#37: Why High Performers Struggle to Slow Down

In this episode of Within, Ali Payne sits down with Sheena Mahan for an honest conversation about ambition, burnout, and the pressure many women feel to constantly keep climbing. Together, they explore what happens when success starts to come at the expense of your wellbeing, your relationships, and your sense of self. From navigating leadership roles and career transitions to balancing motherhood, expectations, and identity, this episode dives into the realities so many high-performing women quietly carry. Sheena shares her personal experience with burnout, the moment she realized she could no longer keep operating the way she had been, and the importance of setting boundaries before work begins to consume your identity. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in the workplace, the pressure women often place on themselves, and why it’s okay to stop chasing the next rung on the ladder if it no longer aligns with the life you want. This episode is a reminder that success is not one-size-fits-all—and that adding value does not always require sacrificing yourself in the process. About the show:  Within is a podcast hosted by Nicky Wallace of The People Co. It explores what happens when organizations stop chasing surface-level solutions and start doing the real work from within. Each episode unpacks stories of leadership, burnout, growth, culture, and the messiness of being human at work. Whether you’re in HR, leading a team, or just rethinking how work fits into your life, Within offers a candid and refreshing look at how people-first business gets built. Connect with hosts & guests: Ali - Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alipayne/ Sheena Mahan - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenamahan/ For more information on The People Co., check out our Webiste: thepeople-co.com For more information on The Potential Within, check out www.thepeople-co.com/potentialwithin