Why Burnout Is Everywhere with Elizabeth Wangugi

Elizabeth Wangugi shares eye-opening statistics—like how 77% of employees, including executives, report feeling burned out—and offers her unique perspective on why burnout is more than just a workplace issue.

Our discussion journeys through the hidden symptoms of burnout, why many people (especially leaders) fail to recognize it until it’s too late, and the cultural factors that reward pushing past our limits.

You’ll hear honest reflections on the unique challenges women face, from lack of health resources to juggling multiple roles at home and work, and why support systems, self-care, and the courage to rest are essential for true productivity and happiness. Elizabeth even peels back the layers on concepts like discipline vs. self-control and the power of being proactive in supporting loved ones.

Packed with practical wisdom, personal stories, and a refreshing take on life’s true successes, this episode will inspire you to rethink your own relationship to work, rest, and purpose. Whether you’re feeling the weight of burnout or simply want to build a more balanced life, there’s something here for everyone. Tune in, and let’s explore how to move from simply surviving to truly thriving.

Moments

00:00 Zora's House: Support for Women

10:17 Preventing and Addressing Employee Burnout

15:07 Minority Pressure to Overperform

20:41 "Exploring Slow Productivity and Burnout"

21:48 Defining Success and Productivity

28:05 Endless Thoughts, Sleepless Nights

37:36 Purpose and Motivation Against Burnout

39:51 Intrinsic Motivation vs. Extrinsic Pressure

45:35 The Illusion of Success

53:47 "Black Women's Strength and Independence"

58:56 "Understanding Partner's Personality"

01:02:43 "I Lied": Heartfelt Song's Twist

01:06:17 Networking Pajama Concert & Wellness

Here are 3 key takeaways we think are worth sharing:

• Burnout is often invisible—until it isn’t. Many people, especially leaders and high achievers, don’t recognize burnout until they’re forced to stop. The societal reward for pushing through pain needs to be questioned.

• Connection is a powerful antidote. Those less prone to burnout often have strong, supportive networks—people they feel safe being vulnerable with. High-quality sleep, healthy routines, and regular ‘mental’ practices (from meditation to faith) are also common protective factors.

• Women carry layered burdens. Burnout in women is amplified by gaps in health resources and disproportionate “second and third shifts” at home. Support for women requires not just empathy, but proactive help—sometimes before it’s even asked for.

Elizabeth Wangugi is a workplace wellness strategist, trauma-informed

embodiment facilitator, and the founder of Exclusive Excursions and the Nap

Concert.

With over 10 years of experience in event planning and organizational

transformation, Elizabeth helps teams and leaders dismantle burnout culture

by reconnecting to the company purpose, emotional intelligence, and embodied

care.

Known as “The Business Witchdoctor,” she blends behavioral science, somatic

rituals, and graceful strategy to create environments where healing and high

performance coexist. Her work invites both individuals and institutions to

reimagine success through restoration, not depletion.

Elizabeth’s voice is a balm for burned-out professionals and a compass for

companies seeking something more human—and more sustainable. Connect

with Elizabeth at https://www.veex.store.

In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at [e-mail], or go to their website,