This episode is for you if you tend to struggle with caring too much as a leader.

If I had to guess, I'd say that your caring too much has started to feel a lot like carrying too much. You're the one holding the emotional and operational weight of everyone - clients, team members, family, and friends. What started with the best intentions of leading has become the exhausting burden of managing everyone else's emotional load.

Megan shares the startling truth behind this pattern, including the data showing why women leaders report far more exhaustion than men. We unpack the true costs of this habit - physical, mental, and financial - and why over-functioning actually keeps your business small and your profits smaller.

This is an invitation to recognize the difference between caring (your superpower) and carrying (a burden). You'll learn how to lead with empathy without sacrificing your peace and how to manage the temporary discomfort of setting boundaries in exchange for long-term peace.

In this episode, you'll learn to ask:

• What is the cost of my emotional labor, and why is my body keeping score?
• Why does over-functioning keep my business small?
• How can I stop "fixing" everything and start developing my team?
• How can I handle the pushback when I finally put the weight down?

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:04:00 – The emotional load: Why we make ourselves uncomfortable to make others comfortable.
• 00:06:00 – The physical costs: What your body has been trying to tell you.
• 00:08:00 – The financial & career cost: Why over-functioning keeps your business small.
• 00:11:00 – Simple scripts to practice boundaries with your team and clients.
• 00:13:00 – The messy work: Dealing with the pushback that comes with change.
• 00:14:00 – The final invitation: What would it feel like to put some of that weight down?

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

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Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application