EP: 29 When Success Isn't Enough: A Leader’s Battle with Burnout

In this episode, I welcome Claire Platt, a leadership coach and education consultant, who shares her personal experience with burnout after decades of leadership in education. Claire opens up about how the pressures of managing a high-performing multi-academy trust, caring for her mother, and navigating menopause led to a steady buildup of anxiety that eventually left her emotionally and physically drained. Despite outward success, Claire realized she could no longer maintain the pace and needed to prioritize her well-being. She discusses how burnout often affects leaders, even those who seem to have it all together, and highlights the importance of recognizing the signs early and taking action. Through Claire's recovery journey, we learn valuable lessons for educators, particularly leaders, on the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking help when needed. She emphasizes how leaders can foster a healthier work environment by being mindful of their own needs and avoiding the "superhuman" mindset that leads to burnout. Claire shares how she learned to prioritize sleep, seek treatment for menopause, and stop working evenings and weekends. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that in order to care for others, educators must first take care of themselves. To learn more about Claire Platt, find her on: Website: www.claireplattcoaching.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-platt-b6a48247/All links: https://linktr.ee/claireplattcoaching Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: [email protected] Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com