The Corporate Burnouts Podcast

Why High-Achieving Women Get Stuck — and How to Break Free | Ep. 68 with Ali CarsonIf you've ever felt stuck in your career, burned out from chasing the wrong version of success, or like you're getting in your own way, this episode is for you.We're joined by Ali Carson, MBA, ACC, Gallup certified strengths coach, brain-based coach, two-time #1 international bestselling author, and founder of Movere Coaching. With 20+ years in HR and leadership development, Ali helps high-achieving women unlock their strengths and lead with authenticity.In this episode, we dig into:✔️ Why high-achieving women are often the last to recognize when they're stuck✔️ The hidden habits holding women back and the books that expose them✔️ How redefining success changed everything for Ali (and can for you too)✔️ Limiting beliefs: what they are, where they come from, and how to release them✔️ The "implementation intentions" strategy that makes change actually stick✔️ Why accountability is the missing piece most people ignore✔️ Ali's Rise & Thrive group coaching program and why community matters in growthAli's story — from small-town Missouri to building her own coaching business after losing both parents and walking away from burnout — is raw, real, and deeply relatable.Whether you're still in corporate or building something of your own, this episode will help you stop letting yourself get in your own way.🔗 Find Ali Carson:- Website - https://moverecoaching.com/- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/moverecoaching/- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/movere-coaching- Links to books she is a part of - https://bit.ly/4olVY4H & https://bit.ly/49VJStk

You are not a victim of your corporate life and this episode is your wake-up call.In Episode 66, both Mandys get real about one of the most uncomfortable truths in burnout recovery: personal responsibility. After 65 episodes of unpacking toxic workplaces, bad bosses, and burnout, they're turning the mirror around on themselves and on you.They dig into why so many of us stay stuck in jobs we hate, and it's not just the health insurance. It's fear. It's comfort. It's a corporate identity we've built our entire self-worth around. It's the "frog in the pot" effect and the complaining circles that keep us boiling.This episode covers:Why you're not a victim (even when it really feels like you are)The "frog in the pot" theory and how corporate life slowly normalizes the unbearableProfessional codependency — and why loyalty to your boss isn't a reason to stayThe "choose your hard" mindset shift that changes everythingThe questions you need to ask yourself if you're ready to explore what's nextPlus, a reference back to their episode with Rachel Zimmerman on health insurance options outside of corporate, and a sneak peek at next week's topic: imposter syndrome.If you've ever told yourself "I can't leave" , this one's for you.

We'll be honest, one of us procrastinated on her own podcast class about podcasting. And that's exactly how this episode happened.This week, the Mandys get real about procrastination: why we do it, why we can't seem to stop, and the tips and tricks we're actually putting into practice. No judgment. We're both works in progress.We get into:Why procrastination isn't laziness — it's often fear, overwhelm, perfectionism, or ADHDThe dopamine hit of the deadline and why some of us genuinely do our best work under pressureWhy the "eat that frog" method and waking up at 5am won't work for everyoneThe brain dump + time blocking combo that's actually making a differenceHow to use a secondary calendar to stop your week from blowing up on ThursdayWhy setting deadlines, even fake ones, changes everythingThe resentment connection: why you're putting off that task at work (hint: it might be a sign)The bite-sized piece method for massive projects you keep avoidingWhy procrastinating on things that don't have deadlines is punishing future youHow to take the shame out of the way your brain actually works🔒 Share your corporate secrets anonymously at thecorporateburnouts.com⭐ Subscribe & leave a review — it means more than you know!

We've talked about burnout a lot. But this week, we brought in someone who can explain why it's happening in your body — at a biological level.International bestselling author and physiotherapist Jessica Maguire joins the Mandys to break down the nervous system science behind burnout, and honestly? Everything finally makes sense.This episode covers:What the vagus nerve actually is and why it controls so much more than you thinkWhy burnout isn't a willpower problem — it's a physiology problemThe "hot water" analogy that perfectly explains how we end up completely depletedWhy the freeze response gets unfairly judged (and why it's not weakness)The physical symptoms of burnout you're probably not connecting to your job — gut issues, brain fog, immune problems, loss of libido, and moreHow to start regulating your nervous system if you're already deep in itWhy play — yes, actual play — is one of the most powerful recovery toolsThe role of shame, perfectionism, and overachieving in keeping you stuckJessica has trained over 25,000 people through her nervous system programs and her book The Nervous System Reset has been published in 9+ languages. This one is packed.Find Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicamaguire.com/ Instagram: @repairing_the_nervous_systemPurchase her book (The Nervous System Reset): https://bit.ly/4w5kNpiSubmit your anonymous corporate secrets: https://www.thecorporateburnouts.com/secretsSubscribe & leave us a review!

Are corporate politics holding you back or are you just not playing the game yet?In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt break down one of the most misunderstoodskills in career growth, navigating corporate politics. Forget the toxic stereotype. This conversation reframes workplace politics as a practical tool for getting promoted, earning raises, and unlocking opportunities you've been working hard for but never getting credit for.What we cover:Why hard work alone isn't enough to get noticed at workHow to build strategic visibility without being fake or loudThe power of cross-functional relationships for career advancementHow to self-promote authentically (yes, without the cringe)Humble bragging, recap emails & other tools to showcase your impact (see episode 35 - Building Your Personal Brand Before You Quit, for a deeper discussion on this!)The hidden career risks of staying invisible at workWhy your work doesn't speak for itself, butpeople doWhether you're climbing the corporate ladder, navigating a small business, or building something on your own, thisepisode will change how you think about influence, visibility, and career growth.Subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a review if this resonated, and share it with someone who's been putting in the work but not getting the recognition they deserve.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt take on one of the most emotionally charged topics in modern work culture: can working moms really “have it all”? From corporate careers and high performance expectations to motherhood, mental load, and burnout, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to try to be everything to everyone. Mandy and Mandy share raw, honest experiences about balancing career ambition with family life, the constant pressure of perfectionism, and the invisible mental load that keeps working moms in a cycle of stress, guilt, and exhaustion. They unpack the truth behind the idea of “having it all,” explaining how many women are unknowingly trying to live two full lives at once—career-driven professional and fully present parent—without the time, energy, or support to sustain either at a healthy level. The result? Burnout, resentment, and a loss of joy in both work and home life. This episode dives into the real reasons behind that feeling, including societal expectations, comparison, fear of missing out, and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards in every role. Most importantly, they challenge listeners to rethink success, redefine priorities, and make intentional choices about where to focus their energy without guilt or judgment. Whether you’re a working mom, considering leaving corporate, or simply feeling stretched too thin trying to do it all, this episode will help you step back, get honest with yourself, and realize that success isn’t about having everything, it’s about choosing what actually matters. If this conversation resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs permission to stop trying to do it all.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, hosts Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt unpack a powerful mindset shift for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unhappy in corporate life. After attending the BECOME Conference, they reflect on a surprising realization: maybe you don’t actually hate your job… maybe you’re just working in a way that doesn’t align with how you function best.From time management and people-pleasing to lack of control, burnout, and misalignment, this episode dives into the real reasons professionals feel drained at work. Mandy and Mandy share honest experiences from their corporate careers, including juggling expectations, navigating multiple bosses, struggling with productivity, and dealing with tasks that feel meaningless. They also explore practical ways to regain control, set boundaries, align your work with your strengths, and reduce stress without necessarily leaving your job.If you’re experiencing burnout, considering a career change, or simply trying to enjoy your work again, this conversation will help you reframe your perspective and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling professional life. You’ll walk away realizing you’re not lazy, unmotivated, or broken—you may just be in the wrong structure or approaching your work in a way that isn’t serving you.This episode also highlights key lessons from entrepreneurship, marketing collaboration, productivity strategies, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating career burnout or work-life balance.If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs it, subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts, and follow along for weekly conversations on surviving and thriving in corporate life.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts Podcast, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt dive into one of the most frustrating realities of corporate life: paid time off (PTO). From denied vacation requests and last-minute PTO cancellations to guilt from bosses and the pressure employees feel about stepping away from work, the Mandys unpack the complicated culture surrounding vacation time in the United States. They explore why nearly half of American employees don’t use all of their PTO, how corporate policies like accrued vacation time, manager approval, use-it-or-lose-it policies, and unlimited PTO often create more stress than freedom, and why burnout is often tied directly to the inability to truly disconnect from work. Drawing from their own experiences in corporate leadership, the restaurant industry, and now entrepreneurship, they discuss the emotional and professional trade-offs between traditional corporate benefits and the reality of running your own business or working as a 1099 contractor where paid vacation technically doesn’t exist. Along the way, they break down the psychology behind workplace guilt, favoritism in PTO approval, how vacation culture differs in Europe where workers receive 20–30 days of vacation by law, and whether unlimited PTO is actually a perk or a hidden productivity strategy used by companies. If you’ve ever struggled to get vacation approved, felt guilty about taking time off, wondered whether corporate benefits are worth it, or tried to balance work, burnout, and personal life, this episode will resonate with you. Listen now to join the conversation about PTO culture, workplace expectations, and finding healthier boundaries around work and rest, and don’t forget to follow The Corporate Burnouts and share your own PTO horror stories, workplace frustrations, or terrible boss experiences at thecorporateburnouts.com for a chance to have your story featured in a future episode.And don't forget, there are still a couple of tickets available for the Become Women's Summit in St. Louis March 12-13. Use this link to get your ticket before they sell out! https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this special one-year anniversary episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Alt and Mandy Holt dive into one of the most debated workplace topics, office romance. From dating a coworker to dating your boss, navigating power dynamics, favoritism, jealousy, workplace gossip, and messy breakups, this episode explores the real pros and cons of workplace relationships.With over 60% of people experiencing a workplace romanceand nearly half leading to long-term relationships or marriage, it’s no surprise that office dating is common. But is it worth the risk? The Mandys share personal stories from their restaurant industry days, unpack the psychology behind why workplace relationships feel so intense, and discuss the professional risks that come with mixing business and pleasure. They also break down power imbalances, HR policies, performance reviews, manipulation risks, and the legal and career consequences that can follow when dating crossesprofessional lines.From wild cheating scandals and corporate horror storiesto real examples of marriages that started at work, this episode covers the full spectrum of workplace drama. If you’ve ever had a crush on a coworker, dated your manager, considered disclosing a workplace relationship to HR, orsurvived a messy office breakup, this conversation will feel uncomfortably relatable.As The Corporate Burnouts celebrates one full year and 52consecutive episodes without missing a week, this conversation reflects on growth, risk, personal responsibility, and the lessons learned from corporate life and beyond. If you’re navigating corporate culture, workplace politics,career burnout, or trying to figure out how relationships impact your professional path, this episode is for you.If you would like to see the TikTok video(s) the Mandyswere discussing, here is the link to part 1 of this series. You can find the rest on this creator's channel. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThQg7hry/⁠Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share thisepisode with a friend who needs to hear it. If you or someone you know has a wild workplace romance story, corporate burnout journey, or small business transition story, reach out through thecorporateburnouts.com. We’d love to feature you on an upcoming episode.

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Whitney Kenter for an honest conversation about what happens when you do everything “right” on paper but still feel deeply unfulfilled. Whitney shares her journey from building a successful corporate career to realizing that achievement without alignment leads straight to burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion. Together, they unpack the quiet warning signs so many high performers ignore, how grief, pressure, and identity become tangled up in work, and why walking away from a stable career can feel both terrifying and freeing. This conversation explores burnout recovery, redefining success, trusting your intuition, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life and career that bring joy instead of constant stress. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job you’re good at but no longer connected to, questioned whether burnout is a season or a signal, or wondered if it’s possible to start over without losing yourself, this episode offers clarity, validation, and permission to want more. Listen in, reflect on what fulfillment really means for you, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or career transition, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, healing, and life beyond corporate expectations.If you liked hearing from Whitney, here are some ways to find her - Website: https://www.gloweconnective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloweconnective/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-k-glowe/Come see her keynote at the Become Women's Conference: https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt unpack what they call the “corporate personality hangover”, the lingering habits, people-pleasing instincts, and emotional masking that follow you long after leaving corporate life. Sparked by a difficult client situation, the Mandys explore how corporate conditioning shows up in conflict, communication, crisis management, and boundary-setting, even when you’re running your own business. From phone voices and media training to over-apologizing, diffusing situations at your own expense, and struggling to separate professionalism from authenticity, this conversation dives deep into how years of corporate survival shape who we become. They talk honestly about client boundaries, firing the wrong clients, why “the client is always right” mentality causes burnout, and how prolonged masking erodes mental health over time. The episode also touches on people-pleasing, brand identity, emotional labor, and learning how to be both direct and kind without abandoning yourself. If you’ve left corporate but still feel the reflex to over-perform, over-explain, or swallow your instincts to keep the peace, this episode will help you recognize the hangover, unlearn the damage, and redefine what healthy professionalism actually looks like. Listen in, reflect on where you might still be masking, share this episode with someone navigating burnout or business ownership, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, identity, boundaries, and life after corporate.And if you’re looking for inspiration and education that leads to actionable change, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt kick off 2026 by flipping the usual New Year conversation on its head and focusing on what they’re not doing anymore at work. From people-pleasing, working outside of work hours, and operating on everyone else’s timeline to gatekeeping information, going above and beyond without return, and setting themselves on fire to keep others warm, the Mandys unpack the habits that quietly fuel burnout in corporate life and entrepreneurship. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and real conversations with listeners, they explore why work is ultimately transactional, how loyalty can be unintentionally exploited, and why boundaries, delegation, and intentional priorities are essential for sustainability. They also share personal shifts around movement, routines, social energy, saying no without guilt, and redefining success in a way that protects time, health, and relationships. If you’re burned out, feeling resentful at work, or realizing that over-investing hasn’t paid off the way you were promised, this episode will help you name what needs to stop so you can make room for what actually matters. Listen in, reflect on what you’re done tolerating in 2026, share this episode with someone who needs permission to set boundaries, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, boundaries, and building a healthier way forward. And if you’re looking for a reset in the new year, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380