Are you unknowingly sacrificing your authentic leadership identity to fit traditional expectations—only to find yourself burned out? This episode dives deep into the lived experience of Josee Tremblay, a mechanical engineer, executive leader, and author who learned to navigate the dangerous gap between success and self-abandonment. Whether you're leading teams, managing a family, or both, Josee shares how her leadership identity evolved and what nearly cost her health, energy, and relationships....
Jul 09, 2025•46 min•Ep. 325
Are outdated leadership models the hidden force driving burnout across your organization? If you’re a leader navigating higher education or corporate life, this episode unpacks the growing tension between legacy leadership and feminine-informed leadership. Soley leading in the traditional ways—rigid hierarchies, siloed decision-making, performance over people—is unsustainable. Balancing traditional legacy leadership models with the rising force of feminine-informed leadership holds the key to bu...
Jul 04, 2025•10 min•Ep. 324
Are you exhausted from doing everything right in your leadership role—but still feel invisible, burnt out, and behind? In this episode of Burnout Proof Leadership , we unpack the unspoken leadership norms that keep high-performing leaders stuck in hustle mode. If you're constantly busy, but feel like you're not making meaningful progress, this conversation is your wake-up call. Discover why your current leadership habits might be fueling burnout—not success Learn how to break free from the "hams...
Jul 02, 2025•19 min•Ep. 323
Are your leadership efforts unknowingly fueling burnout instead of preventing it? Burnout is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a full-blown crisis. With only 22% of employees thriving at work and psychological safety now ranking higher than pay, leaders can no longer afford to ignore the real drivers of well-being. This episode unpacks why trying to choose between fixing systems or promoting self-care is the fastest path to leadership burnout—and what to do instead. Discover the one overlooked lead...
Jun 27, 2025•9 min•Ep. 322
Are misaligned expectations and unclear roles quietly killing your team's performance—and burning you out in the process? In this episode, guest Joey Vitale and the hosts unpack the hidden costs of poor communication and unmet expectations in leadership, especially when managing underperformers who are otherwise strong culture fits. If you’ve ever felt like your team “just isn’t getting it” and you’re stuck filling the gaps yourself, this conversation is a must-listen. Learn how to use partnersh...
Jun 25, 2025•49 min•Ep. 321
Is your leadership approach fueling connection—or creating conflict—in today’s hybrid work environment? As return-to-office mandates clash with the desire for flexibility, leaders face a critical polarity: structure and autonomy. This episode dives into how these competing demands are shaping leadership identity, workplace morale, and even burnout risk—especially when leaders over-focus on one side of the equation. Learn how to recognize and manage the hidden tension between flexibility and stru...
Jun 20, 2025•7 min•Ep. 320
Are you working harder than ever and still not getting promoted? What if the very Leadership Skills that got you here are the ones now holding you back? In this episode, we dive deep into the surprising traps that high-performing leaders fall into — ones that damage their Leadership Identity and silently fuel Burnout. You’ll hear real-world examples, including a powerful story of a seasoned leader who unknowingly made herself too essential to move up. Learn the top 3 leadership mistakes that mak...
Jun 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 319
What if Gen Z’s rejection of middle management isn’t a problem—but a powerful message about how leadership needs to evolve? In this episode, we dive into Conscious Unbossing —a growing movement where younger professionals, especially Gen Z, are opting out of traditional leadership ladders. It’s not about lack of ambition; it’s about rejecting burnout-prone, bureaucratic roles that no longer align with today’s values. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating leadership identity, build...
Jun 13, 2025•9 min•Ep. 318
What if the key to sustainable leadership isn’t doing more—but learning how to be more aligned with who you are? In this powerful episode, creative entrepreneur Hugh Ingalls shares how he went from quiet burnout to building a life and business aligned with his values, energy, and deeper purpose. If you're a leader stuck in hustle mode, ignoring your personal needs, or feeling like you're losing yourself in your role—this episode offers a much-needed perspective shift. Discover why the traditiona...
Jun 11, 2025•38 min•Ep. 317
Are your leadership strengths secretly driving you toward burnout? In today’s episode, we explore a hidden tension that quietly erodes Leadership Skills and Leadership Identity—the polarity of giving and receiving . If you're a purpose-driven, high-capacity leader who’s constantly giving, you may be unconsciously neglecting your own sustainability. This episode unpacks how over-giving—without conscious receiving—can be a major, overlooked cause of burnout in even the most experienced leaders. Di...
Jun 06, 2025•9 min•Ep. 316
Are your leadership days packed with back-to-back tasks, leaving you exhausted — yet no closer to advancing your career? If you're feeling stuck, overworked, and wondering why all your hard work isn’t translating into leadership growth, this episode dives into the real reasons why. It's not about tools or time blocking — it's about your Leadership Identity , how you're managing the polarity between doing and being , and how those factors directly influence burnout and effectiveness. Discover the...
Jun 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 315
Is your leadership style too heavy to carry—and unknowingly fueling burnout? In this Polarity Spotlight episode, we explore the hidden tension between seriousness and playfulness in leadership. As responsibilities grow, many leaders default to structure, control, and pressure—missing the creativity and connection that lightness brings. This episode breaks down how balancing these two forces is essential not just for performance, but for sustainable well-being and authentic leadership identity. W...
May 30, 2025•13 min•Ep. 314
Do you ever feel like you're constantly saying “yes” to everyone—except yourself? Are you struggling with burnout and wondering how to reclaim your energy and leadership identity? In this episode, we sit down with Bradley Hook , author of Start with Values , to explore how values-based leadership is the key to avoiding burnout, making better decisions, and strengthening your leadership skills . We discuss the impact of misaligned values , the importance of micro-habits, and why clarity on your p...
May 28, 2025•47 min•Ep. 313
Are short-term decisions undermining your long-term impact as a leader? In today’s fast-paced leadership landscape, especially with the rise of interim roles and C-suite turnover, many leaders find themselves caught between urgent operational demands and the need to uphold long-term vision. This episode dives deep into this hidden tension — and how ignoring it can silently erode your leadership identity and fuel burnout across your team. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Discover the polarity b...
May 23, 2025•12 min•Ep. 312
Are invisible barriers holding you back from reaching the next level in your leadership journey? Many leaders unknowingly operate from outdated leadership norms that lead to burnout, stagnation, and frustration. If you feel stuck despite your hard work, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Burnout Proof Leadership , Michelle and Tracy uncover the three hidden barriers that could be sabotaging your growth. They explore why working harder doesn’t guarantee success, how your internal oper...
May 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 311
Are you unintentionally burning out your team—or yourself—by how you give (or don’t give) feedback? Feedback is a core leadership skill—but most leaders either overuse candor or hide behind diplomacy. In this Polarity Spotlight episode, we uncover the hidden tensions in giving and receiving feedback and explain how these communication patterns shape your leadership identity and team culture. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Learn how to balance honesty and empathy so your feedback actually lan...
May 16, 2025•11 min•Ep. 310
Are you feeling stuck in your career, battling burnout, or questioning if your work is truly meaningful? What if you had 90,000 hours to make a real impact—without sacrificing your financial stability? In this episode, we sit down with Georgi Enthoven , author of Work That’s Worth It , to explore how professionals can align their leadership skills with purpose, build a leadership identity that truly resonates, and avoid the burnout that so often accompanies ambition. Georgi shares her personal j...
May 14, 2025•49 min•Ep. 309
In this episode, we spotlight the growing tension between artificial intelligence and human intelligence in modern leadership. As AI tools promise faster results and streamlined workflows, many leaders are unknowingly sacrificing core leadership skills and connection, increasing their risk of burnout. This polarity—automated power and human presence—is no longer optional to navigate. It’s now essential to sustainable, purpose-driven leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Learn how to det...
May 09, 2025•13 min•Ep. 308
Are you working harder than ever but still not advancing in your leadership role? If you feel stuck in execution mode, constantly busy but not making meaningful career progress, you might be facing a leadership plateau without even realizing it. Many leaders assume that better time management, pushing harder, or waiting for external changes will get them to the next level—but these strategies rarely work. In this episode, we explore why traditional solutions fail and reveal the real key to break...
May 07, 2025•22 min•Ep. 307
In this Polarity Spotlight episode, we reveal the hidden polarity behind Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory —and why it’s essential for shaping your leadership identity. Discover the tension between “Let Them” (releasing control) and “Let Me” (reclaiming self-leadership), and why mastering both is key to developing resilient leadership skills while protecting yourself from burnout. Through practical examples and reflective prompts in this episode, you’ll learn how to lead with purpose, maintain emotio...
May 02, 2025•14 min•Ep. 306
Feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or like you’re constantly running on empty as a leader? What if the key to avoiding burnout and strengthening your leadership identity wasn’t about doing more—but about being more present? In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure leadership roles, burnout is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Many leaders feel stuck in survival mode, constantly juggling responsibilities without ever feeling fully present or fulfilled. But what if there was a way to reset, r...
Apr 30, 2025•45 min•Ep. 305
In this episode, we dive into a real-time leadership tension: how to lead through accelerated change while still caring deeply for the people carrying that change out. Spoiler alert—this isn’t a simple choice between speed or empathy. It’s a polarity. And knowing how to navigate it is one of the most important leadership skills of our time. You’ll learn how this polarity shows up in all levels of leadership-government, corporate, non-profit and neglecting either pole—urgency or humanity—can crea...
Apr 25, 2025•11 min•Ep. 304
Do you feel like no matter how hard you work, you're still stuck at the same level in your leadership journey? What if working harder isn't actually the key to success—but the very thing holding you back? In this episode of Burnout Proof Leadership , Michelle and Tracy dive deep into the leadership myth that working harder equals success. They reveal the hidden reasons why so many leaders feel trapped in burnout and overwork, and why the most successful leaders aren't grinding harder—they're thi...
Apr 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 303
On April 23rd, we’re officially changing the name of The TRU Leader Podcast to Burnout-Proof Leadership ! In this announcement episode, we share: Why we’re making this change (and why now is the perfect time) What’s staying the same (don’t worry—we’re still here every Wednesday!) What new content you can look forward to (hello, Friday bonus episodes!) And how Burnout-Proof Leadership will better serve YOU in today’s high-stakes leadership world Mark your calendar: April 23rd we officially become...
Apr 18, 2025•10 min•Ep. 302
Why does change feel so hard—even when we know it's necessary? What if resistance isn’t the enemy of progress, but the key to unlocking stronger leadership skills and real transformation? In this powerful episode, we dive into the wisdom of resistance and how great leaders learn to navigate it rather than fight it. Whether you're leading a team through rapid change, feeling the effects of burnout , or struggling to redefine your leadership identity , understanding resistance can transform the wa...
Apr 16, 2025•45 min•Ep. 301
Have you ever wondered what it takes to launch a podcast—and keep it going for 300 episodes? What about leading a long-term initiative without burning out? Most podcasts (and leadership initiatives) don’t make it past the first year. But in this milestone episode, we reflect on the leadership skills, structure, and mindset that have helped us persevere. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or looking to sharpen your leadership identity, this conversation is packed with insights on commitment, adapt...
Apr 09, 2025•43 min•Ep. 300
What makes a co-founder relationship successful, and how can you use leadership identity to avoid burnout while scaling your business? Many entrepreneurs and business leaders struggle with burnout and decision fatigue, often feeling isolated in their leadership roles. In this episode, we sit down with co-founders Lorie Spence and Carolyn Pritchard to uncover the power of partnership in leadership. Learn how leveraging complementary leadership skills, navigating tensions, and fostering a balanced...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min•Ep. 299
🔥 Are you leading your business—or is it leading you to burnout? Leadership is already challenging, but when you step into entrepreneurship, the stakes get even higher. How do you build a thriving business without sacrificing your well-being? What if the key to success lies in managing polarities—those hidden forces that drive both resilience and burnout if not leveraged well. 🚀 In this episode, you’ll discover: The #1 ingredient that increases the risk of burnout for entrepreneurs (and how to...
Mar 26, 2025•38 min•Ep. 298
🚀 How Does Mindset Shape Your Leadership Journey? Have you ever faced a setback that made you question your path as a leader? What if the key to resilience, success, and leadership identity lies in mastering your mindset? 🔥 Why This Episode is a Must-Listen In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Nick Mornard , entrepreneur, author of Mindset is My Degree , and a true example of leadership resilience. Nick shares his personal journey—from a career-ending sports injury to building a thr...
Mar 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 297
❓ Who’s really responsible for building trust in teams? Trust is the foundation of any high-performing team, but most workplaces struggle to create it. Many leaders think it’s their sole responsibility—but what if the key to trust wasn’t just about leadership? In this episode, Dr. Tracy Christopherson and Michelle Troseth unpack the essential behaviors that foster trust and team success, revealing insights from a Harvard Business Review article and their expertise in Polarity Intelligence® . 🎯 ...
Mar 12, 2025•36 min•Ep. 296
