An Interview with Karen Mangia
Success is no longer just about personal achievement but also about building relationships. The pandemic reminded us of the value of connection and community.
Have you ever noticed how often we equate success with more? Whether that’s more products, more profits, more activities or more accomplishments, we buy into the belief that we have to do more to have more to be more. And that will sum up to success. And then along comes The Great Resignation. Where employees are signaling that the “more” that’s being offered — even more pay, more perks, and more PTO — isn’t summing up to success for them. We visited with leaders who are redefining what success means now. Their answers might surprise you.
As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Angela Ficken, LICSW. Angela is a psychotherapist with a thriving private practice based in Boston, MA. With a specialty in treating OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety-related issues, Angela has dedicated her career to improving the mental health and wellbeing of her clients. Her extensive background includes serving as the head social worker at McLean Hospital, one of the nation’s top psychiatric hospitals affiliated with Harvard University, and working as a primary therapist for Harvard University’s student body.
Angela’s expertise has made her a sought-after voice in the mental health field. She frequently contributes to Huffington Post, YourTango.com, ThriveGlobal.com, and Marriage.com, where she shares her insights on mental health and wellness. Her expertise has also been featured in prominent media outlets, including Oprah Magazine, Fast Company, Inc.com, Forbes.com, MSN.com, Bustle.com, Popsugar.com, Buzzfeed.com, and Nylon magazine, affirming her as a trusted expert.
Angela founded Progress Wellness, LLC, a private practice and online platform that provides accessible mental health resources. She has recently expanded her reach by launching an Etsy shop, where she offers a variety of mental wellness products, such as workbooks and guides designed to help individuals manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate mindfulness. Her Etsy shop has become a go-to resource for those seeking affordable and easy-to-use tools to enhance their mental wellbeing from anywhere.
Angela’s commitment to making mental health support accessible extends to her online platform, Worried to Well-Balanced. This site offers a comprehensive range of digital resources, including courses and downloadable content, tailored to help individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve a balanced state of wellbeing.
She continues to influence the mental health landscape through her innovative approach, combining clinical expertise with accessible resources. Her work supports her private practice clients and reaches a global audience, helping countless individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
Thank you for taking the time to interview me. One of the most significant life experiences that shaped who I am today was my decision to transition from working at McLean Hospital and Harvard University to opening my private practice, Progress Wellness. This move was a massive step in my career, allowing me to focus on providing individualized care and creating a therapeutic environment where I could use my skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients manage their anxiety and stress. It taught me the value of trusting my instincts and creating a space where people feel understood and supported.
Another pivotal experience was launching my Etsy shop, WorriedtoWellBalanced.com. This venture helped me reach a broader audience and extend the impact of my work beyond traditional therapy sessions. By creating tools that people can use in their daily lives, I’ve been able to share practical skills for managing stress and anxiety with a broader community, reinforcing my belief in the power of accessible mental health resources. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding innovative ways to support mental well-being.
We all have myths and misconceptions about success. What are some myths or misconceptions that you used to believe?
As a mental health professional, I used to believe the common myth that external achievements, such as career milestones, wealth, or social status, measure success. However, my personal and professional experiences taught me that success is more about internal fulfillment, mental well-being, and the ability to lead a balanced life. Getting caught up in societal pressures to achieve specific benchmarks is easy, but these don’t necessarily lead to happiness or satisfaction.
Another misconception I held was that success should be a linear path. Many people, including myself at one point, believed that each step should lead seamlessly to the next. However, I’ve realized that success is often nonlinear, filled with setbacks, detours, and unexpected challenges. Embracing this reality has allowed me to be more flexible and open to opportunities I might not have considered before, ultimately leading to personal growth and a more fulfilling professional life.
How has your definition of success changed?
My definition of success has evolved significantly over time. Initially, I equated success with external markers like career advancement, financial stability, and peer recognition. These are often the measures of success that society highlights, and it’s easy to get caught up in them. However, through my journey as a mental health professional and personal experiences, I’ve come to realize that true success is much more about internal satisfaction and balance.
Now, I see success as the ability to lead a fulfilling life where personal well-being, meaningful relationships, and the ability to impact others positively take precedence. It’s about achieving a balance that allows for professional accomplishments while nurturing personal happiness and mental health. This shift in perspective has helped me appreciate the importance of resilience, adaptability, and authenticity in my personal and professional life. It’s a reminder that success is deeply personal and can look different for everyone, depending on what truly matters to them.
The pandemic, in many ways, was a time of collective self-reflection. What changes do you believe we need to make as a society to access success post pandemic?
The pandemic prompted a period of introspection for individuals and society, highlighting the need for changes to redefine success in a post-pandemic world. First, we must prioritize mental health and well-being, recognizing that emotional resilience is as crucial as economic stability. This means building environments that support mental health through accessible services and destigmatizing seeking help.
Second, we should embrace flexible work arrangements for a healthier work-life balance. The pandemic showed us that remote work can be practical, and many people have found increased satisfaction and productivity in more adaptable schedules. Companies supporting these arrangements can help their employees thrive personally and professionally.
Last, we need to focus on community and collective success rather than individual achievement alone. Building stronger social connections and supporting local communities can lead to inclusive growth. By redefining success to include personal fulfillment, community engagement, and a commitment to overall well-being, we can create a society that is better equipped to face future challenges and thrive collectively.
What do you see as the unexpected positives in the pandemic? We would love to hear a few of your stories or examples.
While challenging, the pandemic brought some unexpected positives that have reshaped our perspectives and approaches to life. One of the most significant was the acceleration of digital transformation. Businesses and individuals quickly adapted to remote work and digital communication, paving the way for more flexible work environments and better global connectivity. This shift has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation, allowing people to work from anywhere and balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.
Another was the focus on health and well-being. Many people started prioritizing their mental and physical health, adopting healthier lifestyles and practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise. It also showed the importance of community support and empathy, leading to stronger social bonds and increased acts of kindness and solidarity.
We’re all looking for answers about how to be successful now. Could you please share “5 Ways To Redefine Success Now?”
1. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
Adapting to new circumstances is crucial for redefining success. Many businesses and individuals had to pivot quickly during the pandemic to survive and thrive. For instance, I transitioned to online sessions almost overnight, expanding my reach and growing the customer base beyond the local community. By being open to change and innovation, we can redefine success as the ability to navigate and thrive in uncertain times.
2. Prioritize Well-being and Balance
The pandemic highlighted the importance of mental and physical health. Redefining success now means placing a higher value on well-being and balance in our lives. For example, many companies have adopted flexible work arrangements to support their employees’ mental health. My business partner, who initially struggled with remote work, found that setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care helped her become more productive and satisfied in her career. Success can now be seen as balancing work, family, and personal health.
3. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
Success is no longer just about personal achievement but also about building relationships. The pandemic reminded us of the value of connection and community.
4. Focus on Purpose and Contribution
Redefining success involves aligning our work and actions with a greater purpose. Many people have used the pandemic to reflect on their values and societal contributions. Success can now be measured by how much we contribute to the well-being of others and the world around us.
5. Embrace Lifelong Learning and Growth
In the post-pandemic world, success is increasingly tied to our ability to learn and grow. The challenges of the past years have shown us the importance of developing new skills and perspectives. I enrolled in an online course to improve my digital marketing skills for Etsy, which opened up new opportunities for my business. By embracing lifelong learning, we can redefine success as pursuing personal and professional growth rather than a fixed destination.
How would our lives improve if we changed our definition of success?
If we changed our definition of success to focus more on personal fulfillment, well-being, and meaningful contributions rather than traditional metrics like wealth and status, our lives could improve in several ways:
- Enhanced Well-being and Mental Health: Prioritizing well-being over wealth would likely decrease stress and burnout. When success is measured by happiness and balance rather than financial gain, people feel less pressure and enjoy improved mental health. For example, a person who values work-life balance may choose a less demanding job that allows more time for family, friends, and self-care, leading to greater overall satisfaction.
- Stronger Relationships: Changing the definition of success to include personal connections can lead to stronger relationships. For instance, someone prioritizing family time over work may find more joy and fulfillment in their daily interactions.
- Increased Fulfillment and Purpose: Focusing on purpose-driven success can lead to more fulfilling lives. We can find greater meaning in our daily activities by aligning our careers and personal goals with our values and passions. For example, individuals who choose careers that align with their values, such as working for a nonprofit or pursuing creative endeavors, often report higher job satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
- Greater Resilience and Adaptability: A broader definition of success that includes personal growth and adaptability can make us more resilient in facing challenges. When success is viewed as a journey of learning and self-improvement rather than a fixed outcome, people become more open to change and better equipped to handle setbacks.
- Positive Societal Impact: Redefining success to include social impact and community involvement can lead to positive societal change. Individuals and organizations prioritizing giving back and making a difference can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. Companies that value corporate social responsibility may engage in practices that benefit their employees and communities, leading to broader positive outcomes.
What’s the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of our redefined success? And what advice would you offer about overcoming those obstacles?
The biggest obstacle to redefining success is societal norms that equate it with material wealth and status. This traditional view is ingrained, creating pressure to conform. To overcome this, you can:
- Challenge Societal Norms: Question whether traditional success aligns with your values.
- Set Personal Goals: Define success on your terms, focusing on what truly matters to you.
- Cultivate Self-awareness: Understand your strengths and what brings you joy through mindfulness and reflection.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with similar individuals and mentors.
- Embrace Learning: View success as a growth journey, adapting to change and setbacks.
Redefining success this way promotes well-being and fulfillment over material gain.
Where do you go to look for inspiration and information about how to redefine success?
I look to a variety of sources for inspiration and information:
- Books and Articles: I read works by thought leaders like Brené Brown, who explores vulnerability and authenticity, and Simon Sinek, who emphasizes starting with “why” to find purpose. These resources help broaden my understanding of success beyond conventional measures.
- Podcasts and TED Talks: Listening to podcasts and TED Talks featuring diverse voices and experiences provides fresh perspectives on success. For example, TED Talks by Elizabeth Gilbert on creativity and success offer valuable insights.
- Mentors and Peers: Engaging with mentors and peers who have redefined success in their lives offers practical guidance and inspiration. Conversations with them can reveal new ways of thinking and living.
- Mindfulness and Reflection: Practicing mindfulness and journaling helps me connect with my inner values and redefine what success means personally. This introspection allows me to align my actions with my core beliefs.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He, she or they might just see this if we tag them.
If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Brené Brown. Her groundbreaking work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy has impacted my understanding of human connection and personal growth. A conversation with her would be enlightening, as her insights could further inspire and refine my approach to mental health and wellness, both personally and professionally. Brené’s ability to blend research with relatable storytelling makes her a figure whose wisdom I deeply admire and aspire to incorporate into my practice.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Worriedtowellbalanced.com and ProgressWellness.com
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success and good health.
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Angela Ficken Of Progress Wellness On Why & How We Need To Redefine Success Now was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.