From Productivity & Burnout to Wholeness (Selkie Myth Empowerment Panel) // Ep 13

Ever since the pandemic, it seems more and more people are trying to get out of working for corporations and are trying to find other ways to thrive. However, in this episode we discuss the much more nuanced aspects of what leads people (especially women) to experience so much burnout in corporate roles and how to shift into a much healthier way to work and do life (regardless of if you stay in corporate life or not).

Each month I’m bringing together an “empowerment panel” of women who have pushed the limits of the glass ceilings in what's possible in career, raising families & their own personal growth paths. From dominating the board room to seeking out meaning and magic in life's everyday mysteries, my hope is that these women's stories will inspire you.

In this episode, my special guests, Heidi Frye (CEO with corporate finance background) and Kathy Alexion (CIO with corporate tech background), and I discuss the selkie myth and how it relates to women's experiences in the workplace and in life. We explore themes of burnout, loss of self, and the pressure to outperform. Each of us shares our personal stories and insights on what it actually looks like to try to find balance, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.

Our conversation emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with oneself, embracing both the masculine and feminine energies, and finding fulfillment outside of work. We also highlight the need for women to reclaim their “soul skin” and create a life that aligns with their true selves. This conversation explores the importance of play, self-care, and surrendering control in order to find fulfillment and joy in life. We also discuss the struggle of letting go of control and the need to shift from a mindset of productivity to one of wholeness. Listen in to hear our personal experiences and insights on how to recognize the signs of burnout and the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion.

Some top takeaways from the episode:

• Women often experience burnout and a loss of self due to societal expectations and the pressure to outperform in the workplace. "Women often have to outperform their male counterparts just to be considered equal."

• It’s important for women to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and find balance between the masculine and feminine energies.

• Reconnecting with oneself and embracing personal interests and passions outside of work can lead to greater fulfillment.

• Women should focus on building a life, not just a career, and avoid outsourcing their self-worth to their achievements.

• Creating a supportive community and having open conversations about burnout and self-care can help women navigate these challenges.

• Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring joy and nourish the soul.

• Be present in the moment and reconnect with your inner child.

• Shift from a mindset of productivity to one of wholeness.

• Recognize the signs of burnout and prioritize self-awareness and self-compassion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:05 Exploring the Selkie Myth and Personal Experiences
07:56 The Impact of Burnout and Loss of Self
13:06 The Pressure on Women in the Workplace
22:43 Finding Balance and Prioritizing Self-Care
27:49 The Importance of Role Models and Supportive Networks
29:53 Reconnecting with Your True Self and Avoiding Burnout
30:18 Reconnecting with Your True Self Outside of Your Career
41:01 Insourcing Self-Worth and Letting Go of Control
44:16 The Importance of Play and Finding Joy
50:10 Embracing the Darkness and Finding Light
58:40 Reclaiming Your Authentic Self in Everyday Life