Burnout isn’t just about having too much on your plate—it’s about doing too much of the WRONG things. That’s one of the powerful insights I took away from my conversation on episode 274 with Carmen Seda, VP of Operational Talent Solutions at Randstad USA.
Carmen shared valuable wisdom on how leaders can thrive beyond the dated playbook of “busyness,” and instead lead from a place of identity, timing, and authority, especially crucial in our rapidly evolving, AI-impacted era.
3 Key Insights from This Episode
1. Leadership Challenges Start with IdentityAccording to Carmen Seda, most leadership roadblocks aren’t operational, they’re personal. Leaders often struggle because they haven't truly understood who they are and what drives their decisions. Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. Shockingly, only 15% of people are truly self-aware, and that gap is magnified at the top.
2. The Outdated Playbook Is Out. Timing Matters More Than EverOur culture has glorified busyness and outdated approaches for far too long. Carmen and I discuss how today’s environment, from AI advances to generational shifts, demands leaders to recognize what actually matters in the moment. The seasons of business (and life!) shift, and so should your focus as a leader.
3. Authority Is About Sovereignty, Not Just PowerTrue authority isn’t just about position or control. Carmen Seda reframes authority as “sovereignty,” the inner wisdom to know when to act, when to listen, and when to adapt. This kind of leadership moves away from obligation and toward authentic, empowered decisions built on deep self-awareness.
The Main Takeaway
Leading with fulfillment in today’s world requires tearing up the old script and starting with your own.
If you’re feeling burned out, know it’s not about how much you’re doing, but what (and why) you’re doing it. Identity, timing, and authority are the new pillars of authentic leadership, and every fulfilling leader’s journey begins with self-awareness.
Connect with Carmen Seda on LinkedIn; subscribe to her newsletter, “The Sovereign Leader,” at carmenseda.com for more insights.
Catch the full episode on YouTube for the complete conversation and practical guidance on reframing your leadership mindset for the AI era and the human future.
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