Burnout, Ambition, and the Real You with Aria Kagan

Trailblazers, buckle up because this episode is about to call you out in the gentlest, most necessary way. Tiffany sits down with Aria Kagan, and from the first minute, you can tell she understands the weight women carry when we are trying to be everything for everyone. If you have been smiling through exhaustion, pretending you are fine, or running on autopilot, this one is your wake-up moment.

Aria opens up about the life she was living before she ever stepped into coaching. A successful culinary career, private chef work, nonstop days and nights, and one moment in the car with a bag of drive-through food that made her realize she was losing herself. She says something that stops you right in your tracks. “Burnout does not fix itself with more sleep.” And she is right. The way she explains what burnout really is will surprise you.

The conversation moves into the deeper layers we rarely admit. The comparison that creeps in. The constant feeling of not being enough. The voice that whispers everything will be better when we get there. Aria breaks down how these thoughts shape our lives without us even noticing. It is the kind of insight that makes you pause and check in with your own mind.

We also talk about that moment in adulthood when you suddenly realize the goals you created at twenty may not belong to the person you are now. Aria shares how she had to reintroduce herself to herself, and that honesty feels like something every woman needs to hear. And then she drops a line you will want to screenshot. “You are born one hundred percent worthy, and you stay that way.”

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:01) Defining authenticity without comparison

(3:48) The burnout wake-up moment

(6:33) Boundaries before burnout hits

(8:30) The three roots of burnout

(12:05) Using competition and fear the right way

(15:48) The freedom in changing your mind

(17:13) The origin of Aligned Ambition

(18:27) Community as the foundation for growth

(21:31) Worthiness without conditions

(22:26) Surrounding yourself with the right people

If you are tired of carrying the weight of expectations or feeling like you are one step away from burning out, you are going to want to press play on this one. It is real, refreshing, and exactly the conversation we do not have often enough.

About Aria Kagan

Aria Kagan is the founder of Life Unlimited, where she supports women who want to move out of burnout and back into direction and clarity. After spending more than two decades in the culinary world, she shifted her focus to helping high achievers understand their patterns, reset their mindset, and reconnect with what matters to them. Through her in person program, Aligned Ambition, she brings women together to explore their next chapter with intention. Her work centers on helping women choose a path that feels real, sustainable, and true to who they are.

Connect with Aria:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.