Ep.32 Executive Burnout: Stretched, Stressed… or on the Brink?

In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess explore Executive Burnout — how it develops, why high performers are particularly vulnerable, and the often-overlooked connection between pressure, identity and financial expectations.

They unpack the subtle progression from being productively “stretched” to chronically “stressed”, and what happens when that line is crossed.

This is an honest and practical conversation for leaders, founders and ambitious professionals.

In This Episode, They Discuss:

• The psychological distinction between being stretched and being stressed
• The warning signs that productivity is starting to decline
• What burnout actually looks like — physically and mentally
• Why executives often wear a “capable mask”
• The isolation that can come with being at the top
• The role of lifestyle pressure and the so-called hedonistic treadmill
• How financial commitments can quietly increase stress
• The impact of technology and constant availability
• Why boundaries and “managing up” matter more than ever
• The importance of recognising your own stress markers early
• Practical principles that help protect long-term performance

Executive burnout rarely happens overnight. It builds gradually — often disguised as ambition, responsibility or drive.