The Conversation features Clint interviewing Paula Davis, founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute, and author of “Beating Burnout at Work” and “Lead Well.” They discuss the true nature of burnout, why many organizations misunderstand it, and what leaders should do differently to develop resilient, high-performing teams.
Drawing on her personal experiences with burnout as a lawyer and her work across various industries, Paula explains that burnout is a systemic issue rooted in the structure of work. She outlines the main causes of stress and disengagement and highlights why leaders often miss what’s really happening within their teams. Paula demonstrates how small, intentional actions can lead to meaningful change. She offers practical insights and research-backed frameworks to improve understanding of workload, team dynamics, and leadership behaviors. This shift from reactive solutions to sustainable performance.
She elaborates on specific leadership behaviors that build stronger teams, enhance engagement, and reduce burnout over time. She introduces concepts like “sticky recognition” and “thank-you plus,” which show how small, deliberate feedback moments can create lasting impact and foster a sense of purpose at work. Additionally, Paula discusses how leaders can build trust, deepen relationships, and foster genuine connections, even in hybrid or remote settings. The conversation emphasizes simple, actionable skills—such as fostering belonging and celebrating wins—that leaders can implement immediately to improve team resilience and performance.