16 - Resilience Isn’t Hustle: Leading Without Burning Out

2025-05-15

f you’ve ever held it together in a high-pressure room while falling apart behind the scenes, this one’s for you. In this episode of The Leadership Breakdown, I’m joined by Jimi Okubanjo, founder of Arise Firebird and a former corporate leader in Operational Excellence. We’re talking about what most leadership books won’t: how to stay resilient without abandoning yourself in the process. Jimi shares her perspective on adaptive resilience - the kind that makes space for real emotions, real life, and real longevity in leadership. 🔥 Here’s the Breakdown:

f you’ve ever held it together in a high-pressure room while falling apart behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Leadership Breakdown, I’m joined by Jimi Okubanjo, founder of Arise Firebird and a former corporate leader in Operational Excellence.

We’re talking about what most leadership books won’t: how to stay resilient without abandoning yourself in the process.

Jimi shares her perspective on adaptive resilience - the kind that makes space for real emotions, real life, and real longevity in leadership.

🔥 Here’s the Breakdown:

Emotional resilience, redefined – What strength actually looks like when the pressure’s real and the stakes are high
Quiet quitting vs. conscious efficiency – Why doing less can be the most strategic move you make
Toxic vs. adaptive resilience – The subtle difference between pushing through and honoring your pace
Unhooking from performance-based worth – Why your mistakes don’t define you, and how to stop performing for approval
Tools for grounded leadership – Breathwork, therapy, mentorship, and the rituals Jimi uses to stay clear, centered, and in command