What happens when your commitment to putting others first comes at the expense of your own well-being?
Kristen Hadeed built Student Made into a successful business known for its people-first culture. But after years of prioritizing her team and company above herself, she reached a breaking point. She had lost her passion, felt disconnected from herself, and realized that the leadership philosophy she believed in had become a source of burnout and resentment.
In this episode of Career Sessions, host J.R. Lowry sits down with Kristen, author of Permission to Screw Up and Human Leadership, to explore her journey from people-pleasing entrepreneur to a leader who understands that caring for others shouldn't mean abandoning yourself.
Kristen shares why she made the difficult decision to close the business she'd spent years building, how deeply held beliefs from childhood shaped her leadership style, and why avoiding uncomfortable conversations can actually damage the relationships we're trying to protect.
They also discuss practical ways to become a more effective and authentic leader, including how to recognize the beliefs holding you back, make time for self-reflection, give meaningful feedback, and have difficult conversations with courage and compassion.
Whether you're leading a team, navigating burnout, or questioning whether you've outgrown your current role, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: great leadership isn't about being perfect or keeping everyone happy. It's about having the self-awareness and courage to lead yourself as well as others.
Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available athttps://pathwise.io/podcasts/kristen-hadeed/.
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