I was recently asked by Totum, a specialist cross-sector recruitment agency, to contribute to a two-part feature on leadership coaching.

As we approach the end of another year, looking back can be a powerful tool for propelling ourselves forward. It’s a very powerful learning tool; it helps build self-awareness and a better understanding of yourself.

What is burnout?

It’s a crushing, multi-faceted, chronic workplace-related stress that can lead to physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It’s a modern phenomenon and particularly prevalent in professional services, with 2/3rds of the lawyers have experienced burnout according to the IBA’s Wellbeing Taskforce 2021 report, with trends continuing to this date with the rise .

I remember this time last year. The festive season in full swing. In some respects it feels like yesterday, in others it feels like a different lifetime.

I was supposed to be contemplating my usual Christmas traditions – the tree, the cards, the decorations, and the social celebrations. Instead, I was gasping for air. Literally.