15 Minutes with the Boss Graham Kittle: Recovering from burnout, building networks and getting up at 4:30am
Jul 21, 2025
Graham Kittle, Managing Partner of Heidrick & Struggles in Australia, opens up about how burnout unexpectedly led him to his dream job. He emphasizes the power of early mornings for productivity, mixing in his routine of coffee and surfing. Kittle shares transformative insights from navigating burnout through mentorship and the importance of strong professional networks. He highlights creativity through street photography as a tool for leadership and discusses how AI can enhance professional efficiency while advocating for resilience during tough career challenges.
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Graham's Burnout Turning Point
- Graham Kittle experienced burnout running a tech company in his late 30s, which affected his health and family life badly.
- This crisis led him to leave the role and fundamentally rethink his career path and priorities.
Do What You Love for Impact
- Focus on doing what you love and where you can have real impact rather than chasing titles.
- Leadership and responsibility will follow naturally when passion and impact align.
Manage Your Career Proactively
- Manage your own career proactively; no one else will do it for you.
- Build a strong network of mentors and confidants and nurture those relationships continuously.