In the August episode of ‘People & Purpose’, host Tarja Takko was joined by Stella Rapti as they explored the complex, often unspoken realities of modern leadership: burnout, the pursuit of balance, and the courage it takes to lead authentically. The conversation moved beyond frameworks and strategies, delving into the deeply human experiences that shape how leaders show up for themselves and their teams.
Recognizing burnout
Stella opened up about her own journey, recalling the subtle but telling signs that pointed toward her burnout. Acknowledging burnout is not a sign of weakness but a vital step toward sustaining long-term impact.
“I was starting to feel fatigue and cynicism. Those were the early signs of my burnout,” says Stella. These early signals are easy to dismiss, but left unaddressed, they can erode not only performance but also joy and purpose in work. “Performance without presence is not sustainable,” continues Rapti.
Leadership as self-awareness in action
A recurring theme was the role of self-awareness in leadership. Stella reflected on how the best leaders are not defined by perfection, but by their willingness to be real.
“Leadership is not about being perfect. It’s about being real, showing up, and creating trust,” explains Rapti. Transparency, she added, is a gift leaders can give their teams.
“People connect to honesty. When leaders share their own struggles, it gives permission for others to be human too,” she adds.
Authenticity is not only about vulnerability but also about courage. The courage to make choices aligned with one’s values, even when opportunities look impressive on paper.
Redefining balance
The conversation challenged the traditional view of work–life balance. Rather than a 50–50 split of time, balance was reframed as the intentional direction of energy and attention.
“Balance isn’t about splitting your time evenly, it’s about energy and attention. Where you choose to place them matters,” says Rapti.
For Stella, balance has also meant making bold decisions that preserve freedom and wellbeing. “The most recent moment of alignment was saying no to a very high-profile opportunity which looked fantastic and impressive on paper, but somehow something didn’t feel right… And it didn’t feel like fear. It felt quite a lot like peace,” says Rapti.
A leader worth following
Toward the close of the episode, Stella reflected on what makes a leader worth following.
“To me, someone who gives themselves permission to be. To show up as vulnerable as you are,” says Stella.
Authenticity, alignment, and presence, these are the qualities that sustain leaders and inspire others.
Reflections
Our August episode was a reminder that leadership is as much about self-care and alignment as it is about guiding others. Growth does not end when a leader reaches the top of their career ladder. In fact, it often just begins. By paying attention to the early signs of burnout, cultivating self-awareness, and making intentional choices about balance, leaders can model a healthier, more human-centered way of working.
“Thank you so much for these beautiful questions. If you have enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or colleague, especially someone in a leadership role who is ready to reconnect with purpose,” says Stella expressing her gratitude to Tarja.
Stay connected with the ‘People & Purpose’ podcast for more thought-provoking stories that explore the intersection of leadership, values, and sustainable impact. Watch the full episode featuring Stella Rapti below:
