167 | [Guest] Boundaries, Identity, and God-Aligned Leadership with Carolon Donnally

Burnout doesn’t always look the way we expect. Sometimes it looks like loving your job… but slowly losing yourself in it. Sometimes it looks like saying “I’m fine”… while quietly falling apart. And sometimes it shows up in your body before you even recognise it in your mind. In this episode, I’m joined by Carolon Donnally, Burnout Prevention Strategist and former Head of Leadership Coaching at the IRS, who shares both her personal journey with burnout and the leadership patterns that often lead women there. Together, we explore how burnout develops over time, why high-capacity leaders are often the most at risk, and what it looks like to build a leadership life that is sustainable, healthy, and aligned with God. In This Episode We talk about: • the early warning signs of burnout (including physical symptoms many leaders ignore) • how burnout can progress into emotional and even clinical exhaustion if left unaddressed • why high-achieving, responsible leaders are often the most vulnerable to burnout • the hidden patterns that create burnout — including people-pleasing and over-responsibility • how work can subtly become an identity or even an idol • why saying “I’m fine” can mask deeper struggles • the importance of recognising emotional and physical signals early • how leaders can better support their teams and identify burnout risks • why burnout is not just an individual issue — but also an organisational one • the powerful question every leader should ask: “At what cost is this getting done?”   A Key Leadership Shift - Burnout isn’t always a sign you’re doing something wrong — but it is a signal that something needs to change. Sustainable leadership requires: • boundaries • self-awareness • identity rooted in Christ • and the wisdom to pause when needed   About Carolon Donnally Carolon Donnally is a Burnout Prevention Strategist and speaker who equips women of faith and leadership to break free from the cycle of overwork and exhaustion. As a former federal leader and Head of Leadership Coaching at the IRS, she brings over two decades of experience in leadership, coaching, and organisational development. Her work uniquely combines personal experience, research-backed strategies, and a deep understanding of workplace systems. Carolon helps both individuals and organisations address burnout at its root — empowering leaders to build cultures that support wellbeing, sustainability, and long-term impact. Her mission is to help high-achieving women rediscover their worth, reclaim their energy, and lead with clarity and compassion — without sacrificing their faith or their well-being. 🎁 Connect with Carolon 🔗 Website: https://carolon-donnally.com 🧠 Burnout Self-Assessment: https://carolon-donnally.kit.com/de74fc8233