Most leaders assume burnout comes from heavy workloads, unrealistic targets, or a lack of self-care.

But what if the real driver is something far more foundational — the way we relate to ourselves, our language, and even our sense of time?

Scott Herbst, founder of SixFlex Training & Consulting, offers a refreshing and deeply human take. 

He helps leaders see burnout not as a symptom of “too much to do,” but as a breakdown in integrity, alignment, and the stories we tell ourselves about work.

Listen in as he explains how language shapes our experience, why integrity has nothing to do with morality, and how leaders can rebuild clarity and presence before burnout ever takes hold.

In this conversation, Scott breaks down:

• Why we experience burnout when we treat ourselves like objects to manage.
• How language shapes reality—not just describes it.
• The question that gets past complaints to what you truly care about.
• Why teams drift and need ongoing realignment.
• How integrity gets hijacked by excuses and justifications.
• Why leaders must own their broken agreements first.
• What interview questions reveal real leadership capacity.
• How to define shared values without virtue signaling.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “One thing that I think leads to burnout is that there is a misunderstanding of what it is to be a human being.” - Scott Herbst
• “Your language is this weird behavior that shapes how you see the world, how you see other people, how you see yourself.” - Scott Herbst
• “Ask questions about where people have provided leadership. … ‘Tell me about a place where you weren't recognized as leadership.’ … ‘What was that like?’ And you'll start to see how they answer… how they see leadership.” - Scott Herbst

Resources mentioned:

• SixFlex Training
• The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn
• Gödel, Escher, Bach: The Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. Hofstadter
• The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

About the Guest

Scott Herbst is the founder and president of SixFlex Training & Consulting, where he provides behaviorally based coaching and training in leadership and communication. Through his practical and research-informed approach, Scott helps individuals and teams uncover what truly matters, restore alignment, and communicate with clarity. Participants in his programs consistently report breakthrough results not only in their work, but across every area of life.

Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | SixFlex Training | Podcast

Connect with Holli: Website | Linkedin