In this illuminating conversation, Life-Changing Challengers host Brad Minus unpacks the rise-and-reset story of Sydney–based burnout coach Jo Stone. After fast-tracking from entry-level marketer to Asia-Pacific Chief Marketing Officer by age 32—while juggling two young kids and half-marathon training—Jo’s drive finally slammed her into the wall of chronic stress and scary neurological symptoms. A hospital scare, a spreadsheet-come-true “manifestation” moment, and the radical decision to sell her dream home launched a soul-searching pivot. Today, Jo runs The Ba...
In this illuminating conversation, Life-Changing Challengers host Brad Minus unpacks the rise-and-reset story of Sydney–based burnout coach Jo Stone. After fast-tracking from entry-level marketer to Asia-Pacific Chief Marketing Officer by age 32—while juggling two young kids and half-marathon training—Jo’s drive finally slammed her into the wall of chronic stress and scary neurological symptoms. A hospital scare, a spreadsheet-come-true “manifestation” moment, and the radical decision to sell her dream home launched a soul-searching pivot. Today, Jo runs The Balance Institute, hosts the popular Balanced & Beyond podcast, and helps high-achieving women reclaim health, sanity, and self-worth without losing their ambition.
Listeners will hear candid truths about corporate hustle culture, the “good-girl” conditioning that fuels overwork, and how downsizing a mortgage can super-size freedom. Jo breaks down her evidence-based toolkit—nervous-system regulation, values-first goal setting, and realistic work-life design—for turning burnout into balanced success.
Timeline Highlights
- [03:30] Only-child childhood: jet-setting with a Fortune-500 dad and learning to talk to CEOs.
- [10:40] Backpack years: cycling between six-month London jobs and six-month global adventures.
- [18:15] Corporate rocket-ship: climbing from marketing assistant to CMO with regional teams in five countries.
- [30:20] The breaking point—neurological “lesions,” pins-and-needles and a two-day hospital stay.
- [42:00] Selling the “forever home,” downsizing the mortgage, and quitting the C-suite.
- [54:10] Launching The Balance Institute & the Balanced & Beyond podcast to coach other high-flier women.
Links & Resources
- The Balance Institute: https://balanceinstitute.com – coaching programs & resources
- Podcast: Balanced & Beyond (Apple / Spotify)
- Book a Call: https://www.balanceinstitute.com/book
- Connect on LinkedIn: Jo Stone
- Instagram: @betterbalanceinstitute
- Facebook: @stonejoanne
Key Takeaways
- Burnout is a nervous system issue, not a time management flaw.
- Freedom often starts with smaller mortgages, not bigger salaries.
- Manifestation works best when paired with bold, uncomfortable action.
- High performance is sustainable only when recovery is non-negotiable.
- Sharing your story unlocks a business others actually need.
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Contact Brad @ Life Changing Challengers
Instagram: @bradaminus
Facebook: @bradaminus
X(Twitter): @bradaminus
YouTube: @lifechangingchallengers
LifeChangingChallengers.com
Want to be a guest on Life-Changing Challengers? Send Brad Minus a message on PodMatch, here.
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