In this episode of the Art of Balance Podcast, hosted by Jayne Morris, the UK’s Leading Executive Burnout Coach, we explore the truth about resilience and burnout with special guest Kai-Nneka Townsend. A Leadership Resilience & Burnout Consultant with over a decade of experience in the corporate world, Kai-Nneka shares her powerful story of reaching breaking point, and how it led her to redefine what true resilience looks like.

Together, Jayne and Kai-Nneka unpack the myths around resilience in leadership, explore how stress shows up differently for high achievers, and introduce a five-part model of real, sustainable resilience. They discuss why pushing through isn’t a strategy, how personal challenges intensify work-related stress, and why recovery starts with intentional pauses and support, not spa days or surface solutions.
Whether you're a leader, coach, or someone navigating stress, this episode offers compassionate insight, practical strategies, and a vital reminder that real resilience begins with looking after yourself.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Our Guest: Kai-Nneka Townsend

01:17 Kai-Nneka’s Personal Burnout Story

04:41 The Hidden Pressure of Leadership and Lack of Support

09:53 Why Holidays and Spa Days Aren’t Enough

14:17 Noticing the Silent Burnout of Other Leaders

16:55 What Real Resilience Looks Like: A 5-Part Model

21:57 Reframing Resilience and Letting Go of Overperformance

23:58 Planning Ahead for Stressful Seasons

28:09 The Power of Coaching and Safe Spaces

31:50 Overplayed Strengths and the Role of Reflection

35:34 Practical Ways to Pause on Purpose

37:01 Final Reflections: Alignment, Bravery & Sustainable Change

38:49 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Balanceology is a leading coaching company that focuses on supporting individuals and organisations in the prevention of workplace burnout. Our main offerings include talks, workshops and trainings, coaching and burnout recovery retreats.

www.balanceology.uk

Jayne Morris is the UK's leading executive burnout coach and author of the bestselling 'Burnout to Brilliance - Strategies for Sustainable Success'. She is ICF MCC accredited, holds a PG Cert in Coaching, Advanced Diploma in Integrative Art Psychotherapy, is a Certified Coach Supervisor and has over 15 years' experience helping individuals and organisations prevent and recover from burnout - www.jaynemorris.com

Dylan Cox is a coach-counsellor specialising in self-esteem and confidence. He is an experienced facilitator and presenter.

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, hosted by Jayne Morris, executive burnout coach, we delve into busyness and burnout with guest Philip Atkinson. Philip, a leadership team expert and founder of Hive Logic, shares insights from his book 'Bee Wise: Leadership Lessons from the Beehive.' We explore how bees, known for their industrious nature, also rest and how this can teach humans about effective leadership.

The conversation touches on creating a 'thinking environment,' balancing busyness with mindfulness, and the organic nature of organisational change. Additionally, the episode highlights the charity 'Bees for Development,' which all proceeds from Philip’s book support. Listen in for a nurturing and insightful discussion on the art of balancing work and life.

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Our Special Guest: Philip Atkinson

01:17 The Wisdom of Bees: Rest and Leadership

02:25 Exploring Bee Metaphors in Leadership

05:01 Philip's Journey with Bees and Leadership

07:19 Creating Thinking Environments

15:10 The Importance of Physical Spaces in Workplaces

20:56 Embracing Organic Systems in Organisations

21:36 The Role of Coaching in Organisational Change

30:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

31:53 Closing Remarks and Charity Highlight

Balanceology is a leading coaching company that focuses on supporting individuals and organisations in the prevention of workplace burnout. Our main offerings include talks, workshops and trainings, coaching and burnout recovery retreats.

www.balanceology.uk

Jayne Morris is the UK's leading executive burnout coach and author of the bestselling 'Burnout to Brilliance - Strategies for Sustainable Success'. She is ICF MCC accredited, holds a PG Cert in Coaching, Advanced Diploma in Integrative Art Psychotherapy, is a Certified Coach Supervisor and has over 15 years' experience helping individuals and organisations prevent and recover from burnout - www.jaynemorris.com

Dylan Cox is a coach-counsellor specialising in self-esteem and confidence. He is an experienced facilitator and presenter.

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, host Jayne Morris delves into the therapeutic benefits of singing as a tool to combat burnout and enhance well-being. She is joined by James Sills, a musician, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Sofa Singers. James shares insights on how group singing can improve social, mental, and physical health, making it an effective antidote to burnout. He emphasises the importance of approaching singing as a process rather than a performance, thus reducing pressure and fostering a supportive environment.

The discussion touches upon the benefits of singing in terms of oxytocin release, stress reduction, and the deepening of communal bonds. James also provides practical advice for those looking to reclaim their voices and integrate singing into their wellness practices.

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:41 Exploring the Power of Singing with James Sills

02:17 The Therapeutic Benefits of Group Singing

05:52 Personal Stories and Experiences with Singing

07:15 The Science Behind Singing and Wellbeing

09:58 Building Trust and Connection Through Singing

21:16 Practical Tips for Starting Your Singing Journey

28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Balanceology is a leading coaching company that focuses on supporting individuals and organisations in the prevention of workplace burnout. Our main offerings include talks, workshops and trainings, coaching and burnout recovery retreats.

www.balanceology.uk

Jayne Morris is the UK's leading executive burnout coach and author of the bestselling 'Burnout to Brilliance - Strategies for Sustainable Success'. She is ICF MCC accredited, holds a PG Cert in Coaching, Advanced Diploma in Integrative Art Psychotherapy, is a Certified Coach Supervisor and has over 15 years' experience helping individuals and organisations prevent and recover from burnout - www.jaynemorris.com

Dylan Cox is a coach-counsellor specialising in self-esteem and confidence. He is an experienced facilitator and presenter.