Work Is Not Your Life: Leading without Overworking

Chapter 4 Preview

Overworking is not leading.

Somewhere along the way, leadership got tangled up with overwork. Long hours, constant availability, being the first one in and the last one out. But here’s the thing: burning yourself out doesn’t make you a better leader—it just makes you burn out.

Leading without overworking starts with redefining what leadership actually is. A leader sets a vision, creates an environment where people can thrive, and removes roadblocks. None of that requires sacrificing your health, your relationships, or your sanity.

When I coach leaders, the turning point usually comes when they realize their value isn’t in being the busiest person in the room. Their value is in creating space for others to do their best work. That’s when influence grows. That’s when real leadership shows up.

This chapter is about letting go of the old story that hustle equals impact. Leadership without overwork is possible—and it’s the only way to make it sustainable.