What if burnout was the catalyst for your most fulfilling chapter yet? In this powerful episode, host Patrice Bonfiglio sits down with Stacey DiStefano—CEO of Consulting for Human Services and former COO of multi-state mental health organizations—to unpack the hidden truths behind burnout, success, and sustainable leadership.From navigating a critical care system through the chaos of the pandemic to launching a million-dollar consultancy in less than a year, Stacey’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and radical boundaries. With brutal honesty and heartfelt wisdom, she shares how walking away from traditional career molds led to more impact, more freedom, and a healthier definition of success.This conversation explores the myth of work-life balance, the power of saying “no,” and why psychological safety isn’t just a corporate buzzword—it’s the foundation of every thriving team. Whether you're scaling a business or just craving more intentional living, this episode will shift how you see your own success path. Burnout is often the sign you’re overdue for a life redesign Executive presence can be taught—even virtually Sustainable success requires unapologetic boundaries “You get what you tolerate”—your standards shape your life Work-life harmony beats work-life balance every time Success doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful🌿 Subscribe, share, and visit https://theburnout.club/ for additional resources.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

In this episode, host Patrice Bonfiglio sits down with Megan Williams, CEO of The Self Publishing Agency, for a raw and remarkable conversation about redefining worth, recovering from hustle culture, and rebuilding a life after burnout—both professionally and medically.From launching a thriving publishing company while chasing “busy” as a badge of honor, to being unexpectedly diagnosed with blood cancer at the height of her career, Meghan shares how her body forced her to stop… and how that pause became her greatest teacher.This episode dives deep into the emotional toll of equating productivity with self-worth, how rest became revolutionary, and the practical mindset shifts Megan made to reclaim her health, joy, and creativity. Your schedule will run you—until you choose to run it Busyness is not a measure of worthiness Slowing down isn’t failure—it’s wisdom Sometimes the universe unplugs the treadmill for you Let experts be experts: burnout prevention through delegation Taper time isn’t optional—it’s essentialTo learn more about Megan Williams: 🌟 CEO of The Self Publishing Agency 🌟 Creator of the Vancouver International Publishing Conference🌿 Subscribe, share, and visit https://theburnout.club/ for additional resources.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

In this episode, Patrice Bonfiglio sits down with Dr. Sandy Fiaschetti, organizational psychologist and founder of Lodestone People Consulting, for a refreshingly honest conversation about high-performance leadership, the hidden cost of “doing it all,” and the science behind sustainable success. From running a thriving consultancy to raising five kids and guiding Fortune 500 executives, Sandy shares powerful lessons on how to lead without losing yourself.You’ll hear how Sandy went from overextended entrepreneur to aligned leader—and why her biggest breakthroughs didn’t come from pushing harder, but from pulling back. She dives deep into the psychological patterns driving burnout in both men and women, why even top-performing execs crumble under pressure, and what it really takes to cultivate authenticity and resilience at work and home.💡 Sandy also unpacks the truth about “great instincts,” the dangers of over-scheduling kids, and why your White Lotus binge might be better for your brain than another productivity podcast.You don’t have to earn your burnout to justify restLeaders who admit they don’t know everything inspire more trustStop glorifying busy—start honoring boundariesParenting and leadership both thrive when perfectionism diesVulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategic advantageWe’re all just French bread: crusty outside, soft insideTo learn more about Sandy Fiaschetti: 🌟 Founder of Lodestone People Consulting, serving private equity firms with human capital science 🌟 Host of the Women in Leadership Retreat – Sept 2–5, 2025, in Coloradohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-fiaschetti/To learn more, visit www.theburnoutclub.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Every entrepreneur, leader, and professional faces challenges when it comes to burnout, career transitions, and navigating neurodivergence. Kate Gory knows this firsthand.In this episode, Kate Gory, CEO of GBT Solutions, shares her journey from 20 years in financial services to launching her own company, overcoming burnout, and discovering how her neurodivergence (ADHD & autism evaluation journey) influenced her leadership and success.We discuss the importance of creating a "YOU-friendly" work environment, how burnout affects neurodivergent professionals differently, and why understanding your own brain can be a game-changer. Kate also dives into her new venture, PivotPal, a system designed to help professionals navigate layoffs, career pivots, and transitions with confidence.Kate’s insights on leadership, personal development, and building repeatable systems for success will leave you with practical strategies and a fresh perspective on career resilience.I loved recording this episode with Kate—her honest insights into burnout, leadership, and career growth are incredibly valuable. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to apply to your own professional and personal journey.Kate Gory is the CEO of GBT Solutions, an executive coach, and a former financial services leader with over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, regulatory initiatives, and M&A. She is passionate about helping leaders build sustainable systems, create balance, and navigate career transitions with clarity. Kate is also the co-founder of PivotPal, a community-driven platform designed to support professionals through layoffs and career pivots.When she’s not coaching executives or consulting businesses, Kate enjoys gaming, spending time at her family cabin, and going to Disney with her family.Connect with Kate GoryWebsite: Kate-Gory.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kategoryListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

What if burnout, career roadblocks, and leadership struggles were all connected to something deeper—unhealed wounds?In this episode of The Burnout Club, host Patrice Bonfiglio speaks with Diane Taylor, Founder and Principal consultant of Glow Leadership. Diane shares her deeply personal journey of burnout, emotional healing, and self-awareness, and how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership coaching and wellness integration.She reveals how unresolved emotional wounds manifest in workplace behaviors, how they block promotions and leadership influence, and why conscious leadership is the key to unlocking potential. Diane also breaks down why traditional corporate wellness programs fail, how balance is about integration—not opposition, and why burnout recovery starts with holistic self-care.If you’re feeling stuck in your career, drained by burnout, or struggling with leadership growth, this conversation will give you the mindset shift and strategies you need to step into your full potential.Check out Diane's Book: "ELEVATE POTENTIAL A Conscious Approach To SUCCESS"Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Can you balance a high-powered finance career and launch a thriving brick-and-mortar business at the same time? Matthew Smith, Founder of Kicksmith Studios proves it’s possible. As a financial executive with a history at GE Capital, Bridgewater Associates, and Columbia Bank, Matt took a leap into entrepreneurship, founding Kicksmith Studios—a one-of-a-kind sneaker customization experience.In this episode, Matt shares how boredom led to innovation, why prioritization and discipline are the real keys to success, and how he built a business that runs without consuming his life. He also dives into the importance of creativity, community impact, and work-life balance, while offering real advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start something new—without burning out.Plus, we discuss the power of stepping away, why burnout recovery starts with listening to yourself, and how something as simple as a break from emails (or a few hours on TikTok!) can actually boost productivity.And—stay tuned for an upcoming Burnout Club field trip to Kicksmith Studios to see if creativity really is for everyone!Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Are you stuck in the cycle of burnout, thinking there’s no way out? Scott Anderson, founder of DoubleDare and author of "You're Not Toast", knows firsthand that burnout isn’t just inevitable—it’s reversible.Scott shares his own battle with burnout, how he unknowingly caused it himself, and the counterintuitive strategies that led to his recovery. He explains why traditional fixes like vacations and time off don’t actually work and introduces the power of “mini vacations”—quick, simple actions that can help rewire your brain and restore energy in just seconds a day.They also discuss the psychological roots of burnout, the dangers of perfectionism and overachievement, and why facing stress head-on is the real key to breaking free. Plus, Scott offers practical, science-backed tools that listeners can apply immediately to start feeling better today.Scott Anderson is the author of You’re Not Toast and the founder of DoubleDare, a business coaching service helping high-achieving professionals break free from burnout. With 30 years of business ownership, an ICF certification, and mental health therapy credentials, Scott guides clients through a proven process to reduce stress, scale businesses, and rediscover work passion. His approach blends business strategy with deep understanding of burnout's mental and emotional dimensions.Scott's journey began while scaling a marketing communications agency with 22 employees, finding himself in a deep burnout spiral with 'no plan B.' After leaving the agency and working as a mental health therapist for executives, he realized the critical need to share tools that address burnout not just through external fixes, but by targeting root causes.Through his personal and professional experiences, Scott developed the Burnout Breakthrough Method. This framework helps high-achievers identify their values, release disturbing thoughts and emotions, and create a quick, permanent recovery with a sustainable path to success. The method focuses on lasting change, moving beyond temporary solutions to empower leaders toward a more fulfilling life.This episode is packed with hope, real solutions, and a fresh perspective on burnout recovery.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Do you ever feel like burnout is just part of the job? Elana Margulies Snyderman knows the feeling and how to fight it. As Director of Marketing at EisnerAmper and host of two investment-focused podcasts, she has built a career around networking, content creation, and business development—all while managing the pressures that come with it.Elana shares how she stays ahead of burnout through exercise, travel, and giving back. She co-founded Phyt Cares, a nonprofit that empowers youth and entrepreneurs through fitness, proving that making a difference can also be a personal recharge.She also dives into the power of connection, the surprising challenges of nonprofit work, and why embracing boredom is the key to creativity. Plus, she highlights the importance of women supporting women in business alongside male allies who champion growth.This episode is full of insight on burnout, resilience, and building a career that thrives on passion and purpose.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Neal Mann knows the pressure of high-stakes environments—and the toll it takes.In this episode, Neal shares his journey from journalism to co-founding Noan, diving into the challenges of burnout in high-pressure industries. He opens up about the importance of balancing work, family, and personal passions, and how his experience shaped his approach to mental health and entrepreneurship.Neal and Patrice explore the intersection of AI and burnout, highlighting how technology can reduce stress for entrepreneurs by streamlining workflows and lowering barriers for aspiring business owners. They discuss the exciting potential of DIY app development, the cultural differences in managing burnout, and how society’s addiction to work contributes to the problem.Neal Mann is a journalist-turned-entrepreneur and the Co-founder of Noan. With a passion for innovation, Neal helps business owners leverage technology to work smarter, not harder. Through his leadership and storytelling, Neal advocates for healthier ways to approach work, mental health, and creativity in today’s fast-paced world.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Every entrepreneur faces challenges in family dynamics. Jason Shupp knows this firsthand.In this episode, Jason shares his experience navigating the complexities of running a family business and how he found healing after entrepreneurial trauma. He talks about the importance of vulnerability, the liberation of letting go of fear, and the power of reconciliation in family relationships.Jason also dives into his passion for storytelling, how starting a podcast transformed his perspective, and why preserving family legacies is so meaningful. Plus, we discuss leadership, employee engagement, and how small, consistent actions can foster wellness and resilience.I loved recording this episode with Jason—his insights into personal growth and leadership are truly inspiring. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to apply in your own journey.Jason Shupp is a podcast host, speaker, and empathic collaborator.  Jason’s early professional life was quite diverse (EMT in Colorado, white water raft guide, snowmobile tour guide, martial arts instructor, and high works rigger) before entering the family business in the third generation.  After nearly two decades of leading a legacy business, a strategic partnership allowed for his further pursuit into mulit-media and creative projects.  He leverages these platforms to share context and nuance to foster a deeper understanding of individuals and ideas.  Jason spends the rest of his time as a devoted husband and father, pursuing wellness, travel, and rigorous outdoor play.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by household responsibilities? Hot Mess Express aims to alleviate the heavy burden and mental load tied to housework by providing judgment-free cleaning, organizing, and a fresh start - for free! Their motto, "Not a handout, just a hand", exemplifies what we all need sometimes. This is a truly unique and valuable way to reduce burnout throughout our communities.  Brittinie Tran is a woman who understands the reality of womanhood and motherhood - no pretending and no judgement.Her passion for showing the realistic side of life in those roles led her to the position as President of Hot Mess Express nonprofit.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Rishi Sadarangani knows how to stay on his A-game! Join us as we explore innovation mindset and investing.  He also shares insights from his world travels... 54 countries and counting! This conversation will continue to inspire your curiosity in the world and in the innovation that lies ahead. Rishi is the founder and chief investment officer (CIO) of R/Evolution Gate, an experienced "absolute return-focused" asset manager that dynamically constructs and maintains an innovation-focused "high-conviction" portfolio.The firm's "edge" is a proprietary investment process with stringent risk management. This rigorous risk-controlled approach methodically uncovers undervalued innovation by capitalizing on behavioral and financial market anomalies that often result in significant mispricing of innovation-focused businesses and securities.Rishi has spent over two decades as a skilled asset manager, consistently delivering outstanding results with a verified track record. Prior to founding R/Evolution Gate, he successfully managed $6.5+ billion in investments at several leading New York City-based buyside (money management) firms.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Every founder needs a strategic guru. Elyse Heob is that person. She shares what it's like to scale a business to reach millions of patients, and how she coaches other founders do the same thing. Elyse also has some of my FAVORITE ideas to mitigate burnout! I had a ton of fun doing this interview... you'll definitely jot down a few ideas to try yourself. Elyse Heob is an expert in transforming groundbreaking health ideas into thriving businesses that enhance patient care. As the founder and CEO of Elyse Heob Consulting, she supports startup founders in scaling their health innovations to impact millions of patients. Most recently, she co-founded ClearMask, the first FDA-cleared and CE-marked transparent surgical mask, growing it from $0 to $45 million with zero outside investment as COO. Prior to this, she was Managing Director of My Healthy Toolkit, a cost-effective corporate wellness program acquired in 2016. Elyse launched her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and holds both an MPH and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. Her accomplishments have garnered attention from prestigious outlets such as Forbes 30 Under 30, JAMA Surgery, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Bloomberg, and more.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Don knows all about the pitfalls, traps & barriers that entrepreneurs face, and how to overcome them to successfully build multiple companies. In this episode of The Burnout Club, Don shares how he navigates it all during the many stages of an entrepreneurial journey. Donald Booth is the CEO/Founder of the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing.He founded the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing in Early 2013 with a vision of offering both online NDT training, as well as hands-on training in a fully equipped NDT training facility, creating the first ‘Hybrid” NDT training facility in the world.Fast forward to the present and the American Institute of Nondestructive Testing has provided training for hundreds of corporations and various government entities worldwide.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! Join us, as Cristina Salatino talks about what it's like being a chef and dealing with burnout. She gives us a glimpse into the creative and delicious world of chef competitions and cooking classes. What a great way to for The Burnout Club to head into Thanksgiving!Cristina Salatino is a Chef at Hudson Table Stamford. She is passionate about food, beverage and hospitality. She craves travel and lives by the “work hard, play hard,” mindset. Her creativity and forward-thinking brain drive her in all aspects of life. She is an absolute fan favorite in chef competitions at Hudson Table,  where chefs face off in a multi-course culinary battle; Iron Chef style. If anyone knows how to handle intensity, it's a chef during a battle, in front of a live audience!Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Richie speaks with striking clarity about PTSD, both discovering it in himself, and creating an entire NETwork to save others in the same situation. He inspires a sense of kinship that can etch away at the stigmas associated with mental health. Listen to his vivid retelling of his ups, downs, and vision for the future. Richard Sharratt is the President of MENtality Matters and author of the newly released book, Which Wolf Will You Feed?: Challenging the Stigma attached to men's mental health (with Foreword by Navy SEAL Will Chesney)Richard, a distinguished British Army veteran, dedicated 15 years to serving in high-level roles, including multiple peacekeeping tours around the globe and a combat tour in Afghanistan as a UAV Pilot/Commander. His military service laid the foundation for a career deeply rooted in leadership and resilience.With 19 years of experience as a qualified Coach, Richard is also a certified Counselor, Reiki Practitioner, NLP Practitioner, Trainee Psychologist, Personal Trainer, Mediator, and qualified Teacher. His diverse skill set reflects a commitment to personal and professional growth, enabling him to support others in their journeys toward wellness and empowerment.In 2017, Richard was formally diagnosed with PTSD. Through a courageous and transformative journey, he has emerged stronger and more determined than ever to assist others facing similar challenges. As a dedicated advocate for mental fitness, Richard strives to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health worldwide through his work with MENtality Matters.Richard's passion for change and his unwavering dedication to mental well-being are at the heart of his mission. Through MENtality Matters, he endeavors to inspire and empower individuals, fostering a community where mental fitness is openly discussed and embraced.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Everyone in American needs to know about Grey Bull Rescue! Bryan Stern's foundation works in the grey space, when citizens need to be rescued from war zones and natural disasters, but all other options are gone. Listen as Bryan discusses how the organization saves so many lives, and find out how you can stop being a spectator. This was truly fascinating and inspiring!Grey Bull Rescue Foundation was founded by Bryan Stern, a multiple-tour combat veteran of the United States Army & Navy, courageous 9/11 first responder, and Purple Heart recipient. Bryan has over 25 years of military experience focused on special operations specializing in Hostage Rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Counter-Proliferation, Critical Technology Protection, and Unconventional Warfare.When Bryan saw Afghans struggling and Americans trying to escape the Taliban after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, he decided to act. Together with a team of former special operations and intelligence veterans, he led swift rescue missions amid the chaos. On their first mission, they saved 117 stranded Americans in one day. This effort led to the creation of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation. Since then, Stern and his team have deployed on 600+ missions, saving more than 7,000 American lives. This includes missions in Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, Israel, and Gaza, along with operations in the United States during the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Ian.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Get ready for an AHA moment! Jaime offers a new take on burnout as an executive coach that addresses your logical side and helps reveal some subconscious motivations and habits. She wrote the newsletter How to Raise Millions without Burning Out, and she shares her approach with us. Jaime also created the What's Your Leadership Archetype quiz. Take it when you listen to the podcast to join the fun...  https://www.jamieleecoach.com/Jaime Lee is an executive coach and host of the podcast Risky Conversations.  She gets her clients promoted and better paid. How? By marrying the best of practical neuroscience and mutual-benefit negotiation. You can reach Jamie in the following ways:EMAIL: jamie@jamieleecoach.comWEBSITE: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

Welcome the wildcard, Blizzard Planit! Buckle up for this episode as Blizzard shares the concepts of self friendship and the two types of selfishness.  She is unfiltered and opens up about everything from enjoying a "party of one", moving to Bali, launching a peanut butter company, and creating her own lexicon of self-friendship for the world to explore.  She has a wildly different perspective, but very similar goals to The Burnout Club, so I was compelled to step into her universe and extract practical advice on avoiding burnout and interjecting fun throughout the process. Sometimes, we need to be around people that are having fun exploring dense topics. Thank you Blizzard for adding a new and quirky dimension to my exploration of Burnout. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/

This isn't your typical AI discussion! In this week's episode, we view AI through Lori Mazor's incredibly creative lens. She is an absolute force in the AI space, and it translates through the entire episode. Lori Mazor, Founder & CEO of SYNTHETIVITY. She also teaches AI with a Human Touch.Lori Mazor is a visionary leader at the intersection of design, technology, and education. As the bestselling author of TEMPERATURE: Creativity in the Age of AI, she has become a leading voice in artificial intelligence and creativity. Lori began her career as an architect at the renowned firm Ennead in NYC. She quickly rose to become the first VP for Planning and Design at NYU, where she orchestrated a 25-year strategic plan that added $6 billion to the university’s balance sheet. This achievement earned her Crain’s 40 Under 40 recognition. Today, she channels her expertise into educating and inspiring others about the possibilities of Generative AI. As CEO of SYNTHETIVITY, she has developed and delivered groundbreaking educational programs that equip leaders and creatives with hands-on skills to integrate AI into their workflows. Her work spans prestigious institutions and organizations, including Fordham, RIT, and creative agencies seeking to innovate with AI.A TEDx speaker, Lori’s multidisciplinary background—combining her design training at Yale, business acumen from NYU, and a liberal arts foundation from Wellesley—equips her with a unique skill set. She has a keen understanding of human behavior, honed from her early days performing in theater, which allows her to connect deeply with her students and audiences. Through her educational programs and Humans of AI newsletter, she fosters a vibrant community of professionals exploring the impact of AI on society and creativity. She is passionate about leveraging AI tools to help people become better humans, ensuring that technology enhances our humanity rather than diminishes it. Beyond her professional achievements, Lori’s creative spirit continues to thrive. She sings in an acapella group and is currently writing a musical titled “Better,” a modern Sisyphus story about triathletes set against a backdrop of NYC.Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/