In Burnt Out to Lit Up, fractional Chief People Officer, author, advisor, and leadership expert Daisy Auger-Domínguez draws upon decades of experience and research to guide managers and leaders to rediscover joy in leading their teams. Burnout, she explains, is not a sign of failure; it’s a warning that traditional leadership models no longer serve us. You've likely been led to believe three myths: that success requires endless productivity, that vulnerability is weakness, and that burnout is a personal problem. These are the myths of the "Old Leadership Model," and they're breaking us down.
Instead, Daisy shares a new truth: Leading with empathy and authenticity—embracing our inner fire and that of those we lead—creates the lasting change and connection we crave. Below is an excerpt to help you reclaim your leadership light and reignite the joy of managing people.
Leadership often begins with a spark—an inner flame that ignites our passion and purpose. Daisy explains that burnout can slowly erode this fire, leaving us feeling disconnected from the motivation that once drove us. She recalls her own experiences of exhaustion: "The warning signs of burnout aren't always obvious at first, but they creep up on you. You can feel your enthusiasm begin to wane, and slowly, the fire that once fueled your work dims."
Daisy urges leaders to pay attention to these early signs, emphasizing that burnout doesn't mean the end of your leadership journey—it's a call to reflect and rediscover what once lit you up. "When I finally took a moment to pause, I realized that I wasn't just tired—I was losing sight of the things that once gave me joy as a leader."
Once burnout has been recognized, the next step is tending to the remaining flame. Daisy writes, "Burnout thrives in environments where we feel we have no control—where we push through exhaustion because that's what we believe good leaders do. But tending to your fire means stepping back, setting boundaries, and giving yourself permission to rest."
She encourages leaders to adopt practices that allow them to reconnect with their energy. Whether it's a simple gratitude practice at the end of the day or regular moments of reflection, these habits are essential for maintaining leadership stamina. "One thing that saved me was finding small ways to ground myself—rituals of gratitude, reflection, and connection that helped me recalibrate amidst the chaos".
Recognizing burnout is one thing, but reigniting your leadership light requires deliberate effort. Daisy explains that leaders need to engage in intentional practices that prevent recurring burnout and help reignite their passion for leadership. "Burnout doesn't just exhaust you physically; it drains your emotional and creative energy. To reignite that light, you must align your actions with what brings you joy and purpose."
This step involves more than self-care—it's about reconnecting with the "why" behind your work. Daisy suggests, "Ask yourself, what is it that makes me feel alive in this role? What activities fill me with energy rather than drain it? And how can I structure my work to include more of those moments?"
Leaders can reignite their light by:
Daisy argues that part of preventing burnout is reframing the expectations we place on ourselves as leaders. "Leadership can feel like a constant weight on your shoulders, but it doesn't have to. We need to shift our mindset from doing more to doing what's most important. It's not about working harder—it's about working with purpose."
She suggests that reframing leadership begins with understanding that burnout isn't just an individual issue; it's a systemic challenge that requires organizational change. "The burden we feel often comes from unrealistic expectations—both from ourselves and our workplaces. But we need to be clear that more hours doesn't equal more impact. It's about making better decisions, setting clearer priorities, and giving ourselves the grace to rest".
Leaders can approach their roles with renewed purpose by reframing leadership as an opportunity for growth rather than a burden.
Finally, Daisy reminds leaders to cultivate a sense of awe and possibility in their work. "In the rush to get things done, we often lose sight of the bigger picture—the possibilities that exist beyond the next deadline or the current crisis. But when we step back and approach our work with curiosity, we not only reignite our own light, but we inspire those around us."
Daisy explains that leading with awe means embracing the unknown and being open to new ideas. "The pandemic and the Great Resignation forced us all to rethink leadership. Instead of focusing solely on survival, I saw it as an opportunity to innovate, to grow, and to lead with greater compassion. That shift in perspective didn't just help me—it transformed my team".
By embracing awe and possibility, leaders can create a culture where resilience, creativity, and growth thrive.
Excerpted from Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People by Daisy Auger-Domínguez.
