Hi Reader,

Quick q: What’s the hardest part of high-stakes conversations at work?

👉 Come vote over on Linkedin. ​

(And if your brain replays those conversations at 3am—you're not alone.)

"I'm handling it."

"Just need to push through."

"This is what I’m paid for!"

After 13 years coaching, I can't count how many times I've heard these words - usually right before someone mentions their migraines, insomnia, or that relentless anxiety they can't shake.

Here's what I want us to talk about:

Your stress isn't a personal failing or a time management issue.

It's about....

... systems designed to extract maximum output without considering human costs

...deep beliefs tying your worth to your productivity

...organisations that preach wellbeing but reward overwork

The cost isn't just your health.

When you're running on empty, your decisions come from depletion, not clarity. Innovation dies because "there's no time to think." And your teams are learning to normalise the same patterns that are burning you out.

No amount of meditation apps or time management hacks will fix this.

Real transformation requires:

· Healing the core beliefs that keep you pushing past your limits

· Building support networks that understand these challenges

· Challenging the systems that normalise burnout

So let’s start with one of the biggest stress triggers: difficult conversations.​
💬 Vote in the LinkedIn poll & join the conversation (some gold in the comments!)

Your wing woman,

Catherine

P.S. To get more tips, listen to my conversation about burnout with a CEO who’s been there and got the t-shirt!

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