The New Peak

Six-time Olympic medalist Cindy Klassen joins Nicola McCrabbe to discuss the realities of performing under pressure, overcoming setbacks, and sustaining success over time. From getting cut from hockey teams to recovering from a career-threatening injury, Cindy shares the mindset shifts that helped her stay resilient and grounded. This conversation explores leadership, joy, perspective, and what it really takes to perform at a high level without burning out. A powerful episode for leaders, athletes, and high-performers alike.

What actually supports employees under pressure? In this episode, Naomi shares insights from her research into employee well-being, revealing that emotional intelligence and communication—not perks—are what truly matter. We explore how leaders can build trust, support their teams, and sustain performance without burnout. A must-listen for leaders navigating high-pressure environments.

Leaders today face constant pressure to perform while navigating rapid change. But how do you sustain high performance without burning out yourself or your team? In this episode of the New Peak Podcast, Nicola speaks with VP of Engineering, Jason Sanchez about leading through acquisitions, spotting early signs of burnout in high performers, and creating environments where individuals can thrive. They explore the importance of trust, intrinsic motivation, and helping people find the work that truly “fills their cup.”

What happens when you take on everything — and never say no? In this episode of The New Peak Podcast, I’m joined by Natasha Rogers, who shares how carrying too much responsibility gradually led her into burnout. It wasn’t one dramatic collapse. It was subtle. A growing impatience. Feeling stretched thin. Ignoring the quiet warning signs. Until the “dirty laundry” became the breaking point. That overflowing pile wasn’t really about laundry — it was the signal that something deeper needed attention. Together, we explore: • The pressure of always being the responsible one • Why high achievers struggle to say no • The emotional and physical signs of burnout • The moment she realised something had to change • How a trip home created space to reset • Learning to be kinder to yourself • Becoming more intentional about balance and boundaries If you’ve been carrying too much, feeling less like yourself, or noticing the small signs you keep brushing aside — this conversation will resonate. Burnout doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it looks like laundry you don’t have the energy to fold. 🎧 Listen and reflect: What might your “overflowing laundry” be telling you? 🎧 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The New Peak Podcast 00:42 – Life Before Burnout: Living Where You Work 02:23 – Sudden Work Overload & Three Roles at Once 03:19 – Personal Chaos & Family Crisis 04:23 – Early Warning Signs: “I Thought I Was Coping” 05:28 – The Breaking Point: Tears in the Interview 07:18 – Booking a Flight & The Dirty Laundry Moment 10:04 – Recovery Begins: Taking a Real Break 12:06 – Redefining Success & Choosing Joy 14:04 – Advice to Others: Trust Yourself & Speak Up 15:46 – Proud Quitting, Boundaries & Balance 19:16 – Final Reflections: Reflecting on What Truly Matters 📌 Connect & Resources Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-rogers/ Take the Burnout Quiz: https://nicolamccrabbe.com/test/burnout-quiz/ Learn more about coaching with Nicola: https://nicolamccrabbe.com/coaching Read Nicola's book - Burnout Be Gone: https://tinyurl.com/4u8jas5u/ Subscribe to The New Peak Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform.

Hi everyone — welcome to the first episode of The New Peak Podcast! I’m Nicola McCrabbe, and my mission is to help leaders, high-performers, and anyone who wants to sustain pressure under pressure without burning out. In this episode, I’m joined by Bianca Ribi, a bobsleigh athlete preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. Recorded just before she hit the track, Bianca shares her incredible journey — from playing soccer, to firefighting, to Olympic bobsleigh — and how she stays resilient, motivated, and focused under enormous pressure. Together, we explore: What it really takes to pivot into a completely new sport Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and setbacks How to maintain focus, motivation, and trust with your team Routines and strategies for peak performance without burning out Whether you’re a high-performer, a leader, or just someone who wants to show up fully in life, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, preparation, and mental strength. 🎧 **Episode Timestamps**   0:45 – First Olympics: how it feels right now   1:30 – From soccer & firefighting to bobsleigh   3:00 – Discovering bobsleigh and stepping into elite sport   6:00 – Performing under pressure (firefighting mindset)   7:35 – The hardest part of transitioning sports   9:28 – Self-doubt, fear, and setbacks   10:45 – Learning how to work with fear   11:55 – Staying motivated when progress is slow   13:30 – When the Olympic dream felt out of reach   16:15 – Pushing hard without burning out   17:58 – Preparing with less than a month to go   20:22 – Trust, teamwork, and teammates   21:33 – Standing at the start line: emotions   23:23 – What this journey reveals about resilience   25:58 – Crossing the finish line   📌 Connect & Subscribe Subscribe to The New Peak Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app Follow me for tips on resilience, leadership, and thriving under pressure: [Nicolamccrabbe.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamccrabbe/] Share this episode with a friend who wants to show up fully and sustainably in life