In this episode, Erica D’Eramo sits down with clinical psychologist and behavioral change expert Dr. Marissa Alert to explore the hidden costs of burnout—and what it really takes to create high-performing, resilient teams. After a life-altering car accident forced her to reexamine her own experience with burnout, Dr. Alert founded MDA Wellness to help leaders move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives and address the systemic roots of stress in the workplace.
From the dangers of “presenteeism” to the myth of rest as a reward, this conversation dives deep into the habits and cultural norms that keep burnout in place—and what organizations can do to change course. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating burnout yourself, this episode is full of insight and practical tools.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Dr. Alert’s personal journey from burnout to founding MDA Wellness
- Why burnout is so often overlooked and normalized in high-performing environments
- The problem with one-size-fits-all wellness programs
- How the industrial model of work contributes to unsustainable performance
- The critical role of rest and recovery in long-term success
- Steps individuals can take to recognize and recover from burnout
- Strategies for organizations to diagnose and address systemic drivers of burnout
- When to bring in external expertise—and how to tell if your current efforts are falling short
Resources & Mentions:
- Dr. Marissa Alert’s company: MDA Wellness
- Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
- Dr. Alert’s features in Forbes and Newsweek
Connect with Dr. Marissa Alert:
🌐 mdawellness.com
💼 LinkedIn – Marissa Alert, PhD
📩 Join her monthly virtual roundtables for leaders focused on well-being and performance
Connect with Two Piers Consulting:
🔗 twopiersconsulting.com
📣 Follow us on LinkedIn
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