This Isn't Working: Why The Way We Run Businesses Is Burning Us Out with Megan French Dunbar

In this episode of This Mother Means Business, Laura sits down with author and business anthropologist Meghan French Dunbar to talk about her book “This Isn’t Working” and why our current work culture is leaving so many women burned out, anxious, and overwhelmed. They unpack what’s actually at the root of modern burnout, how leaders and companies can build human-first businesses, why defining “enough” in life and business matters, and how to create success that includes mental health, joy, and quality of life—not just revenue.In this episode you will hear:01:29 – Meghan explains who she is and what a “business anthropologist” means03:20 – The core problem behind “This Isn’t Working” and why work feels broken05:42 – Laura’s client story about wanting to burn it all down and run away07:18 – What thriving leaders do differently: authenticity and sustainable performance09:44 – The five elements of human flourishing and how we neglect them10:24 – Laura realizes she’s been neglecting her basic needs as a founder and mum11:58 – Human-first companies like Eileen Fisher and EO Products as real-world examples13:50 – Meghan’s personal story: Conscious Company Magazine, hustle, and panic attacks17:24 – Stepping down as CEO, becoming a full-time mum, and hitting burnout18:59 – Clinical depression, starting therapy, and questioning what “normal” work is22:35 – How Meghan researched the book and interviewed nearly 100 leaders25:47 – Sharon Rowe, EcoBags, and building a “tiny business” around an ideal life29:29 – Redefining success: extrinsic vs intrinsic motivation and Meghan’s Venn diagram33:25 – Where to find “This Isn’t Working” and support local bookstores Meghan's Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanfrenchdunbar/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MeghanFrenchDunbar Tickets for This Mother Means Business LIVE - Presented by CIBC Business Banking on April 1st, 2026 are available now! Get yours here: https://www.thismothermeansbusiness.com/tmmb-2026 Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok