The burnout we don't talk about enough

Most people talk about burnout like it’s a productivity problem.

But in my experience - both personally and in my work with leaders - burnout is often a communication problem.

Not in the “I need better email boundaries” kind of way (although those are real too).

But in the quiet, more invisible ways that communication fails us - or rather, when we struggle to use it to advocate for ourselves and those around us.

My Story: Burnout x2

I’ve experienced burnout over my corporate career. Not just once, but twice. Oof.

The first time, I was in a demanding executive role at a company going through a sustained period of layoffs, restructuring, high turnover, and poor morale.

The second time, I was in another executive role at a high-growth company riding the wave of industry recognition.

Different contexts - same result.

In both cases, I was deep in people-pleaser mode, trying to hold it all together. I struggled to say no, over-functioned to fill gaps, and found it nearly impossible to ask for help. And looking back, one thing is painfully clear:

I wasn’t advocating for my needs. I wasn’t advocating for my team’s needs.

And that silence cost me my health.

Client Story: A Session That Shifted Everything

Last year, I ran a year-long leadership mastermind for a manufacturing client whose leaders were running on fumes.

Every month, our learning lab began with a check-in. And over and over, I heard the same words:

“Exhausted.” “Running on empty.” “Trying to stay afloat.”

For one session, I guided them through a 10-minute meditation to help calm their nervous systems. Most appreciated the pause - but one leader (the one I was most concerned about) told me it was “too long.”

Instead of brushing it off, we paused the agenda for that session. And instead, turned it into one of the most honest conversations we’d had as a group - about stress, health, expectations, and what burnout was starting to look and feel like for each one of them. From that day, we began co-creating personalized wellbeing plans for each leader and their teams. Ones that were regularly reviewed, discussed, and honored.

That one mastermind session was a reminder that so often, people are screaming silently. And when we don’t create space for open, compassionate dialogue…we miss the signs.

From Reflection to Action: What You Can Try

Here are a few gentle prompts to reflect on - and small steps to support yourself or your team if burnout is quietly creeping in.

🪷 What am I pretending is “fine” that really isn’t?

🪷 Where am I saying yes, when I want to say no?

🪷 When was the last time I asked for help, or advocated for a more sustainable pace - for myself or others?

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🪷 Try starting your meetings with an honest check-in - not just about work, but about how everyone’s feeling.

🪷 Carve out “pause moments” during the week - even 5 to 10 minutes to breathe, journal, or simply not produce.

🪷 Speak up for your needs, even if your voice shakes. Burnout thrives in silence. Healing begins with honesty.

A Quiet Reminder

Burnout isn’t just about having too much to do.

It’s about not feeling safe or supported enough to say:

“I can’t do this all.” “I need help.” “This pace isn’t sustainable.”

Let this be your gentle nudge:

You deserve to feel well - not just appear capable.

And if you’re leading a team, remember: creating space for honest dialogue might just be the most powerful leadership skill you develop this year.

Wishing you an enjoyable and restful weekend.

With care, Kris 🌸

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