On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, we meet with Jeff Karp, Ph.D., acclaimed mentor and biomedical engineering professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, a Distinguished Chair at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. As a child, his teacher wanted to hold him back in the second grade. As an adult, he got his PhD, became a celebrated Professor and member of the National Academy of Inventors, and a Distinguished Chair at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he has co-founded twelve companies, amassed over 100 patents and received 50 awards.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, we meet with Christa Hardin, MA, a relationship expert, author, as well as host of the popular Enneagram & Marriage Podcast. Christa has been working with and researching marriage for two decades, providing hope for couples who are struggling to find their light, love, and mission together in any season of relationship. Her most recent title, "The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing," is out now from Baker Books!

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, we meet with Elle Pugh, registered Nurse and Certified Enneagram Professional Coach, who is passionate about joining others on their journey to self-discovery, healing and liberation. Upon reaching burnout while working as a bedside nurse eight years ago, Elle transitioned to the startup space, leading a team of 30 medical professionals. It was during that time Elle learned about the Enneagram and began using it for her own personal and professional growth as well as to help her team work together more effectively. Inspired by the healing potential with the Enneagram, Elle became a Certified Enneagram Coach and Consultant through the Chestnut Paes Enneagram Academy in 2020. She now coaches individuals and teams through the lens of the Enneagram to live healthier, more integrated lives. Elle lives in Austin with her husband Reagan and their dog Lily.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL we meet with Jackie Brewster, a certified Enneagram coach, experiential specialist, author, and speaker who consults with teams and people across the country. She shares daily, practical Enneagram content on her fast-growing Instagram page @enneagramwithjb. In her free time, Jackie loves to cook, work out, and spend time with friends, and is constantly on the hunt for growth and spiritual development in her own life. She and her husband, Stephen, have four amazing children and live in Franklin, Tennessee.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, we meet with Samantha Mackay, an Enneagram coach, trainer, and educator who specializes in using the Enneagram to amplify personal growth and healing. Samantha was a litigation lawyer until chronic stress and burnout lead her to evaluate what she really wanted in her life and to find the source of her pain. As a Self-Preservation Seven, she was good at ignoring her pain until her body made it clear that was no longer an option. She found the path to recovering from chronic stress and managing an autoimmune condition was to heal not just her physical body, but also her emotional, intellectual, and spiritual bodies. Her recovery journey started 15 years ago and she now supports others on their journey.

On this week’s episode of Enneagram IRL, we meet with Camille Logan, a licensed clinical mental health clinician who co-owns a private practice called the KC Collective in Raleigh, North Carolina. She enjoys working with adolescents, college students, and adults on a range of issues, but primarily around helping people untangle limiting beliefs, undo unhelpful patterns, and heal from hurtful experiences to help build a healthier narrative that makes room for healing, connection, and personal freedom. We discuss how Camille integrates the Enneagram in professional settings as a therapist who acknowledges the Enneagram as a tool of self-discovery, assertiveness, social justice, and the value of connection and vulnerability. We get a clarifying look into the fascinating depths of an Enneagram type Seven.

When I think about communication, I think about more than just talking: it’s how we express ourselves (even silence is a form of self-expression), it’s how we connect (or don’t), it’s how we build relationships and cultivate our lives. It’s everything! And this is one of THE most important ways I think we can use the Enneagram. How do you communicate with yourself? (Yes, it’s a thing!) And how do you communicate with others?

If you’ve been curious about using the Enneagram for growth, improving your relationships, and deepening self-awareness, I have good news for you!

Just because Sevens can be enthusiastic and fun-loving, this doesn’t negate their intelligence or their ability to take matters seriously! Whether in their relationships or ambitions, Sevens can be very committed. So don’t underestimate them or think they can’t do something because they just might be up for the challenge to prove you wrong.

Also, because Sevens are often the ones to keep high spirits in most situations, it can be easy to forget that they too need encouragement at times. Even if it’s short and sweet, let the Sevens in your life know how they’re appreciated!

Sevens value freedom of expression and excitement in a relationship. Sevens don’t ever want to feel trapped, but they do need to feel grounded; thus, a good relationship can offer a Seven the ability to feel present without being stifled. When less aware, Sevens may run from anything that gets too emotional or too connected. They may give up a good thing for the sake of their freedom. Healthier Sevens tend to cultivate long-lasting relationships and are very loyal.