09 Jun Building Confidence and Preventing Burnout
Deb Herrera, an Executive Coach and former CFO talks about building confidence and preventing burnout-two critical challenges that impact leadership effectiveness. Deb shares strategies to rewire self-doubt, manage stress, and sustain energy for long-term success.
The Leadership Confidence Crisis
Deb has noticed a widespread decline in confidence among leaders at all levels. Many professionals are second-guessing their abilities in their roles as leaders, colleagues, and even parents.
How to Build Confidence and Overcome Self-Doubt
Deb emphasizes that confidence is built through awareness and intentional practice. Here are her key strategies:
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Observe Your Inner Dialogue
- Notice when you engage in negative self-talk.
- Ask yourself: Would I speak to a friend this way?
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Adopt a Daily Reflection Practice
- During routine activities like brushing your teeth, ask:
- Where was I confident today?
- Where did I struggle?
- Recognize patterns and adjust your mindset accordingly.
- During routine activities like brushing your teeth, ask:
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Proactively Prepare for High-Stress Situations
- Identify specific scenarios where you feel less confident.
- Take intentional steps to set yourself up for success:
- Get enough rest.
- Talk to a trusted mentor.
- Focus on preparation rather than perfection.
By practicing self-awareness and preparation, leaders can take control of their confidence and turn moments of doubt into opportunities for growth.
Recognizing and Preventing Burnout
While confidence struggles can be internal, burnout is an external symptom of chronic stress. Deb warns that many leaders ignore the warning signs until it’s too late.
Early Signs of Burnout
- Emotional Symptoms – Irritability, anxiety, or frequent emotional outbursts.
- Mental Symptoms – Negative thought patterns, decreased motivation, or trouble concentrating.
- Physical Symptoms – Chronic fatigue, headaches, or sleep disturbances.
- Spiritual Symptoms – A sense of disconnection, questioning one’s purpose, or feeling overwhelmed.
How to Prevent Burnout Before It Takes Over
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Triage Urgent Needs
- If you’re in crisis mode, take immediate action:
- Seek professional support.
- Take a short break or time off.
- Be honest with your team or boss about your limits.
- If you’re in crisis mode, take immediate action:
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Reassess Your Priorities
- Identify what must be done now vs. what can wait.
- Delegate tasks where possible.
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Shift Your Mindset on Asking for Help
- Instead of thinking of it as a weakness, reframe it as an invitation:
- Who can I invite in to support me?
- Collaboration builds resilience and prevents isolation.
- Instead of thinking of it as a weakness, reframe it as an invitation:
The Confidence-Burnout Connection
Lack of confidence and burnout often feed into each other—self-doubt leads to overworking, which leads to exhaustion, which further damages confidence. Breaking this cycle requires both mental rewiring and proactive self-care.
Leading with Strength and Balance
Deb encourages leaders to:
- Take control of their inner dialogue – Confidence is a skill that grows with intention.
- Be mindful of their energy levels – Burnout is preventable with self-awareness and boundaries.
- Prioritize self-compassion – Leadership is challenging; acknowledging struggles is a strength, not a weakness.
By focusing on both building confidence and preventing burnout, leaders can step into their full potential without sacrificing their well-being.
Additional Podcast Recommendations
- Navigating Burnout | Sue Willman
- Reclaiming Wellness in Leadership | Amy Brandli
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome | Heather Whelpley
About Deb Herrera
Deb Herrera, an Executive Coach and former CFO, is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations realize their fullest potential. With leadership and financial experience from General Mills, Best Buy, Honeywell, Thomson Reuters, and Schwan’s Food Company, she has worked across 20+ industries and countries, partnering with C-suite leaders, boards, and teams to drive transformational change. Her coaching approach blends strategic business expertise with a deep commitment to personal growth, inspired by her own life-changing coaching experience. A longtime Menttium mentor and former mentee, Deb is dedicated to empowering leaders at every level.