From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rachel Edmondson Clark on Sustainable Leadership and High Performance

On today’s episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with powerhouse leadership coach Rachel Edmondson Clark, who shared her personal story of overcoming burnout and the crucial lessons she learned along the way. We explored why rest is a prerequisite—not a reward—for high performance, how to notice the early warning signs of burnout, and practical steps leaders can take to thrive under pressure without burning out. If you’re a high achiever striving for impact, don’t miss these actionable insights for building sustainable success.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 Leadership and Living with Purpose

06:42 Executives' Hidden Struggle with Overwhelm

07:56 Taking Mental Health Seriously

11:43 Mood, Motion, and Performance Enhancement

16:30 "Essential Self-Care for Leaders"

20:23 Overcommitting: The Go-Getter Trap

23:26 Performance Through Balance and Integration

27:18 Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability

28:36 "Enjoy the Journey, Seek Support"

35:09 Overworked and Overwhelmed Reflections

39:14 "Integrating Movement into Workdays"

40:39 Encouraging Outdoor Team Breaks

45:05 Rituals and Focus for Improvement

47:34 Improving Education for Future Graduates

50:48 "Revisiting the Major Oak"

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Here are three key takeaways for leaders everywhere:

• Rest is a prerequisite, not a reward: Optimal leadership and high performance require proactive self-care—think sleep, nutrition, and movement—not as a treat after the work’s done, but as a non-negotiable foundation for doing your best work.

• Burnout is predictable—and preventable: High-achievers are often most at risk. Pay attention to the small signals: declining social connection, less patience, or changes in daily routines. Early self-awareness, setting sustainable habits, and asking for help can prevent crisis moments.

• Role model and integrate well-being at work: Honest conversations about energy and capacity aren’t a weakness—they create trust. Model healthy habits for your teams and encourage breaks, walks, and real work-life integration to boost collective performance.

As I shared on the episode, be the scientist of yourself: track your habits, experiment, and see what truly restores you. Our leadership impact is only as strong as the care we give to ourselves.

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Links

Rachel's Website

Linkedin

Book Recommendation

The Greatest Salesman in the World