193: What Executives Get Wrong About Stress (From a CEO Who Nearly Died) | Michael Levitt

Burnout isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something we can see, understand, and actively reverse. In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with Michael Levitt—burnout prevention expert, speaker, and survivor—to unpack what burnout really is (hint: it’s not the same as depression), why it so often sneaks up on high performers, and how we all can make small but life-changing shifts to reclaim our energy and purpose. Michael shares his own unforgettable story of hitting rock bottom—a heart attack at age 40, job loss, even losing his house—and how it became a catalyst for helping thousands escape the burnout trap. 

From the real causes (spoiler: sleep and financial stress matter more than you think) to the game-changing power of boundaries and curiosity, this episode is packed with practical tools and urgent truths for anyone who wants to build a burnout-proof life and culture—whether you’re a leader, a team member, or simply feeling the weight of modern work. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why Michael Levitt believes burnout is ultimately a choice—and what that really means for your life and career. 
• The crucial differences between burnout and clinical depression—and how to spot (and avoid) both. 
• Michael’s personal journey through health and financial collapse, and what finally sparked his comeback. 
• The underestimated role of sleep and nutrition in burnout prevention (plus, why boundaries are the ultimate life hack). 
• How financial stress impacts mental and physical wellness—and step-by-step tips for regaining control. 
• What organizations and leaders must do to break the burnout cycle—and why investing in learning (even on a shoestring) is a must. 
• Top strategies for high performers to set boundaries and prevent being overloaded by “do more” cultures. 

 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Michael’s heart attack at 40 and the wake-up call that followed 

01:18 – Why burnout is a choice (and why that statement is controversial) 

03:15 – Defining burnout vs. depression (World Health Organization lens) 

05:23 – The life collapse: job loss, home, and rebuilding from zero 

12:38 – Curiosity vs. victimhood: how Michael avoided blaming others 

16:40 – Boundaries: Michael’s first big change post-burnout 

17:22 – Main triggers: financial stress, poor nutrition, and sleep 

20:00 – Why sleep is the ultimate burnout prevention tool 

24:54 – Why financial pressure is behind so much burnout today 

29:06 – Practical advice for dealing with debt and budgeting 

35:58 – Who’s responsible for burnout at work: leadership or employees? 

40:58 – Learning and development: how upskilling fights burnout 

44:33 – The importance of culture, belonging, and purpose 

50:49 – Setting boundaries as a top performer—before it’s too late 

56:08 – How team members can communicate workload limits 

58:47 – Michael’s #1 burnout tip: set your bedroom up for sleep success 

1:00:40 – Recap: small, consistent changes are the burnout antidote 

 

About Michael Levitt 

Michael Levitt is a globally recognized burnout expert, keynote speaker, and the founder of the Breakfast Leadership Network. Michael set out to understand stress and burnout from the inside out. Today, he coaches leaders and organizations worldwide on building burnout-proof cultures through practical boundaries, improved sleep, and powerful mindset shifts. Michael is also the author of Burnout Proof and host of the popular Breakfast Leadership Show. 

Resources Referenced: 

• Michael Levitt Linkedin: