Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health

Boundaries, Burnout & Being Your Best: A Conversation with Michael D. Levitt

Hosts: Kelly Poelker  |  Guest: Michael D. Levitt (Breakfast Leadership)  |  Category: Boundaries · Burnout · Work Culture · Entrepreneurship
Michael D. Levitt—burnout survivor, executive coach, and host of Breakfast Leadership—joins us to dig into practical boundaries at work and home, avoiding burnout, and protecting your mental health as a leader or entrepreneur.

What You’ll Learn

  • How a lack of boundaries fueled Michael’s “year of worst-case scenarios” and what changed.
  • A simple workload mapping exercise to (re)negotiate priorities with your boss.
  • Creating psychological safety at home: having hard talks without going to battle.
  • Entrepreneur signals that burnout is brewing—and how to reset with your calendar and energy rhythms.
  • Why sleep is the highest-leverage habit for resilience and clear thinking.

Guest Spotlight

Michael D. Levitt is the founder of Breakfast Leadership, a global voice on HR, workplace wellness, and burnout prevention. A former healthcare executive and a burnout survivor, Michael is a keynote speaker, therapist, executive coach, AI solutions consultant, and host of the Breakfast Leadership Show.

Key Quotes

“Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. What’s the cost?”
“My calendar is my oxygen. Getting crystal clear on time is how you protect your energy.”
“Listen to understand, not to respond—especially with the people you love.”
“If your workplace refuses to reprioritize, I’m not telling you to update your résumé…but I’m telling you to update your résumé.”

Resources & Next Steps

Next Episode

Up next: a candid talk on rebuilding after burnout—micro-habits that stick and how teams can set healthy norms.

 

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Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential). For help outside the U.S., find your country’s hotline via Find A Helpline.

Disclaimer

The conversations in this show are for education and awareness only and are not medical, counseling, or crisis services. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for concerns about your mental health or safety.