Many of us know what burnout looks like: exhaustion, cynicism, and the feeling that we simply can’t keep going. But there’s another state that shows up far more often and it’s easier to miss. It’s called brownout.

In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Reese, leadership and executive development specialist and positive psychology practitioner, to unpack the critical difference between brownout and burnout, and why so many high-achieving people, especially women, are quietly living in that in-between space.

Jess shares her environmental alignment model, a practical framework that helps you see how all parts of your life (work, caregiving, relationships, health, identity, and invisible labor) draw from the same energy reservoir. Together, we explore why adding more self-improvement often backfires, and why the most powerful move is often asking a different question: “What is the most impactful thing I can do to relieve pressure right now?”

We also talk about the cultural pressure to “do it all,” why trying to make everything a top priority leads to depletion, and how real alignment requires honest reflection on your values, not an external definition of success or a past version of yourself.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, quietly overwhelmed, or wondering why rest doesn’t seem to work anymore, this conversation will help you name what’s happening and give you a clearer path forward.

My Top 5 Takeaways

Brownout often comes before burnout and it’s easier to miss because you’re still functioning.
Your energy reservoir is shared across your whole life, not just work.
Relieving pressure is more effective than adding habits when you’re depleted.
You can’t make everything the #1 priority and trying to do so leads to misalignment.
True fulfillment requires redefining “having it all” based on your current values, constraints, and season of life.

Jessie's Links and Work:

Connect with Jessie on LinkedIn
Read Jessie's MAPP Capstone The Tipping Point: Executive Burnout, Brownout, and Realignment
MAPP Magazine Article - Running on Half Power: Why Women Burnout and How to Reclaim Alignment by Jessie Reese

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The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.