Ever been so damn good at your job that your “reward” is more work dumped on your plate—while everyone else gets the breaks, praise, and actual support? This episode is your tender, truth-telling permission slip to not hold everyone’s chaos together, even if you’re the highest-functioning human in the room.
Hélène takes you into the root-level behind why your competence keeps backfiring (hint: productivity isn’t worthiness, despite what burnout culture sells). From bathtub voice memos to the myth of “team players,” we dig into:
Why society weirdly punishes competence instead of rewarding it
How your boss’s secret savior complex shapes your workload
The difference between being capable and actually having capacity
How to manage up with integrity, not martyrdom
Four real, nuanced steps to advocate for yourself at work (without setting fire to your whole life)
This one’s part rant, part strategy guide, part love letter to anyone tired of being the glue. If you’ve ever thought “maybe it all should fall apart,” you’re in the right place.
Connect with Hélène:
Topic requests/Coaching inquiries: hello@helenecanhelp.comWebsite: www.helenecanhelp.comInstagram: @helenecanhelp
CHAPTERS:
00:00 "Society's Productivity Paradox"
05:40 Avoid Overcommitting to Prevent Burnout
09:16 "Balance Expectations and Capacity"
11:48 Redefining Success and Potential
16:39 Transactional Leadership and Power Dynamics
19:40 Conflict: Efficiency vs. Equity
22:53 Clarifying Purpose and Priorities
24:30 Purpose-Driven Advocacy Strategy
30:21 Handling Project Roadblocks and Responses
32:05 "Rethink Escalation: A Leadership Tool"
35:56 Reclaim Your Power at Work
Keywords:
managing up, workplace boundaries, competence, burnout, capacity vs capability, self-advocacy, personal fulfillment, productivity culture, people pleasing, team dynamics, corporate systems, self worth, overwork, leadership, self trust, power dynamics, purpose, work-life balance, martyrdom, systemic critique, communication, self care
