Carey Nieuwhof, a former lawyer turned leadership expert and podcaster, shares his transformative journey and insights on self-leadership. He discusses the hidden traps of burnout and cynicism, emphasizing the importance of self-examination in preventing mid-grade burnout. Carey advocates for curiosity and genuine relationships, stressing that leaders must prioritize personal well-being amidst overwhelming modern connectivity. His practical strategies for setting boundaries and enhancing productivity resonate with anyone seeking a balanced approach to work and life.
01:02:50
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Self-Leadership is Key
Self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership in any field.
It involves managing your energy, staying healthy, and avoiding burnout to prevent resentment.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Empty Success
Carey Nieuwhof observed high-earning lawyers struggling with personal issues like divorce and unhappiness.
This experience highlighted that external success doesn't guarantee fulfillment and that there's more to life.
insights INSIGHT
Unexamined Motivations
Unexamined motivations can drive you to success, but they can also destroy you.
It's crucial to examine your motivations for pursuing success and achievement.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Didn't See It Coming,' Carey Nieuwhof addresses seven core issues that can significantly impact one's life and leadership. He provides clear tools and guidelines for anticipating and avoiding these challenges, as well as steps to overcome them if already encountered. The book covers topics such as cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and the emptiness of success, offering practical solutions, probing questions, and insightful wisdom to help readers grow and achieve their potential.
In this episode of The Double Win Show, Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller sit down with leadership expert Carey Nieuwhof to explore the hidden traps of burnout, cynicism, and the tolls of unexamined motivations. Carey dives into his journey from lawyer to pastor to leadership coach, sharing how he’s learned to manage energy and avoid burnout while building an impactful career.
Carey’s insights touch on the importance of self-leadership, the dangers of “mid-grade burnout,” and strategies for setting lasting boundaries. The conversation is rich with practical advice for leaders in any field who want to achieve the Double Win—winning at work and succeeding at life.
Memorable Quotes
“I think unexamined motivations drive you until they destroy you.”
“Self-leadership is the ability to heal ourselves, to stay engaged, to stay healthy—everything from avoiding burnout and not becoming the person everyone resents to staying engaged at a meaningful level and avoiding cynicism and pride.”
“Just look at the internal battle of a leader, how lonely it is, how you often feel you don’t have anyone to turn to about the personal demons you’re fighting.”
“I worked with a lot of lawyers who were really at the top of their game. It was sort of the Wall Street of Canada, right? I realized very early on: Oh, it’s empty up here.”
“I think you’ve got to make a decision: I’m going to trust again. I’m going to hope again. I’m going to believe again.”
“Cynical people are never curious and curious people are never cynical. They seem to be mutually exclusive.”
“That position of feeling numb most days is a big warning sign.”
“We’re inundated with too many relationships and we’re overwhelmed, overworked, overcommitted.”
“If you’re winning at work and losing at home, you’re losing.”
Key Takeaways
Self-Leadership Matters: Carey explains that leading yourself well is the foundation of effective leadership.
The Dangers of Mid-Grade Burnout: While many recognize full-blown burnout, Carey highlights the subtler, persistent signs that show up as disengagement or apathy.
Prioritize Close Relationships: Carey describes the power of “3–5 deep friendships” that keep us grounded and resilient.
The Antidote to Cynicism: When cynicism creeps in, choosing curiosity can help leaders reconnect and stay energized.
Boundaries with Purpose: Categorical decisions (like “no breakfast meetings”) can help protect your peak hours and ensure work doesn’t consume your personal life.
The Double Win 
