Podcast Summary: Burn Bright: Hannah Austin’s 6-Step Method for Business Resilience
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Lindsey Anderson Show
- Host: Lindsey Anderson
- Guest: Hannah Austin
- Episode: Burn Bright: Hannah Austin’s 6-Step Method for Business Resilience
- Release Date: June 3, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Lindsey Anderson Show, host Lindsey Anderson delves into the crucial topic of resilience in business with special guest Hannah Austin. As a bestselling author, international podcast host, and CEO of She Shatters, Hannah brings a wealth of experience in helping professionals navigate challenges and emerge stronger. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants aiming to build unshakable resilience in their professional and personal lives.
Hannah Austin's Background and Journey
Hannah Austin begins by sharing her personal journey, highlighting her 20-year career in healthcare where she reached a director position at a major hospital by the age of 21. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the immense pressure led to her collapsing in the very hospital she managed. This pivotal moment prompted Hannah to pivot her career towards mental health and wellness, launching a successful company, podcast, and bestselling book in just ten days. She states:
“I realized at that time, Lindsey, that I had to make a change.”
(03:51)
Hannah’s firsthand experience with burnout and recovery fuels her passion for teaching resilience.
Understanding Resiliency in Business
Lindsey asks Hannah why many entrepreneurs and business owners struggle with resilience despite its importance for success. Hannah emphasizes the common focus on external factors—like social media, relationships, and societal pressures—over internal self-management. She explains:
“We are so busy focusing on social media and our friends and our family and how people treat us... that we really don't realize that we need to get back in the driver's seat of our own life.”
(04:01)
Hannah believes that taking control from the inside out is essential for building resilience and navigating the relentless challenges of business.
The Burn Bright Model: 6 Steps
At the core of Hannah’s approach is the Burn Bright Model, a six-step method designed to help individuals develop resilience and create a sustainable, fulfilling life plan. Below is an in-depth look at each step, enriched with insights from their conversation.
Step 1: Stop and Pause
Hannah advises taking deliberate pauses to assess one’s current state. This could be a weekend retreat alone or dedicating an hour to reflect on one’s purpose and current position in life.
“Stop and pause. Whether that's a weekend at the beach alone or whether that's an hour in your schedule...”
(06:04)
Step 2: Discovering Why
This step involves understanding the root causes of burnout and the circumstances leading to the current situation. Questions to consider include:
- How did I get here?
- What patterns of behavior contributed to my burnout?
“What are the changes in our lives that have led us to be at the situation that we're currently in?”
(07:08)
Step 3: Discovering Options
Hannah emphasizes identifying potential solutions and options available to address the burnout. This includes evaluating whether to stay in the current job, seek additional training, take a vacation, or make significant life changes.
“What are my options available to you? Are you in the right career? Do you need additional training?”
(08:51)
She also highlights the physical manifestations of unresolved emotions, such as headaches and acid reflux, linking them to emotional stress.
“When you don't express your emotions or talk about your emotions, they are intrinsically stored in your liver, your gut, your heart...”
(07:57)
Step 4: Exploring Your Options
This step involves a deeper exploration of the identified options and seeking honest feedback from trusted individuals. Hannah shares a personal example where feedback from a colleague led her to start her own mental health and wellness company.
“I couldn't go back to my career. I need a pause and a reset. And this is how I started my company.”
(10:03)
She recommends creating an email template to solicit feedback effectively:
“They can put it in an email. They can send it to their distro list or their favorite people and say, I'm struggling right now...”
(11:06)
Step 5: Assembling Your Team
Building a supportive network is crucial. Hannah advises identifying three key individuals who can hold you accountable, provide honest feedback, and celebrate your successes. This might include friends, family, or professional coaches.
“Having three different people in your life who can be your emotional board of directors...”
(13:15)
She emphasizes the importance of these relationships in maintaining resilience and achieving personal goals.
Step 6: Make a Plan
The final step involves creating and executing a detailed life plan. This includes setting specific actions, such as weekly check-ins with your support team, dedicating time for self-reflection, and continuously adjusting your plan based on feedback and outcomes.
“Write down, I'm going to once a week reach out to my emotional board of directors...”
(14:55)
Hannah underscores the importance of consistent execution and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Common Mistakes in Implementing the Burn Bright Model
Hannah identifies one of the biggest mistakes people make when adopting the Burn Bright model: attempting to tackle too many things simultaneously. She advises focusing on one task at a time to avoid overwhelming oneself and ensures effective progress.
“Trying too many things at once. That's why we stick to one thing, Nail it and move on.”
(16:46)
The Role of AI in Building Resilience
Discussing the impact of artificial intelligence, Hannah shares how she leverages AI to enhance productivity without losing the personal, creative touch essential for her work. She uses AI for research, organizing content, and optimizing her workflow, allowing her to focus on the heart of her projects.
“I'm using AI as my brains, head, whatnot, and then executing with both in mind.”
(17:32)
Hannah encourages integrating AI tools to streamline processes, freeing up time to build resilience and maintain mental well-being.
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
The episode concludes with key takeaways on building resilience through Hannah’s Burn Bright model. Resilience is portrayed not as an innate trait but as a skill that can be developed through structured planning, honest self-assessment, and a strong support system. Hannah’s insights provide a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs to overcome burnout and achieve sustainable success.
“Resiliency isn't something you're born with, it's something that you can build.”
(21:19)
Resources Mentioned:
- Hannah Austin: She Shatters, LinkedIn: Hannah Austin
- Book: Hello Head, Meet Heart
- Podcast: Burn Brightly
Final Thoughts: This episode serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to enhance their resilience in business. Hannah Austin’s methodical approach offers actionable steps and profound insights, making it an essential listen for anyone aiming to thrive amidst challenges.
Connect with Lindsey Anderson:
- Website: lindsaya.com
- Free Social Media Strategy Session: Apply Here
Connect with Hannah Austin:
- Website: sheshatters.com
- LinkedIn: Hannah Austin
- Book Purchase: Available at Powell’s in Portland