In this episode of the Art of Balance Podcast, hosted by Jayne Morris, the UK’s Leading Executive Burnout Coach, we explore the truth about resilience and burnout with special guest Kai-Nneka Townsend. A Leadership Resilience & Burnout Consultant with over a decade of experience in the corporate world, Kai-Nneka shares her powerful story of reaching breaking point, and how it led her to redefine what true resilience looks like.

Together, Jayne and Kai-Nneka unpack the myths around resilience in leadership, explore how stress shows up differently for high achievers, and introduce a five-part model of real, sustainable resilience. They discuss why pushing through isn’t a strategy, how personal challenges intensify work-related stress, and why recovery starts with intentional pauses and support, not spa days or surface solutions.
Whether you're a leader, coach, or someone navigating stress, this episode offers compassionate insight, practical strategies, and a vital reminder that real resilience begins with looking after yourself.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Our Guest: Kai-Nneka Townsend

01:17 Kai-Nneka’s Personal Burnout Story

04:41 The Hidden Pressure of Leadership and Lack of Support

09:53 Why Holidays and Spa Days Aren’t Enough

14:17 Noticing the Silent Burnout of Other Leaders

16:55 What Real Resilience Looks Like: A 5-Part Model

21:57 Reframing Resilience and Letting Go of Overperformance

23:58 Planning Ahead for Stressful Seasons

28:09 The Power of Coaching and Safe Spaces

31:50 Overplayed Strengths and the Role of Reflection

35:34 Practical Ways to Pause on Purpose

37:01 Final Reflections: Alignment, Bravery & Sustainable Change

38:49 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Balanceology is a leading coaching company that focuses on supporting individuals and organisations in the prevention of workplace burnout. Our main offerings include talks, workshops and trainings, coaching and burnout recovery retreats.

www.balanceology.uk

Jayne Morris is the UK's leading executive burnout coach and author of the bestselling 'Burnout to Brilliance - Strategies for Sustainable Success'. She is ICF MCC accredited, holds a PG Cert in Coaching, Advanced Diploma in Integrative Art Psychotherapy, is a Certified Coach Supervisor and has over 15 years' experience helping individuals and organisations prevent and recover from burnout - www.jaynemorris.com

Dylan Cox is a coach-counsellor specialising in self-esteem and confidence. He is an experienced facilitator and presenter.

Lite: Strong relationship