👉 Join my free leadership community: www.MichaelDillardSpeaks.com

In this powerful conversation, Michael Dillard and Dr. Kristen Donnelly dig into what it really means to be human in a world that treats people like replaceable parts of a profit machine. They talk about why breaks are not laziness, how overwork is a leadership failure, and what it takes to build a culture where people can actually breathe, think, and live outside of work.

If you’ve ever thought, “They need me, they need me…” while slowly burning out, this episode is for you.

• Why people need breaks so they can truly recharge

• How a human-first approach to leadership actually protects profit long term

• Why overworking your team is a leadership problem, not a badge of honor

• How business culture quietly tells people they are replaceable

• The hard truth: you will be replaced at work, but the loss is still felt at home

• Why prioritizing humanity over profit leads to healthier teams and better results

• Practical ways leaders can foster work-life balance without losing performance

• “People need to take breaks so that they can recharge.”

• “They need me, they need me. And what we…”

• “You’ll be replaced.”

🔗 Contact Kristen Donnelly:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristendonnellyphd/

Ready to build a resilient leadership approach that prevents burnout in 2026?

➡️ Join the January 2026 Leadership Challenge to Prevent Burnout Here: https://bit.ly/49EEonk

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Melanie Gray and Michael Dillard dive deep into the essential, yet often overlooked, aspects of modern leadership. They emphasize that true leadership transcends individual titles and wealth, focusing instead on the strength of team dynamics and the collective contributions of every single member.

We challenge the pervasive societal norms that place higher value on rank and salary than on the contribution and importance of voice from all team members. Learn why listening and fostering an inclusive environment is not just a moral imperative, but the key to unlocking peak team performance.

• Why effective leadership is a collective responsibility, not a solo mission (“It’s not just about us, right?”).

• The necessity of challenging societal norms that prioritize titles and money over valuable input.

• How to intentionally foster strong team dynamics to enhance productivity and respect.

• Why we cannot dismiss the voice of anyone in the organization, regardless of rank or seniority (“We cannot dismiss the voice of anyone.”).

• The profound impact of valuing diverse voices in leadership and fostering inclusivity.

• The truth: Every contribution matters in a high-performing team setting.

• Contact Dr. Gray: www.DrMelanieGray.com

• Host: Michael Dillard

leadership, team dynamics, societal norms, contribution, importance of voice, leadership development, inclusive leadership, organizational growth, management, team performance, prevent burnout, Dr. Melanie Gray, Michael Dillard, effective leadership, corporate culture, team building

👉 Join the FREE 30-Day Leadership Challenge: https://bit.ly/49EEonk

In this episode of Lead with Impact, Michael Dillard sits down with Sean McManus to uncover why so many leaders are burning out and what to do about it. They break down how neglecting your mind, body, and soul hurts your decision making, drains your energy, and quietly destroys employee retention.

You will hear practical coaching on self-care, nutrition, hydration, and boundaries so you can lead with clarity instead of exhaustion. Sean shares simple, realistic strategies busy leaders can use to eat better, stay hydrated, protect their mental health, and empower their teams so productivity improves without working longer hours.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why 79 percent of employees leave because of burnt out leaders

• How skipping meals and eating too much sugar damages your decision making

• Why hydration is a secret weapon for focus and mental clarity

• How to set boundaries so you can protect your energy and time

• Simple meal prep and nutrition habits that fit a busy schedule

• How empowering and delegating boosts team productivity

• Why small daily changes create sustainable self-care and resilience

• How adaptability keeps you effective in constantly changing workplaces

🔊 Key quotes from the episode:

• “You cannot pour from an empty cup.”

• “You need to adapt your mindset.”

• “Start taking care of yourself.”

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Retention

00:56 Introduction to Leadership and Wellness

02:05 Common Leadership Mistakes and Self-Sabotage

05:13 Setting Boundaries for Better Leadership

07:12 Adapting to Change in Leadership

08:49 Empowering Teams Through Delegation

10:57 The Importance of Hydration for Leaders

14:22 Nutrition and Protein Intake for Optimal Performance

15:46 The Effects of Sugar on Decision Making

18:41 Sustainable Lifestyle Changes for Leaders

20:22 The Power of Questions in Leadership

21:08 Final Thoughts on Self-Care for Leaders

Connect with Sean McManus:

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmcmanus/

Keywords: leadership, burnout, nutrition, hydration, employee retention, self-care, productivity, empowerment, adaptability, coaching

Burnout is not weakness. It is overuse of the very strengths that made you successful — and high achievers are the most at risk.

Join the Leadership Community: https://bit.ly/49EEonk (Free tools, burnout training, and leadership lessons.)

In this powerful episode, Michael Dillard sits down with Garrett Wood, founder of Gnosis Therapy, to uncover the real causes of burnout, why leaders miss the early signs, and how to rebuild sustainable success from the inside out. Garrett breaks down the emotional and cultural pressures that push leaders over the edge and reveals how Gnosis Therapy helps individuals realign their work with their wellbeing.

If you’re a leader who feels exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected from work you once loved — this episode will show you how to recharge, reset, and regain control.

• Why burnout hits high achievers faster

• The signs leaders overlook until it’s too late

• Restorative practices that reset energy and clarity

• How leaders can prevent burnout in their teams

• The culture factors that shape stress

• Why shorter workdays may boost productivity

• The science behind Gnosis Therapy

• How acts of kindness and connection improve morale

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gnosistherapy/

🔗 Connect With Garrett Wood

⬆️ Join the FREE Leadership Community to avoid burnout and lead with clarity:https://www.skool.com/lead-with-impact-institute-8271/about?ref=232a8f0946df4dc99c43ea1da93f2ab8

Unlock the Leadership Skills They Never Taught YouIn this episode of the Lead with Impact podcast, host Michael Dillard and guest Brad Henderson break down the real challenges leaders are facing today and why coaching, adaptability, and empowerment are the keys to building high-performing teams.

Brad shares powerful stories and practical strategies leaders can use right now to reduce burnout, navigate generational differences, improve team morale, and build a culture where discretionary effort, trust, and excellence thrive.

Whether you are a director, VP, CEO, or an emerging leader, this episode will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

Key Takeaways • Leaders need coaching to uncover blind spots • Generational shifts demand adaptable, modern leadership • Poor leadership destroys talent and organizational culture • Burnout is a warning sign, not a badge of honor • Identity outside of work is crucial for long-term success • Empowered teams produce higher discretionary effort • Great leaders develop people like Olympians • Micromanagement kills creativity and trust • Learning from mistakes accelerates leadership growthChapters00:00 The Importance of Leadership Coaching02:44 Adapting to Generational Changes in Leadership05:25 The Cost of Poor Leadership08:13 Burnout and High-Performing Leaders11:02 Finding Balance Beyond Work13:47 Empowering Teams for Success16:07 The Role of Discretionary Effort18:50 Developing Olympians in the Workplace21:50 Navigating Micromanagement24:25

Final Thoughts on Leadership ImpactConnect with Brad HendersonWebsite: https://www.consistency-edge.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjhenderson

/Keywordsleadership, coaching, empowerment, burnout, generational change, team morale, discretionary effort, micromanagement, identity, organizational culture, executive coaching, leadership development, high performing teams, leadership burnout, leadership podcast

👉 Join the FREE Leadership Community to beat burnout and lead with confidence:https://www.skool.com/lead-with-impact-institute-8271/about?ref=232a8f0946df4dc99c43ea1da93f2ab8

🎙 Episode Title: Lead with Integrity: Why Ethical Living and Self-Reflection Are the Keys to Sustainable Success | Jim Carlough

In this episode of the LEAD with Impact Podcast, host Michael Dillard speaks with Jim Carlough about how daily self-reflection and personal integrity shape authentic, sustainable leadership.

Since 1983, Jim has ended every day by asking himself a simple yet powerful question:

This nightly practice, inspired early in his career by the legendary Ross Perot’s commitment to ethics and accountability, has guided Jim’s professional decisions and personal philosophy for more than four decades. The conversation explores how consistent self-reflection prevents burnout, strengthens moral character, and creates long-term success for leaders and teams alike.

Whether you’re leading a division, running a business, or pursuing personal growth, this episode challenges you to pause, reflect, and lead with integrity — a principle modeled by leaders like Ross Perot and practiced daily by Jim Carlough.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Reflect nightly on your actions and their impact.

• Integrity means considering others before self-benefit.

• Daily reflection prevents ethical blind spots.

• Consistent self-awareness builds long-term trust.

• Ethical living, inspired by role models like Ross Perot, is the foundation of sustainable success.

💬 Featured Quotes

• “Did I do anything today for my own personal self-benefit?”

• “You immediately have to figure out how to unwind it.”

• “I have asked myself that question every night since 1983.”

🌐 Connect with Jim Carlough

Website: https://jimcarlough.com/

personal integrity, self-reflection, ethical living, self-benefit, personal growth, leadership development, moral leadership, accountability, daily reflection, character building, conscious leadership, ethical mindset, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, intentional living, values-based leadership, personal responsibility, life purpose, leadership podcast, michael dillard, ross perot, business ethics, ethical leadership

The Entrepreneurial Leader: Harnessing AI, Empowering Teams, and Turning Your Book into Your Best Marketing Tool

👉 Join the FREE Leadership Community to beat burnout and lead with confidence:https://www.skool.com/lead-with-impact-institute-8271/about?ref=232a8f0946df4dc99c43ea1da93f2ab8

In today's rapid business environment, a leader's energy is not just personal—it's a critical component of the P&L. When a leader's energy dips, the entire team feels it, impacting morale and productivity.

In this episode of the Lead with Impact podcast, host Michael Dillard speaks with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile Marketing, to discuss the dynamic intersection of leadership energy, AI integration, and team empowerment.

Kelly shares her powerful journey from employee to successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the challenge of mastering listening skills in a new leadership role and the non-negotiable need for continuous business adaptation. We explore how to establish thought leadership by using books as powerful marketing tools, and why pushing beyond your comfort zone is the secret to sustained growth.

If you are a business owner or emerging leader seeking to adapt your model, leverage new technology, and build an autonomous, highly motivated team, this episode provides the blueprint.

• The Energy Factor: Why leaders need dedicated time for reflection to avoid burnout, and how low energy affects team morale.

• The AI Integration Strategy: How AI can enhance business efficiency and improve client engagement without replacing the essential human connection.

• Team Empowerment: The key to successful delegation, including implementing reward systems to motivate and celebrate team wins.

• Thought Leadership: Why a book is one of the most powerful personal branding tools for business owners today.

• The Leadership Mindset: The crucial shift in listening skills and perspective when transitioning from employee to owner.

Find Kelly Schuknecht and her work at Two Mile Marketing to learn more about developing thought leadership and leveraging books for business growth. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyschuknecht/

https://twomilehighmarketing.typeform.com/scorecard?typeform-source=www.linkedin.com

Ready to discuss leadership strategies, team development, or your personal path to influence? You can book a free courtesy call with Michael Dillard here: https://linktr.ee/MichaelDillard

leadership, AI, team empowerment, business adaptation, thought leadership, listening skills, leadership strategies, client engagement, book marketing, personal branding, leadership energy, avoiding burnout, entrepreneurship, continuous growth.

Podcast Episode: Leading with Impact: Understanding Burnout (Guest: Dr. Sherry Yellin)

👉 Join the FREE Leadership Community to beat burnout and lead with confidence:https://www.skool.com/lead-with-impact-institute-8271/about?ref=232a8f0946df4dc99c43ea1da93f2ab8

The Neuroscience of High-Impact Leadership: How to Stop Micromanaging, Prevent Burnout, and Drive Growth with Clarity

79% of employees don't leave companies—they leave leaders. Why? Because most leaders are unknowingly triggering the brain's threat response with a lack of clarity, control, and effective delegation.

In this powerful conversation, host Michael Dillard sits down with brain-based leadership expert Dr. Sherry Yellin to dissect common executive mistakes and offer the neurological blueprint for leading teams effectively.

We explore why micromanagement is a growth killer, how to overcome the brain's natural resistance to change, and why leadership development is an essential investment, not an expense. If you're struggling with team burnout or organizational inertia, this episode will fundamentally change how you view influence and impact.

• The Brain's First Priority: Why your leadership style must prioritize safety and certainty, and how uncertainty fuels team resistance and burnout.

• The Clarity Disconnect: The critical gap between what a leader says and what the team hears—and how to fix it immediately.

• The Control Trap: Why "You can have control or you can have growth" is the core trade-off every leader must face.

• Delegation for Empowerment: Why it's faster to get better at delegating than it is to continue doing everything yourself.

• Book a Courtesy Call with Michael Dillard: Interested in discussing a strategic approach to leadership or financial literacy for your team? You can book a free courtesy call with Michael Dillard here: https://linktr.ee/MichaelDillard

• Connect with Dr. Sherry Yellin: To learn more about Dr. Yellin's brain-based approach to leadership, connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sherry-yellin/ Buy book on Amazon:https://a.co/d/9SxTGyf

Keywords:

leadership, burnout, brain-based learning, micromanagement, clarity, control, change management, leadership development, effective delegation, team empowerment, leadership mistakes, executive coaching, team dynamics, employee retention.