1952 - Practical Application of Performance Science in Business with THAXA’s Carla Fowler, MD PhD
Optimizing Leadership Performance with Dr. Carla Fowler of THAXA
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In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Dr. Carla Fowler, MD PhD, the Managing Director of THAXA, a boutique executive coaching firm grounded in performance science. Carla shares how high-achieving business leaders can leverage data-driven insights from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics to boost focus, resilience, and results.
Carla explains that performance science bridges the gap between ambition and execution. Leaders often burn out juggling countless priorities—what they need, she argues, is brutal focus. By identifying what matters most and applying time-blocking and routine reviews, leaders can increase clarity and ensure their energy is invested where it counts.
She also highlights the critical importance of visibility and personal brand building. Today’s successful leaders are intentional about how they show up—online and offline. Carla discusses how thought leadership, success stories, and even the structure of your sales conversations can help scale impact and build a strong network.
Her coaching methodology includes deep-dive onboarding sessions followed by structured, ongoing support—ensuring her clients not only set bold goals but actually make meaningful progress toward them.
About Dr. Carla Fowler
Dr. Carla Fowler is the founder and Managing Director of THAXA. With a background that combines medicine and science, Carla created a unique coaching model rooted in performance science—merging insights from strategy, productivity, and psychology. Since launching THAXA in 2013, she’s helped top executives from Fortune 500 companies, venture-backed startups, and mission-driven nonprofits achieve ambitious goals by focusing on clarity, execution, and mindset. Carla holds an MD and PhD from the University of Washington and trained in surgery at Stanford University.
About THAXA
THAXA is a boutique executive coaching firm that uses performance science to help leaders align their strategy, execution, and mindset. Through personalized coaching, THAXA supports high-performing executives in achieving clarity, maintaining focus, and sustaining momentum as they scale their impact. Their clients include senior leaders from Fortune 500 companies, fast-growing startups, and forward-thinking nonprofits.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode Highlights:
Why performance science is key to modern leadership
The power of “brutal focus” to cut through distractions
How to use visibility and branding to attract opportunities
Turning sales conversations into scalable relationship builders
Carla’s executive coaching approach and performance principles
Conclusion
In this engaging conversation, Josh and Carla explore how science-backed coaching strategies can transform leadership performance. By focusing on clarity, strategic visibility, and behavior change, leaders can achieve more with less friction. Dr. Fowler’s insights are a must for executives aiming to maximize their output without burning out.
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