THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 06:Â Breaking the Burnout Cycle
March 11, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed, constantly exhausted, and secretly dreaming of a simpler job? In this episode, I unpack the dangerous cycle of burnout that's affecting leaders everywhere and share practical, high-impact strategies to reclaim your energy and joy at work. Discover how to break free from burnout before it damages your wellbeing, your team's performance, and your workplace culture.
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As a busy professional juggling multiple responsibilities, you know the feeling—too many tasks, not enough hours, and your "real work" constantly pushed to evenings and weekends.
In this episode, I dive into the dangerous burnout cycle affecting 76% of employees, with special focus on mid-level leaders who are caught between managing their own workload, supporting their team, and meeting expectations from above.
I share my personal burnout journey and the eye-opening moment when I discovered that 20% of our activities deliver 80% of our results—a revelation that transformed my approach to work.
You'll learn six practical strategies to beat burnout, including identifying what brings you joy at work, conducting an activity audit with the TIE Tracker, creating a transparent workplan, and setting essential boundaries. Because no one else will protect your energy for you—it's time to take ownership of your wellbeing.
Join me for this transformational episode that will help you do what you love, love what you do, and become a shining example of how to live the integrated, balanced life we all crave.
"I want you to do what you love, love what you do, take great care of yourself, and share this message with others. In fact, I want YOU to be a shining example of precisely HOW to live the integrated, balanced life that we all seem to crave."
Highlights from this episode:
In this episode, we dive deep into the burnout epidemic affecting today's leaders and what you can do to break free from this destructive cycle.
The Burnout Crisis Among Leaders
The statistics are alarming—76% of employees experience burnout, with mid-level leaders being especially vulnerable as they juggle multiple responsibilities. When a leader burns out, it creates a ripple effect, impacting team motivation, collaboration, and trust.
The True Cost of Burnout:
- Health impacts: persistent exhaustion and physical symptoms
- Emotional toll: negativity, cynicism, and loss of hope
- Organizational cost: reduced productivity and high turnover ($125-$190 billion in healthcare costs alone)
My Personal Burnout Journey
I share how my passion for my work gradually transformed into overwhelm as I took on too many roles, until I discovered the game-changing Pareto Principle—the idea that 20% of our activities generate 80% of our results.
Transformational Strategies to Beat Burnout:
- Identify what brings you real joy at work and prioritize these activities
- Use the TIE Tracker to conduct an activity audit (free download at clairelaughlin.com)
- Create a transparent workplan with specific deliverables
- Learn to ask "Can it wait?" before sacrificing personal time
- Schedule both focused work time and rejuvenation breaks
Remember, no one else can set boundaries for you. Taking ownership of your wellbeing is the first step toward breaking the burnout cycle and reclaiming your energy and joy at work.
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Links mentioned in this episode:
Resources Mentioned:
- TIE (Time Impact Energy) Tracker Tool available on my Resource Page
- Beat the Burnout Free Webinar - March 19th and 21st
- THIS Leader Podcast Episode #4:Â Adding Strategic Value in Uncertain Times
Research Sources:
Goh, J., Pfeffer, J., & Zenios, S. (2015). "National Health Costs Could Decrease If Managers Reduce Work Stress." Harvard Business School Working Knowledge. Retrieved from https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/national-health-costs-could-decrease-if-managers-reduce-work-stress
Pavilion. (2022). "The Real Cost of Burnout." Pavilion Blog. Retrieved from https://www.joinpavilion.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-burnout
WebMD Editorial Team. (2023). "Burnout Symptoms and Signs." WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/burnout-symptoms-signs
Gallup. (2020). Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures. Gallup Workplace Report.
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About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.
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