The Executive Edge Podcast with Alex Mearns - Real People Doing Remarkable Things

Ex-Goldman Banker Busts Diet Myths Keeping Execs Inflamed, Frustrated and Stuck

If you’re over 40, inflamed, frustrated and stuck despite “eating healthy” – this episode is for you. If you're not stuck, but want to be proactive about your health, sharpen your decision-making, and enjoy a good myth-bust – you'll get a lot out of this too. I’m joined by Jieun Wrigley – a former Goldman Sachs analyst and financial journalist who’s now a functional nutritionist helping people finally figure out why they’re not getting better. We dive into: • The real reason diets fail (and what to focus on instead) • Why your cholesterol isn't the enemy • What inflammation really is – and how to bring it down • Jieun’s take on Ozempic and modern weight loss drugs • Whether supplements are actually worth it • Foods she calls “biohacks” that beat the pills • And a rapid-fire myth-busting round that hits everything from seed oils to keto to HIIT It’s an honest, common-sense chat between two people who’ve tried the conventional stuff, found it didn’t work – and decided to look deeper. 👇 Timestamps below INTRO & BACKSTORY 00:00 – Meet Jieun – from finance to functional nutrition 04:56 – Alex’s health crash: what forced him to rethink everything MYTH-BUSTING THE MEDICAL MODEL 05:44 – Are you really going to die from high cholesterol? 07:44 – Who Jieun works with – and why they come to her when nothing else works FOOD, FAMILY & FOUNDATIONS 18:45 – Fibre, taste buds and fixing your food foundations 22:54 – Why “treats” are messing with your mindset REAL WEIGHT LOSS & METABOLIC HEALTH 25:40 – Want to lose weight? Focus on inflammation instead 29:48 – Jieun’s take on Ozempic: useful tool or trap? 35:59 – The omega-6 problem and how it’s keeping you inflamed TOOLS, SUPPLEMENTS & UPGRADES 42:40 – Should you take supplements or not? Jieun weighs in 44:24 – The foods Jieun calls “biohacks” (that actually work) QUICK FIRE & WRAP-UP 49:25 – Quick Fire Round: Intermittent fasting, seed oils, sugar, keto, paleo, HIIT and the news 53:28 – Jieun’s top 3 health tips for midlife transformation

Is This It? Why Senior Execs Feel Trapped in Success - And How to Break Free

Summary You’ve worked hard, climbed the corporate ladder, and achieved financial success…so why does something still feel off? In this episode, I sit down with Sharad Lal to unpack why so many senior executives in their 40s and 50s feel stuck, uninspired, and unsure what’s next - even after years of career success. Highlights We dive into: 🔹 Why high performers often feel trapped by their own success 🔹 Fear of change and losing what you’ve built 🔹 A lack of real avenues for support when things feel off 🔹 Ignoring personal growth because “I don’t need it” 🔹 How to break free without throwing everything away 🔹 How to design your business (or career) around your life – not the other way around If you’re a corporate leader wondering “Is this all there is?”, this conversation is for you. 📌 Hit play and take the first step toward a more fulfilling, balanced life. Timestamps 🔹 **Happiness & Life Transformation** 01:42 Sharad’s definition of happiness – is it what you think? 04:44 The life-changing event that forced Sharad to rethink everything 07:35 Are your actions aligned with your values? Here’s how to know 🔹 **Balancing Work, Life & Identity** 08:50 Banker in New York vs. Yogi in India – Can you find true balance? 13:10 How much does parental approval shape our life choices? (Especially for Indians & Brits!) 13:44 Unlearning bad habits – How to break free from default behaviours 15:21 Can you really change your parents!? 🔹 **Personal Development & Inner Work** 16:34 What actually happens when you work with a great coach or therapist? 18:23 Is your ego stopping you from real growth? Here’s how to fix it 🔹 **Leadership & Career Growth** 22:08 What do corporate leadership programs REALLY look like? 23:39 The 3 types of leaders – Which one are you? 26:14 Why men in their 40s & 50s struggle to find support (and what to do about it) 29:08 How Alex found his purpose – and the BIG shifts he made in his business 🔹 **Health, Well-being & Mindset** 34:03 Sharad’s top health & fitness habits for a happy, high-performing life 35:59 Morning vs. night – When’s the BEST time to meditate? 38:30 Sharad’s 3 must-know tips for senior execs & leaders

Leaving Corporate Life for the Japanese Mountains

In Episode 5 of The Executive Edge Podcast, Alex Mearns chats with Peter Douglas, a former director at Aberdeen Asset Management in Singapore who left the corporate world to start his own hedge fund research business - and eventually moved to a small village at the top of a mountain in Japan. Peter shares insights on why leaving corporate life was the best thing that ever happened to him, the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship, and how life in rural Japan has transformed his health, mindset and purpose. Plus, we discuss his thoughts on Japanese longevity, his top health and wellness tips, and his recent fight with a bear! 00:00 - Intro 00:59 - Why did Peter leave Aberdeen Asset Management to start his own business? 05:39 - What unexpected challenges did Peter face when starting his own business? 09:44 - “Ultimately, a corporation will corrupt you.” – Peter’s thoughts on corporate life 13:00 - Why did Peter move from Singapore to a mountain village in Japan? 16:15 - What’s the difference between Peter’s life in a small village vs a big city? 20:45 - Tourists love Japan, but what’s it like for Peter to actually live there? 25:26 - Why do the Japanese have one of the longest life expectancies? Peter’s 5 reasons 29:34 - Has the West misunderstood the Japanese concept of Ikigai? Peter’s perspective 31:40 - In Japanese companies, who’s more important than clients? Peter explains 33:13 - Peter’s top 3 health and wellness tips 35:23 - What are the consequences of Peter wrestling with a wild bear? (Yes, he really did get mauled!) 🚀 Never miss an episode! 🎧 [Follow The Executive Edge Podcast on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/alex-mearns) for fresh insights into leadership, health and personal growth.

Coaching 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters for Leaders

This episode is for senior executives, C-suite leaders and high-achievers in their 40s and 50s who might be feeling a bit "stuck" - personally or professionally. Whether you’re navigating burnout, struggling to balance priorities or seeking clarity on your next move, this episode has something for you. Join Alex Mearns and guest Mary Barrett as they explore: 🎯 What coaching is and how it helps leaders thrive 🔍 The difference between coaching and traditional talk therapy 💡 Common challenges coaching can address - from burnout to emotional blocks 👩‍🏫 What makes a great coach and how to find one 🚀 Why coaching is the ultimate tool for high-achievers If you’re ready to gain clarity, align your goals, and unlock a more fulfilling, balanced life, tune in for practical insights and inspiration.

Balancing Business & Health: Secrets to Lasting Vitality at Any Age

In this episode of The Executive Edge Podcast, I sit down with Levitise Executive Coach, Darren Brunton, to explore how he maintains exceptional energy and vitality in his 60s while balancing multiple businesses, travel, fitness and family. Darren shares his insights on using exercise as a creative and business catalyst, reconnecting with childhood passions to reignite energy and practical tips for transitioning out of corporate life with purpose. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, find balance or gain a new perspective on success, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive at any age.