IAM692- Couples Therapist Helps People Make Difficult Decisions

Mollie Eliasof is a couples therapist and relationship expert in NYC. She is also CEO of Mollie Eliasof Therapy, a group private practice located in Midtown Manhattan, where they support power couples, including CEOs and other high-powered professionals, who have successful relationships. In addition to being an ambitious businesswoman and a member of the Forbes Business Council, Mollie is passionate about helping people having to make difficult decisions at work feel supported at home and rejuvenated by their love.

• CEO Hack: Dance
• CEO Nugget: Go with your gut and trust it
• CEO Defined: A powerful leader, one who is willing to take it on all and off, not afraid to make decisions and one who inspires

Website: https://mollieeliasof.com/

Instagram: @mollieeliasof and @metherapynyc.
Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/molliekeliasof and https://www.facebook.com/mollieeliasoftherapy/

Here's a great freebie about having love and success: https://mollieeliasof.mykajabi.com/loveandsuccess

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Transcription

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[00:00:02.20] – Intro

Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you've come to the right place. Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of. This is the I AM CEO Podcast.

[00:00:30.50] – Gresham Harkless

Hello. Hello. Hello. This is Gresh from the I Am CEO podcast, and I have a very special guest on the show today. I have Mollie Eliasof of Mollie Eliasof therapy. Molly, it's awesome to have you on the show.

[00:00:40.50] – Mollie Eliasof

It's so great to be here. I'm so excited to talk.

[00:00:43.00] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. It's definitely exciting to have you on the show. Before we kinda of jumped in, I want to read a little bit more about Molly so you can hear about all the awesome things that she's doing. Molly is a couple their couples therapist and relationship expert in NYC. She is also the CEO of Molly Eliiza Therapy, a group private practice located in Mintow Manhattan where they support power couples including CEOs and other high-powered professionals and have successful relationships. In addition to being an ambitious businesswoman and a member of the Forbes Business Council, Molly is a is passionate about helping people having to make difficult decisions at work, feel supported at home, and rejuvenated by their love. Molly, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?

[00:01:25.29] – Mollie Eliasof

Oh, yeah. Let's do it.

[00:01:26.40] – Gresham Harkless

Let's make it happen. So I wanted to rewind the clock a little bit and kinda start, I guess, I say from the beginning and hear about your CEO story. We'll let you get started with the

[00:01:36.29] – Mollie Eliasof

Sure. Absolutely. There's so much, but I will definitely try and boil it down to the boiling points. Mhmm. So I got started actually working with children. So I was a therapist working with kids, and really difficult behavioural issues, children who were really struggling to be successful at at school and were having issues with their family. And it was really causing an issue for the family to feel bonded and connected without really, knowing how to juggle attending to their child in the best way that was gonna be supportive to their development. And I noticed that in addition to the kid really needing some support, the parents did too. Right? They were really trying to be the leaders to help the growth and development of their kids. But in addition to trying to show up as parents, they needed support as a couple in order to be great parents, right?

They needed communication skills, they needed to work collaboratively, which was so essential. So I started over time focusing more and more on helping support the parents to be there for the kids by helping to support the couple. And from there, I noticed that there was this huge population of high-powered professionals, CEOs, like people listening, you know, people in the media, people who are really grappling with their relationship, their family at home, and also their really precious and ambitious work goals. The idea was how we give them support for everything and really by helping them boost their love and their connection at home was the best way I knew how. So I started focusing on really creating this intimate space for couples to thrive. So we do that in practice, and I do that online as well.

[00:03:15.50] – Gresham Harkless

Nice. I definitely appreciate that. And I've I've taught, you know, children as well too. And I appreciate you for, you know, telling your story because I think so many times you see kind of, like, the maybe the child acting out or, you know, not behaving and you don't really understand or maybe some people don't take the time to kinda dig down deeper. But I think it speaks to that and as far as, like, what could be the underlying result of it. But on an even deeper level, I think so many times we put silos in our lives and say, okay. This is my work life. This is my relationship life. This is my life with my, you know, my son or my daughter, but not realizing that they're all kinda interconnected. If one is affected, it can affect them all.

[00:03:53.19] – Mollie Eliasof

A hundred per cent. Right? If you get in a huge fight with your partner or you're up all night trying to get your child to go back to sleep because they've had nightmares, you're probably not gonna get a good night's sleep. If you've been in that scenario, you know that that's true. I think is everyone and I think that they can impact our workability or our capability. And, you know, again, CEOs who are listening and the people that I work with have large ambitious goals. They are not about to, you know, pause everything because they're a little groggy. They have to get through it. Mhmm. So my job to help them protect that mission is to help them protect what's happening at home by figuring out how to get even more optimized in the way that they're connecting in their communication and their relationship.

[00:04:42.30] – Gresham Harkless

Nice. I absolutely love that. And I think you're you're absolutely right, because it takes, kind of that that work to put in. Because I think so many times when, you know, things can be chaotic and things happen, I think there's I think probably most of the people that might be listening to this are the people that wanna roll up their sleeves and figure out what they can do to make that happen. So I definitely appreciate you for helping that to be done and giving people a way to do that. So, could you take us through exactly, like, how that looks, how that process looks, what exactly that looks like, and how you work with the clients?

[00:05:10.50] – Mollie Eliasof

For sure. For sure. And my goal is always to pass this off to the client so they can do as much as they can on their own. But one of the things that I think every CEO knows is, like, that a good outsourcing opportunity is worth every penny.

[00:05:22.80] – Gresham Harkless

Yes.

[00:05:25.39] – Mollie Eliasof

Amen. You know? I mean, I've learned that the hard way, but it is definitely true. You know? And I think that learning skills and techniques from people who specialize really can make such a difference for you to feel like the master's in your ability to manage the skills. So what I try and do with Love and Connection is offer a few different tools. I have the couples therapy that I do in person in New York City as well as virtually for couples to get really the concrete skills to figure out where they stop, where they wanna go, and what they want more of so that they get their fantasy love. Because that's always my goal. I don't want you to be like, we're getting along. I want you guys to basically be, like, making out at home at night every night. You know? Then I offer coaching online, which has been a a new iteration. I've started to develop we're coming out soon.

So by the time this podcast comes out, it'll already be out. We have a digital course coming out that's gonna give these coaching tips that are just, like, fundamental communication skills. So if you don't wanna invest in week-to-week services, if you wanna self-study, which probably most of these CEOs do because they are quick learners, it gives you the ability to gain the skills to have fewer fights, more intimacy, and easier, more in-depth connection with the people that you love. So, you know, I'm doing that, and I'm doing a podcast. I'm doing all kinds of free information resource giving so that if you aren't interested in those services, you can also get help and tips because I want people to have better love. That's my whole goal.

[00:06:56.19] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. Absolutely. And I think relationships are literally everything. We're talking about work. We're talking about life, obviously, children, you know. And being able to kinda cultivate those relationships and understand the best ways in order to do that is definitely huge. So I appreciate you having so many different ways, for people to kind of be their best selves and be their best selves in the relationships that they have in their lives. And I think it goes so far when you're able to kinda probably see the impact that you have, whether it be like a podcast or, you know, the online or the face-to-face that you do as well too. Either way, you start to really get, I guess, excited about all the work that you're doing when you start to see those, you know, couples making out all the time, as you said.

[00:07:36.00] – Mollie Eliasof

I definitely do. My favourite cases have always been the couples that have come in, like, on the brink of separation. Like, they're like, we don't wanna separate, but we just cannot deal with one another. And, like, after working with me, they're, like, having their next kid. Like, I'm like, yep. I get a job. Thank you. So I Check. And the other thing I love about, like, kinda what I do and also who I work with is that everything I try and teach besides the making out can really basically be applied to other relationships. Right? So you can use the communication techniques to have less fighting, less conflict, and more direct communication skills with your staff. Right? You can do this with your family. You can do this with their kids. So there are core ways to totally transform your love relationships and communication. If it's not love, that is gonna change the whole optimization of every system of your life. So I love this stuff.

[00:08:32.60] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. Absolutely. And as you said, I love that optimization work because I think people who are, you know, the busy CEOs and entrepreneurs and business owners are trying to optimize as much as possible. And what better way than to kind of lean on the understanding and the knowledge and the expertise that you have as well? So I love, you know, the ways that you're able to make that happen. So, I wanted to ask you now, one of my favourite questions, What is, your secret sauce? And it can be for yourself or your business, but what do you feel kinda sets you apart and makes you unique?

[00:09:00.50] – Mollie Eliasof

Yeah. I mean, I think part of it's who I like to work with. And how I like to work is really directed to the point. I am an extremely ambitious human being myself, so I don't want someone to cuddle me through. I don't want to spend forever not getting to the point. I wanna help you get there like yesterday because I want you to be able to keep thriving. And I truly do not think that that requires you to press pause on what you want for life just to attend to the thing in front of you. So I think a lot of, you know, therapists and coaches recommend you slow down your business, you don't do so much. Like, throw that out. That's not me. That's not me if you're gonna work with me. You know? Because I know that it's not just about achievement for CEOs. It's not just about, like, getting to the goal. There's a meaning behind that. You know? Like, I wanna help change love all over the world. That's not just me wanting to build a business. Do you know what I mean? Mhmm. So it is so important to me that people are able to balance both. So with me, you get directness and you get the encouragement of your ambition across the board.

[00:10:09.39] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. I love that, and I think that you know, a lot of people that are probably listening to this. So, I wanted to switch gears a little bit, and I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. So this could be like an Apple book or habit that you have, but what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?

[00:10:23.29] – Mollie Eliasof

Oh my god. I could go on with this question forever, but I really tried to think about it before I said anything. So here we go. My boiled-down answer is dance. Dance has been a game changer in terms of how I am a CEO. So dance has been something that's been a part of my life forever, like, since I was two, and has continued to be an immensely important part of my life. I trained at the Alvin Neely, school, and it's mean it's meant so much to me to learn alongside professional dancers even through my adulthood, even as I moved on to being the CEO without that as part of my income base. I think that dance has taught me about how to be flexible, and adaptable, how to be a quick problem solver, and moreover, how to be a forever student.

[00:11:12.39] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. That makes so much sense, and I love, sports, and I always talk about the synergies between being an expert at your craft. I look at a lot of athletes, so I appreciate that hack. And so now I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO nugget. So that could be a word of wisdom or piece of advice or something you might tell yourself if you were to hop into a time machine.

[00:11:32.10] – Mollie Eliasof

Yes. So I feel like my answer is probably pretty cliche. I just don't know how else to do it on this one. But go with your gut. There is so much information out there about how to, how to learn, you know, this skill really well, how to approach budgeting, how to approach, you know, your spreadsheet setup, how to approach systems in the office. And there are really brilliant things to learn, so be curious and learn it all. But also trust your gut because if it doesn't sit well, then it's probably not right for you. And your consumers, your customers, your clients, however, you language it, are coming not just for your business, but for you because any CEO is at the core of their business. So really pay attention to what resonates with you and let that leave your decision-making in conjunction with the learning.

[00:12:27.20] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. That makes so much sense. And so now I wanted to ask you my absolute favourite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. And we're hoping to have different, quote, unquote, CEOs on the show. So, Molly, what does being CEO mean to you?

[00:12:38.39] – Mollie Eliasof

I think a powerful leader. I think just someone who is willing to take it all on and in, but then also inspire everyone around you to really move the mission forward, not your own needs, not your vision, but the organization's purpose and not be afraid of taking on the tough decisions, on taking on how to better things for the customers and the staff and taking on what the staff really needs to be supported. So I think being a great leader is at the core of being a great CEO.

[00:13:15.89] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. Absolutely. And I definitely appreciate that perspective and that definition. I appreciate your time even more. What I wanted to do is pass you the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional you can let our readers and listeners know, and then, of course, how best they can get a hold of you, find out about all the awesome things you're doing, the podcast, and so many things that you're working on.

[00:13:33.79] – Mollie Eliasof

I would love to. Sure. For sure. So the best way to get in touch with me is really just by finding me on my website. My website's just my name dot com, Mollie Eliasof dot com. I'm gonna spell it for you, but I'm sure it's gonna be in the show notes. M o l l I e e l I a, s like Sam, o, f like Frank, dot com. We have the opportunity for you to sign up and get information about our podcast. The podcast is called Next Level Relationships because I want you to next level that love. But also I host free classes all the time. We have courses, and I'm happy to also point you to if you're interested in therapy, m e therapy n y c dot com, where you can get all the information about counselling services. And then Instagram, I'm always there. It's just at Mollie Eliasof again, doing ID lives, answering questions all the time. I just want people's love to get better, so I'm trying to show up in all ways that work for you.

[00:14:23.00] – Gresham Harkless

Yeah. That makes so much sense. And to make it even easier, as you said, we're gonna have the links and information in the show notes. But I definitely appreciate you for one, you know, obviously helping out so many people in so many different ways and relationships. But for two, we're, like, reminding us how important it is to, take care of that and kind of, I guess, give water and attention to that plant that we're trying to grow in each of our lives in so many different ways. And I think that when we're reminded of that, we understand how important it is to stay mission-driven. That's truly when phenomenal things happen. So thank you for not only telling us or reminding us of it but for doing it so well in your business and your life.

[00:14:57.29] – Mollie Eliasof

Is it okay if I say one more thing?

[00:14:58.79] – Gresham Harkless

Mhmm. Absolutely. Go for it.

[00:15:00.29] – Mollie Eliasof

So your listeners probably already know this, but I'm a say this anyway. Mhmm. This podcast is incredible. And not only is it incredible because it's well orchestrated and you pick amazing people, but you have done a phenomenal job of leading what it means to be an exceptional CEO in just the way you run business, in the way you're connected, in the way that you're, like, humanized. I so this is a legit a legit podcast. So this is true on so many levels, and thank you for such a wonderful experience.

[00:15:27.70] – Gresham Harkless

No. I definitely do, I truly appreciate you, Molly. Like, again, you're doing, great work and and great things. And, definitely honored to have you on the show. Same. Thank you. And great things, and, definitely honored to have you on the show.

[00:15:42.39] – Mollie Eliasof

Same. Thank you.

[00:15:44.20] – Outro

Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO Podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co. This has been the I AM CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.

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