In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I sit down with Scott Lesnick, a keynote speaker, author, and TEDx presenter with an extraordinary life story that shows the true power of resilience and persistence. Scott opens up about one of the most challenging experiences of his life—rescuing his children after they were abducted and taken to the Middle East. His journey is emotional, powerful, and a testament to the strength it takes to keep moving forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

We also dive into how Scott took those life lessons and transformed them into a mission to help others. Today, as a keynote speaker, he empowers leaders with practical strategies to reduce stress, build resilience, and foster collaboration. His insights prove that strength grows through adversity and that persistence is key to overcoming even the toughest challenges.

Scott’s story is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when you refuse to give up—and his advice on resilience, leadership, and managing stress will resonate with anyone looking to push through their own obstacles.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Never Give Up: Persistence is everything. Scott’s story shows how grit and determination can help you overcome even the hardest challenges.
2. Resilience is Built Through Adversity: Tough times test you, but they also reveal how strong you truly are.
3. Collaboration is Crucial: Whether in leadership or life, working with others and seeking support can make all the difference.
4. Stress Management is Essential: To stay balanced and avoid burnout, find the tools that work for you—like running, journaling, or meditation.
5. Listen More, Lead Better: Great leaders prioritize listening. It builds trust, connection, and stronger teams.

Scott’s story is powerful, and his lessons on resilience and leadership will leave you inspired to face your own challenges with confidence. Tune in to Behind the Glitz on all platforms to hear his incredible journey.

In this episode of Behind the Glitz, I sit down with Cait Donovan, host of Fried the Burnout Podcast (the #1 burnout podcast on Spotify), to unpack the surprising power of resentment and how burnout can take over every area of our lives. We get into the real talk about what burnout actually is, what causes it, and how it shows up differently for men and women. Plus, we cover the warning signs you should be looking for and the risk factors that might be setting you up for burnout.

Cait brings a fresh perspective on resentment—an emotion we all experience but usually try to avoid. She explains how resentment isn’t just negative, but can actually be a tool for growth and self-awareness if we use it right. We also dive into the essentials of self-care and why putting your physical and emotional well-being first is a non-negotiable when you’re recovering from burnout.

We talk about how childhood experiences can shape your burnout tendencies, the role of gratitude in healing, and how Eastern medicine—like Chinese medicine—can offer a totally different approach to recovery. Cait even shares a fascinating concept about how burnout can mess with your perspective—like losing your peripheral vision—and how leaning on support can help you see clearly again. And, we break down her Devil-Angel-Human exercise for setting boundaries and having those tough conversations we all need to have.

Takeaways:

• Burnout doesn’t just affect your work—it can creep into every part of your life.
• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, unclear values, childhood trauma, and health issues are all burnout risk factors.
• Protect yourself from burnout by setting boundaries, asking for help, and making self-care a priority.
• Resentment can actually be a tool for growth—if you know how to use it.
• Gratitude is powerful, but recovery is personal—what works for one person may not work for another.
• Eastern medicine, like Chinese medicine, can offer unique approaches to burnout recovery.
• Resentment journaling can help you release negative feelings and create space for more gratitude and generosity.
• The Devil-Angel-Human exercise is a simple and effective way to set boundaries and communicate clearly.
• Burnout recovery is different for everyone—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Burnout can narrow your perspective, but support from friends, family, or professionals can help you regain clarity.
• Focus on foundational self-care, creating a safe space, and leaning on your support system to fully recover from burnout.

In this episode of Behind the Glitz, Aria Johnson speaks with Betty Rhoades, founder of She Speaks, about overcoming adversity, reclaiming your voice, and finding your inner power. Betty shares her journey, from dealing with life’s challenges to coaching others on how to unlock their potential. They dive deep into the concept of authenticity and how staying true to your values is essential to avoid burnout.

Betty emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, tapping into your “superpowers,” and pushing past societal norms, especially for women in the workplace. She also discusses how to identify your strengths, set boundaries, and speak up when it matters most, using both her personal experiences and coaching insights. This empowering conversation wraps up with practical advice for standing tall, even in the face of setbacks, and how to stay resilient without burning out.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity is Power: Living aligned with your core values prevents burnout and makes you more resilient in both personal and professional life.
2. Reflection is Key: Take the time to reflect on your values and strengths, and seek feedback from others. This self-awareness is critical to navigating challenges.
3. Burnout Prevention: Setting clear boundaries and staying true to your inner "superhero" can help you avoid the exhaustion and disconnection that comes with burnout.
4. Grit and Resilience: Success is not linear; it requires pushing through obstacles and embracing your unique strengths, even when things get tough.
5. Support Systems Matter: Whether through mentorship, community, or personal support systems, having people around you to lift you up is crucial for sustained success and burnout prevention.