Leadership is often associated with high stakes, stress, and long hours. Monika Guzek, an intercultural trainer, leadership coach, and PhD candidate, knows this all too well. She’s been through it herself. After facing burnout twice, Monika found a way to transform her leadership approach, one that’s now rooted in balance, joy, and authenticity. Her story isn’t just about surviving burnout; it’s about thriving after it and creating a path for others to do the same.
The Breaking Point
Monika Guzek has worked in many countries and industries, including international business and leadership coaching. Despite her achievements, the demands of leadership took a toll on her. She first experienced burnout when she realized her work no longer matched her values. She was trying to meet expectations but didn’t feel fulfilled.
Her second burnout was different. This time, she was doing work she loved, but it was overwhelming all the same. She had reached the point where even her passions couldn’t carry her through. The emotional and mental exhaustion took a heavy toll, and it forced her to stop and reflect on what had gone wrong.
Shifting Focus
Through these difficult times, Monika learned an important lesson: balance isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It wasn’t enough to simply keep going harder and faster. She had to find a way to slow down and reconnect with what truly mattered. Instead of chasing after more, she focused on doing less but doing it more meaningfully. She started to prioritize what brought her joy, not just what was expected of her.
She found that success wasn’t defined by constant hustle. She began focusing on mental resilience, understanding that true leadership comes from being grounded, self-aware, and in tune with one’s own needs. This shift in perspective was the key to not only recovering from burnout but also building a leadership style that didn’t require sacrificing her well-being.
Embracing Play and Creativity
One of the biggest changes in Monika’s leadership approach was embracing play and creativity. Many of us are taught to view play as something reserved for children or as a waste of time, but she discovered that play is actually a powerful tool for growth and innovation. She integrated tools like LEGO® Serious Play and other creative methods into her coaching to encourage leaders to think outside the box, challenge assumptions, and, most importantly, have fun.
This shift toward creativity was more than just an approach to leadership; it became a way to reclaim joy. The play allowed her to see leadership not as a rigid, high-pressure role but as an opportunity for growth and collaboration. When leaders embrace their creativity, they open the door to fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. It also provides much-needed relief from the intense demands of the role, giving people a break from the weight of constant decision-making and responsibility.
Finding Authenticity
As Monika began to rebuild her life after burnout, she focused on authenticity, being true to herself and her values. Leadership isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you are. Her journey helped her realize that being a leader meant embracing her own strengths and imperfections, rather than conforming to a set of expectations or a pre-defined mold.
For her, this meant being open about her struggles, including her experiences with burnout. She saw that many leaders, especially women, feel pressured to appear perfect or invincible. But true leadership, she realized, comes from vulnerability and transparency. When leaders are authentic, they create an environment where others feel safe to be themselves, which leads to better communication, stronger relationships, and a healthier work culture.
The Power of Resilience
Monika’s experience with burnout taught her the value of resilience, but not the kind of resilience that comes from pushing through at all costs. Instead, it’s about the resilience to take a step back, to rest, and to care for your mental and emotional health. True resilience is about knowing when to slow down and when to push forward.
By focusing on building mental toughness and understanding the importance of self-care, Monika now helps other leaders avoid burnout by teaching them how to balance the demands of leadership with their well-being. It’s about knowing your limits, setting boundaries, and creating space for rest and recovery. With the right balance, leaders can accomplish more in less time, with better results and greater satisfaction.
A New Vision for Leadership
Today, Monika’s leadership philosophy is centered around balance, joy, and inclusivity. She encourages leaders to embrace diversity, not just in terms of culture but also in age, experience, and perspective. Leaders who are open to different viewpoints and ways of thinking are more adaptable, innovative, and resilient. She believes that diversity is a strength, and she works to help leaders recognize this strength in their teams.
Her approach to leadership isn’t just about achieving success, it’s about creating a meaningful and sustainable path forward. She believes that leaders can thrive without sacrificing their well-being. By fostering a culture of balance, authenticity, and resilience, organizations can cultivate happier, more engaged employees who are empowered to do their best work.
Moving Forward
Monika Guzek’s story is a powerful reminder that burnout doesn’t have to be the end of the road. It can be the start of something better. By embracing balance, joy, and creativity, leaders can rediscover their purpose and create a leadership style that is both effective and fulfilling. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter, with authenticity and resilience as the foundation for long-term success.
Her journey proves that true leadership comes not from doing more but from doing what truly matters, with balance and joy along the way.
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