Dean never imagined that burnout would become the gateway to a whole new identity. A high-performing mechanical engineer working in tech startups, Dean had built a life around achievement, perfectionism, and hustle. But when overwork strained his marriage, robbed him of time with his kids, and left him emotionally and spiritually bankrupt, he realized something had to break—and it couldn’t just be his schedule.

In this raw and reflective conversation with host Teko Bailey, Dean shares how hitting a wall at work led to a year-long journey of spiritual reckoning, soul searching, and rediscovering faith. From measuring life by net worth to redefining success through a biblical worldview, Dean opens up about fatherhood, marriage, vulnerability, and what it really means to live with peace and purpose.

Whether you're grinding through a demanding season, rethinking what matters, or feeling spiritually adrift, this episode offers a lifeline—and an invitation to climb differently.

Major Themes & Concepts

✅ Burnout and the limits of hustle culture

✅ Marriage, fatherhood, and emotional presence

✅ Redefining success through a biblical lens

✅ From anxiety to peace: the impact of worldview

✅ Faith as a foundation for emotional resilience

✅ How perfectionism masks deeper fears

✅ Choosing surrender over control in life and work

🕰️ Chapter Breakdown

00:00 – Perfectionism, anxiety, and the pressure to perform

01:01 – Introducing Dean: engineer, husband, father in crisis

06:19 – A mentor’s lunch that changed the success metric

09:58 – Strained marriage, missed moments with the kids

13:02 – Internal battles: stubbornness, guilt, and burnout

16:00 – The emotional unraveling: tears, shame, and solitude

19:08 – Turning point: rediscovering faith and peace

22:32 – Worldview changes everything: how Dean rebuilt

26:33 – Key takeaways: identity, presence, and new values

30:59 – A new chapter: child of God, husband, father, free

About Teko Bailey

Teko Bailey is a husband, father, coach, and guide for men walking the path of faith and purpose. Through The Climb, he’s building a brotherhood of men committed to living fully, leading boldly, and climbing with intention.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@IamTekoBailey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tekobailey.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production and The Tallawah Group

Massif Studio & Production

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The Tallawah Group

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