a heart that’s always on, and I can’t wait to unpack that with him. So, let’s get into it—here’s my chat with David Charlson, a guy who makes me, and hopefully you, a little better just by listening.
Key Takeaways:
- Emotional Health Starts with Authenticity: David defines emotional health as staying connected to your true self, not defaulting to self-protective patterns.
- Psychological Safety Drives Performance: Drawing from Google’s Aristotle Project, David emphasizes that leaders must model vulnerability—sharing struggles and ideas—to create teams where innovation and honesty thrive.
- Practical Anchors for Resilience: Under pressure, use "anchors" (e.g., inspiring quotes, memories) and "catalytic behaviors" (e.g., outdoor time) to reconnect with your authentic self quickly and consistently.
- Release, Don’t Suppress: High performance doesn’t mean ignoring emotions. David and Josh advocate facing inner critics—crying, shaking, or jogging through them—to emerge more present and powerful.
- Feedback Requires Filters: Stay open to feedback but test it against your "who"—your authentic identity. Surround yourself with "healthy mirrors" (trusted friends or coaches) to discern truth from distortion.
- Masculinity and Femininity in Balance: David redefines leadership as embracing all expressions—sensitive or fierce—without labels, creating space for business creativity and strength.
Host: Josh Cearbaugh
Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/
Podcast: https://www.multifacetedmasculinity.com/
Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com
Guest: David Charlson