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Why I'm So Passionate About Burnout: My Personal Story of Surviving to Thriving

Kelly Walker • September 15, 2024

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword for me—it’s a deeply personal journey that has shaped who I am today. My passion for burnout prevention is rooted in the experiences I’ve endured, the lessons I’ve learnt and the commitment I’ve made to ensure others don’t have to go through what I did.


My First Experience of Burnout

My first encounter with burnout came in late 2014, during a period when my life seemed to be a perfect storm of stressors. We were living in Adelaide, far from any family support, and my husband at the time was constantly travelling for work. I was also working in a demanding job, whilst juggling the bulk of the responsibilities for our two primary school aged daughters.


I began to feel tired, my energy levels plummeted and something as simple as running—which had always been a joy—became an exhausting task. Then, one December evening, my heart started racing uncontrollably, and I found myself in the emergency department, terrified that something was seriously wrong.


The doctors told me everything was fine, but I knew deep down that I wasn’t well. My heart continued to race flat out for a week, and I was utterly drained. Walking up the stairs in my house left me breathless. I visited doctor after doctor, all of whom assured me nothing was wrong and that I was “fine”. Even a cardiologist dismissed my symptoms as “normal.” But I knew my body, and this wasn’t normal for me. Just weeks before I could run 7km (albeit tired) and now I couldn’t even manage the stairs.


The Long Road to Recovery

The reality was that I was severely burnt out, something I had to discover and understand on my own. My adrenal glands were shot, and I was forced to go on medication and take the entire year of 2015 off work because I simply wasn’t fit to do anything. My condition was so debilitating that on Christmas Day 2014, instead of enjoying lunch with my daughters and family, I was in the emergency department once again, my heart racing on a week-long adrenaline rush from the smallest amount of stress.


It took moving back to Tasmania in 2016 and living with my parents to slowly regain my strength. I eased back into work with a part-time bookkeeping role, and by September 2016, I was finally able to return to full-time work. But the impact of burnout lingered—it affected me financially, stripped me of the joy I found in running and socialising, and most painfully, it kept me from being the parent I wanted to be to my two beautiful daughters.


Burnout Strikes Again (and Again)

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of my battle with burnout. It hit me again in 2021, forcing me back on medication for my adrenal glands.


And then, in 2023, it struck once more. I was under a lot of pressure at work and ended up having to take 6 weeks off work due to continued colds, illness and finally a debilitating flu which left me unwell for weeks. I was exhausted, emotional and I felt completely drained. I had lost my enjoyment of life and I was feeling completely depleted in every area - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I was struggling to get out of bed and making the school lunches each morning was a herculean task. This was the catalyst for a profound life reboot.


Why Did I have Serial Burnout?

You might wonder why it took three bouts of severe burnout for me to truly realise that I needed to make changes to my life.


The truth is, I didn’t realise that I was a large part of the problem. I thought that my thoughts, behaviours, worrying and constant striving were normal - I didn't know any other way. I assumed it was just stressful jobs, but then I reflected that nobody else seemed to be burning out.


Plus, after burning out in a number of different roles, I realised that there was one common denominator and I was looking at her in the mirror! If I wanted to change my life, I needed to do something different and really reflect on how I was living my life and carrying out my work.


It's extremely common for people to experience serial burnout. Why? Because we often get burnt out, take time off to recover and then go back to working and living exactly the same way that got us there in the first place!! Change is hard and it requires some big adjustments – that can be scary and difficult.


But for me, burnout had wreaked such havoc on my life that my body was in a constant state of stress, reacting to almost everything—even food—as if it were a threat. I got to the point where I could only eat a handful of foods and that’s no way to live. I was trapped in a “fight or flight” mode that was destroying my ability to enjoy life. My hair started to shed and break off – my body was screaming at me to make changes.


But through this painful journey, I learnt some critical lessons. I had to completely reassess my life and career, focusing on regulating my nervous system, setting boundaries and prioritising self-care. I became deeply introspective, working on my mindset as a recovering perfectionist and began practicing kindness towards myself. I started doing things I enjoyed and made a conscious decision to truly live my life, not just survive it.


A Commitment to Change & Renewed Purpose

This journey has been a rollercoaster, but it has brought me to a place of profound understanding and commitment. I’ve realised that change was necessary if I wanted a different outcome, and now, I’m devoted to helping others recognise the signs of burnout and make change before it’s too late.


Burnout is not something you have to endure alone, and it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a signal that something needs to change. My mission is to be a beacon of hope for those who feel overwhelmed and to provide the tools and support they need to prevent burnout from taking over their lives. I’m committed to never burning out again—and I’m here to help you do the same.


If this story resonates with you, and you're feeling the weight of burnout in your own life, you don’t have to face it alone. At Prospera Consulting, I offer burnout coaching for leaders and executives that’s grounded in personal experience and proven strategies to help you regain control of your life. Together, we’ll work to identify the stressors that are driving you to exhaustion, set boundaries that allow for real balance and create a plan to help you reclaim your energy and joy. Whether you’re seeking support to prevent burnout or to recover from it, my coaching is designed to provide the tools, guidance and compassion you need to thrive. Reach out today—your wellbeing is worth it.

By Kelly Walker December 9, 2024
Over the next 12 months, I’m embarking on an exciting journey to become an ECD Certified Practitioner with Riders & Elephants . This certification is not just about adding another qualification to my portfolio - it’s about deepening my ability to help leaders, teams and organisations thrive by intentionally shaping emotional culture. At Prospera Consulting, I’ve always championed heart-centered leadership, wellbeing and sustainable success. This certification aligns perfectly with that vision, equipping me with innovative tools and insights to support clients in fostering emotionally intelligent workplaces. Why Emotional Culture Matters Every organisation has an emotional culture - whether intentionally shaped or unconsciously developed. Emotional culture is about the feelings that drive our behaviours at work, impacting how we collaborate, innovate and perform. It influences: Employee engagement and retention. How teams navigate challenges and embrace change. The overall wellbeing and satisfaction of individuals. When leaders prioritise emotional culture, they create environments where people feel valued, connected and motivated. This isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a strategic advantage that directly impacts organisational success. What is the Emotional Culture Deck? A key component of this certification is the Emotional Culture Deck by Riders & Elephants. This powerful tool is designed to make it easier for leaders and teams to have meaningful conversations about the emotions driving their work. Through interactive exercises, the Emotional Culture Deck helps individuals and groups: Identify the emotions they want to feel (and avoid) at work. Explore how these emotions shape behaviours and outcomes. Build shared understanding and connection around what matters most. This innovative approach transforms abstract concepts into actionable insights, giving leaders the confidence to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence. Exploring Emotional Culture in Leadership and Beyond The Emotional Culture Practitioner certification isn’t limited to workplace wellbeing; it spans several critical dimensions, including: Emotional Culture : Providing tools to uncover, define and shape the emotional landscapes that underpin organisational success. Leadership : Understanding how emotions influence decision-making, team dynamics, and authentic leadership. Change : Supporting organisations through transitions by addressing the emotional impact of uncertainty and transformation. Stakeholders : Enhancing connection and communication by recognising and shaping the emotions driving relationships. This holistic approach will allow me to deliver even more tailored, impactful solutions to my clients, whether they’re looking to navigate complex challenges, foster stronger connections, or build a more sustainable path forward. What This Means for Prospera Consulting’s Clients At Prospera Consulting, our focus has always been on heart-centered leadership, sustainable strategy, and wellbeing. This certification aligns perfectly with our mission to help leaders lead with authenticity and purpose. For my clients, this journey means: Enhanced Tools for Leadership Development : I’ll bring evidence-based methods to help leaders understand and influence emotional culture in their organisations. Deeper Conversations About Wellbeing : We’ll explore how emotional culture intersects with burnout prevention and sustainable leadership. Practical, Tangible Outcomes : Whether it’s through workshops or coaching sessions, emotional culture tools will be seamlessly integrated into the way we work together. Looking Ahead with Excitement This certification isn’t just about acquiring new skills, it’s about amplifying the impact of the work I already do. I’m excited to explore how these learnings will influence the services Prospera Consulting offers and the outcomes we achieve together. The year ahead will be one of growth, discovery, and transformation - not just for me, but for every leader and organisation I have the privilege of working with. If you’re curious about emotional culture and how it can reshape leadership, culture or wellbeing in your organisation, let’s connect. Together, we can explore how to create workplaces where emotions drive connection, innovation and success.
By Kelly Walker November 4, 2024
Burnout is a serious issue across workplaces, impacting both productivity and personal well-being. When supporting a burnt-out team member, leaders have a critical opportunity to make a difference — but many make a common, well-intentioned mistake: assuming they know what the employee needs rather than directly asking them. Assumptions about how to support an employee can lead to unintended setbacks. For example, reducing responsibilities might seem helpful but could remove tasks that the employee finds meaningful or energising. Without asking, leaders risk taking actions that may ultimately frustrate or disengage the employee further. Why Assumptions Miss the Mark in Burnout Support Burnout is a deeply personal experience, and no single approach will work for everyone. Leaders who try to “fix” burnout by acting on assumptions may inadvertently worsen the situation, sending messages that feel dismissive, undermining and demotivating. Here are some common examples of how assumptions can backfire: Assuming a lighter workload will help : Automatically reducing tasks may unintentionally communicate that the leader doesn’t have confidence in the employee or sees them as a burden. Assuming they need “easier” tasks : Reassigning an employee to low-stakes work may feel like a demotion if those tasks lack purpose or meaning for them. A well-meaning leader can unintentionally add to the stress or isolation felt by the employee. To truly support, it’s essential to ask rather than assume. The Power of Asking: How to Create a Supportive Dialogue The best way to avoid assumptions is to engage in an open, respectful conversation. Rather than “fixing” burnout through assumptions, start by asking the employee what they need. This not only validates their experience but gives them control over their own path to recovery. Here are some questions that can foster a supportive dialogue: “What tasks or aspects of your role feel energising for you right now?” “Are there specific challenges or stressors that feel overwhelming?” “How can we adjust your responsibilities to better support you?” These questions demonstrate a willingness to listen and help the employee feel heard, ultimately leading to more effective support. Identifying Energising vs Exhausting Tasks Another risk of assumptions is removing tasks that are actually fulfilling for the employee. Burnout doesn’t mean every part of their job is overwhelming — often, some aspects remain rewarding. Understanding which tasks energise versus drain them can guide balanced recovery support. This approach also empowers the employee to retain some control over their work experience. For instance, if mentoring others brings purpose, keeping this in their role could aid recovery. Conversely, discussing ways to manage or reduce certain administrative tasks might ease their burden. Establish a Safe Space for Ongoing Conversations Supporting an employee through burnout requires ongoing dialogue, not a single conversation. Regular check-ins provide the opportunity to adjust support based on what’s working and what’s not. This consistent communication shows that the team values wellbeing and creates a culture where speaking up about challenges is welcomed and respected. By maintaining an open, adaptive approach, leaders reinforce their commitment to the employee’s wellbeing, creating a supportive environment for both the individual and the broader team. Avoiding Assumptions & Supporting Recovery The biggest mistake leaders make when supporting burnt-out employees is assuming they know what’s best without asking. By opening a conversation and inviting the employee to share what they need, leaders can avoid unintended setbacks and offer meaningful support. Burnout recovery is a journey, and compassionate, individualised support can make all the difference. Through open communication and a commitment to understanding each employee’s needs, leaders can foster a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone on the team. At Prospera Consulting, we understand the toll that burnout can take, and we’re here to support you on your journey to recovery. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out, take that first step, and give yourself the care and compassion you deserve. Your wellbeing is worth it.
By Kelly Walker October 23, 2024
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that can leave you feeling completely depleted and unable to cope with even the simplest tasks. It can creep up on you slowly or hit you like a tonne of bricks, but either way, when you’re burnt out, it can feel like there’s no way out. If you’re at that point where everything feels overwhelming, and you’re on the verge of sending out an SOS, it’s time for a personal intervention. Here’s how you can start to reclaim your energy, reframe your thinking, and give yourself the grace and compassion you deserve. Reframe Your Thinking: From Maximum to Minimum When you’re burnt out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to do everything, be everything, and keep pushing through. But this “maximum” mindset is what got you into this state in the first place. To start your recovery, it’s crucial to reframe your thinking and shift from maximum to minimum. Ask yourself: What is the minimum that I need to do today? This question can be incredibly powerful in helping you reset your priorities. On days when you’re feeling completely drained, focus only on what absolutely needs to be done. Maybe that’s just getting out of bed, eating something nourishing, or taking care of one essential work task. Let go of the pressure to do more than that. By focusing on the minimum, you give yourself permission to rest and recover without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. Give Yourself Grace and Self-Compassion Burnout often comes with a heavy dose of self-criticism. You might feel like you’re not doing enough, not being productive, or that you’re somehow failing. But these thoughts only serve to deepen your exhaustion and sense of inadequacy. Now, more than ever, it’s important to give yourself grace. Recognise that burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a signal that you’ve been pushing too hard for too long. Be kind to yourself. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself the way you would to a dear friend in the same situation. Acknowledge that you’re doing your best, and that it’s okay to take a step back to focus on your well-being. Self-compassion also means allowing yourself to feel what you’re feeling without judgment. If you need to cry, let the tears flow. If you need to rest, give yourself permission to do so. Your emotions are valid, and taking the time to process them is an essential part of healing from burnout. Ask for Help: Who Is Your Support Network? One of the most challenging aspects of burnout is the feeling of isolation that can come with it. You might feel like you have to bear the burden alone, but the truth is, you don’t. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. Think about who is in your support network. Who can you turn to for a listening ear, practical assistance, or just a comforting presence? Whether it’s a partner, a friend, a family member, or a professional, reach out and let them know what you’re going through. You don’t have to go into detail if you’re not ready; simply sharing that you’re struggling can be enough to start the conversation. If you’re hesitant to ask for help because you don’t want to burden others, remember this: the people who care about you would much rather know that you need support than see you suffer in silence. Lean on your network, and let them help you navigate this difficult time. Take a Break If You Can Sometimes, the best way to start recovering from burnout is to step away from the source of your stress. If you can, take a break—whether it’s a day off, a weekend away, or a longer holiday. Use this time to disconnect from work and other obligations, and focus solely on your wellbeing. Taking a break doesn’t have to mean doing nothing (unless that’s what you need!). It could be spending time in nature, indulging in a hobby, or simply catching up on rest. The key is to give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty or pressured to be productive. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. If taking a break isn’t possible right now, try to find small pockets of time throughout your day where you can rest and recharge. Even five minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or stepping outside for some fresh air can make a difference. A Path to Recovery Burnout can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to make a personal intervention and start your recovery. By reframing your thinking from maximum to minimum, giving yourself grace and self-compassion, asking for help and taking a break if you can, you can begin to replenish your energy and find your way back to balance. At Prospera Consulting, we understand the toll that burnout can take, and we’re here to support you on your journey to recovery. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out, take that first step, and give yourself the care and compassion you deserve. Your wellbeing is worth it.
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