Slow Burn: Understanding Chronic Stress & Overcoming Burnout, with Paula Davis

This August, In Good Companies is back with a special series to relax, reset and dive back into business. And while summertime is an ideal season to press pause and step out of the office, for some of us, the need for a break is pressing. In 2024, 38% of US employees report having experienced burnout; a phenomenon recognized by the World Health Organisation as an occupational issue. 

So how do we change our systems and habits to enhance well-being at work, and avoid burnout? When it comes to our corporate lives, what can we do to stay motivated, productive and healthy in the long term? We answer these questions with Paula Davis, a burnout recovery and well-being expert, and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute.

In this episode, our new host Ari Marin speaks with Paula about what burnout feels like and how to recognize it before it’s too late. Together, we strategize recovery and discuss how to undo stigma, and to open up conversations on mental health inside our companies. Throughout, Paula will share her experiences of triumph over chronic fatigue; proving that burnout is not the end of the road, but a fork in it. 

So tune in with Paula and Ari, to start a new conversation today and find your path to stress resilience. 

Highlights: 

• Paula’s own experience with Burnout (2:19)
• How habits, values, or preconceptions contribute to Burnout  (5:05)
• Taking the time for recovery (7:07)
• Recognizing early signs of Burnout (9:12)
• An exercise to notice symptoms  (13:03)
• A “me” and a “we” approach to Burnout (15:27)
• The “core six” drivers of chronic stress (17:12)
• How to tackle motivation from generation to generation (19:55)
• Strategies for recovery and prevention (22:15)
• Paula’s go-to resources for education (25:45)
• Breaking the stigma around Burnout (26:59)
• Using flexibility for professional empowerment (29:41)
• Burnout as a constructive journey (33:04)

Links:

• Cadence Bank Website
• Cadence Bank X (Twitter)
• Cadence Bank LinkedIn
• The Stress & Resilience Institute Website
• Paula Davis LinkedIn
• Paula Davis in Forbes
• World Health Organisation - “Burnout as an ‘occupational’ phenomenon”
• Spill - “Burnout Statistics You need to know for 2024”
• Book - Nick Patrie’s “Work Without Stress”
• Ted Talk - Dr Kelly McGonigal’s “How to Make Stress Your Friend”

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producers, [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].