On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with powerhouse leadership coach Rachel Edmondson Clark, who shared her personal story of overcoming burnout and the crucial lessons she learned along the way. We explored why rest is a prerequisite—not a reward—for high performance, how to notice the early warning signs of burnout, and practical steps leaders can take to thrive under pressure without burning out. If you’re a high achiever striving for impact, don’t miss these actionable insights for building sustainable success.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Leadership and Living with Purpose

06:42 Executives' Hidden Struggle with Overwhelm

07:56 Taking Mental Health Seriously

11:43 Mood, Motion, and Performance Enhancement

16:30 "Essential Self-Care for Leaders"

20:23 Overcommitting: The Go-Getter Trap

23:26 Performance Through Balance and Integration

27:18 Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability

28:36 "Enjoy the Journey, Seek Support"

35:09 Overworked and Overwhelmed Reflections

39:14 "Integrating Movement into Workdays"

40:39 Encouraging Outdoor Team Breaks

45:05 Rituals and Focus for Improvement

47:34 Improving Education for Future Graduates

50:48 "Revisiting the Major Oak"

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Here are three key takeaways for leaders everywhere:

• Rest is a prerequisite, not a reward: Optimal leadership and high performance require proactive self-care—think sleep, nutrition, and movement—not as a treat after the work’s done, but as a non-negotiable foundation for doing your best work.

• Burnout is predictable—and preventable: High-achievers are often most at risk. Pay attention to the small signals: declining social connection, less patience, or changes in daily routines. Early self-awareness, setting sustainable habits, and asking for help can prevent crisis moments.

• Role model and integrate well-being at work: Honest conversations about energy and capacity aren’t a weakness—they create trust. Model healthy habits for your teams and encourage breaks, walks, and real work-life integration to boost collective performance.

As I shared on the episode, be the scientist of yourself: track your habits, experiment, and see what truly restores you. Our leadership impact is only as strong as the care we give to ourselves.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Rachel's Website

Linkedin

Book Recommendation

The Greatest Salesman in the World

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Dale Turnbull, creator of the seven positions of leadership, to unpack what separates great leaders from everyday managers. We explored why communication styles matter, how adaptability shapes effective leadership, and the challenges new leaders face when leveling up. Dale shared practical strategies for shifting from managing to true leadership and the importance of daily reflection—celebrating your wins and identifying one thing to improve. If you’re ready to enhance your leadership impact, don’t miss this insightful recap!

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Transformative Leadership in Recruitment

05:38 Communication: Learned or Innate?

09:54 "Leadership Styles: Pros and Cons"

11:55 Transition to Leadership Challenges

16:34 Leadership Support and Assessment Tools

18:03 Effective Leadership Training Engagement Techniques

20:57 "Leading Without Clear Direction"

24:07 Teaching Flexible Critical Thinking

27:33 Breaking Stuckness Through Role Change

30:48 Daily Reflection: Positivity and Improvement

36:48 Subscribe for Episode Updates

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3 key takeaways for anyone navigating their own leadership journey:

• Leadership is About Flexibility: Dale emphasizes that great leaders adapt their style as needed. Effective leadership isn’t about sticking rigidly to one approach—it’s about knowing when to step in, step back, or let others take the lead.

• Communication is a Learned Skill: Contrary to popular belief, being a great communicator isn’t something you’re just born with. With self-awareness, practice, and the right tools, anyone can improve (and should keep improving!) how they connect with others.

• Daily Reflection Builds Better Leaders: Dale shared a simple but powerful habit: at the end of each day, write down two things you did well and one thing you’d do differently. This helps build confidence, encourages growth, and keeps you moving forward.

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Dale's Website

LinkedIn

Book Recommendation

On today’s McCoy Leadership Podcast, we dove deep with Jen Hardy, COO at MotiveAction Academy, all about transformation, burnout, and courageous leadership. Jen shared her personal journey from exhausted educator to championing self-mastery and resilience for high-stress professionals. We talked actionable tips on breaking the "yes syndrome," the power of pausing before you react, building emotional literacy, and why leadership today is all about communication and self-awareness. If you’re ready to elevate your impact as a leader and support those around you, this episode is packed with insight you can use right now.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Career Shift Through Self-Discovery

04:12 Overcoming Burnout: Choosing Change

10:24 Teacher Support Urgently Needed

12:31 Enhancing Classroom Leadership Skills

16:13 "Yes Syndrome Culture"

19:33 The Power of Choice

22:05 Avoiding Saying "No"

26:24 "Managing Stress in High-Stress Jobs"

29:40 Journey to Self-Leadership Basics

31:36 Rethinking Work-Life Balance Myths

34:18 Redefining Retirement and Self-Mastery

39:24 Neuroscience in Leadership Decision-Making

41:20 Driving Results Through Self-Leadership

46:19 "Take a Moment to Reflect"

51:14 "Communication: Foundation for Resilience"

53:24 ChatGPT: Lifesaver for Entrepreneurs

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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.

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Links

Jen's website

Linkedin

Book Recommendation

Already Free