What if the cost of “success” is your health, your joy, or your identity?
This raw and powerful episode dives deep into the emotional journey behind leadership development and what it takes to come back to yourself.
Executive coach and former Google Chief of Staff Eric Nehrlich sits down with MaryAnn Means-Dufrene for a vulnerable conversation about burnout, parenting, trauma, and the inner reckoning that changes everything. They explore how real leadership isn't about pushing harder, it’s about learning to pause, feel, and choose differently. If you're carrying too much, pushing too hard, or quietly breaking down behind the scenes… this one is for you.
00:25 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:14 The Importance of Inner Work
02:03 Personal Growth and Transformation
03:37 Challenges and Failures
11:43 Burnout and Realizations
14:26 The Power of Choice
18:52 Embracing Emotions and Trauma
22:03 Empowerment and Leadership
26:28 Discovering Personal Passions
31:04 Continuing the Journey of Healing
31:57 Lessons from Parenting
33:17 Balancing Self-Care and Responsibilities
35:35 Understanding and Managing Emotions
40:42 Parenting as Leadership
55:01 The Importance of a Safe Space
56:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Eric Nehrlich is an executive coach who helps leaders increase their impact by challenging the mindsets and habits that hold them back. Drawing on 25+ years in tech, including 6 years at Google, he guides high achievers toward more meaningful impact. He’s the author of You Have A Choice and lives in the Bay Area with his partner and three children.
Learn more: https://www.toomanytrees.com/
🔗 Feeling the weight of it all? Book a clarity call with MaryAnn: 👉https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call
