Episode 2

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Published on:

4th Dec 2025

Ep2 - Soft Burnout - When You’re Fine on the Outside, Empty on the Inside

with Alec Pearson, Tiffany Barnard & Nick Sellers

Soft burnout doesn’t look dramatic — which is why so many leaders miss it. You’re still performing, still meeting deadlines, still showing up… but inside, something feels heavier. Flatter. As if you’re dragging yourself through the day and slowly disconnecting from the things that once gave you energy.

In this conversation, Alec, Tiffany and Nick explore:

• what soft burnout actually is (and why it’s often invisible)

• why high performers and perfectionists are especially vulnerable

• how stress creates “fog” that narrows your perspective

• the role of boundaries, overcommitment and fear of judgement

• why people often make the wrong life changes when burnout hits

• how to notice the early signs in yourself and in your team

This episode blends personal insight, psychological clarity and lived experience. Whether you’re feeling a little off, running on fumes, or leading people who may be struggling quietly, this conversation will help you recognise what’s happening beneath the surface — and what small shifts can start to make a difference.

This episode comes with a free factsheet — sign up via: https://beyond-leading.captivate.fm/episode-factsheet

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About the Podcast

Beyond Leading
Exploring the reality of leaders, teams and everything in between.
Welcome to Beyond Leading — the podcast that cuts through the noise to get real about leadership, team dynamics, personal growth, and the messy, brilliant reality of work, life, and everything in between.

We’re your hosts, Alec Pearson, Tiffany Barnard and Nick Sellers — practitioners who’ve led teams, navigated pressure, and now coach leaders at every level. We’re here for honest conversations about what it really takes to lead well in today’s world.

This isn’t another podcast full of jargon and glossy success stories. We share grounded insights from decades of real experience — the kind learned in the trenches, not in theory — along with practical strategies that genuinely stick.

And one thing we’re clear on: we don’t claim to have all the answers. Every leader, every team, every situation is different. What we want to do is spark ideas, open new ways of thinking, and give you space to reflect on what will work in your world. If an episode helps you see a familiar challenge differently, we’ve done our job.

Every fortnight, we dive into the challenges ambitious leaders and teams are facing right now — from building trust and navigating tough CEO dilemmas to handling soft burnout, staying relevant, or simply keeping pace when everything feels like too much.

You’ll hear personal reflections, plenty of laughs, some sharp truths, and inspiring guests who’ve lived it, led through it, and grown because of it.

If you're a leader, a team player, a business owner, or someone who wants to show up better and move forward with more purpose, this podcast is your space.

Subscribe and join us every two weeks for conversations that challenge the status quo, spark real growth, and help you lead beyond the title.

To download a factsheet for any of our episodes please visit: https://beyond-leading.captivate.fm/episode-factsheet

🎙 Let’s go beyond leading — and everything in between.

About your hosts

Alec Pearson

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I’m Alec Pearson, a Certified Executive Coach and leadership specialist with over 30 years of experience across a range of sectors. I support professionals, teams, and business owners around the world to lead with clarity, build aligned teams, and grow sustainable businesses. With credentials including PCC (ICF), Chartered Manager status, and Fellowship of the Institute of Leadership, I bring a practical, real-world approach to coaching that helps people unlock their potential, improve performance, and create meaningful change.

Tiffany Barnard

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I spent over 25 years leading teams and running a business in Tanzania, and those experiences shaped how I see leadership today. Now, I coach leaders around the world to communicate with impact, build trust, and lead in a way that feels true to them. The best part of my work is watching that moment when they realise what’s possible — and step into it. You can find me on LinkedIn if you’d like to connect.

Nick Sellers

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Even leaders need a helping hand to achieve their potential. I bring decades of corporate experience and a keen interest in people to my coaching and mentoring activities. And I really like to help those who want to grow and develop.
For more information, you can find me on LinkedIn and schedule a quick call.