What if the questions keeping you up at night as a leader are the same ones everyone else is quietly asking?

On this Q&A episode of Less Stress, More Joy, Amy Leneker answers six real questions submitted by leaders across the country — all centered on stress, burnout, relationships, and how to lead with more clarity and humanity at work.

From debunking the myth of work-life balance to navigating toxic positivity, overwhelming workloads, difficult bosses, and the fear of asking for help, Amy offers grounded, research-backed guidance leaders can actually use.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, questioning whether your job is sustainable, or trying to lead well without burning out — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn

• Why work-life balance isn’t real — and what to aim for instead
• How relationship tension outside your team can quietly damage trust inside your team
• Why high performers are 70% more likely to burn out when workloads aren’t managed well (according to Gallup)
• How to think clearly about a dream job with a toxic boss
• Why asking for help feels so hard — and how to do it in a way that builds trust and credibility
• The real danger of toxic positivity and why it erodes trust and engagement
• How the Stockdale Paradox can help leaders stay grounded during tough times

Key Research & Ideas Referenced

• Psychological safety research by Amy Edmondson
• Studies on asking for help from the London School of Economics
• Leadership trust insights from Brené Brown
• The Jim Stockdale Paradox: holding reality and hope at the same time

Call to Action

If something in this episode sparked a question for you, Amy wants to hear it.

📩 Email: amy@amyleneker.com

📘 Pre-order Cheers to Monday — available wherever books are sold

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review — it helps more leaders find their way to less stress and more joy.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Less Stress Q&A

01:04 Debunking Work-Life Balance

04:36 Navigating Workplace Relationships

06:57 Managing High Workload

11:13 Dealing with a Difficult Boss

16:31 The Challenge of Asking for Help

23:15 Understanding Toxic Positivity