High-Functioning Anxiety in Women Over 40: From Anxious to Unstoppable | Lisa Skeffington

41min | 08/25/2026

Description

Can you be successful, accomplished, and confident on the outside—while secretly struggling with anxiety and self-doubt on the inside?

Absolutely. And according to psychotherapist, self-esteem expert, and executive coach Lisa Skeffington, it's far more common among high-achieving women than we may realize.

In this episode of Mature Allure, Sherri O. sits down with Lisa for an honest conversation about high-functioning anxiety, confidence, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome, boundaries, relationships, and the emotional wounds that can follow us well into midlife.

Lisa explains why achievement and self-worth are two very different things—and why professional success doesn't necessarily heal what's happening internally. She also reveals how high-functioning anxiety can disguise itself as ambition, over-preparing, constantly staying busy, difficulty asking for help, and always being the woman who “has it together.”

Sherri and Lisa also get personal about something many women over 40 understand all too well: people-pleasing and putting everyone else's needs before your own. Lisa shares a simple but powerful place to begin— you'll discover:

How high-functioning anxiety can hide behind success
Why confidence and self-esteem aren't the same thing
Signs you may be wearing an emotional “mask”
The difference between ordinary self-doubt and deeper emotional wounds
Why some successful women struggle to speak up in their personal relationships
How people-pleasing can become a form of abandoning yourself
Practical steps for rebuilding confidence and self-esteem after 40
Why it's never too late to change the patterns that have been holding you back

🎁 SPECIAL RESOURCE FOR MATURE ALLURE LISTENERS

Lisa has created a dedicated page specifically for the Mature Allure community:

welcome.empoweredmomentum.com

Visit Lisa's Mature Allure listener page to access her Self-Esteem Reality Check Quiz, get a free preview of her latest book, explore her books and resources, and even book a complimentary connection call with Lisa.

Website: EmpoweredMomentum.com
Book: From Anxious to Empowered
LinkedIn: Lisa Skeffington
Instagram: @Empowered.Momentum
YouTube: @Lisa.EmpoweredMomentum
Podcast: The Whispers of Your Inner Child

Learn more about Sherri O.:

Website: https://matureallure.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4matureallure/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mature.allure

Instagram: @mature.allure

Subscribe to the Mature Allure podcast for more inspiring stories and discussions on self-love and empowerment. For feedback, questions, or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us through our website or social media channels. We’d love to hear from you!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Can you be successful, accomplished, and confident on the outside—while secretly struggling with anxiety and self-doubt on the inside?

Absolutely. And according to psychotherapist, self-esteem expert, and executive coach Lisa Skeffington, it's far more common among high-achieving women than we may realize.

In this episode of Mature Allure, Sherri O. sits down with Lisa for an honest conversation about high-functioning anxiety, confidence, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome, boundaries, relationships, and the emotional wounds that can follow us well into midlife.

Lisa explains why achievement and self-worth are two very different things—and why professional success doesn't necessarily heal what's happening internally. She also reveals how high-functioning anxiety can disguise itself as ambition, over-preparing, constantly staying busy, difficulty asking for help, and always being the woman who “has it together.”

Sherri and Lisa also get personal about something many women over 40 understand all too well: people-pleasing and putting everyone else's needs before your own. Lisa shares a simple but powerful place to begin— you'll discover:

How high-functioning anxiety can hide behind success
Why confidence and self-esteem aren't the same thing
Signs you may be wearing an emotional “mask”
The difference between ordinary self-doubt and deeper emotional wounds
Why some successful women struggle to speak up in their personal relationships
How people-pleasing can become a form of abandoning yourself
Practical steps for rebuilding confidence and self-esteem after 40
Why it's never too late to change the patterns that have been holding you back

🎁 SPECIAL RESOURCE FOR MATURE ALLURE LISTENERS

Lisa has created a dedicated page specifically for the Mature Allure community:

welcome.empoweredmomentum.com

Visit Lisa's Mature Allure listener page to access her Self-Esteem Reality Check Quiz, get a free preview of her latest book, explore her books and resources, and even book a complimentary connection call with Lisa.

Website: EmpoweredMomentum.com
Book: From Anxious to Empowered
LinkedIn: Lisa Skeffington
Instagram: @Empowered.Momentum
YouTube: @Lisa.EmpoweredMomentum
Podcast: The Whispers of Your Inner Child

Learn more about Sherri O.:

Website: https://matureallure.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4matureallure/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mature.allure

Instagram: @mature.allure

Subscribe to the Mature Allure podcast for more inspiring stories and discussions on self-love and empowerment. For feedback, questions, or suggestions for future episodes, reach out to us through our website or social media channels. We’d love to hear from you!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Mature Allure

At Mature Allure, we believe that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to inspire women over 40 to embrace the beauty, wisdom, and empowerment that comes with age. We share knowledge that encourages healthy aging and self-discovery. Our podcast and blog feature incredible individuals with diverse skills, experiences, stories, and viewpoints, all sharing their journeys and insights; encouraging women to look forward to aging, not fear it.

People who listen to the Mature Allure podcast come for conversations, insight, and community. We inspire women to love themselves at every stage of life and break free from the constraints of ageism. A go-to source for the celebration of life's journey, we're here to help you tap into your "Mature Allure."

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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