In this episode of the Burnout to Brilliance Podcast (formerly The Art of Balance), Jayne Morris MCC introduces a deeply insightful conversation with Dr Richard Duggins, consultant psychiatrist and author of Burnout-Free Working. Together, they explore what it truly means to work and live, in ways that prevent burnout rather than merely recover from it.

Following the moving parable that opens Richard’s book, inspired by Bishop Desmond Tutu’s story of the burnout river, Richard reflects on his 20-year journey as “the doctor’s doctor,” supporting thousands of professionals through burnout, anxiety, and depression.

This conversation examines what’s really going on upstream: the systemic causes of burnout, the importance of psychologically safe workplace cultures, and how leaders can reach in, rather than expecting individuals to toughen up or “be more resilient.”

Jayne and Richard also unpack the Exhaustion Funnel and Burnout Cliff models, offering clear and compassionate ways to recognise early warning signs, restore balance, and cultivate connection. Together, they invite listeners to rethink resilience, not as an individual trait, but as something built through relationships, care, and community.

A hopeful and practical start to the new series, this episode is for anyone who wants to thrive in demanding environments without losing themselves in the process.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Burnout to Brilliance Podcast

00:45 Welcoming Dr Richard Duggins

01:20 Rethinking Resilience: Beyond the Individual

04:00 The Exhaustion Funnel: How Balance Narrows Over Time

07:15 The Cost of Isolation and the Power of Connection

09:45 What Organisations Can Do to Prevent Burnout

12:30 The Burnout Cliff: Spotting the Signs Before Collapse

16:10 Finding Your People and Building Safety at Work

20:15 The Role of Leadership and Psychological Safety

25:00 From Burnout to Brilliance: Reigniting Hope

28:00 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Dr Richard Duggins
Author of Burnout-Free Working
Burnout-Free Working on Amazon

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Art of Balance Podcast, hosted by Jayne Morris, the UK’s Leading Executive Burnout Coach, we explore the truth about resilience and burnout with special guest Kai-Nneka Townsend. A Leadership Resilience & Burnout Consultant with over a decade of experience in the corporate world, Kai-Nneka shares her powerful story of reaching breaking point, and how it led her to redefine what true resilience looks like.

Together, Jayne and Kai-Nneka unpack the myths around resilience in leadership, explore how stress shows up differently for high achievers, and introduce a five-part model of real, sustainable resilience. They discuss why pushing through isn’t a strategy, how personal challenges intensify work-related stress, and why recovery starts with intentional pauses and support, not spa days or surface solutions.
Whether you're a leader, coach, or someone navigating stress, this episode offers compassionate insight, practical strategies, and a vital reminder that real resilience begins with looking after yourself.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Our Guest: Kai-Nneka Townsend

01:17 Kai-Nneka’s Personal Burnout Story

04:41 The Hidden Pressure of Leadership and Lack of Support

09:53 Why Holidays and Spa Days Aren’t Enough

14:17 Noticing the Silent Burnout of Other Leaders

16:55 What Real Resilience Looks Like: A 5-Part Model

21:57 Reframing Resilience and Letting Go of Overperformance

23:58 Planning Ahead for Stressful Seasons

28:09 The Power of Coaching and Safe Spaces

31:50 Overplayed Strengths and the Role of Reflection

35:34 Practical Ways to Pause on Purpose

37:01 Final Reflections: Alignment, Bravery & Sustainable Change

38:49 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Balanceology is a leading coaching company that focuses on supporting individuals and organisations in the prevention of workplace burnout. Our main offerings include talks, workshops and trainings, coaching and burnout recovery retreats.

www.balanceology.uk

Jayne Morris is the UK's leading executive burnout coach and author of the bestselling 'Burnout to Brilliance - Strategies for Sustainable Success'. She is ICF MCC accredited, holds a PG Cert in Coaching, Advanced Diploma in Integrative Art Psychotherapy, is a Certified Coach Supervisor and has over 15 years' experience helping individuals and organisations prevent and recover from burnout - www.jaynemorris.com

Dylan Cox is a coach-counsellor specialising in self-esteem and confidence. He is an experienced facilitator and presenter.

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, hosted by Jayne Morris, executive burnout coach, we delve into busyness and burnout with guest Philip Atkinson. Philip, a leadership team expert and founder of Hive Logic, shares insights from his book 'Bee Wise: Leadership Lessons from the Beehive.' We explore how bees, known for their industrious nature, also rest and how this can teach humans about effective leadership.

The conversation touches on creating a 'thinking environment,' balancing busyness with mindfulness, and the organic nature of organisational change. Additionally, the episode highlights the charity 'Bees for Development,' which all proceeds from Philip’s book support. Listen in for a nurturing and insightful discussion on the art of balancing work and life.

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Our Special Guest: Philip Atkinson

01:17 The Wisdom of Bees: Rest and Leadership

02:25 Exploring Bee Metaphors in Leadership

05:01 Philip's Journey with Bees and Leadership

07:19 Creating Thinking Environments

15:10 The Importance of Physical Spaces in Workplaces

20:56 Embracing Organic Systems in Organisations

21:36 The Role of Coaching in Organisational Change

30:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

31:53 Closing Remarks and Charity Highlight

Balanceology is a leading coaching company that focuses on supporting individuals and organisations in the prevention of workplace burnout. Our main offerings include talks, workshops and trainings, coaching and burnout recovery retreats.

www.balanceology.uk

Jayne Morris is the UK's leading executive burnout coach and author of the bestselling 'Burnout to Brilliance - Strategies for Sustainable Success'. She is ICF MCC accredited, holds a PG Cert in Coaching, Advanced Diploma in Integrative Art Psychotherapy, is a Certified Coach Supervisor and has over 15 years' experience helping individuals and organisations prevent and recover from burnout - www.jaynemorris.com

Dylan Cox is a coach-counsellor specialising in self-esteem and confidence. He is an experienced facilitator and presenter.