The founder balancing act: Ambition, boundaries, and burnout

New year, new goals - but how do you sustain them without burning out?!In this episode of High Agency Women (our first for the year!) host Natasha Gillezeau sits down with psychologist Rashida Dungarwalla and founders Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks and Alicia Vrajlal for an honest conversation about ambition, boundaries, and wellbeing in the startup world. From vision boards and New Year’s resolutions to the pressure to always say yes, the trio unpack how being a founder can blur the line between work and identity - and why learning to step back is essential for long-term success. Rashida (also the founder of everyone's favourite Flow State Space) shares why having interests outside of work and “switching hats” is critical for balance, while Phoebe reflects on people-pleasing, setting firmer boundaries and how rest has made her more creative. Alicia also opens up about the expectations that come with visibility, chronic health challenges and the hidden cost of overcommitment (that often founders know all too well!). Together, they explore a shared truth: doing everything isn’t sustainable - and boundaries aren’t a failure, but a leadership skill. Our High Agency Women series is proudly sponsored by Blackbird.