4 days ago
Ep 10 - The myth of “being the strong one”—and what happens when the person everyone leans on finally breaks
In this episode of The Unstressed Exec, Dr. George Vergolias delves into the complexities of being the 'strong one' in one's family, career, or social circle. Taped on July 4th, this episode aligns with the theme of independence, focusing on how to cope with the immense pressure of being the stable factor in others' lives. Dr. Vergolias discusses the hidden emotional toll of unrelenting reliability, the trap of appearing invulnerable, and how this impacts one's mental health and identity. He shares personal anecdotes, including his own experience following his father's death, and provides practical advice on how to reframe strength, share responsibilities, and avoid emotional burnout. The episode concludes with actionable tips for practicing vulnerability and building resilience through shared strength. Dr. Vergolias also previews his next four-part series on navigating separation and divorce.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Theme
01:41 The Hidden Emotional Toll of Strength
02:23 Defining the Archetype of the Strong One
03:50 The Trap of Emotional Invisibility
06:31 The Hidden Costs of Always Being Strong
14:38 Reframing Strength and Building Resilience
15:04 Practical Steps to Share Strength
18:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
About the Host – The Unstressed Exec
Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a former 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.
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