If you’ve ever felt like your business is everything—your identity, your time, your mental space—this episode is going to hit home.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Rena Duell, a business coach at One Team Partners, who spent 25 years running her own business before hitting a breaking point that forced her to completely step away.

We talk about what burnout actually looks like (hint: it’s not just being tired), why so many entrepreneurs don’t even realize it’s happening, and what it really takes to rebuild your business in a way that supports your life—not consumes it.

This is one of those episodes that will make you pause and rethink how you’re operating day-to-day.

In this episode, we cover:

What burnout actually looks like (and how it can show up physically)

Why hustle culture feels normal—but isn’t sustainable

How to separate your identity from your business

The role of community when you’re building alone

How to structure your workday around your energy (not just your calendar)

Decision fatigue—and how to stop letting it drain you

The truth behind “having it all” as an entrepreneur

Why you are the ceiling of your business growth

Rena is offering listeners a free month inside her coaching community Big Talk (normally $20/month), plus a free 1:1 coaching call.

Email: BigTalk@OneTeamPartners.com and mention Employee to Boss to get access.

You can also connect with her on LinkedIn or learn more at OneTeamPartners.com.

Connect with Rena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rena-duell/

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@espressopodproduction

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.