Stop Performing Leadership

Episode Summary

In this episode of Transform and Lead, Bron gets real about something most high-performing women know all too well: the exhausting cycle of performing leadership instead of owning it. Bron shares her personal experience of burnout at Telstra, unpacks the difference between power and performance, and guides you through practical, real-world actions to step into leadership that feels like yours.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still questioning whether it’s enough—you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

This episode is your permission slip to stop over-functioning and start leading with clarity, alignment, and confidence.

What You’ll Hear:

• Bron’s own burnout story and the red flags she ignored
• The difference between performing leadership and owning power
• How performance-based habits keep us stuck in survival mode
• Three practical strategies to shift from performance to power
• A gentle coaching prompt to help you take action this week

Practical Takeaways:

• Start a confidence journal to track moments where you lead without justification
• Set “pause points” in your day to switch from reactivity to intention
• Check requests against your values before saying yes
• Use generous language to say no without guilt
• Shift from problem-solving to asking better questions

Coaching Prompt:

Where are you still over-performing to feel safe?
And what would shift if you led like you were already trusted?

This week, pick just one moment to experiment. Say less. Trust yourself more.
You don’t need to change everything—just start.

References & Resources Mentioned:

• Invisible Labor in the Workplace: Explores how women often undertake unpaid tasks that benefit company culture but don't advance their careers. ​Syndio+1HuffPost+1
• The Double-Bind Dilemma for Women in Leadership: Discusses the challenges women face due to gender stereotypes and the "think leader, think male" mindset. ​org
• Women in the Workplace 2024 Report: Provides insights into the state of women in corporate America, highlighting ongoing challenges and progress. ​McKinsey & Company+1WSJ+1
• Women and Leadership: A Pew Research Centre survey examining public perceptions of women in leadership roles and the traits attributed to them. ​Pew Research Centre
• How Invisible Labor Affects Relationships: Investigates the impact of unrecognized cognitive labour on women's mental health and personal relationships. ​wisc.edu+1ArizonaPAL+1

Links & Extras

• Explore Bron’s executive coaching programs: https://bronstephens.com/individual-programs/
• Connect on LinkedIn: Bron Stephens
• Know someone stuck in performance mode? Share this episode with her.

Music by audionautix.com