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Mental Health Awareness Week: A journey from burnout to balance
In the world of business, particularly for those of us who lead, mental health often gets overlooked. We focus on looking after our teams and driving results, and somewhere along the way, we forget to check in with ourselves. It’s not something we’re explicitly told to do, but the weight of responsibility takes over. I learned this the hard way in 2012 when I hit burnout, trying to juggle too many roles at once.
At that time, I was running my business, doing client delivery, management, and governance. I was leading a team, dealing with some challenging dynamics, managing a young family, renovating our home, trying to stay active, and keeping up a social life. The pressure was immense, and my A-type personality didn’t help—I thought I had to be everywhere and do everything.
On the outside, everything looked great. The business was thriving, awards were coming in, and I appeared to be a high achiever. But internally, I was barely holding it together. I wasn’t sleeping, constantly anxious, and pushing myself harder every day. Eventually, I hit a breaking point.
Burnout: The wake-up call
By the time I recognised I was on my way to burnout, my body and mind had already been sending warning signs—insomnia, stress, and anxiety. A doctor told me I was dealing with chronic stress and depression. At first, I resisted it, convincing myself I was just driven, but I knew deep down that I had reached my limit.
Burnout is not uncommon among business owners and leaders. A survey by MYOB found that 31% of business owners reported experiencing mental health issues like anxiety or stress. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. Poor mental health doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts the performance of businesses, teams, and communities.
What changed
By 2022, my life looked very different. My family and I had moved to Tairua, to a home by the beach—a life-changing decision. Moving to a quieter, calmer environment allowed me to reconnect with what truly mattered: my health, my family, friends, and finding balance.
The shift wasn’t just about the move, though. Over time, I adopted practices that transformed both how I live and how I work. I immersed myself in yoga and meditation, eventually becoming a yoga instructor. Every morning, I wake up early to practise yoga, meditate, study French, and focus on gratitude. These simple rituals have become the foundation of my mental wellbeing. With golf and travel also in the mix, I’m now living my version of ‘the good life.’
I also invested in my own business coach and mentor, and built a strong leadership team to run the business with me. Sharing the load has truly enabled me to focus on what matters—both strategically and personally.
The role of mental health in leadership
Leaders who neglect their mental health not only risk their personal wellbeing but also the health of their business. The Harvard Business Review highlighted that burnout among leaders is contagious—it trickles down to teams, leading to lower engagement and higher turnover. Deloitte found that poor mental health costs Australian employers AUD 10.9 billion annually in absenteeism and presenteeism. The bottom line: ignoring mental health impacts productivity and profitability.
When we don’t take care of our own mental health, it affects everything—our clarity, leadership, and ability to make sound decisions. Ignoring these signals leads to burnout, and it’s impossible to sustain success in the long run.
Key learnings for business owners
Here are the key actions that helped me get back on track—and that I now share with other business owners:
- Acknowledge the weight you’re carrying: Leadership comes with immense pressure. Recognise it early, and don’t wait until burnout forces you to make a change.
- Set boundaries that work for you: Whether it’s limiting work hours or carving out personal time, creating healthy boundaries is essential for sustainability.
- Create a support system: Surround yourself with people who can support you—whether it’s a coach, mentor, or trusted peers. You don’t have to go through it alone.
- Prioritise mental health in your team: Encourage open conversations about mental health. Implement policies like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and introduce mental health first aid training.
- Embrace mindfulness: Practices like meditation and yoga help build resilience and clarity. Your go-to activity might be something different—surfing, reading, walking, or gaming.
Moving Forward
Today, I’m in a great place. I’ve found a balance that allows me to work hard, lead effectively, and still take care of my mental health. The move to Tairua helped, but the daily practices I’ve integrated into my life—yoga, meditation, gratitude—are what keep me grounded and focused.
As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, I encourage you to reflect on your own mental wellbeing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, don’t wait to take action. Success isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about finding a way to thrive sustainably.
By making mental health a priority, we can create stronger businesses, healthier teams, and a better balance in our own lives. The benefits go beyond the workplace—they impact every part of our lives, allowing us to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Feel like you need to talk with someone about your mental health in business? Please do get in touch today.