How Birth Order Shapes Your Success with Clinical Psychologist, Dr Linda Blair

Which book changed your life?

My next guest’s work reshaped my understanding of personality, why we are the way we are, and what birth order has to do with it. Dr. Linda Blair is a Chartered clinical psychologist, writer, speaker, and broadcaster who has authored five self-help books. She’s also appeared on television programs such as The One Show, The Vanessa Show, and Child of Our Time.

In this episode, we dive into family dynamics, birth order psychology, and sibling relationships - exploring how your place in the family can influence personality, career choices, and leadership style. Linda shares insightful findings from her research on mother–infant bonding, her surprising collaboration with Professor Stephen Hawking, and practical strategies for lasting happiness.

What You Will Learn:
💡 Discover why your birth order position (firstborn, middle child, or youngest) influences your career success, stress levels, and relationship patterns - and how understanding this can transform your self-awareness
💡 Learn the surprising research finding about what truly makes a "good mother" (hint: it's not what you think) and how this applies to leadership and knowing when to step in versus let go
💡 Uncover the exact age when you were most authentically yourself and how revisiting that period can help you rediscover your passion, purpose, and what brings you into "flow"

Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!

Estelle Read
Bestselling Author, Coach & Speaker

Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction - Birth order insights preview
(00:58) Welcome to Optimising Your Brilliance Podcast
(02:02) Introducing Dr. Linda Blair
(03:19) Linda's typical day and morning routine
(07:49) The four-hour creative focus principle
(08:05) Grounding practices and mindfulness
(08:11) Linda's origin story - from Kansas to Cambridge
(12:03) Working with Professor Stephen Hawking
(13:12) Studying mother-infant relationships in monkeys
(15:44) How broadcasting and writing opportunities emerged
(15:36) The privilege of being a psychologist
(17:28) Lessons from Stephen Hawking on humility
(18:31) What makes a good mother - research findings
(21:32) Family dynamics fascination and finding your passion
(22:56) The age when you're most truly yourself
(25:00) How adolescence disrupts authentic self
(27:32) Rediscovering who you were before adolescence
(28:57) The concept of "flow" and being fully engaged
(29:51) Birth order book origins and Linda's three firstborn children
(32:02) Firstborn characteristics and burnout
(35:01) Middle child characteristics
(38:08) Youngest child characteristics
(40:48) Child of Our Time television experience
(42:49) Steps to lead your best life - saying yes to opportunities
(44:00) Treating everyone as equals
(47:12) Linda's workshops and how to connect
(49:09) The "real Linda Blair" story
(49:29) Closing thoughts

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www.linkedin.com/...da-blair-15187a31/
lindablair.co.uk/

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linktr.ee/EstelleAtBeee

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🌟⁠The Resilient Leader Programme: SHINE⁠
🌟⁠The Optimised Leader Programme: NEXT LEVEL⁠

⭐Buy Estelle Read’s Bestselling Book:
⁠Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress ⁠

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⭐Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

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