What a Former Tesla Performance Trainer Learned About High Performance | Jay Abassi

What does it actually take to perform at a high level—without burning yourself out in the process? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, Jennifer Loehding sits down with a former Tesla performance trainer turned keynote speaker and coach for a powerful conversation about stress, resilience, and what high performance really looks like. After working inside one of the most fast-paced, high-demand environments, he saw firsthand how traditional ideas of success—pushing harder, doing more, and never slowing down—can lead to burnout rather than sustainable growth. But his perspective didn’t come from theory—it came from experience. Through personal challenges, self-reflection, and years of studying human behavior, mindfulness, and performance, he began to question everything he thought he knew about success. What emerged wasn’t a rejection of high performance—but a redefinition of it. This conversation explores the difference between pushing through and truly being resilient, the role of stress in growth, and how small shifts in awareness can completely change how we show up in our work and lives. From learning how to pause and listen to your internal signals to understanding why stress isn’t the enemy, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it means to perform at your best—without sacrificing yourself in the process. Chapters00:00 High Performance Without Burnout01:03 Podcast Welcome And Mission01:56 Sponsor And Community Plug03:21 Meet Jay Abassi04:54 From Tesla To Coaching Mission08:39 Loss That Changed Everything10:48 Learning To Pause And Listen13:51 Three Burnout Myths16:58 Stress As A Growth Signal19:28 Self Talk Like A Loved One22:32 Keynotes Workshops And Coaching24:51 Adaptability In A Changing World26:32 Purpose Service And The Sun29:24 Find Your Genius30:06 Leaving Corporate Safely30:47 Mentors Money Discomfort33:24 Nest Versus Jungle35:21 Stories That Stick38:22 Mindfulness Rewires Brain41:28 Redefining Success43:32 Impact You Never See46:54 TEDx Prep And Practice50:58 Authentic Speaking Style53:26 Where To Find Jay54:12 Final Thanks And Outro About Jay AbassiJay Abassi is a global keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and performance coach who helps individuals and organizations thrive under pressure without burning out. During his time at Tesla, Jay designed and led national training programs impacting over 1,000 employees, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to perform in high-demand environments. His work today focuses on helping high performers develop resilience, adaptability, and sustainable strategies for success—so they can operate at their best without sacrificing their well-being. Connect with Jay Abassi⁠https://jabassi.me⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabassi⁠ Connect with Starter Girlz⁠https://startergirlz.com⁠Take the 2-Minute Success Block Quiz to discover what may be holding you back. Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz Podcast⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b⁠