This special edition, extended episode explores the complex relationship between mental health, burnout and suicidality, and why honest, compassionate conversations can be life-saving.

Our host, Jayne Morris MCC, the UK’s Leading Executive Burnout Coach, is joined by Laurence Davies, who brings both lived experience and extensive professional experience from senior leadership roles within the UK mental health charity sector.

Together, they explore:

• Mental health stigma and why it still prevents people seeking help
• Burnout as a risk amplifier for mental health distress
• Suicidal ideation as more common and more survivable than many people realise
• Why asking directly about suicide does not make things worse
• How individuals, leaders and organisations can create cultures of care
• The importance of prevention, early intervention and shared responsibility

Mental Health Stats: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-facts-and-statistics/

Content note
This episode includes discussion of suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm and burnout. The conversation is held with care and hope, but please listen in a way that feels supportive for you. If you need immediate support, please consider the resources below.

Support & crisis resources
UK support:
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support for anyone experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts
Phone: 116 123
Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Mind
Information, advice and support on mental health problems and crisis services
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness
Support, information and advocacy for people living with mental illness
Website: https://www.rethink.org

GP / Primary Care Doctor (UK)
Your GP can help with referrals, medication, talking therapies and local crisis services.

NHS Crisis Teams (UK)
Local mental health crisis services are available in many areas — often without a 

GP referral.
More information: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/get-help/urgent-help/
International listeners

If you are outside the UK, you can find international helplines via: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

Workplace approaches discussed: mental‑health‑informed leadership, core coaching skills (active listening and presence), external facilitation for cultural change, and blended coaching‑mentoring to support sustainable organisational wellbeing.

Personal practices referenced (non-clinical)

These were shared as personal supports, not prescriptions: Meditation, Yoga, Time in nature, Walking, Reducing or stopping alcohol during periods of recovery.

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Burnout to Brilliance Podcast (formerly The Art of Balance), Jayne Morris MCC introduces a deeply insightful conversation with Dr Richard Duggins, consultant psychiatrist and author of Burnout-Free Working. Together, they explore what it truly means to work and live, in ways that prevent burnout rather than merely recover from it.

Richard reflects on his 20-year journey as “the doctor’s doctor,” supporting thousands of professionals through burnout, anxiety, and depression.  This conversation examines the systemic causes of burnout, the importance of psychologically safe workplace cultures, and how leaders can reach in, rather than expecting individuals to toughen up or “be more resilient.”

Jayne and Richard also unpack the Exhaustion Funnel and Burnout Cliff models, offering clear and compassionate ways to recognise early warning signs, restore balance, and cultivate connection. Together, they invite listeners to rethink resilience, not as an individual trait, but as something built through relationships, care, and community.

A hopeful and practical start to the new series, this episode is for anyone who wants to thrive in demanding environments without losing themselves in the process.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Burnout to Brilliance Podcast

00:45 Welcoming Dr Richard Duggins

01:20 Rethinking Resilience: Beyond the Individual

04:00 The Exhaustion Funnel: How Balance Narrows Over Time

07:15 The Cost of Isolation and the Power of Connection

09:45 What Organisations Can Do to Prevent Burnout

12:30 The Burnout Cliff: Spotting the Signs Before Collapse

16:10 Finding Your People and Building Safety at Work

20:15 The Role of Leadership and Psychological Safety

25:00 From Burnout to Brilliance: Reigniting Hope

28:00 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Dr Richard Duggins
Author of Burnout-Free Working
Burnout-Free Working on Amazon

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Art of Balance Podcast, hosted by Jayne Morris, the UK’s Leading Executive Burnout Coach, we explore the truth about resilience and burnout with special guest Kai-Nneka Townsend. A Leadership Resilience & Burnout Consultant with over a decade of experience in the corporate world, Kai-Nneka shares her powerful story of reaching breaking point, and how it led her to redefine what true resilience looks like.

Together, Jayne and Kai-Nneka unpack the myths around resilience in leadership, explore how stress shows up differently for high achievers, and introduce a five-part model of real, sustainable resilience. They discuss why pushing through isn’t a strategy, how personal challenges intensify work-related stress, and why recovery starts with intentional pauses and support, not spa days or surface solutions.
Whether you're a leader, coach, or someone navigating stress, this episode offers compassionate insight, practical strategies, and a vital reminder that real resilience begins with looking after yourself.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Our Guest: Kai-Nneka Townsend

01:17 Kai-Nneka’s Personal Burnout Story

04:41 The Hidden Pressure of Leadership and Lack of Support

09:53 Why Holidays and Spa Days Aren’t Enough

14:17 Noticing the Silent Burnout of Other Leaders

16:55 What Real Resilience Looks Like: A 5-Part Model

21:57 Reframing Resilience and Letting Go of Overperformance

23:58 Planning Ahead for Stressful Seasons

28:09 The Power of Coaching and Safe Spaces

31:50 Overplayed Strengths and the Role of Reflection

35:34 Practical Ways to Pause on Purpose

37:01 Final Reflections: Alignment, Bravery & Sustainable Change

38:49 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, hosted by Jayne Morris, executive burnout coach, we delve into busyness and burnout with guest Philip Atkinson. Philip, a leadership team expert and founder of Hive Logic, shares insights from his book 'Bee Wise: Leadership Lessons from the Beehive.' We explore how bees, known for their industrious nature, also rest and how this can teach humans about effective leadership. 

The conversation touches on creating a 'thinking environment,' balancing busyness with mindfulness, and the organic nature of organisational change. Additionally, the episode highlights the charity 'Bees for Development,' which all proceeds from Philip’s book support. Listen in for a nurturing and insightful discussion on the art of balancing work and life.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Our Special Guest: Philip Atkinson

01:17 The Wisdom of Bees: Rest and Leadership

02:25 Exploring Bee Metaphors in Leadership

05:01 Philip's Journey with Bees and Leadership

07:19 Creating Thinking Environments

15:10 The Importance of Physical Spaces in Workplaces

20:56 Embracing Organic Systems in Organisations

21:36 The Role of Coaching in Organisational Change

30:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

31:53 Closing Remarks and Charity Highlight

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, host Jayne Morris delves into the therapeutic benefits of singing as a tool to combat burnout and enhance well-being. She is joined by James Sills, a musician, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Sofa Singers. James shares insights on how group singing can improve social, mental, and physical health, making it an effective antidote to burnout. He emphasises the importance of approaching singing as a process rather than a performance, thus reducing pressure and fostering a supportive environment. 

The discussion touches upon the benefits of singing in terms of oxytocin release, stress reduction, and the deepening of communal bonds. James also provides practical advice for those looking to reclaim their voices and integrate singing into their wellness practices.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:41 Exploring the Power of Singing with James Sills

02:17 The Therapeutic Benefits of Group Singing

05:52 Personal Stories and Experiences with Singing

07:15 The Science Behind Singing and Wellbeing

09:58 Building Trust and Connection Through Singing

21:16 Practical Tips for Starting Your Singing Journey

28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this engaging episode of the Art of Balance podcast, Balanceology co-founder Jayne Morris welcomes Michael Heppell, the celebrated author of nine books and seasoned motivational speaker. They delve into the pervasive issue of under-appreciation and burnout within teams of all sizes. Michael shares invaluable insights from his experience, including practical strategies for self-recognition, appreciating others, and managing personal and organisational culture challenges.

Highlights include the importance of small wins (or 'swins'), the powerful practice of gratitude, and effective communication techniques such as 'See, Smile, Say Hello.' Michael also discusses his latest book and offers actionable advice for maintaining mental well-being and enhancing interpersonal interactions. This episode is a treasure trove of life hacks and motivational tips designed to uplift and energise listeners.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:52 Defining Under-Appreciation
04:12 The Top Three Referability Habits
05:58 The Power of Recognition
14:59 Celebrating Small Wins
18:06 Turning Off the TV During Meals
18:56 Cultural Practices Around Food
21:07 The Power of Small Wins
23:02 Redefining Customer Service
25:59 The Importance of Presence and Intuition
29:06 The Benefits of Cold Showers
31:01 Creating Space for Yourself
32:37 Learning to Say No
33:23 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Art of Balance Podcast, host Jayne Morris interviews Noomi Melchior Natan, an internationally experienced leadership coach and author. They discuss the transformative power of journaling, the concept of 'teeny tiny tweaks' for personal growth, and practical tips for preventing and recovering from burnout. Noomi also shares insights from her book, offering a fresh perspective on how structured journaling can help break negative thinking patterns and promote mental wellbeing.

 

01:02 Meet Noomi Melchior Natan

01:56 The Power of Journaling

04:02 Noomi's Journey with Journaling

05:47 Breaking Thinking Loops with Journaling

08:01 Practical Tips for Effective Journaling

17:17 Teeny Tiny Tweaks for Big Changes

20:04 Burnout Awareness and Prevention

28:55 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Useful links:

Website: www.noominatan.com

Journaling Worth Doing: https://mybook.to/journalingworthdoing 

The Leadership Hour Free Trial: www.noominatan.com/leadershiphour

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, Jayne Morris introduces a conversation with Lauren Chiren, founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage. Together, they delve into the often overlooked connection between menopause and burnout. Lauren shares her personal journey of navigating early onset menopause and discusses the various symptoms that can be confused with burnout. She highlights the importance of awareness, supportive workplace environments, and the necessity of self-compassion and community. The dialogue also touches on societal changes, the need for better education on menopause, and resources available through Lauren's platform to help women thrive during this transformative phase of life.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:48 Exploring Menopause and Burnout

01:15 Meet Lauren: A Menopause Specialist

03:02 Lauren's Personal Journey with Menopause

04:18 Understanding Menopause Symptoms

06:51 The Importance of Menopause Awareness

09:34 Menopause in the Workplace

12:30 Changing the Narrative Around Menopause

17:48 The Intersection of Menopause and Burnout

21:32 Advice and Resources for Menopause
 24:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Lauren Chiren

LinkedIn: @laurenchiren

Website: womenofacertainstage.com

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, Jayne Morris and guest expert Polly Downes discuss 'Mindful Self-Compassion and Burnout.' Polly, an experienced leadership coach and mindful self-compassion teacher, shares her journey and insights into self-compassion as a tool for preventing and recovering from burnout. Topics include the importance of self-talk, the concept of common humanity, and practical mindful practices to ease into the new year. They emphasise the potential of self-compassion to foster resilience, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:47 Meet Polly Downes: Leadership Coach and Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher

04:11 Understanding Mindful Self-Compassion

05:47 The Three Elements of Mindful Self-Compassion

09:27 Polly's Journey into Mindful Self-Compassion

13:48 Practical Applications and Benefits of Mindful Self-Compassion

18:17 Mindfulness Practices and Self-Soothing Techniques

25:56 The Impact of Self-Compassion in Leadership and Teams

33:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Just Digg It project: https://justdiggit.org/

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs

Exploring Grief and Burnout with Jess Goyder

In this episode of the Art of Balance podcast, executive burnout coach Jayne Morris talks to Jess Goyder, a certified grief recovery therapist and bereavement counsellor, about the intricate connections between grief and burnout. Jess shares her personal journey of losing her singing career due to chronic illness and its impact on her life. The discussion covers various aspects of grief, including its emotional complexity and the importance of self-compassion, community support, and rituals. The episode provides insights into how unprocessed grief and societal pressures contribute to burnout and offers hope and strategies for recovery and finding balance.

00:00 Introduction to the Art of Balance Podcast

00:41 Episode Overview: Grief and Burnout with Jess Goyder

01:25 Jess Goyder's Journey into Grief Recovery

02:29 Understanding Grief Beyond Bereavement

04:36 The Historical Context of Grieving

08:07 The Connection Between Loneliness and Burnout

09:32 Navigating Grief and Burnout

10:22 The Role of Community and Ritual in Healing

21:53 Personal Reflections on Loss and Identity

31:03 Finding Balance and Self-Compassion

33:41 Closing Remarks and Resources

 

Jess's website: https://griefisnatural.com/

 

Connect with Jayne Morris MCC
The UK’s leading executive burnout coach & author of Burnout to Brilliance

LinkedIn: @jaynemorrisMCC

Burnout to Brilliance on Amazon

Follow Balanceology
LinkedIn: @Balanceology
Website: www.balanceology.uk

About Balanceology
Balanceology is a leading coaching organisation dedicated to preventing workplace burnout and restoring sustainable success. Through talks, workshops, trainings, coaching and retreats, Balanceology supports individuals and organisations to work well, live fully, and thrive.

The Balanceology Certified Burnout Coach CPD Training is ICF accredited and carries 64 CCEUs