Burnout Isn’t a Workload Problem—It’s a Leadership Wake-Up Call

Most high-performing leaders are quietly burning out—and don’t even realize it. In this episode of The Next Interview, we get brutally honest about the hidden emotional toll of leadership and the habits that silently sabotage your energy, effectiveness, and identity.
🎙 I sit down with Emily Heird, licensed therapist turned executive coach, who shares the real reason top leaders hit burnout—even when everything “looks” successful on the outside. Through her personal story and work with high achievers, Emily unpacks how identity, stress, and leadership performance are deeply linked—and what to do when your internal world starts to crack.

🚀 3 Leadership Lessons You Don’t Want to Miss:
✔️ Burnout is not about workload—it’s about self-worth. Learn how tying your value to outcomes kills your energy and clarity.
✔️ You can’t lead well if you’re running on fumes. Discover small, science-backed strategies to reclaim energy and lead with intention.
✔️ High-performance teams need empowered leaders. Find out how to create a culture of feedback, trust, and accountability—without micromanaging.

⏱️ Timestamps & Key Sections
00:00 – Welcome & Emily’s Journey
How a therapist became a leadership coach—and why it matters.
06:00 – What Really Causes Burnout?
The surprising root cause that most leaders ignore.
12:00 – A Near Crisis That Changed Everything
Emily shares a vulnerable, defining moment with her daughter—and what it taught her.
18:00 – Stress vs. Burnout: Know the Difference
Learn the signs and long-term damage of unmanaged stress.
24:00 – From Awareness to Action: The First Step
How redefining success changes everything for burned-out leaders.
36:00 – Therapy vs. Coaching: When You Need Each One
Emily breaks down the difference and when leaders should seek help.
42:00 – How to Build a Culture of Accountability
A real-life client example of shifting from control to empowerment.
54:00 – Delegation, Trust & Team Development
Why leaders resist delegation—and how to move past it.
58:00 – Feedback as a Leadership Advantage
Give it, receive it, model it. Create safety and performance through feedback.

🔑 Key Moments to Watch
🔥 The life-altering moment that made Emily say, “Enough of this sht”*
💡 Why most high achievers are secretly exhausted and disconnected
🚀 The coaching question that stops resistance in its tracks: “Are you willing…?”

🎙 Guest Introduction
Emily Heird is a licensed therapist and founder of a high-performance coaching practice. With over 15 years of experience in mental health, conflict mediation, and leadership, Emily helps top executives master emotional resilience, delegate with trust, and redefine success without sacrificing well-being.
Contact Emily: https://vantageviewcoaching.com/

📢 Call to Action
💬 What’s the biggest leadership challenge you’ve faced—burnout, delegation, or feedback? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it.
👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for more radically honest conversations that help you lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.

PODCAST EPISODES
https://www.dolandwhite.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH DOLAND
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.doland.white/
LinkedIn - https://www.instagram.com/the.doland.white/
Calendar - https://calendly.com/dolandwhite/25-minutes
Website - https://www.dolandwhite.com

I'm Doland White, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience, including CEO and COO roles.

My mission is to help leaders and teams build trust and empowerment within their organizations.

I share practical insights and strategies to drive success, enhance leadership skills, and achieve organizational goals.

Join me for expert advice on leadership development, team building, and strategic thinking.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, you'll find valuable content to inspire and guide your journey.

New episodes of THE NEXT INTERVIEW every Monday at 7am pacific!

#thenextinterview #dolandwhite #leadership #entrepreneurship #career