Burn Brightly with Hannah Austin

In this episode of Burn Brightly, host Hannah Austin engages in a profound conversation with wellness advocates Miriam and Jaqueline.Together, they unravel the complex ties between physical health and mental wellness, explore how critical illnesses can shake mental stability, and stress the crucial step of recognizing and tackling burnout.The conversation pivots to the power of seeking support, the role of empathy in healing, and leveraging data to reform healthcare and corporate systems. The guests highlight the personal nature of burnout, advocating for self-honor and finding joy in work. They call for self-advocacy, cultural shifts in the workplace, and embracing the transformative shift from adversity to enlightenment.

In this heartfelt episode of the Burn Brightly podcast, we’re joined by Kathy, who shares her transformative journey from a place of loneliness and strength to one of healing and self-discovery.Kathy reflects on her past TEDx talk experience, comparing her feelings of hollowness then to her current sense of groundedness and self-assurance. She offers insights into the difference between being strong and being healthy, and how self-care is about knowing and advocating for oneself.For those feeling a sense of emptiness, Kathy provides gentle advice to start looking at themselves with the same grace they would offer a child. She emphasizes the power of making decisions for oneself and the importance of internal validation.

In today's episode, Hannah shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to a balanced and fulfilling life. The discussion unfolds through pivotal moments, such as recognizing the need for change, creating a plan, and experiencing the positive ripple effect of prioritizing self-care. Hannah's candid reflections offer a relatable and empowering guide for those navigating their own burnout experiences.

In a world flooded with influencers and a barrage of 'best practices,' it's easy to lose our individuality in the pursuit of someone else's version of success. We've all been there, caught up in the race for that elusive corporate ladder or the perfect facade. But guess what? Life isn't one-size-fits-all. It's about tapping into your authenticity and embracing what works for YOU.Reflecting on societal pressures and personal aspirations, today Hannah shares her own journey of redefining success and embracing what truly aligns with her passions. From the corporate climb to realizing she craved creativity, learn how she silenced the noise and tuned into her gut.

In this episode, Hannah interviews YouTube Coach and Strategist Trena Little, on The Power of Prioritizing Yourself. Trena landed a “good” job with a government agency right out of college, but after 7 years of feeling like her soul was being ripped out every time she arrived in the parking lot, it was time for a change! Hannah and Trena dive into the magic of changing everything about your life in a moment, building something new, and the challenges and rewards that come with it. Listen in to discover more about leveraging your time to avoid burnout, prioritising yourself over traditional success markers and dancing with imposter syndrome when building something new.

In today's episode, Hannah shares insights on moving forward from burnout without regret. The discussion begins by recognizing burnout beyond the conventional signs, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing burnout as the first step toward positive change.Hannah dives into the challenges of setting realistic expectations, particularly for women in society juggling multiple roles. The conversation unfolds with a focus on crafting a forward-focused plan, offering a personal mission statement as a guide for envisioning a fulfilling life.Listen today to discover the power of embracing change and moving forward from burnout.

In this episode, Christina Scalera shares her journey from landing her dream job as an in-house trademark attorney right out of law school to realizing that it felt more like a nightmare. Despite building a successful seven-figure business, Christina experienced burnout and decided to sell her company. The conversation explores the seasons of burnout and how a pivot became the catalyst for reigniting her passion. Christina is now focused on coaching and consulting through her website, helping business owners build seven-figure-plus businesses using tech talk and social media, and assisting those considering selling their businesses.

We live in a fast paced society, and we are constantly trying to keep up and reach for “success”. But we may be settling unrealistic expectations, or we're being unrealistic with our timelines. In this episode, Hannah dives into what burnout looks like versus what finding the balance looks like. Learn all about Hannah’s creation, The Burn Brightly Model that includes 6 steps to slowing the burn and finding balance.There is no quick fix to break free from burnout but you can absolutely get started today. You can transition from burnout to brilliance. If you’re unsure about where you are at with all of this, I have a free quiz to help you see where you sit on the burnout scale and how you can cool things down. Visit https://sheshatters.com/quiz/ to get started!

In this episode, I’ll be sharing my five tips for avoiding burnout. When you're facing burnout, it can be really hard to even sit down and think about how to turn things around, but it is possible! Tune into the episode to find out more. You can also download my free guide, 5 Tips to Prevent Burnout here.

In this episode, Anna Huff joins me to share her journey of learning to say “yes” to big changes in her career in order to fulfill her dream and make more time and freedom in her life. Anna is a mindset and marketing coach for online service providers. Anna empowers women to kick self-doubt to the curb and tap into their limitless potential. Like many others, Anna began her career after college thinking that was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life until burnout set in. She knew it was time to make a change. Did you know that as well as hosting the Burn Brightly podcast, I’m a published author. My book Hello, Head, Meet Heart is the breakthrough story and self-help guide by yours truly, all about HOW to tap into your extraordinary life. You can find it in both paperback and eBook on https://sheshatters.com and Amazon.com.

As women, we’re all too familiar with gender bias and inequality in the corporate world, with ‘finance’ and ‘tech’ being notorious boys’ clubs. Then imagine the impossible challenge of being a queer woman of color, breaking into venture capitalism.It’s not enough to get a seat at the table; we need a ticket to the line for a chance to be at the door and maybe in the room – let alone a seat at the table.But could fearlessness and authenticity be the key to more women taking the lead in finance, tech and the entrepreneurial stage?In this episode, we talk to the inspiring Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital and Hire Runner. Having raised nearly $30 million for over 200 startups led by people of color and LGBTQ founders, she shares insights on taking your rightful seat at the table and creating a bigger table for those who come after.Listen, and see where fearlessness and authenticity take you in life.SO WHAT’S THIS EPISODE REALLY ABOUT:How fearlessness and authenticity took Arlan from homelessness to venture capitalist How to navigate the world as a queer black woman in tech and finance The importance of a mentor and the no-fluff advice that will accelerate your businessHow knowing oneself is the key to breaking the burnout cycleThe deep self-work it takes to understand the warning signs and triggers that you’re about to burnoutHow living you unapologetically, in all facets of yourself, is enough. WHY YOU SHOULD LISTENAs women, especially women of color, the door of opportunity is often closed when it comes to our entrepreneurial dreams. In this episode, we learn when to break down the door, when to build your own, and how being fearlessly and unapologetically yourself is the key to your dream life.YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT“You can’t be carrying everybody on your back. It’s not fair to you.” – Arlan Hamilton“Putting your mouth behind your money behind what you’re saying.” – Arlan Hamilton“Knowing your boundaries and what you’re not going to take, and then doing that, is important.” – Arlan Hamilton.“What do I owe people is the answer to what I owe myself.” - Arlan Hamilton“I wish I would have known that actions are everything.” – Arlan Hamilton.LINKS:SheBurns PodcastArlan’s InstagramArlan’s AcademyLIKE WHAT YOU HEAR? Please leave me a review – these stars won’t burn out!

For more tips and tricks purchase my best-selling book, 'Hello, Head, Meet Heart' on Amazon now:https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Head-Meet-Heart-Extraordinary-ebook/dp/B0BRT9YYJHThe expectations placed on women to be perfect in all areas of life, including work and motherhood, are leading to a culture of burnout. But why do we put so much pressure on ourselves, and how can we prevent, understand, and recover from burnout?As women, we internalize burnout; it’s not just a lack of something; we feel like a failure in every aspect of life. We tear ourselves apart, digging ourselves deeper into the burnout abyss.But what if we didn't…What if we could unpack all the nuances of burnout?What if, instead of punishing ourselves, we used it as an opportunity to take a much-needed internal audit?What if this was the invitation to know ourselves even better and create life-long habits and practices supporting us in every arena?And what if we started seeing burnout as the direct cause of not looking after ourselves and prioritizing our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being?In this episode of the SheBurns podcast, we talk to Nikki Lau, the founder of Illuminate Development and Wisdom for Working Moms, dedicated to supporting career-driven women in balancing their work and family life sustainably and successfully without sacrificing their well-being.Nikki shares her 10-year journey of recovering from burnout in her career and motherhood. She candidly discusses her experiences and how she overcame the internal struggle of burnout by embracing discomfort, rethinking her narratives around success and identity, and prioritising self-care and self-acceptance. Listen, and let’s start seeing burnout as a wake-up call rather than a failure.So what’s this episode really about:The unrealistic expectation of ‘perfection and sacrifice’ for women in all aspects of life, from career to relationships and motherhood.Understanding the relationship between poor well-being and burnout.Encouraging women to prioritize themselves as a direct antidote to burnoutRedefining success and turning inward to address the root causes of burnout without self-blame or judgment.Building daily, weekly, and monthly habits and rituals that connect the person with their body, better identifying and managing the symptoms of burnout.Strategies to embrace all aspects of your womanhood that light you up without burning out.Why you should listenAs women, mothers and talented people with so much to offer the world, we deserve to be in the arena. We deserve to take up space and live meaningful, fulfilled lives that embrace what we love, both at home and work, which means an end to toxic perfectionism, martyrdom, and never feeling good enough. This episode encourages you to go inwards, championing self-care, well-being and a redefined version of success as the antidote to burnout.You can quote me on that“I'm a career-driven woman. I love my work. But I also love my family. And I want to show both sides of my identity in a way that feels fulfilling, but also lights me up without burning out.” - Nikki Lau.“I kind of saw self-care as a luxury, and I now see it as self-preservation. And I learned through that experience that when you lose your well-being, it doesn't matter what else you've got, right? I couldn't be there for my children. I live in a beautiful house. I couldn't enjoy that. You know, I couldn't go out with friends. So it doesn't matter what else you've got.” - Nikki Lau."A lot of my practices are about bringing me back into my body. Because actually, there were a lot of little warning signs along my burnout journey that I would completely...

These days, both men and women have a great deal more freedom when it comes to defining – and redefining – our career paths. The problem with having more freedom is that it tends to cause decision paralysis, particularly in those of us who aren’t sure exactly what we want or how to get there. Add to that the fact that our skills don’t always align with our interests, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for confusion. The good news is, since the pandemic tipped the scale, job applicants have been in high demand, giving them greater freedom to make decisions – and wherever guidance is needed, a good career coach is a must. Known as the career activator, Madelyn Mackie is among the best in the career coaching business, with expertise spanning the job search process from “applied” to “hired”. During COVID, job applicants decided it was time to find a job that allowed for work-life balance and happiness, Madelyn’s business went into growth mode, and now, her advice can help you do the same. Whether you’re working on defining the job you want, building your professional brand, or nailing the interview, Madelyn has got you covered with practical tips founded on personal experience. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Madelyn and Hannah talk all about the process of finding work that gives you happiness and fulfillment, from building networks to signing contracts.  So what’s this episode really about? The real value in “talking up” the company you work for Four steps towards finding the right job for youTaking the “personal” out of business decisions The unexpected paths we take to find our dream jobs Why you should listen Many of us spend eight hours (or more) at work each day, and spending all that time in the wrong job can be seriously detrimental to our mental health. If you’re thinking about making a move and feeling unsure about how to navigate the process ahead, this episode will show you the way – and give you the nudge you need to make it happen. Links Madelyn Mackie LinkedInWebsite SheShatters LinkedInWebsite You can quote me on that…“If you want to go far, go together. A lot of us – in our jobs and careers – [have] a lot of far places we want to go, and we’re going to need some help to do it.” - Madelyn Mackie “Don’t be running away from something; run towards something.” - Hannah Austin “The future of an organization  is succession planning because if you’re succession planning correctly, you probably don’t have to recruit as much externally, depending on the organization.” - Hannah AustinLike what you hear? Please leave me a review – these stars won’t burn out! 

Often, burnout comes in two waves: Overworking – trying to do way too much in not enough time. Wilful ignorance – refusing to acknowledge that the status quo isn’t serving us, even when our bodies and minds start to self-destruct. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with the cognitive dissonance that often comes with leaving a once-loved situation or environment that has become toxic, you’ll know that this combination can be complicated and difficult to escape. It gets even harder when we compare what we’re experiencing to what we assume others are going through, and inevitably decide that our experience isn’t “difficult enough” to warrant raising the white flag. Still, many burnout sufferers will agree that it’s much easier to give advice to others than to take that advice for themselves and slow things down for their health, perhaps because they consider their work to be an integral part of who they are, and they’re afraid to lose it.The good news is, there are tools that can help with unraveling and defining those unhelpful behaviors, as well as strategies for confronting loud inner critics and setting effective goals – and if anyone knows about those things, it’s Dr Jacqueline Kerr. A behavior scientist and burnout survivor, Dr Jacqueline researches health behavior change solutions for individuals and communities. After two decades in her career, she is on a mission to prevent burnout through comprehensive strategic planning for employee wellbeing and sustainable, impactful organizational change – and we think that’s worthy of ALL the airtime.  In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Hannah and Dr Jacqueline talk all things burnout, from the environments and belief systems to the darkness it can seed and grow. So what’s this episode really about? The value in perceiving burnout as an institutional rather than individual problem  What it means to bridge the gap between the internal and external worldHow our jobs tend to inform our identities The truth about suicidal ideationWhy you should listenWe could all do with more self-compassion, particularly during such a difficult time in world history – but, often, we have to take a few tumbles before we arrive at this realization. Dr. Jacqueline Kerr has been through many of these tumbles herself and come out stronger on the other side with plenty of wisdom to share. LinksSheShatters www.DrJacquelineKerr.comDr Jacqueline Kerr on LinkedInHow to stop burnout before it starts – Dr Jacqueline Kerr A quick guide to behavior-based systems change for workplace burnout - Dr Jacqueline Kerr You can quote me on that…“When [we] don’t believe in something or [we] think something should be changed, I feel like it is our responsibility to be a part of that change.” - Hannah Austin“We can have a lot more self-compassion [when] we know that the system and these multilevel influences, they’re not excuses – they’re actually reasons why behavior change is so hard.” - Dr Jacqueline Kerr “If you...

In theory, maintaining a romantic relationship and a sex life is simple – and for some, it can be just as simple in practice, but it’s also very common to go through different phases. No matter how strong your sexual connection with your partner is, burnout can kill your sex drive and dampen the sense of intimacy in your relationship. Unsurprisingly, when it comes to dealing with physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, sex often goes out the window altogether – and although that’s a normal response, you don’t want it to become the norm for you. Burnout doesn’t have to spoil your relationship with your partner, with yourself, or with anyone else. Re-education is key – and the truth is, most of us have a lot to learn about the ins and outs of sex and intimacy, and after many years of study, Nicole Kammerlocher knows this better than most. Having completed a Masters in Community Mental Health Counseling and further training in the AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists) Certification Program, Nicole has plenty of powerful insights on sex and intimacy to share. In this episode, Nicole talks to Hannah about the modern challenges facing people in loving sexual relationships, and how we can keep our bonds strong. So what’s this episode really about? The difference between stress and stressors, and the impact of both on our sex livesImmediate actions you can take to alleviate stress  What makes for effective communication around sex and boundaries with your partner How to reignite the spark after experiencing burnout Why you should listen Sex is a basic human need and a central component to most happy, healthy romantic relationships, but it can also be an incredibly complex subject – particularly once burnout enters the picture. If you have experienced (or are currently experiencing) burnout and looking for advice on maintaining your connection with your partner, this episode is for you.   Links The Center for Couples and Sex Therapy SheShatters You can quote me on that… “There’s no new normal to go back to – we’re trying to figure our new patterns and rewiring old behaviors.” - Hannah Austin “One of the most important things to address with burnout is first separating the stress from the stressor. The stress is what is happening in your body – your body really ramps up to put all your power into dealing with the stressor.” - Nicole Kammerlocher“We are running modern software on ancient human firmware.” - Nicole KammerlocherLike what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won’t burn out! 

In the SheShatters community, we know the power of a good metaphor – and fire is a particularly powerful one. Cliches like “burning the candle at both ends” and “keeping the flame alive”, overused as they may be, have never been more important and relevant than they are today as burnout continues to spread. That’s why we were so pleased when our latest guest, Dana LaVoie, raised a fiery metaphor of her own in a conversation about energy reserves and burnout in menopause. As the Founder of Menopause Made Easy, licensed in accupuncture and herbal treatments, Dana has devoted her life to women’s health and eliminating symptoms of menopause. Needless to say, she has come a long way since she first sought treatment for a persistent cough from a natural medicine practitioner. The way Dana sees it, energy reserves are just like a candle, depleting over time – and the good news is that there are plenty of natural remedies that can slow the burn. In this episode, Hannah and Dana talk about everything from the magic of ancient Chinese medicinal practices to the importance of replenishing rituals at every stage of life. So what’s this episode really about? The links between changing environments and energy depletion Why you need to preserve the energy in your immune system The subtle sign of burnout you need to look out for How women’s menopause symptoms are still being misdiagnosed The options available to women seeking hormone treatment Why you should listen If you’re not already into learning about energy and hormones, the whole space can seem pretty confusing – but Dana’s help, you’ll discover powerful new links between energy reserves, hormones, menopause and medicine. You’ll also pick up an amazingly simple recipe for Dana’s trademark hormone smoothie. LinksSheShatters SheShatters Instagramwww.danalavoielac.com See Dana's recipes hereYou can quote me on that…“So many of us, when we get on some kind of plan for feeling better, we're like, ‘This is working. That's it, I’ve found the solution.” We just think we're going to stay on that forever, but that's not the case – we need to update what we're doing to stay well.” - Dana LaVoie “Stress is like a big hole in the bottom of your guest tank where all your energy reserves are leaking out.” - Dana LaVoie “When you're burned out, and you're depleted, you don't have anything left for yourself, let alone your partner, [so you lose] intimacy, sex, and connection.” - Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won’t burn out! 

Women are resilient creatures, but we’re not bulletproof. In fact, certain experiences – like a cancer diagnosis, for example – can leave you completely shattered, and unsure of how to put yourself back together. Any serious illness raises uncomfortable questions about how you’ll carry on, and beyond that, how you’ll manage to leave a legacy that carries on after you’re gone. There’s a lot to think about post-diagnosis, but there’s also a lot to do in order to keep things on the straight and narrow. We’re talking: Finding (and nurturing) the community of supportive women in your life Letting your purpose take you to our passion – and making sure you get to do what you want to do with the time you haveDealing with your inner criticLearning to look after yourself To do all of those things is to create a powerful legacy, almost subconsciously – one that will encourage other women to be the best version of themselves – and Iselyn Hamilton-Austin has got it all covered.  As a breast cancer survivor, she is experienced in the art of overcoming, finding another way and moving forward – and in her role as a pediatric nurse, she dedicates her time to sharing her wisdom with incoming generations. She is also the founder and CEO of Duckling to Diva, an organization championing young women's empowerment. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Iselyn shares her hard-earned insights on everything from mortality motivation to defining your life path and creating positive relationships with others. So what’s this episode really about? Finding the resilience to overcome life’s biggest challenges The importance of doing the things you want to do before it’s too lateThe power in a support network of driven, committed women Why you should invest time in learning good habits from childhood Why you should listen People who can blend unwavering support with total honesty are rare birds, and Iselyn Hamilton-Austin is one of them. As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, author and breast cancer survivor, she has seen the harsh realities of life and kept her can-do attitude through it all. LinksSheShatters SheShatters InstagramIselyn Hamilton-Austin InstagramYou can quote me on that…“You don’t need a man if you’ve got a book.” - Hannah Austin “Most women who are game changers have been blindsided at one [point] or another. It’s how you pick your sh*t up off the ground and move forward.” - Hannah Austin “You’ve got to plant your own shit. You’ve got to dig your own hole and put your own seed in it – you have to. You can’t let things and people stop you. You do have to take a moment, though.” - Iselyn Hamilton-Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won’t burn out! 

We’re all on our own paths in life, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, those paths can seem to twist and turn of their own volition. From uncontrollable factors like your birthplace, your family and your early years to the little decisions we make every day, there are an infinite number of different ways to go in life – and yet, still, many women find themselves boxed into one of a few well-trodden paths. Look closer still, and you’ll find that many of those paths can be traced all the way back to the same practices society has been enforcing on us for hundreds – if not thousands – of years. The big question, now, is how can we find the courage to step off the path we’ve been told to walk and find the one that fits us better – and the answer can be found in the hard-won wisdom of Rebekah Bastian. Rebekah is the CEO and founder of Own Trail – a company dedicated to helping women find, share and celebrate their unique journeys through life. She’s also an award winning writer, an artist, a tech executive mentor, a mother and an aerial acrobat. Own Trail is, in essence, part of the antidote to the tired Western way of life that insists five days on, two days off is still the best way – or even the only way – to live and work. Instead, Rebekah embraces big ideas and vision, discussions led by values, and, on occasion, well deserved time out from the busy work of the brain. In this episode of the She Burns podcast, Rebekah shares a host of fascinating insights into her very own “Own Trail”, the steps she has taken to build a company culture that deviates from the hustle, the virtues of the four-day work week, and much more.  So what’s this episode really about? The importance of having big ideas and visionThe value in building a value-driven company guided by the same “north star” Why every start-up founder needs a community of fellow entrepreneurs What “living your purpose” really looks like The truth about the myth of a “clean, linear path” Why you should listen They say comparison is the thief of joy, and if you’ve ever had yours unwittingly stolen by another woman – whether it’s on social media, in the workplace or in your social circle – this episode (and the OwnTrail platform) is for you.  LinksOwn Trail SheShatters You can quote me on that…“We often don't see people who look like us in the places we aspire to. [We go] through these motions of thinking we’re supposed to know exactly where we're going and how we're going to get there, and feeling like we get it wrong because we don't see what other people's real journeys look like. Thinking about the power of what it looks like to navigate your career, but as a whole human and really fitting work into your life as opposed to your life into your work – in a way, that can open up a lot more possibilities.” - Rebekah Bastian “I feel like we're at a pivotal point in our universe in our lives – especially as women and men in our mid-40s and -50s, however old we are – where we're wanting something and yearning for something different and something more. It’s about figuring out how to align our inner purpose with the work that we're doing to make the world a different place – a better place.” - Hannah AustinLike what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won’t burn...

Many of us learn at an early age that sex is a dirty word – a subject that belongs in the space behind closed doors – and some would say it’s precisely this attitude that has created our warped relationship with pornography and sex in general. With its distinct absence of consent, candid conversations and good sexual values, it’s little wonder that the divide between porn makes such a minefield of sex education, and yet, it’s still a major source of information for young people. In a world characterised by endless scrutiny and comparisons between bodies, relationships and every other aspect of our lives, body image issues are rife, and the “perfect” footage used in most pornography only exacerbates the problem. The good news is, porn is not the be-all and end-all of sexual attractiveness – at least, not if Cindy Gallop has anything to say about it.  She’s out to change it all – the way we think about porn, learn about sex and make love – in one fell swoop. Best described as the Michael Bay of business who likes to blow sh*t up, Cindy is a diversity consultant, speaker, founder and CEO of the world’s first and only user-generated, human-curated social sex video sharing platform. In Cindy’s own words, Make Love, Not Porn exists to “provide a unique window into the funny, messy, loving, awkward, beautiful sex we have in the real world”, and to give us what we really want: intimacy, human touch, connection, love and relationships that feel good. In this episode of She Burns, Cindy takes a deep dive into the crucial difference between sex and porn, the value of seeing real bodies in the media we watch, the profound impact of social sex videos on survivors of sexual abuse and assault, and more. So what’s this episode really about? The real difference between sex and porn The unexpected pathway to happier, healthier sexual relationships The beauty in celebrating “realness” – both on camera and in conversation How sharing real-world sex can be as transformative for participants as for the rest of the world Why you should listen There’s something very reassuring about being real, even in the most intimate spaces in our lives, and the content created by Cindy Gallop’s “Make Love, Not Porn” is nothing if not real. If you have ever felt self-conscious about your body because of the media LinksMake Love, Not PornSheShattersYou can quote me on that…“You can talk body positivity all you like – you can preach self-love ‘til you’re blue in the face… At the end of the day, nothing makes us feel great about our own bodies like seeing people who are no one’s idea of aspirational body types getting turned on by each other, desiring each other, and having an amazing time in bed.” - Cindy Gallop “I am all about doing good and making money simultaneously, and so my aim with Make Love Not porn is to change the way the world has sex for the better and make a huge amount of money doing it.” - Cindy Gallop “[When women are suffering from burnout], sex and intimacy are the first things to go, and they’re missing intimacy with themselves.” - Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won’t burn out!

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has been a uniquely challenging time on a global scale – similar, in many ways, to a mountainous hike with no visible end point. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges has been learning to climb together and follow the same guiding star, despite our different views and preferences. For medical professionals, there has also been the challenge of acceptance – knowing that in some circumstances, things may not go to plan, no matter how meticulously the plan is created. As with any long climb, this is a journey of balance – of knowing when to push for the outcomes that matter, and when to pull back – and if anyone knows that balance, it’s Dr Anne Zink. After becoming Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer in 2019, Dr Zink was suddenly responsible for leading the state through COVID-19, and she learned a few important lessons on the way up. Sometimes, consistency is key, like in the guiding North star principles that have kept Dr Zink on her career path and the focus on filling her own cup first. Then, at other times, success is a moving target, as is always the case when dealing with individuals who have their own preferences, beliefs and desires. In medicine, the ascent to the top is never really done – and for many women, the real climb is only just beginning – but Dr Zink as a shining example of what it possible, it’s easier to believe that we will make it. In this episode, Dr Zink shares her insights into the medical profession and what it takes to achieve success – for yourself, your patients and your team. So what’s this episode really about? How important it is to set expectations and manage things accordinglyThe value of a solid “base” in allowing you to take on challengesShowing up for the climb – even if you’re not sure you have the skills to reach the summit The strength of the human spirit, bringing us back together when it’s needed mostWhy you should listen Going with the flow led Dr Anne Zink into the medical field, no matter how hard she tried to resist it – but only hard work could have led her on the trajectory of her career so far. Even after leading Alaska through the COVID-19 pandemic, she still has plenty to give, and an inspiring story to tell. LinksSheShatters You can quote me on that…“Don't plan. Don't worry about it. Don't try to map it out, because life is not very mappable.” Dr Anne Zink“We're still learning how to treat a heart attack, we're still learning [whether] to operate on an injured spleen from a motor vehicle accident or to watch it – so that's medicine, and that's life and our individual, cultural and societal preferences… We'll all continue to change and evolve.” Dr Anne Zink“A bright spot is really when everybody collectively can really feel that there's an impact and difference made.”Hannah Austin Like what you hear? Please leave me a review - these stars won’t burn out!