From Values to Action: Rethinking Organizational Wellbeing with Carl Atiya Swanson

In this episode of Balm in the Burnout, host Megan Hadley sits down with creative strategist and systems thinker Carl Atiya Swanson to explore how burnout shows up across sectors—and how values-aligned leadership can transform it. Carl shares his personal story of recovery and what it’s taught him about sustainable change, both individually and organizationally.

Together, they unpack how to notice what's already working, why naming shared values matters, and how to create systems that prioritize people over performance. Whether you're navigating burnout yourself or shaping workplace culture, this episode offers grounded insights and hopeful strategies for building resilience without bypassing the hard stuff.

00:00 Introduction to Balm in the Burnout

00:40 Meet Carl Atiya Swanson

05:14 Carl's Journey and Insights on Recovery

09:56 Organizational Health and Leadership

14:31 Navigating Burnout in Challenging Times

19:41 Personal Practices and Reflections

23:45 Alchemy in Organizational Work

27:32 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

Carl’s Links

Consulting: www.castconsulting.co

Personal: www.carlatiyaswanson.com

@catiyas on just about all social media