The final months of the year can feel like a sprint - at home, at work, and everywhere in between. For leaders, that “push to the finish line” often comes at the expense of peace, presence, and purpose. In this special re-release of a timely conversation, BJ Kraemer sits down with Valerie Peterson, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor who helps high-performing professionals find balance and resilience through self-awareness and intentional living.

Together, they explore how to lead with presence through the holidays, avoid burnout, and create rhythms of rest that sustain strong leadership year-round. From practical tips on setting boundaries to reframing your mindset when facing grief or overcommitment, Valerie offers wisdom for anyone looking to enter the holiday season with more peace and less pressure.

Tune in to discover how pacing yourself -not pushing harder -can make you a better leader, parent, and teammate.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How overcommitting leads to exhaustion — and how to redefine productivity through purpose.
• Recognizing when you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, and what to do before burnout sets in.
• Valerie’s reminder that saying no is an act of leadership — and a gift to yourself and others.
• How to budget, prioritize, and communicate to make the holidays joyful instead of draining.
• Permission to rest, recharge, and treat peace as a professional responsibility.

Quotes:

 “Busy isn’t a sustainable practice — it’s often just being busy because you said yes.” - BJ Kraemer
“No one is going to take care of you but you. You have to put on your own oxygen mask first.” -Valerie Peterson
 “Boundaries are not walls — they’re clarity about what matters most.” -Valerie Peterson
 “It’s hard to heal if you don’t feel.” - Valerie Peterson

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Valerie Peterson, LMHC
• Leadership Blueprints Podcast
• MCFA
• BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn