79 - Why Work Life Balance is Failing Us and What Actually Works with Steven Langer
About this episode
Kari Lotzien and Steven Langer discuss the limitations of work-life balance and introduce the concept of work-life coherence.
In this conversation, Kari sits down with keynote speaker and author Steven Langer to challenge the idea that work-life balance is the goal. Steven makes the case that balance is a trap: it frames work and life as competing forces, sets an unrealistic 50/50 standard, and leaves high performers stuck in guilt and pendulum-swinging. Instead, Steven introduces work-life coherence, a practical way of living and leading where your work and life fit together and make sense for the season you’re in. Using relatable analogies (the seesaw, the sailing captain, and the hill vs. plateau), they unpack how to create space for complexity, protect your “fulcrum” (health), and lead teams (especially remote teams) with intention, clarity, and trust.
People in this episode
Host: Kari Lotzien
Guest: Steven Langer
Topics covered
- work-life balance
- work-life coherence
- high performance
- leadership
- remote teams
- health
Keywords
- work-life balance
- work-life coherence
- leadership
- high performers
- remote teams
- health
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- 78 - Why Leaders Avoid Hard Conversations (and Why It Costs You More Than You Think)
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