The Stressed Out Leader

Amy Nabors

Welcome to The Stressed Out Leader — a podcast for leaders who feel overwhelmed, carry too much responsibility, and want to lead from a calmer, clearer place. Here we talk about the real pressure behind leadership: the constant urgency, the emotional weight of supporting others, and the stress many leaders quietly carry. Through conversations, reflections, and real-life leadership stories, this podcast is for team leaders and individuals who are tired of leading from tension and ready for a steadier, more sustainable way forward. thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

  1. Aug 3

    Episode 14: When Success No Longer Fits: Building a Life Around What Matters Most

    What happens when the life you’ve worked hard to build no longer aligns with who you are becoming? In this episode of The Stressed Out Leader Podcast, I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist and entrepreneur Emily Sasser to talk about burnout, boundaries, purpose, and the courage it takes to create a life that reflects what matters most. After nearly a decade in a traditional healthcare setting, Emily found herself overwhelmed by competing demands, struggling to show up fully for her patients, her family, and herself. What followed was a leap of faith into entrepreneurship and a journey of learning how to build a business around her values rather than external expectations. In our conversation, we explore: * Why being capable of doing something doesn’t always mean it’s yours to carry * The connection between burnout, people-pleasing, and a lack of boundaries * Building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it * The difference between balance and rhythm * Learning to trust the next step even when you can’t see the entire path * How seemingly unrelated interests and experiences often weave together over time * The role faith played in Emily’s decision to leave a stable career and start her own practice * What it means to create a sustainable life and work rhythm in different seasons One of my favorite moments from this conversation is when Emily shares: “You’re only supposed to see the next step because if you did, you wouldn’t jump.” If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, questioning your current season, or wondering whether the pace you’re keeping is sustainable, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that sometimes the path forward begins with slowing down and discerning what is truly yours to carry. Connect with Emily Instagram Website Connect with Amy If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about your next step, a complimentary Clarity Conversation offers space to slow down, untangle what’s weighing on you, and discern what matters most. Schedule a Clarity Conversation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 14: When Success No Longer Fits: Building a Life Around What Matters Most

  2. Jul 19

    Episode 13: Faster Isn't Always More Effective

    Technology continues to make many aspects of our work faster. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes. Expectations are shifting. Speed is becoming the norm. But faster doesn’t always mean more effective. In this episode, I explore why I believe the leaders who thrive in the years ahead won’t simply be the ones who embrace AI the fastest. They’ll be the ones who cultivate the one thing technology can’t replace: the ability to slow down, see the bigger picture, recognize patterns, and exercise discernment. We talk about: * Why efficiency isn’t always the same as effectiveness. * How technology often moves work instead of eliminating it. * The growing importance of systems thinking and human judgment. * Why discernment may become one of the most valuable leadership skills of the future. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to move faster simply because technology makes it possible, this conversation is an invitation to pause and consider what truly creates wise leadership. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 13: Faster Isn't Always More Effective

  3. Jul 5

    Episode 12: Building Confidence Without Chasing Perfection

    What does confidence actually look like? In this episode of The Stressed Out Leader, I sit down with women’s life coach Charli McConnell for a conversation about self-trust, perfectionism, boundaries, and the quiet work of becoming more confident over time. We explore why confidence isn’t about having all the answers, why there is no finish line for personal growth, and how learning to sit with silence can reveal more than constant striving ever will. If you’ve ever found yourself overexplaining, second-guessing yourself, or waiting until you feel “ready,” this conversation offers a different perspective. One rooted in self-trust instead of perfection. In this episode, we discuss: * Why confidence isn’t a destination. * How self-trust is built one choice at a time. * The relationship between boundaries and confidence. * Why silence is often more powerful than constant input. * Letting go of the need to prove or explain yourself. Connect with Charli Listen to Charli’s podcast:The Hype Squad Podcast Learn more about Charli and her work:charlimcconnell.com Follow Charli on Instagram:@charli_mcconnell_co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 12: Building Confidence Without Chasing Perfection

  4. Jun 21

    Episode 11: You Cannot See Every Pattern You’re Inside Of

    The patterns shaping our lives often become invisible because we’ve lived with them for so long. In this episode, I explore blind spots, self-awareness, and why clarity sometimes comes not from more information, but from a different perspective. Read the full companion essay on The Quietly Powerful Leader. If you’re looking for a thoughtful space to explore what’s keeping you stuck, gain clarity around your next step, or better understand the patterns shaping your life and leadership, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. You can schedule an on-the-house Clarity Conversation here. Thanks for reading The Quietly Powerful Leader! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 11: You Cannot See Every Pattern You’re Inside Of

  5. Jun 14

    Episode 10: The Weight of Seeing Potential

    I’ve spent much of my life noticing things other people seemed to miss—the tension in a room, the strengths someone couldn’t see in themselves, the gap between who people are and who they might become. In this reflection, I explore the gift and burden of seeing potential, the limits of what we can change for others, and the wisdom of learning what is ours to carry. Read the full companion essay over on The Quietly Powerful Leader. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 10: The Weight of Seeing Potential

  6. May 25

    Episode 9: Learning to Lead Yourself in Stressful Seasons

    In this episode, I’m joined by Wyatt Castle, founder of NowHere Coaching, for a conversation about staying grounded in stressful seasons. Wyatt shares how his military background, global upbringing, faith, and personal growth have shaped the way he leads himself and supports others. We talk about community, boundaries, grounding practices, self-awareness, and what it looks like to respond with clarity instead of simply reacting from stress. Connect with Wyatt:Website: nowherecoach.comInstagram: @nowherecoaching This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 9: Learning to Lead Yourself in Stressful Seasons

  7. May 10

    Episode 8: Why Clarity Rarely Shows Up in a Hurry

    When everything feels urgent, clarity can feel just out of reach. In this episode, we explore what’s actually happening in your brain when you’re under pressure—and why moving faster or pushing harder rarely leads to clearer thinking. Instead, you’ll see why clarity tends to return when the nervous system settles and space is created to think again—and how that shift changes the way we lead ourselves and others. Thanks for listening to The Stressed Out Leadaer! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 8: Why Clarity Rarely Shows Up in a Hurry

  8. Apr 26

    Episode 7 with Guest Ali Rauch

    In this conversation, I’m joined by Ali Rauch, President & CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. We talk about what it actually looks like to lead yourself well—especially in stressful seasons. From building routines and setting boundaries to learning how you’re wired through tools like the Enneagram, CliftonStrengths, and Working Genius, Ali shares an honest look at leadership, vulnerability, and the importance of community. If you’ve been carrying a lot while leading others, this will resonate. Connect with Ali:→ Website: Opelika Chamber of Commerce→ Instagram Thanks for reading The Quietly Powerful Leader! This post is public so feel free to share it. Thanks for reading The Quietly Powerful Leader! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

    Episode 7 with Guest Ali Rauch
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About

Welcome to The Stressed Out Leader — a podcast for leaders who feel overwhelmed, carry too much responsibility, and want to lead from a calmer, clearer place. Here we talk about the real pressure behind leadership: the constant urgency, the emotional weight of supporting others, and the stress many leaders quietly carry. Through conversations, reflections, and real-life leadership stories, this podcast is for team leaders and individuals who are tired of leading from tension and ready for a steadier, more sustainable way forward. thequietlypowerfulleader.substack.com

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