Moving Beyond Burnout

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Kentucky League of Cities Women in City Government Summit.

Think: more than 125 female mayors, council members, city clerks, and other leaders who have chosen public service because of their commitment to the greater good of their communities.

As we talked about tackling perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and burnout, I guided attendees through an exercise designed to help them recognize the habits and thinking patterns that hold them back — and begin reframing their experiences so they can move forward with greater intention and clarity.

When participants shared their key themes and takeaways, it was evident how universal their experiences were, even though each story was deeply personal.

But one story, in particular, had the entire room leaning in.

One woman shared that she had recently landed her dream job as a director in her field. She had worked for the city for more than a dozen years and had nearly given up hope that she would ever be promoted, quietly assuming her predecessor might never retire.

It was clear from her words — and the emotion just beneath the surface — that she had endured years of burnout along the way. (If you’re not familiar with the 12 stages of burnout, I invite you to explore them.)

When responding to my prompt about creating a burnout response plan — the boundaries and recharge activities you lean on when the warning signs appear — she shared something powerful.

Stepping into a leadership role within a professional organization helped her reframe the toxic environment she had experienced under her previous boss. It also helped quiet her internal critic. Along the way, she found encouragement from a circle of peers who believed in her — even during moments when she struggled to believe in herself.

When she finished speaking, the room erupted in applause. 👏

Not just for her willingness to share, but for her resilience. For finding a way forward on her own terms and reclaiming her sense of agency during a time when she felt powerless.

The truth is, we always have choices in how we respond to difficult situations. We can’t control what others think, feel, or do, but we can decide how we show up. If you find yourself experiencing burnout, consider this:

• What (or who) are your triggers?
• What does your burnout recovery plan look like?
• And who are the accountability partners who help steady you when you question how long you can keep going?

Burnout may show up at times along the journey. But it never has to be the final destination.

If these questions resonate — or if this is a conversation you or your organization could benefit from — let’s connect.

Brain Food

Y’all know I’m passionate about the intersection of leadership and communication. As this Fast Company article explains, communicating like a leader isn’t about updating presentations, it’s about shaping moments. From knowing your intention and rehearsing as a sign of respect to removing distractions and remaining present, this list is a great reminder that how we show up matters as much as what we say.

Real Talk 

Do you get nervous before a big talk, presentation, or event? That means you care! And you’re definitely not alone. In this reel, I share three simple, practical tips to calm your nerves, steady your presence, and boost your confidence when it matters most. The best part? You don’t have to be a comms pro to use them — just someone ready to show up with intention and credibility.

In the Spotlight

Communications Coaching

We all have to communicate at work and in life. Whether you're preparing for a big speech, leading a meeting, or simply looking to feel more confident sharing your ideas, a few communications coaching sessions can go a long way. I’ve got a suitcase full of practical techniques you can start using right away to communicate with greater clarity and purpose.

A Sincere Thank You + Giveaway Winners! 

I was blown away by how many of you answered the call to watch, like, and share my TEDx talk on the perfectionism trap.

As a sincere thank you, I offered two randomly drawn (and fully transferable) prizes. Congratulations to Philip Tate, who won a complimentary hour of coaching, and Randi Sussman, the recipient of the Resume Glow-Up.

As always, thank you for reading this newsletter. I’m always in your corner, just as you’ve shown that you’re in mine.