You’re succeeding on paper... rising through the ranks, trusted by leadership, seen as reliable and driven. But under the surface, there’s fatigue, maybe even frustration. Why does it feel like the more you give, the more is expected? In this episode, we peel back the layers behind high-achieving discontent.

In this episode of The Manager Track, Ramona unpacks a quiet leadership dilemma: what happens when your success is built on outdated beliefs, people-pleasing habits, and an over-reliance on external validation. Drawing from real coaching conversations (and a few personal confessions), she explores why high performers often feel stuck, exhausted, or resentful as they climb the ranks even when they’re technically “crushing it.”

Here’s what we’ll get into:

- The sneaky ways your success metrics get hijacked by other people’s expectations

- Why burnout and over-functioning aren’t just about time, they’re about belief systems

- How leadership habits don’t shift until your software (aka mindset) gets upgraded

- What to do when your brain resists change like it’s fighting for survival (because it is)

Whether you’re leading your first team or eyeing the next big leap, this episode will help you pause, recalibrate, and make sure you’re not succeeding at the wrong things.

Listen now on our Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

— RESOURCES MENTIONED —

- Grab the free New Manager Toolkit mentioned in the episode: archova.org/freetoolkits

- Executive Presence Intensive: archova.org/executive-presence-program 

- Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Learn more at: http://archova.org/1on1-course

- Schedule a Leadership Strategy Call with Ramona HERE. 

- Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP

— OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE —

- Episode 155- 4 Insights from Running a New Manager Training Program

- Episode 65- Why Coach When Giving Advice Is So Much Easier?

— WHAT’S NEXT? —

Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org.

Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP

Want to better understand your leadership style and patterns? Take our free quiz to discover your Manager Archetype and learn how to play to your strengths and uncover your blind spots: archova.org/quiz

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: archova.org/masterclass

Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and to our Spotify Page, and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw

* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.