Many leaders do not look burned out from the outside. They are still showing up, still producing, still carrying responsibility, and still doing what everyone expects of them. But inside, they feel tired, disconnected, anxious, or unsure why success feels so hollow. In this episode, Jim sits down with Kurt Bush, a certified Internal Family Systems Practitioner, trauma-informed coach, ordained minister, and co-founder of Brimstone Coaching Group, for a thoughtful conversation about burnout, self-awareness, imposter syndrome, church hurt, and authentic leadership. Kurt shares why so many leaders get stuck performing instead of living from a place of wholeness. Together, Jim and Kurt talk about the cost of hustle culture, the fear of being found out, the role of self-awareness, and why one faithful step may matter more than having the whole path figured out. If you have ever felt successful on the outside but empty on the inside, or if you are carrying pressure, fear, or self-doubt while trying to lead well, this conversation will help you slow down, reflect honestly, and begin moving toward a healthier way to live and lead. In This Episode, You Will Learn Why burnout often begins when leaders ignore misalignment for too long How imposter syndrome is usually rooted in fear, not failure Why self-awareness helps you understand what is really driving your reactions How leaders can take one faithful step without needing the whole plan Why coaching, therapy, friendship, and spiritual support all have a place in healing and growth How authentic leadership begins with wholeness, not performance Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and meet Kurt Bush 01:30 Leadership, coaching, ministry, and self-awareness 03:22 Burnout, alignment, and imposter syndrome 06:27 The fear of being found out 09:19 Regret, remorse, and noticing what is happening inside you 10:22 Coaching, therapy, and knowing the difference 13:01 Looking successful while feeling empty 15:09 Building success without losing yourself 16:37 Identity, calling, and taking one faithful step 18:22 What if God is present even in the wrong step? 22:14 Pastoral pain, comfort, and experiencing God differently 24:32 Faith, ministry, and the cost of leadership 27:13 Church hurt, cynicism, and staying honest 30:09 Connect with Kurt and Brimstone Coaching Group Connect with Kurt 🌐 Coaching: https://www.brimstonecoachinggroup.com/1-1coaching 🎙️ Podcast: Live Fully. Lead Authentically. 📘 Book: Live Fully. Lead Authentically. 🌐 Website: https://www.brimstonecoachinggroup.com/ Connect with Jim 🌐 Website: http://www.leadwithjim.com 🎙️ Ask a Question: https://www.leadwithjim.com/ask 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithjim ▶️ YouTube: https://www.leadwithjim.live Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadwithjim Support & Engage with the Show ✅ Subscribe to The Unshakable Life wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio ✅ Leave a 5-star review if this episode encouraged your faith. ✅ For more faith-driven leadership content, visit leadwithjim.com. Thanks for listening! Never miss an episode of The Unshakable Life. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. And if this conversation helped you think differently about joy, identity, or learning how to seize the day again, share it with a friend who needs the reminder that they are not stuck where they are. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
