Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Chief Burnout Officer Michael Levitt: How Surviving a Heart Attack Changed His Approach to Life and Tech
Host: Vince Chan
Release Date: December 25, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan delves deep into the pervasive issue of burnout with his distinguished guest, Michael Levick, the self-proclaimed Chief Burnout Officer from the Breakfast Leadership Network. Positioned as a leading voice in organizational and human transformation, Vince sets the stage for an enlightening conversation aimed at uncovering the roots of burnout and exploring actionable strategies to combat it.

Michael's Journey: Overcoming Burnout

Michael Levick opens up about his personal battle with burnout, providing a heartfelt account of how excessive work pressure led to a life-altering heart attack in 2009. He narrates:

"In a year, I had a heart attack. Job loss, car repossession, home foreclosure—all happened because I was burned out." (05:26)

Working as a healthcare executive, Michael was overwhelmed by the demands of building a new clinic in an underserved community. Despite his extensive startup experience, the steep learning curve in healthcare took a toll on his well-being. The culmination of stress resulted not only in severe health issues but also significant financial and personal setbacks.

Michael emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in his recovery journey:

"I approached it as just an outsider looking and going, okay, why? Why was that important to me to do it that way?" (05:47)

This introspective approach enabled him to transform his pain into a mission, leading him to research burnout extensively and eventually establish his consulting and content creation business focused on preventing and overcoming burnout.

The Universality of Burnout

Vince shares a personal anecdote illustrating the widespread nature of burnout across generations and cultures:

"It doesn't matter if you are from Gen X, Y, Z, or if you're a baby boomer... If there's one common enemy we all face today, I call it burnout." (12:28)

Michael concurs, highlighting burnout's indiscriminate impact across various demographics and industries:

"It attacks you. And it's one of those things that time and time again I see it... Burnout hits everybody." (13:56)

He underscores the World Health Organization's recognition of burnout as a significant workplace phenomenon, reinforcing its legitimacy as a global issue exacerbated by factors like the pandemic and economic pressures.

Addressing Burnout in Organizations

The conversation shifts to tackling the stigma associated with burnout, particularly among high-achieving professionals and executives. Vince poses a critical question about embedding burnout prevention at both C-level and operational tiers within organizations.

Michael responds by dissecting the stigma intertwined with burnout and its parallels with depression:

"There are a ton of similarities between the two... But the key difference is with burnout, you can still muster up the energy to go out and do it." (18:50)

He emphasizes the necessity of privacy and trust when addressing burnout in corporate settings, especially among executives wary of the potential repercussions on their company's stock and reputation. Michael advocates for building authentic relationships and fostering open communication to effectively mitigate burnout's impact.

Furthermore, he highlights the value of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) in reshaping thought patterns and behaviors contributing to burnout:

"It's much like programs on your phone or apps on your phone... you can uninstall them and you can install better apps." (18:50)

Success and Failure Stories

Vince invites Michael to share real-world experiences illustrating both successful and challenging interventions in combating burnout.

Success Story: Transforming Organizational Culture

Michael recounts a transformative experience with a startup plagued by high turnover due to poor communication and lack of trust. By fostering open dialogue and addressing misconceptions, he was instrumental in reducing the turnover rate from double digits to approximately 6% within a year. This turnaround not only stabilized the organization but also enhanced its reputation as a desirable workplace.

"They were averaging around 6% turnover and they were well in the double digits before." (24:41)

Failure Story: The Challenge of Sustaining Change

Conversely, Michael discusses an organization that faltered despite initial successes. Infighting among upper management and power struggles led to the departure of key personnel, causing the organization to revert to toxic behaviors. This experience underscored the importance of continuous vigilance and the understanding that organizational health requires ongoing effort rather than one-time interventions.

"The gravitational pull to return back to the way things were is very strong." (28:00)

He reflects on the limitations of external interventions, noting that sustainable change must be embraced internally by the organization's members:

"You can't get people to do something they are refusing to do." (28:00)

Advice for Dealing with Burnout

When asked for advice for listeners facing burnout, Michael outlines a holistic approach centered on self-awareness and incremental change:

1. Reflect on Your Journey: Analyze when burnout began by revisiting the onset of your role and identifying pivotal changes.

2. Understand External and Internal Factors: Acknowledge both workplace dynamics and personal life events contributing to burnout.

3. Shift Perspectives: Empathize with others, such as challenging managers, to foster a deeper understanding and reduce interpersonal conflicts.

4. Meet People Where They Are: Tailor interventions to the individual's current state rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.

"You got to meet people where they are when it comes to burnout and then start from there." (35:14)

Michael advocates for personalized strategies over rigid frameworks, emphasizing adaptability in addressing burnout's multifaceted nature.

Recognizing Burnout Early

In addressing the challenges of accessing professional help, especially for those without insurance, Michael highlights practical signs to watch for:

1. Physical Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, poor sleep quality, and unexplained body aches.
2. Emotional Indicators: Loss of interest in activities, increased irritability, and difficulty communicating.
3. Behavioral Changes: Declined dietary habits, reduced social interactions, and neglecting personal responsibilities.

"Focus on your sleep. Get really good sleep." (40:24)

He provides actionable tips, such as enhancing sleep hygiene by investing in quality bedding and eliminating electronic devices from the bedroom to improve rest and resilience against stress.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a mutual acknowledgment of the pressing need to address burnout comprehensively. Vince reflects on his personal struggles with sleep and expresses gratitude for Michael's insights, reinforcing the episode's central theme: burnout is a universal challenge that requires collective awareness and individualized strategies to overcome.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout is Universal: It transcends age, culture, and industry, affecting individuals and organizations globally.
• Personal Transformation: Michael's journey from burnout survivor to advocate underscores the power of self-reflection and intentional change.
• Organizational Responsibility: Addressing burnout at all levels requires building trust, fostering open communication, and continuous effort.
• Practical Strategies: Early recognition through physical and emotional signs, coupled with actionable steps like improving sleep hygiene, can mitigate burnout's impact.
• Stigma Reduction: Overcoming the stigma associated with burnout, especially among leaders, is crucial for effective intervention and support.

Notable Quotes:

• "If there's one common enemy we all face today, I call it burnout." — Vince Chan (12:28)
• "Burnout robs society of great products and services." — Michael Levick (18:50)
• "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink." — Michael Levick (24:41)
• "Focus on your sleep. Get really good sleep." — Michael Levick (40:24)

For more insights and to join the conversation on combating burnout, subscribe to Chief Change Officer on LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.