How to Think Like a High Achiever – with Dr. Christiane

🚀 The Myth of the High Achiever

There’s a specific kind of person who seems to collect wins like it’s a casual hobby — the degree, the dream job, the family, the dog, the podcast, the TED Talk. We all know that person. And then there’s the rest of us: slogging through Monday mornings wondering if our “potential” got lost somewhere between burnout and another unread self-help book.

In this episode of From Startup to Wunderbrand, Nicholas Kuhne is joined by Dr. Christiane Schroeter — a TEDx speaker, university professor, wellness entrepreneur, and author of The Petite Practice Method. Together, they unpack the real mindset of high achievers… and why so many of them feel like they’re falling short.

🎤 Meet Dr. Christiane

Originally from Germany, Christiane studied in the United States and carved out a life that blends academic impact, entrepreneurial success, and family balance — without burning out (yet).

Her TEDx talk, number-one podcast, and books are the visible peaks. But what’s more interesting is the framework she uses to stay grounded and keep building: The Petite Practice Method.

“It’s not about being perfect. A ‘no’ just means: next opportunity.” – Dr. Christiane Schroeter

🧠 Why Smart People Still Get Stuck

Nicholas and Christiane explore a painful paradox: how people who should be successful — based on intellect, work ethic, and credentials — can still feel overlooked or blocked.

From the saturated world of classical pianists to the ultra-competitive TEDx speaking circuit, they dig into the idea that success often isn’t about being the best… it’s about finding the right stage.

Christiane likens it to an art gallery:

“You’re not failing — you just haven’t found the gallery that needs your kind of art.”

📉 Handling Rejection and Redefining Success

Rejection is inevitable — especially for high performers. But Christiane challenges the instinct to rewrite your worth every time a door closes. When her first TEDx application was turned down, she didn’t bin her idea or reinvent her brand. She applied again. And got in.

Lesson? Don’t self-destruct. Just re-route.

🔁 The Power of Micro-Habits: Petite Practice Method

At the heart of Christiane’s work is a deceptively simple idea: small, consistent actions (petite practices) can build massive momentum.

Think gratitude journaling. Daily walks. Sharing your goal out loud. Bringing cookies to class (yes, really). These aren’t productivity hacks — they’re connection tools. Community builders. Confidence stackers.

“A petite practice is something you do consistently. That consistency builds action. And that action fuels everything else.”

🎯 Staying Motivated After Big Wins

So what comes after a TEDx talk? Or a PhD? Or a bestseller?

For Christiane, the answer is: teach it. As Nicholas puts it, most high achievers eventually move into legacy mode — sharing their tools, writing books, guiding others up the same path.

In her upcoming book, Christiane breaks down her unique prep strategy for TEDx — a behind-the-scenes look at how she trained herself (and her mindset) for the big stage.

🍪 Cookies, Teaching & Connection

One of the most heart-warming parts of the episode? The chocolate chip cookie story.

Christiane bakes them for her students — from scratch — as a sign of care, community, and connection. And yes, the recipe’s on her blog.

Nicholas connects this to a larger idea: small acts create a ripple effect. Whether you’re in a lecture hall or on a global stage, the impact is in the people, not the platform.

💡 Final Thoughts: Redefining High Achievement

Success isn’t a straight line — and it certainly isn’t a leaderboard. Whether you’re gunning for your first big break or wondering what comes after the win, this episode offers a refreshing reminder:

• Work hard, but work smart.

• Rejection isn’t personal.

• Consistency > intensity.

• Share your tools.

• And above all — stay human.

📌 Resources & Links

🎧 Listen to the full episode on: https://youtu.be/ZZO0u4oQXts

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Christiane:Website: https://drchristiane.com

Books, TEDx updates & Superpower Quiz: via her website

📘 Coming Soon:Dr. Christiane’s TEDx Preparation Book — join her newsletter for first access.

🎙️ Edit your podcasts like a pro:https://get.descript.com/mrzy10nwivuq

🎤 Join me as a guest or start your podcast journey:https://www.joinpodmatch.com/nickkuhne