#82 - Who Are You?: Eluding the professional Paradox with Nancy Ho
In this powerful and deeply reflective episode, Ryan sits down with international coach, speaker, and life strategist Nancy Ho to explore what it really means to be successful—and why so many high achievers feel stuck, empty, or disconnected even after they’ve “checked all the boxes.”
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Nancy shares her personal journey of early success and the surprising emotional emptiness that came with it. At just 29, she was thriving on paper but overwhelmed by anger and burnout. Her realization sparked a lifelong quest to understand true success—and to help others break free from the societal programming that keeps them unfulfilled.
Together, Ryan and Nancy unpack:
- Why clarity of values is the foundation of success.
- How subconscious childhood beliefs shape our adult decisions—and how to rewire them.
- The difference between self-improvement and self-discovery.
- How powerful questions like “Who are you—without your job title?” can change everything.
- Why coaching can accelerate transformation and unlock clarity.
Nancy also introduces her “North Star Vision” framework, explains the emotional and neurological roots of imposter syndrome, and reveals why being “interesting and interested” is her top life principle for aging with joy, confidence, and impact.
This conversation is rich with wisdom, humor, and a rare kind of radical honesty. You’ll walk away with journal-worthy prompts, deep insight, and maybe even the first clear step toward your version of success.
Featured Topics:
- Unpacking the “Professional Paradox” that leaves high performers unfulfilled
- Using values to answer the question “Who are you?”
- The emotional imprint of childhood experiences on adult identity
- Hypnotherapy and the subconscious roots of imposter syndrome
- The neuroscience of clarity and motivation
- Nancy’s 3-part success formula: Identity, Strategy, Execution
- The importance of being interested and interesting as we age
Resources Mentioned:
- Nancy Ho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-ho-exec-coach/
- Arabian Business: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/resources/know-your-why-to-live-the-life-you-truly-desire-how-nancy-hos-north-star-framework-aligns-business-and-life-success
- LA Weekly: https://www.laweekly.com/healing-executives-from-success-that-rings-hollow-why-nancy-ho-aligns-personal-professional-fulfillment/
- The Top 5 Reasons You Feel Stuck in Your Career
- The Personal Success Planner
Quote of the Episode:
“Don't be the best. Be excellent. Because excellence is a journey—and 'best' has a ceiling.” – Nancy Ho
Ready to Discover Your Own Definition of Success?
Download your Personal Success Planner and begin crafting a life that aligns with your values, vision, and voice: personalsuccessplanner.com
📅 Want to explore your own leadership journey? Book a complimentary session at ryanwattslifecoaching.com/schedule
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