5. The Hidden Cost of Always Saying Yes at Work with Josh Yellin

What happens when two siblings grow up under the same roof but take completely different paths to leadership?In this episode of Unfiltered Leadership, Lindsay Yellin sits down with her brother, Josh Yellin, a senior Google leader and co-founder of Urban Rivers, for a candid conversation about how family, resilience, and burnout have shaped them into the leaders they are today.They reflect on how growing up in a values-driven home and later losing their father instilled a shared commitment to kindness, humility, and hard work. Josh opens up about guiding expeditions in Alaska, leading global teams at Google, and learning to rebuild confidence through burnout. Together, they unpack how their journeys mirror each other’s: two different careers, one core truth that leadership starts with self-awareness and courage.If you’ve ever wondered how your upbringing, relationships, and personal values influence the way you lead, this episode will remind you that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through shared stories, grounded reflection, and the people who know you best.🌿 Key TakeawaysConfidence follows courage — real leadership begins when you take action before you feel ready.Creating space is a leadership strategy — rest and curiosity open the door to innovation and clarity.Sustainable success outperforms constant striving — true leaders reject burnout as a badge of honor.Kindness, honesty, and groundedness build lasting influence — values are your most powerful leadership tools.Personal rituals fuel presence — mindfulness, movement, and reflection help leaders stay centered under pressure.Legacy grows from integrity — relationships and trust last longer than any title or achievement.Adaptability defines the modern leader — mastering AI and emerging tools keeps you future-ready and human-centered.About your host: Lindsay YellinLindsay Yellin is an executive leadership coach, dynamic speaker, and certified ACC and CPCC who helps high-achieving creative leaders trade fear for possibility and self-doubt for self-trust. A former advertising executive, she has led in high-pressure, high-visibility environments and knows the challenge of staying connected to oneself while leading others.✨ Book a Coaching Chemistry Call with Lindsay: https://calendly.com/yellin-coaching/chemistry-call?month=2025-09 Josh Yellin is an operational leader at Google.org, where he helps guide strategy and impact measurement across the company’s philanthropic work. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff at Google Brain and DeepMind, supporting teams at the forefront of AI research. Josh also co-founded the Google for Startups Accelerator and the Effective Founders Project, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs strengthen their leadership and organizational practices. Beyond tech, he co-founded the environmental nonprofits Urban Rivers and Wildlife.ai and is the bestselling author of The Bonfire Mom