THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 07: The Power of Rest and Recovery for High Performance
March 18, 2025
In this eye-opening episode, I dive into the counterintuitive truth about rest and recovery - they're not just nice-to-haves, but essential drivers of high performance. Discover why the world's highest performers prioritize intentional breaks and how small shifts in your approach to rest can dramatically enhance your leadership impact. If you've been caught in the "busy trap," this episode offers practical strategies to break free and perform at your best.
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Listen now
Feel trapped in a cycle of back-to-back meetings, working through lunch, and bringing work home just to stay afloat? In this essential episode, I challenge the mindset that keeps high-achieving leaders like you stuck on the hamster wheel of constant work.
I share my transformation from someone who couldn't imagine taking meaningful breaks to discovering that the highest performers actually prioritize rest and recovery. The research is clear: the path to greater effectiveness isn't doing more, but doing less with greater intention and energy.
Learn practical, science-backed strategies to incorporate recovery into your demanding schedule without sacrificing results. From optimizing sleep to creating strategic breaks in your workday, these actionable techniques will help you achieve more impact while experiencing greater fulfillment and balance—exactly what you need as you juggle leadership responsibilities, personal demands, and your own wellbeing.
"What if I told you that the highest performers—the people making the MOST impact in their organizations, with the best health, happiest home lives, and greatest financial success—aren't the ones working 24/7? What if the path to much greater effectiveness isn't doing more, but doing less... with greater intention, focus and energy?"
Highlights from this episode:
In this episode, we explore:
The surprising truth about rest and recovery - they're not just ways to avoid burnout, but essential components of high performance leadership. I share my personal journey from being someone who couldn't imagine taking meaningful breaks to understanding how strategic recovery enhances productivity.
The Science of Rest & Performance:
- Why sleep is the keystone to good health and leadership effectiveness
- How your brain "power washes" itself during deep sleep
- The connection between REM sleep, creativity, and problem-solving
Breaking the Busy Mindset:
Many leaders pride themselves on responsiveness and availability, creating a cycle of constant work that actually undermines their success. I discuss why we find it so difficult to slow down and how the neurochemical rewards of checking items off our list keep us trapped in unhealthy patterns.
Research-Backed Strategies from Elite Performers:
- Insights from Cal Newport's "Deep Work" on the power of focused attention
- How world-class athletes use the 20 seconds between points to reset and perform at their peak
- The rhythm between energy expenditure and energy renewal that drives sustainable success
Practical Implementation for Busy Leaders:
- Creating 45-minute meetings to build margin into your day
- Working in focused 50-minute sprints followed by intentional 10-minute recovery periods
- Bookending your day with intentional practices that set you up for success
- The power of scheduling vacations first before work fills every gap
I share examples from my clients, including a tech startup that implemented 10-week work sprints followed by dedicated recovery weeks, demonstrating that rest isn't just possible—it's profitable.
Action Steps for This Week:
- Make one small shift in how you schedule your day to incorporate recovery
- Try the 50/10 work sprint method to increase focus and productivity
- Remember: "YOU are your greatest asset" - your ability to be connected and clear is imperative for your success and your team's
Source Citations:
Loehr, J., & Schwartz, T. (2003). The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal. Free Press.
Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.
Sullivan, D., & Hardy, B. (2020). 10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less. Hay House Business.
Walker, M. P. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner.
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Links mentioned in this episode:
- Visit clairelaughlin.com for additional resources and tools
- Connect with me on social media @ClaireLaughlinConsulting
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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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We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Episode #06:Â Breaking the Burnout Cycle
Burnout isn't just exhaustion – it's a silent productivity killer. I share my personal burnout journey and reveal practical strategies to recognize the warning signs before they derail your leadership impact. Discover how to protect your energy, reclaim your joy at work, and help your team avoid the burnout trap.
