On Change with Petro du Pisani

Burnout: Recognise, Recover and Rebalance.

Episode 14 of s series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work. This is a special focus episode on Burnout.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks to fellow-coaches Laura-Jean Evens and Lurinda Maree.

Laura-Jean, an executive coach with an industrial psychology background, and Lurinda, an industrial psychologist and applied theatre specialist, share their expertise on burnout.

According to SADAC statistics mentioned by Laura-Jean, one in four people experience burnout. The conversation covers the definition of burnout, warning signs, contributing factors, and coping strategies.

The experts discuss how both individual personality traits and organisational culture can contribute to burnout. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, maintaining work-life balance, and seeking professional help when needed.

The discussion also includes practical coping strategies such as creative activities, exercise, and connection with others. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts

Thriving Through Breaks: Balance & Success

Episode 13 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks to Omri van Zyl (CEO of RussellStone Capital) about taking career breaks and sabbaticals for adventure and self-reflection.

Omri discusses how these breaks helped him reset, gain new perspectives, and eventually led him to change careers from corporate to the agriculture sector.

Omri emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between ambition and one's adventurous spirit, and how visualization, meditation, and healthy habits have been instrumental in his journey.

He also highlights the value of having mentors and coaches to guide personal growth. The conversation touches on themes of freedom, energy, and living a deliberate life aligned with one's values and aspirations. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Solid Gold Podcasts · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts

Lessons from a longer-than-intended break.

Episode 12 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani interviews Mike Stopforth, a serial entrepreneur and seasoned marketing and communications professional, who took an extended break after selling his digital marketing business in 2018.

Mike shares his journey of pursuing a master’s degree, navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflecting on personal growth, family connections, and lessons in entrepreneurship.

He emphasises the value of executing ideas, refining thoughts through writing, and seeking help when needed. Mike has since started two new businesses and re-joined a digital marketing company, applying insights from his "reinvention period" to his new ventures. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Solid Gold Podcasts · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts

Burnout as a catalyst: Pamela's journey to a career pivot.

Episode 11 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks to Pamela Naidoo-Amegio, an executive leader and geoscientist. Pamela shares her journey of taking a sabbatical in 2015 after nearly burning out.

Pamela reflects on her reasons for the break, the gap between her expectations and reality, and the transformative lessons learned. Pamela used the time for self-reflection, pursuing hobbies, and ultimately pivoting her career from mining to the nuclear industry.

She highlights the importance of self-care, recognising burnout, and working breaks into her work-life to maintain balance and foster personal growth. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts

Moving from a fear mindset to a world of opportunity.

Episode 10 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks to Sas Wessels, a seasoned mechanical engineer and business improvement professional in the mining industry, about his recent sabbatical from corporate life.

After years of facing numerous company restructures, Sas shares what led him to take this intentional break, including his initial fears around financial security and the planning that went into it.

He describes how the sabbatical is allowing him to explore options like consulting, further studies, and personal passions, shifting his mindset from fear to opportunity. Sas reflects on the transformative impact the experience had on his work-life balance and priorities. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts · Solid Gold Podcasts

First Love Yourself.

Episode 9 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks to career and leadership coach Briony Liber about her sabbatical after 25 years in the corporate world. She took a sabbatical after experiencing burnout due to a lifetime of not managing boundaries, overworking, and people-pleasing.

Briony shares her journey of self-reflection through baking, traveling, journaling, and studying coaching. Briony highlights the importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and taking breaks before getting to the point of burnout.

After her break, Briony reinvented herself as a coach and business owner. Her story underscores the value of purposeful time off for personal and professional growth. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts

From Doing to Being.

Episode 8 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks with Dr Zaheera Soomar about her transformative sabbatical after 20 years in the corporate world. Zaheera shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, regaining a sense of purpose, and finding balance through reflection, adventure, and completing her doctoral thesis. She reflects on the importance of breaks, work-life alignment, and prioritising values as she prepares to re-enter the workforce with a renewed perspective.

This inspiring conversation emphasises the value of intentional pauses for self-discovery and long-term well-being. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts · Solid Gold Podcasts

A story of personal healing, self-discovery, and a bold new way of being.

Episode 7 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, freelance writer and editor Louise Rapley opens up about her transformative sabbatical. During this time, Louise transitioned from a textbook editor to writing her memoir, confronting her past traumas, and embracing self-discovery.

She shares how the sabbatical allowed her to heal, set boundaries, connect with, and understand her inner child. Though her memoir remains unpublished, the experience led to profound personal growth and a new perspective on work-life balance. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts · Solid Gold Podcasts

From overwork to self-care and career pivots.

Episode 6 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks to Dr Gargi Mishra about taking career breaks or sabbaticals.

Gargi shares her experience of taking an intentional break during the COVID-19 pandemic when she realized she was overworking and neglecting her health. During the break, she re-skilled herself and eventually pivoted to being a futurist.

She discusses the importance of planning finances, being patient for the right opportunity, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and practicing self-care habits like exercise and mindfulness.

When this episode was recorded, Gargi was on a mini-break seeking opportunities aligned with her interests in strategy, foresight, and academia. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts · Solid Gold Podcasts

Pausing with Purpose: Giving back, Parenthood, and Resilience.

Episode 5 of a series of podcasts on taking conscious breaks from work.

In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks to Thea Weeks who shares her transformative journey of taking three significant career breaks. In her breaks, Thea worked for an NGO for 5 years, focused on her new baby, and had to adapt to life and work after losing hearing in one ear.

Thea offers deep insights into the motivations behind each break, how she prepared, and the challenges she faced both personally and professionally.

Throughout the conversation Thea highlights the importance of listening to your body's signals and knowing when to pause. She emphasizes the invaluable support from mentors and coaches and she shares the lessons learned on adaptability and maintaining a support network.

Thea also emphasises the value of taking smaller breaks regularly to avoid burnout and incorporating work-life balance practices like hybrid work environments. More about Petro du Pisani and On Change here · Connect with Petro · Solid Gold Podcasts