How Executives Exit a Role Before Burnout

Episode notes

In this episode of Executive Careers, Lucas and Luna tackle a topic many senior leaders avoid until it's too late: recognizing the early signs of burnout and making a deliberate exit before the damage is done. Drawing on a 2025 study from the Harvard Business Review that found 42 percent of executives report persistent exhaustion, they discuss the subtle shifts - like a sudden loss of curiosity or a spike in cynicism - that often precede a full-blown collapse. They walk through the story of a chief operating officer who exited a high-profile tech firm in 2024 after realizing her decision-making had become reactive, and they share a three-step framework for a 'burnout audit' that leaders can use to assess their own sustainability. The conversation covers how to plan an exit that protects your reputation, the role of a trusted board member in the process, and what to do when you're not ready to leave but need to reclaim your energy. If you've ever wondered whether it's time to step back, this episode offers a practical, no-nonsense guide to exiting with grace.

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