Episode #192
Why Overachievers Struggle to Let Go of Control with Alexandra Phoenix
If you've ever told yourself "I'll just do it myself, it's faster," this conversation is for you. In this episode of Thinking That Matters , I sit down with Alexandra Phoenix, known as Alex, founder of Crimson Create Studio, a branding and creative studio in McKinney, Texas. Alex brings a classically trained artist's eye and a business builder's mindset to a conversation that moves from perfectionism and delegation to the way social media has quietly warped what "success" is supposed to look like. What makes this episode worth your time is how honestly Alex traces her own overachievement rating herself a "20 out of 10" back to a belief she carried for years: that being competent meant being indispensable. That belief served her for a season. Eventually, it started costing her the very relationships and rest she needed to build something sustainable. We discussed: Why overachievers often hold onto tasks out of a belief that "it's my problem, I'll solve it" and how that becomes its own kind of burnout The difference between healthy ownership and the extreme self-reliance that quietly limits a team or a business How perfectionism can disguise itself as high standards, and why Alex had to unlearn the belief that she couldn't put her work out until it was flawless Why "rushing to be successful" often trades long-term wisdom for a shortcut that never actually arrives A candid look at social media as an attention economy, and how it has reshaped what people believe normal disagreement, success, and even sadness are supposed to look like Why thinking long-term about a business, its reputation, its brand, its legacy, requires slowing down first Alex's approach to building brand identity from the inside out, starting with vision and values before a single visual is created A question worth sitting with: Where in your own life or leadership are you carrying something simply because you believe you're the only one capable of carrying it well? Ready to bring more clarity and cohesion to your brand? Book a 90-minute Brand Strategy Session with Alex Phoenix at www.crimsoncreates.com/strategysession . About Alexandra Phoenix Alexandra Phoenix is the founder and creative director of Crimson Creates Studio, a Dallas-based brand development and creative studio. Classically trained in fine art, with studies in graphic design and illustration, Alexandra brings more than a decade of experience across branding, design, startups, publishing, and creative direction. Through Crimson Creates Studio, she helps businesses build cohesive brand identities through strategy, storytelling, visual design, and web development. She also teaches art and design and writes about branding and design on Substack Connect with Alex: substack: www.crimsoncreates.com/@crimsoncreates website: www.crimsoncreates.com Loved this episode? Follow, rate, and review the podcast. Because when you cultivate thinking that matters, you live a life that matters and if this conversation stirred something, subscribe to the newsletter to continue thinking it through. ________ Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/ Ready to shift the way you think and lead? Pick Your Path by Elizabeth Mahusay is now available! Start learning how to break limiting thought patterns, strengthen your mindset, and step into more intentional leadership. Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Leadership-Course-ebook/dp/B0H24Q8DYX? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
