Burnout Isn’t What You Think (Episode One)

In this episode of The Conversation, Clint interviews Paula Davis, Founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute, and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well”. They explore what burnout truly is. Moreover, they discuss why many organizations misunderstand it. They also discuss what leaders should do differently to develop resilient, high-performing teams.

Drawing on Paula’s own experiences with burnout as a lawyer and her work across various industries, Paula discusses how burnout is a systemic issue tied to the structure of work. She details the main causes of stress and disengagement. In addition, she explains why leaders often overlook what’s really happening on their teams. Paula shows how small, intentional actions can lead to meaningful change. She also offers practical insights and research-backed frameworks to help you better understand workload, team dynamics, and leadership behaviors. As a result, you are enabled to shift from reactive solutions to sustainable performance.

Leadership Habits to Reduce Burnout (Episode Two)

In the second part of my conversation with Paula Davis, she breaks down the concrete leadership behaviors that build stronger teams, boost engagement, and reduce burnout over time. She introduces ideas like “sticky recognition” and “thank-you plus,” showing how small, intentional moments of feedback can create lasting impact and reinforce a sense of meaning at work. Paula also explores how leaders can build trust, deepen relationships, and foster genuine connection, even in hybrid or remote environments.

From fostering a sense of belonging to celebrating wins effectively, this part of the conversation focuses on simple, actionable skills that leaders can apply immediately to strengthen team performance and resilience.