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What does it really mean to lead with confidence, especially when you don’t feel like a leader at all? That’s the question I sat down to explore with Lindsay Yellin, executive coach, and one of the most grounded humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of chatting with.
If you’ve ever been praised as a “natural leader” but still wrestled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or complete burnout… this one’s for you.
Because leadership, as Lindsay beautifully reminds us, isn’t about a title. It’s about feeling safe in your own body, leading with your values, and rewriting the rulebook we were handed.
Meet Lindsay Yellin: Coach, Challenger, and Leadership Rebuilder
Lindsay Yellin doesn’t teach cookie-cutter leadership. She helps people remember who they were before the world told them how to lead.
Lindsay works with high-performing folks, many of whom are exhausted, stuck in patterns of perfectionism, and questioning everything that got them here. Her work is about helping leaders reconnect with their values, their nervous system, and their truth.
You can follow Lindsay on Instagram @lindsayyellin
We’re Burned Out and Still Performing
Lindsay and I talked about how many of us have built our identity around being the “capable one.” We keep pushing. We keep succeeding. But inside, we’re anxious, exhausted, and sometimes totally disconnected from who we are.
As Lindsay said in the episode:
“Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s about a misalignment of values.”
That hit hard. Because I’ve felt that. You probably have too.
Your Nervous System Knows the Truth
One of the most powerful moments in this episode was when Lindsay talked about how leadership is a full-body experience.
“Your body keeps the score. It knows when something is off. You can fake a smile, but your nervous system will still be screaming.”
Whether you’re dealing with imposter syndrome, chronic stress, or trying to lead in spaces that weren’t built for you, your body carries that.
Lindsay’s approach helps people tune back in. Through somatic work, breathwork, and nervous system awareness, she’s helping leaders regulate in a world that constantly dysregulates them.
What Happens When You Redefine Success?
So many of us are chasing goals that don’t even belong to us. In this episode, Lindsay and I unpacked what it means to define success on your terms.
“You don’t have to abandon your ambition. You just need to make sure your ambition is in service to your values.”
That’s the magic. And that’s where healing starts.
3 Things You Can Do Right Now to Lead From Within
- Take a breath before you respond. It interrupts your automatic reaction and gives your nervous system a moment to settle.
- Ask yourself: Is this my truth, or someone else’s expectation?
- Let yourself be messy. Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about being human.
Actionable Tip
Next time you’re in a moment of doubt or leadership pressure, put your hand on your chest and ask: “What part of me needs support right now?”
That simple act of checking in with your body can shift everything.
FAQ
Q. How do I know if I’m experiencing leadership burnout?
A. You might feel constantly drained, emotionally numb, or like you’re living on autopilot. If you’re succeeding on the outside but struggling inside, it’s a sign.
Q. What does somatic leadership mean?
A. It means leading with awareness of your body. Your nervous system plays a huge role in how you show up—and somatic work helps regulate it.
Q. Can introverts be strong leaders?
A. Absolutely. Leadership isn’t about being loud. It’s about being clear, grounded, and authentic to who you are. That’s your superpower.
5 Key Takeaways
- Burnout is often a sign of values misalignment, not just overwork.
- Your nervous system can guide you toward safer, healthier leadership.
- You don’t need to prove your worth through perfectionism.
- Leadership is about relationship, with yourself, your values, and others.
- Healing is a leadership skill, and it’s just as important as strategy.
Leadership isn’t a badge you earn. It’s a practice you build, one nervous system check-in at a time.
So if you’ve ever felt like you’re pretending to be the leader everyone sees… I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone, and more equipped to lead from who you actually are.
Much love. Good vibes. – Ky
