In this episode of the Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias, a forensic psychologist and executive & resilience coach, delves into the intricacies of trauma bonds, explaining why they form, why they are so difficult to break, and how to finally free oneself from them.

He emphasizes that trauma bonds are not rooted in love but in a neurological attachment created by cycles of emotional pain and reward. Dr. Vergolias discusses the neurological and psychological foundations of these bonds and the steps necessary to disrupt them, including stabilizing the nervous system, rebuilding self-trust, and reclaiming personal identity. He also highlights the importance of professional support in this healing journey and offers practical advice for those struggling with toxic relationships.

This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand and overcome the powerful hold of trauma bonds.

00:00 Introduction to The Unstressed Exec 01:36 Understanding Trauma Bonds 03:50 The Pain of Trauma Bonds 06:14 Why Smart People Stay in Toxic Relationships 09:12 The Trauma Bond Cycle 11:10 Case Study: Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds 15:59 Steps to Break Trauma Bonds 20:07 Signs of Recovery and Moving Forward 23:20 Closing Reflections and Call to Action

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link below 👉

https://www.amazon.com/Conflict-Whisperer-Workbook-no-nonsense-relationship/dp/1835565514/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com

In this episode of the Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias delves into the reasons why even intelligent, accomplished people often miss red flags in relationships and professional settings.

Featuring insights from research and two decades of experience, Dr. Vergolias discusses eight cognitive biases—confirmation bias, optimism bias, sunk cost fallacy, halo effect, emotional reasoning, attachment bias, cognitive dissonance, and competence bias—that can cloud judgment. He also provides practical strategies to spot red flags earlier and improve discernment, along with a call to action for those seeking deeper tools in his workbook 'The Conflict Whisperer' and coaching services. Tune in to understand these biases and how to navigate through them for a healthier, clearer perspective in all your relationships.

00:00 Introduction to The Unstressed Exec

01:01 Why Smart People Miss Red Flags

02:33 Cognitive Biases Explained

03:14 The Eight Cognitive Biases

12:02 Emotional Intelligence and Red Flags

13:43 Social Conditioning and Red Flags

15:59 How Toxic People Exploit Biases

17:49 Case Study: The CEO Who Never Saw It Coming

19:44 Practical Steps to Identify Red Flags

24:42 Closing Reflections and Call to Action

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link below 👉

https://www.amazon.com/Conflict-Whisperer-Workbook-no-nonsense-relationship/dp/1835565514/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com

In this episode of The Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias addresses a common issue many high-achieving professionals face: attracting toxic individuals.

As an executive coach and clinical/forensic psychologist, George discusses psychological mechanisms that draw us into harmful relationships, including early attachment templates and nervous system conditioning. He outlines red flags to watch for, common traits targeted by toxic people, and six actionable steps to break the cycle.

He emphasizes the importance of reprogramming the nervous system, rebuilding internal boundaries, and shifting identity narratives to become more discerning and resilient in relationships. The episode also touches upon common misconceptions about toxic people and offers insights on how to transform self-awareness into practical strategies for healthier relationships.

00:00 Introduction to The Unstressed Exec

01:01 New Year Wishes and Resources

02:07 Understanding Toxic Relationships

04:52 Traits Targeted by Toxic People

12:00 Attachment Theory and Toxic Attraction

13:49 The Toxic Attraction Cycle

19:45 Case Study: Breaking the Cycle

21:52 Identifying Red Flags

29:58 Breaking the Cycle: Practical Steps

38:00 Closing Reflections and Call to Action

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link 👉 https://a.co/d/7zdwAfs

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com

In this episode of the Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias delves into the complex and often misunderstood world of psychopathy. Dispelling Hollywood myths, he explains that psychopathy isn't confined to violent criminals but can be found in corporate offices and everyday life.

Dr. Vergolias discusses the core characteristics of psychopathy, the differences between psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder, and strategies for identifying and managing psychopaths in different types of relationships. He also provides practical advice on protecting oneself from their manipulative and potentially dangerous behavior.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:59 Understanding Psychopathy: Myths and Realities

05:28 Core Characteristics of Psychopathy

18:17 Types of Psychopathy

23:37 Spotting a Psychopath in Your Life

27:38 Managing Relationships with Psychopaths

33:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link 👉 https://a.co/d/7zdwAfs

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com

In this episode of 'The Unstressed Exec,' Dr. George Vergolias, an executive coach and clinical forensic psychologist, breaks down the concept of narcissism, often misunderstood and overused in modern psychology.

He discusses the prevalence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), explores the difference between healthy and maladaptive narcissism, and delves into the overlap with other personality disorders like borderline and histrionic.

Dr. Vergolias also provides practical advice on how to identify narcissistic traits in relationships, the workplace, and family settings, along with strategies for managing these challenging dynamics. Additionally, for listeners who might recognize these traits within themselves, he offers steps toward self-improvement and accountability. The episode highlights the importance of clarity, boundaries, and self-reflection in navigating and understanding narcissism.

00:00 Introduction to The Unstressed Exec

01:32 Understanding Narcissism: Myth vs. Reality

05:39 Healthy vs. Pathological Narcissism

10:17 The Personality Triad: Narcissism, Histrionic, and Borderline Disorders

17:25 Narcissism and Psychopathy: The Dark Overlap

22:05 Spotting Narcissism in Relationships

23:06 Five Key Traits of Narcissists

26:16 Managing Narcissism in Family Relationships

27:50 Handling Narcissistic Friendships

29:15 Navigating Narcissism in the Workplace

31:18 Dealing with Narcissistic Intimate Partners

33:37 Self-Reflection: Am I the Narcissist?

37:48 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link 👉 https://a.co/d/7zdwAfs

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com

In this episode of the Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias, forensic psychologist and executive coach, explores the concept of the 'productive pause' — the idea of slowing down to speed up and why it's critical for leaders.

Dr. Vergolias delves into the myth of constant motion and its pitfalls, the neuroscience behind pausing, and introduces the Pause-Regulate-Reflect model from his workbook, 'The Conflict Whisperer.' With practical examples, micro pause techniques, and strategic value of stillness, this episode is packed with insights on transforming reactivity into reflection and enhancing both personal and professional life.

The episode also emphasizes the importance of emotional control, reflection before action, and cultivating a habit of stillness for improved decision-making and conflict resolution.

00:00 Introduction to The Unstressed Exec

00:36 Welcome Back and Workbook Introduction

01:36 The Productive Pause: Slowing Down to Speed Up

04:00 The Neuroscience Behind the Pause

05:10 Pause, Regulate, Reflect Model

12:05 Practical Tips for Daily Life

14:58 The Strategic Value of Stillness

16:57 Conclusion and Call to Action

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link 👉 https://a.co/d/7zdwAfs

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com

In this episode of The Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias delves into using conflict as a growth strategy, urging listeners to rethink conflict as a breakthrough rather than a breakdown.

Offering insights from his two-decade-long experience, he introduces a mental shift to view conflict as a superpower. Dr. Vergolias discusses default responses to conflict and promotes a reflection cycle involving pausing, naming emotions, inquiring with curiosity, and acting in alignment with values. He also highlights the significance of a growth mindset and emotional maturity in handling conflict, both in personal and professional settings.

Practical exercises and strategies from his workbook, 'The Conflict Whisperer,' are recommended for deeper engagement. Finally, he introduces the three Rs of reflective growth—recognize, regulate, and reframe— to transform conflict into data and foster continuous personal development.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Background

01:00 Promoting the Conflict Whisperer Workbook

01:54 Conflict as a Growth Strategy

02:22 Rethinking Conflict

05:04 The Cycle of Reaction vs. Reflection

06:36 The Reflection Cycle

08:56 Adopting a Growth Mindset

11:53 Reflective Confrontation and Emotional Maturity

13:32 Leadership and Conflict Innovation

17:39 The Three Rs of Reflective Growth

21:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link 👉 https://a.co/d/9PMK7Ep

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com

In this episode of The Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias, a forensic psychologist and executive resilience coach, discusses the importance of emotional fitness for leaders. He emphasizes that emotional fitness is critical for managing stress, regulating emotions, and maintaining performance under pressure.

Dr. Vergolias outlines five daily habits that can build long-lasting emotional fitness: the grounding minute, micro recovery windows, emotional labeling, daily debriefs, and connecting with others without venting. He shares practical advice and real-world examples to illustrate how these habits can transform a leader's ability to navigate stress and avoid burnout.

Listeners are also encouraged to check out his workbook, 'The Conflict Whisperer,' for deeper insights and exercises to manage conflict and build emotional resilience.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

01:04 Promoting the Conflict Whisperer Workbook

01:51 Understanding Emotional Fitness for Leaders

04:54 The Emotional Load on Leadership

07:58 Daily Habits for Emotional Fitness

09:19 Five Habits of Emotionally Fit Leaders

17:59 Real-World Example: Dr. R's Journey

21:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

Get the Conflict Whisperer Workbook!

If you’re finding value in these episodes and want to go deeper, check out my workbook: “The Conflict Whisperer: From Conflict to Clarity : A No-Nonsense Guide to Managing Conflict in Every Relationship.”

It’s packed with real-world strategies, over 75 reflection exercises, and neuroscience-backed tools to help you navigate conflict without losing your cool — at work, at home, or in moments of personal crisis.

Whether you’re going through a breakup, managing tension with a partner, or leading under pressure, this workbook gives you a practical roadmap to turn conflict into clarity.

You can grab your copy now on Amazon — here is the link 👉 https://a.co/d/9PMK7Ep

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

📩 Stay Connected: Website: www.theunstressedexec.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.unstressed.exec

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.unstressed.exec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.unstressed.exec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Unstressed_Exec

If you like The Unstressed Exec podcast please leave me a review and rate!

For more info on my coaching services, keynote speaking and guest speaker/podcast opportunities, please visit my website at: www.theunstressedexec.com