Ep 15 | Rest Is Recovery - and Leadership

In a culture that praises hustle, rest can feel like rebellion. But burnout isn’t a badge of honor—and exhaustion is not proof of commitment.

In this episode of Tutum Talk, we explore why rest isn’t something leaders earn after everything is finished—it’s a foundational leadership practice. We talk about how chronic overwork impacts presence, decision-making, and psychological safety, and why rested leaders create healthier, more connected teams.

This is a gentle invitation to slow down, listen inward, and reclaim rest as a form of responsibility—not retreat. Because when leaders recover, clarity returns. And when leaders rest, cultures begin to heal.

If leadership has felt heavy, lonely, or draining lately, this episode is for you. You’re not alone—and there is another way to lead.

Show Notes

Rest is often framed as optional. Extra. Indulgent.
Especially for leaders who care deeply and feel responsible for holding everything together.

In this episode, Cara explores the quiet cost of leading without recovery—and why rest is not a reward for finishing, but a requirement for leading well.

Together, we reflect on:

• Why hustle culture makes rest feel unsafe for leaders
• How burnout subtly erodes leadership presence and connection
• The role of the nervous system in effective leadership
• Why regulation—and dysregulation—are contagious on teams
• How rested leaders foster psychological safety and trust
• Small, sustainable ways to begin recovering without stepping away from leadership

This episode is especially for leaders who:

• Feel pressure to always be “on”
• Struggle with guilt when they slow down
• Notice themselves leading from survival mode
• Want to model healthier, more human leadership

Reflection Questions from the Episode:

• Where has rest felt unsafe in your leadership?
• What are you afraid might happen if you slowed down?
• What has already happened by pushing through for too long?
• Who are you as a leader when you’re rested—even just a little more than usual?

Rest isn’t quitting.
It’s regulating.
It’s repairing.
And it’s one of the most powerful leadership tools you have.

If this episode resonated and you’re craving support in reclaiming your energy, leading without burnout, or creating a culture rooted in trust and psychological safety, I’d be honored to support you through one-on-one leadership coaching.

You don’t have to wait until you’re exhausted to ask for support.
Rest can begin now. Schedule time with me here.

About Tutum Talk:

Tutum Talk with Cara Nance is a podcast for leaders who lead with heart - even when they doubt themselves. Through honest conversations about presence, intuition, courage, and connection, Cara helps listeners build leadership rooted in humanity, not perfection.

Music provided by Music_Unlimited