Summer Series Part 3: Overcoming Burnout in Leadership with Dr. Pete Stebbins

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In Part 3 of the Summer Series, Dr. Pete Stebbins and I continue discussing principal and school leader wellbeing.

In this episode, we tackle the second big question: Why do school leaders allow work overload to consume their personal time, often at the expense of their own growth and relationships?

Drawing on research, lived experiences, and real world examples, we look at the hidden factors that perpetuates this cycle and explore how leaders can begin to reclaim balance.

We discuss:

• How the tendency to delay happiness until "after the reports are done" or "the holidays" traps leaders in a constant state of endurance rather than joy.
• Why we struggle to separate our identity and energy from work when it dominates our daily environment.
• Ways to break the cycle of overwork, including micromoments of joy, resetting routines, and shifting perspective.
• The resilience factors that allow some leaders to thrive under the same workload that causes others to burn out.
• What it means to prioritise yes for personal goals and no to unnecessary pressures.

Pete shares powerful insights from his research, including stories of resilience that reveal the differences between those who sustain their wellbeing and those who struggle under the same demands.

If you’re a school leader or educator feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers clarity and hope, reminding us that meaningful change is possible with the right tools and mindset.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

Chapters

1. Understanding Work Overload and Personal Growth (00:00:00)

2. Breaking the Cycle of Work Overload (00:14:45)

3. Life Strategy for Resilient Living (00:21:54)