What if chasing success didn’t have to mean burning out?

In this deeply insightful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Kathy Oneto, an executive and life-work coach, speaker, and founder of Sustainable Ambition. Kathy brings a refreshing and realistic approach to ambition, one that aligns high achievement with personal well-being. Drawing from her experience as a former triathlete and marathon runner, she shares powerful lessons on pacing, resilience, and the art of thriving without sacrificing what matters most.

Kathy opens up about the misconceptions of “work-life balance” and introduces her practical framework for managing ambition wisely: aligning the right ambitions, at the right time, with the right effort. She discusses the importance of self-compassion, the power of community, and how to navigate setbacks with a growth mindset.

This episode is essential listening for life coaches, leaders, and anyone feeling caught between hustle culture and the desire for a fulfilling, sustainable life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How Kathy’s background as a triathlete shapes her philosophy on sustainable effort and resilience.

2. Why the term “work-life balance” can be misleading, and what to focus on instead.

3. The three-part framework for sustainable ambition: Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort.

4. Practical strategies for pacing yourself in life and work to avoid burnout.

5. How to find meaning and motivation even in roles that aren’t your ultimate passion.

6. The importance of self-compassion and acknowledging your progress.

7. Why your support system is critical for long-term persistence and success.

8. How to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities and continue moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sustainable Ambition Is a Mindset: True success isn’t about relentless hustle; it’s about aligning your efforts with what matters most to you, over the long haul.

2. Pace Over Push: Like in endurance sports, pacing is key. Consistent, intentional effort beats short-term burnout every time.

3. Right Effort, Right Time: Be discerning about where you invest your energy. Not every goal deserves your all, all the time.

4. Progress Over Perfection: Acknowledge how far you’ve come. Celebrating small wins builds momentum and motivation.

5. Self-Compassion Is Strategic: Being kind to yourself when you stumble isn’t soft; it’s essential for resilience and continued growth.

6. Your Community Is Your Fuel: Surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and help you see your own potential.

7. Embrace the Long Game: Meaningful change and achievement often take longer than we expect. Trust the process.

8. Alignment Beats Hustle: When your actions are aligned with your values and vision, effort feels more like purpose than grind.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:18 – Welcome Kathy Oneto: Redefining sustainable success

02:29 – From triathlete to coach: How sports shaped Kathy’s philosophy

04:08 – The myth of work-life balance and a more realistic approach

07:18 – The Sustainable Ambition framework: Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort

10:31 – How to pursue big goals without burning out

14:49 – Finding meaning in the journey, not just the destination

17:32 – The role of self-compassion and acknowledging progress

20:14 – Building a support system that champions your growth

23:17 – Reframing setbacks as learning, not failure

26:12 – Kathy’s one piece of actionable advice: start with self-compassion

28:42 – How life coaches can apply these principles with clients

31:50 – Where to find Kathy, her book, podcast, and resources

39:50 – Closing thoughts: Staying positive, persistent, and aligned

Connect with Kathy Oneto:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainableambition/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainableambition/

Website: https://sustainableambition.com/

Book: https://sustainableambition.com/books#preordernow

Podcast: https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

Website: https://thepositivepersistence.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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