112: Anna-Karina Schmitt - Resilience Strategies from a World-Record Athlete and former CS Leader

Anna Karina Schmitt, a world-record free diver and former tech executive, shares her journey managing multiple sclerosis through lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and freediving. She talks about reclaiming control by prioritizing self-responsibility, structured habits, and mental resilience. Her approach blends practical health strategies with lessons from extreme sports, insights for founders and leaders overwhelmed by burnout.

Timestamped Segments

00:01:04 - 00:02:06"From Burnout to World Records"Anna’s background as a freediving athlete, multiple sclerosis survivor, and mentor to athletes and executives.

00:02:54 - 00:05:10"Diagnosis & Denial: Early MS Struggles"Anna recounts her initial diagnosis at 20, early denial, and how MS symptoms worsened before she adopted lifestyle changes.

00:08:00 - 00:09:16"The Turning Point: 2013 Crisis & Recovery"Anna Describes her health crisis, the realization of needing drastic changes, and how freediving became a tool for mental clarity.

00:15:00 - 00:17:09"Practical Tools: Breathing, Boundaries, and Structure"Shares actionable strategies: 8-8-8 breathwork, daily habit structuring, and balancing work/rest priorities.

00:39:00 - 00:42:58"Mental Mastery: Freediving Lessons for Leadership"Explains how freediving’s mental discipline (e.g., managing panic, trusting training) applies to high-pressure work environments.

Hot Takes

"Hustle Culture is a Lie – Your Body Knows Better"Anna critiques the "16-hour workday" myth, arguing that burnout stems from ignoring physical/mental limits. True productivity requires self-awareness and rest.

"Accountability ≠ Shame – It’s About Self-Compassion"Challenges the stigma around seeking help. Success isn’t about perfection but consistent, kind adjustments to habits and mindset.

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