What have we learnt from our guests this season?

And how do coaches work with their clients to support them before, during and on the recovery from burnout?

In the final episode of Work Truths Off the Record series 1, host Rachel Morris and coaches Julie Nelson and Amy Funkhouser Watkins discuss and draw insight from the previous episodes of the first series. They reflect on their own and other guests' experiences along with the stories from their coaching practices.

The conversation emphasises the importance of recognising early signs, the individual nature of burnout, and the critical role of support systems in recovery.

The coaches share practical strategies for helping individuals navigate their burnout experiences, highlighting the need for kindness, grace, and community support.

Guest Information

Amy Funkhouser Watkins

Amy Funkhouser Watkins is an executive coach, leadership team facilitator and founder of Hummingbird Insights, LLC. She helps leaders and teams reach their greatest potential with a focus on results and authenticity.

She brings over 25 years of experience in business and leadership helping people thrive in change and complexity, bringing her integrity, compassion, courage and curiosity to every situation.

Her LinkedIn profile is https://linkedin.com/in/amyfunkhouser.

Julie Nelson

Julie Nelson is an executive and leadership coach, accredited in coaching and change management, and a certified NLP Master Practitioner. She is the designer of the BeYou Programme, which empowers individuals to build confidence, resilience, and authentic leadership.

Julie delivers personal growth, management training, and leadership development programmes across diverse sectors, drawing on her senior leadership experience and a strong background in HR, Learning and Organisational Development. Her holistic coaching approach creates psychologically safe spaces for transformation.

Her work as a coach supports clients to prevent, navigate, and recover from burnout—helping them rediscover balance and purpose.

Julie is also an associate coach at Motion Learning, creators of the Work Truths podcast https://www.motionlearning.com/julie-nelson.

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-n/

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris speaks with Julianne Gilbert, a seasoned leader, about the critical issue of workplace burnout. They explore the definition of burnout, its recognition in teams, and the responsibilities of managers and organisations in addressing it. Julianne shares her insights on the signs of burnout, strategies for managers to support their teams, and the importance of creating a supportive work environment.

Key Discussion Points

Burnout can manifest in various individual ways.

Recognising burnout requires understanding team dynamics.

Leaders must be proactive in checking in with their teams.

Managers need a toolkit for supporting employees.

Creating a culture of openness is essential for addressing burnout.

Employers have a responsibility to support mental health.

Self-care for managers is vital to prevent burnout.

Good intent in management can foster a supportive environment.

Guest Information

Julieanne Gilbert is Executive Director, People at City Lit, leading the HR and Student Services team. Julieanne has over 25 years of experience working and leading teams within both private and public sectors including retail, energy and business schools.

Julieanne is known for her values-driven and human-centric approach to leadership and development. As a qualified coach, she’s passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to thrive through authentic connection, empathy, and purpose-led growth.

She would be delighted to connect and her LinkedIn profile is: www.LinkedIn/in/julieannegilbert

A content warning for today’s episode: our conversation includes two brief mentions of suicide in the context of burnout.

If you’re struggling, please reach out to Samaritans on 116 123. Take care as you listen.

In this episode of Work Truths Off the Record, host Rachel Morris engages with Alexander Maxwell Cole, an expert in occupational psychology, to explore the complex topic of workplace burnout. They discuss the interplay between organisational demands and individual experiences, the importance of recognising early warning signs, and the critical role of leadership in preventing burnout. The conversation emphasises the need for supportive workplace cultures and proactive measures to address burnout, highlighting that it can be prevented with the right resources and communication.

Key Discussion Points

Burnout is stress that wasn't managed properly.

The interplay between organisation and individual is crucial.

Burnout can have profound psychological and physical effects.

Identifying early warning signs is essential for prevention.

Leadership plays a significant role in employee well-being.

Supportive workplace culture is vital for addressing burnout.

The impact of difference between rhetoric and reality in organisations.

Prioritising well-being is essential for individuals facing burnout.

Organisational responsibility includes providing adequate resources and support.

Guest Information

Alexander Maxwell-Cole is an accomplished Lecturer in Occupational and Organisational Psychology, Human Resource Management, and Organisational Behaviour, with a proven track record of fostering knowledge transfer and external engagement through strategic partnerships with industry leaders and professional bodies.

His influence extends to shaping professional practice and policy, achieved through active participation in discipline-relevant forums that bridge academia and real-world application. As an experienced practitioner in strategic human resource management and development, Alexander has spearheaded innovative initiatives and delivered impactful organisational behavioural and psychological interventions. These efforts span performance management, training and development, organisational development and change, as well as retention and employee engagement.

Additionally, he excels in leading and motivating teams while addressing workplace stress and emotional well-being, empowering organisations to thrive in dynamic environments.