
From Burnout to Aligned Success: Leading Authentically with Shelley-Ann Pieterse
From Quietly Visible by Carol Stewart
June 5, 2026 · 36 min
About this episode
Carol Stewart and Shelley-Ann Pieterse discuss the intersection of ambition, authenticity, and wellbeing in leadership, particularly for high-achieving women facing burnout.
In this inspiring episode of Quietly Visible, host Carol Stewart is joined by Shelley-Ann Pieterse, Executive Alignment Coach and former Managing Director at Accenture, to explore what happens when ambition, perfectionism, and the need for validation collide with authenticity and wellbeing. Drawing on her own experience of navigating leadership as an introverted woman from a previously disadvantaged background, Shelley-Ann shares the challenges of trying to fit into environments where she felt different—and the personal cost of constantly striving to prove herself. Together, Carol and Shelley-Ann discuss the pressures many high-achieving women place on themselves, the impact of burnout, and why sustainable success starts with self-awareness and alignment. Shelley-Ann candidly reflects on her journey through multiple episodes of burnout, the loss of her partner, and the powerful realisation that success means little when it comes at the expense of your health, values, and happiness. 💡 In this episode, you'll hear about: The hidden impact of perfectionism and over-responsibility Why validation-seeking can lead to burnout Navigating leadership as an introverted woman in a…
People in this episode
Host: Carol Stewart
Guest: Shelley-Ann Pieterse
Topics covered
- burnout
- authentic leadership
- women in business
- self-awareness
- sustainable success
- mentorship
Keywords
- burnout
- authenticity
- leadership
- women in business
- self-awareness
- mentorship
- success
- validation
- perfectionism
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Accenture
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