In this illuminating conversation, Life-Changing Challengers host Brad Minus unpacks the rise-and-reset story of Sydney–based burnout coach Jo Stone. After fast-tracking from entry-level marketer to Asia-Pacific Chief Marketing Officer by age 32—while juggling two young kids and half-marathon training—Jo’s drive finally slammed her into the wall of chronic stress and scary neurological symptoms. A hospital scare, a spreadsheet-come-true “manifestation” moment, and the radical decision to sell her dream home launched a soul-searching pivot. Today, Jo runs The Balance Institute, hosts the popular Balanced & Beyond podcast, and helps high-achieving women reclaim health, sanity, and self-worth without losing their ambition. 

Listeners will hear candid truths about corporate hustle culture, the “good-girl” conditioning that fuels overwork, and how downsizing a mortgage can super-size freedom. Jo breaks down her evidence-based toolkit—nervous-system regulation, values-first goal setting, and realistic work-life design—for turning burnout into balanced success. 

Timeline Highlights

• [03:30] Only-child childhood: jet-setting with a Fortune-500 dad and learning to talk to CEOs.
• [10:40] Backpack years: cycling between six-month London jobs and six-month global adventures.
• [18:15] Corporate rocket-ship: climbing from marketing assistant to CMO with regional teams in five countries.
• [30:20] The breaking point—neurological “lesions,” pins-and-needles and a two-day hospital stay.
• [42:00] Selling the “forever home,” downsizing the mortgage, and quitting the C-suite.
• [54:10] Launching The Balance Institute & the Balanced & Beyond podcast to coach other high-flier women.

Links & Resources

• The Balance Institute: https://balanceinstitute.com – coaching programs & resources
• Podcast: Balanced & Beyond (Apple / Spotify)
• Book a Call: https://www.balanceinstitute.com/book
• Connect on LinkedIn: Jo Stone
• Instagram: @betterbalanceinstitute
• Facebook: @stonejoanne

Key Takeaways

1. Burnout is a nervous system issue, not a time management flaw.
2. Freedom often starts with smaller mortgages, not bigger salaries.
3. Manifestation works best when paired with bold, uncomfortable action.
4. High performance is sustainable only when recovery is non-negotiable.
5. Sharing your story unlocks a business others actually need.

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Contact Brad @ Life Changing Challengers
Instagram: @bradaminus
Facebook: @bradaminus
X(Twitter): @bradaminus
YouTube: @lifechangingchallengers
LifeChangingChallengers.com

Want to be a guest on Life-Changing Challengers? Send Brad Minus a message on PodMatch, here.