What happens when success leaves you empty? When the leadership box you've been placed in feels suffocating? Megan Dalla Camina, founder and CEO of Women Rising, shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to awakening in this captivating conversation.

Megan's story begins with what many high-achieving women will recognise—the relentless pursuit of success that led to multiple burnout cycles, culminating in her dramatic exit from a prestigious role as IBM's youngest general manager. Her breaking point came after a simple phone call with her mother who pointed out the obvious: "You have no life." This moment of clarity sparked a transformation that would reshape her understanding of success, leadership, and authenticity.

At the heart of our discussion lies what Megan calls "the leadership paradox"—how women are simultaneously encouraged to lead while being constrained by impossible expectations. "We want you to lead, but not like that," she explains, highlighting how patriarchal systems force women to choose between authenticity and advancement. Most painfully, many women who contort themselves to reach leadership positions discover the holy grail of external success feels hollow once attained.

The conversation takes a hopeful turn as we explore the rising feminine energy across all genders. In today's complex, AI-driven landscape, Megan sees tremendous opportunity for women who embrace their natural gifts of intuition, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. The most successful leaders of tomorrow won't be those who master hustle and grind, but those who can access their authentic power and lead from a place of integration—honoring both feminine and masculine energies.

Ready to break free from burnout and step into authentic leadership? Discover how to define success on your terms, regulate your nervous system, and bring your whole self to your work. This episode offers practical wisdom for any woman feeling trapped in masculine energy patterns and yearning for a more aligned path forward. Join us for a conversation that might just change how you view success forever.

To view the Transcript from this week's episode, visit our Balance & Beyond Podcast webpage: https://www.balanceinstitute.com/podcast/2025/109

Dive deeper into Megan's world at www.megandallacamina.com, www.womenrisingco.com, or find her at @megandallacamina on all the socials.

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The Balance & Beyond Podcast Hosted by Jo Stone, founder of The Balance Institute

For women who are already succeeding, but beginning to wonder if they're willing to keep losing themselves in the process.

We know high achievers, because we are one. This podcast draws on Jo's 20 years in global leadership and thousands of hours coaching executives and ambitious women: the patterns she sees, how to untangle them, and what it actually takes to keep your success without paying for it with yourself.

If something landed today, there's more where that came from.

And if you know a woman this would resonate with, send it her way.

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