In this powerful and unforgettable episode of The Plastic Couch Podcast, Yarbrah shares her experience transitioning into a C-suite role as Chief Program Officer before she made the difficult decision to choose herself and quit her job. She also talks about the physical and mental toll of burnout, being the problem solver, pushing beyond capacity, how childhood experiences shaped her identity as a high achiever, her struggle with perfectionism, and the breaking point that led to her decision to leave her role despite feelings of guilt and responsibility.
Music Credit: "Circle" by Columbia Nights
[00:00] Introduction to episode about being the "strong friend"
[01:00] Yarbrah describes her breaking point and decision to quit
[02:00] Host Kristen welcomes Yarbrah to the podcast
[04:00] Yarbrah describes herself in three words: empowering, anxious, leader
[07:00] Yarbrah discusses quickly being promoted to Chief Program Officer
[10:00] Trying to maintain a confident facade while struggling
[14:00] Childhood experiences as the "good girl" who achieved[18:00] Comparison with her sister and internalizing problems
[23:00] Discussion about perfectionism and avoiding activities not immediately good at
[27:00] Internal struggle of feeling responsible for fixing everything[32:00] Kristen spotting signs of Yarbrah's struggle
[36:00] Never learning when something was "too much"
[40:00] Physical symptoms of burnout
[45:00] Moment of truth – seeing herself in the mirror
[50:00] Returning from vacation and decision to quit[55:00] Friend pointing out she picked herself, not just let others down
[59:00] Unrealistic plans for productivity during time off
[01:04:00] Challenge of truly resting for the first time
[01:08:00] Closing advice about identifying people who see you
[01:22:00] Closing thanks and sign-off
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