When Vulnerability Becomes Strength

In this reflective and honest solo episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I talk openly about vulnerability, near-burnout, and what it has taken for me to finally slow down as 2025 comes to an end.Inspired by Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability as courage, this episode explores how even positive things like building a business, publishing a book, pursuing passion projects can quietly push us back into old patterns of overworking, people-pleasing, and trying to prove our worth. I share how recognising those patterns early helped me step back before burning out again.This episode is for teachers, leaders and anyone who feels driven to keep going, even when their body and mind are asking them to stop.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy vulnerability is not weakness, but a form of courageHow passion and purpose can still lead to burnout if we ignore our limitsThe warning signs that show up when old habits returnWhy rest is more than sleep and what real rest actually looks likeHow learning to truly switch your brain off creates clarity and creativityWhy prioritising yourself isn’t selfish, even when it feels uncomfortableThe role of boundaries, saying no, and protecting your energyHow imposter syndrome and the need to prove ourselves keep us stuckWhy finding safe people and places matters more than everHow small, intentional positives help us and our teams thriveKey MessageYou don’t need to keep proving yourself to be worthy.Rest is not failure.Vulnerability is not weakness.When we slow down, listen to ourselves, and choose to do things differently, we protect our wellbeing and create the conditions to show up with greater clarity, compassion Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena HicksEmail me: [email protected] Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com and purpose for the people around us.