SheShatters

I talk about burnout often. I research it, speak on it, write about it, and help leaders and teams navigate it every day.

But for Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to talk about something deeper: what happened when I realized burnout was not the full story for me.

After more than twenty years in healthcare leadership, the exhaustion made sense. Long hours. Constant pressure. The emotional weight of caring deeply in systems stretched thin. I assumed feeling depleted was simply the cost of leadership.

So when I walked away from my career, I told myself I needed rest.
But when the noise quieted, something surprising happened: the relief I expected never fully came.

Instead, I found myself facing something deeper. Beneath the exhaustion was sadness, disconnection, and, if I am being fully honest, moments of suicidal ideation that scared me. Not because I wanted to die, but because I desperately wanted life to feel different.

What I know now is this: sometimes what we call burnout is something deeper.

Sometimes we are not just overworked. Sometimes we are underpurposed.

As I began rebuilding, I realized the parts of me that wanted to create, write, speak, and help people differently were not exhausted. They had simply gone quiet. That season taught me something I will never forget:

Surviving your life is not the same thing as living it.

If you are struggling right now, please know you are not alone, and you do not have to carry it quietly. Asking for help is brave. Reaching out matters.
And if something in your life feels “off,” maybe the question is not What is wrong with me?

Maybe the question is: What part of me is waiting to come alive again?

For more content like this or to learn more about my speaking and training offerings visit me here: https://sheshatters.com/speaking/

I believe work can feel better. Leadership can feel more human. And resilience doesn’t have to come at the cost of our wellbeing.

After more than two decades as a healthcare executive in high-pressure environments, I know what it feels like to push through exhaustion, carry the weight of change, and wonder if sustainable success is even possible. What I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, is this: people do not need another quick fix. They need practical tools, meaningful connection, and a roadmap to help them thrive through change.

That is exactly what I hope to bring to every audience and organization I work with.

Whether I’m stepping onto a keynote stage, facilitating a workshop, consulting with leaders, or serving as an event emcee, my goal is always the same: to create experiences that spark real reflection, practical action, and lasting impact long after the event ends.

I want audiences to leave feeling seen, energized, and equipped with simple, evidence-based strategies they can actually use to build resilience, navigate uncertainty, strengthen connection, and create workplaces where people can truly burn bright.

I’m incredibly honored to join the Speakers family and excited to partner with organizations that are ready to move beyond surviving and toward sustainable performance, healthier cultures, and more human-centered leadership.

Let’s build workplaces where people don’t just get through the day but rediscover their spark again. ✨🔥🦋

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Nelson

📕Three years later and I still get chills when I see women holding my book. 📕

So thankful that I am able to make a difference with the words that I write and send out in the world.

In a chaotic world this book is a great reset for you to leap towards living the life you truly want to live. 💗

If you haven’t read it yet-grab a copy on Amazon, your local library or your favorite local bookstore.