In this episode of the Balance Badass podcast, Tara emphasizes the importance of building a strong support system to combat burnout. She discusses five key types of people essential for creating a burnout-resistant life: role models, mentors, coaches, cheerleaders, and sponsors.
Tara shares personal stories of her own struggles with burnout and explains how having the right people in your corner can make a transformative difference. She also provides practical tips on how to find and nurture these relationships, stressing that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Tara concludes by encouraging listeners to take action, identify gaps in their support network, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
Somewhere along the way, we got sold the idea that success means being a lone wolf—grinding it out, hustling nonstop, and magically pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps.
And burnout thrives when you’re isolated, overwhelmed, and convinced you’re the only one who can get it all done.
Friend, you’re not meant to do this solo. Nobody builds a thriving career or life by themselves.
You need people (specifically, five types of people) to back you up, push you forward, and keep you sane.
Role Model: The North Star
These are the people who show you what’s possible. You don’t even need to know them personally.
Your role model could be someone like Brené Brown—or your colleague who leaves work on time without a shred of guilt.
But just admiring someone isn’t enough.
Study them. Ask yourself, What are they doing that I’m not? and How can I try that in my own life?
Mentors: Your Career Compass
A mentor is like a GPS for your career, guiding you through twists, turns, and the occasional dead end.
Unlike role models, mentors know you. They understand your quirks, your strengths, and your goals.
The best mentors don’t just give advice—they invest in your growth. They bring light to your strengths, challenge your self-doubt, and help you map out your next steps.
Not sure where to find one? Start small. Reach out to someone you admire with a specific question or challenge.
Build the relationship naturally—no awkward “Will you be my mentor?” proposals required.
Coaches: The Closet Organizer for Your Brain
Think of your brain as a messy closet full of old beliefs, doubts, and random “shoulds.” A coach is the person who steps in, hands you a trash bag, and says, “Let’s sort this out.”
They help you figure out what matters (your values, strengths, and big dreams) and what doesn’t (limiting beliefs, guilt, and people-pleasing habits).
Unlike therapy, which looks back to heal past wounds, coaching is forward-focused. It’s not about unpacking your childhood—it’s about asking, What’s next?
A good coach won’t let you wallow. They’ll hold you accountable, challenge your excuses, and push you to take action.
Cheerleaders: The Confidence Boosters
Burnout has a way of making you question everything. Am I good enough? Can I handle this? Have I peaked?
Cheerleaders are the ones who cut through that noise.
These people aren’t just handing out gold stars—they’re reminding you who you are when you’ve forgotten.
Whether it’s your best friend, your mom, or the coworker who always notices your wins, cheerleaders lift you up.
And if you’re struggling to find one? Start by being one for someone else. That energy has a way of coming back to you.
Sponsors: The Door Openers
While mentors guide you, sponsors advocate for you. They’re the ones in the room where decisions are made, saying, “This person deserves the opportunity.”
Sponsors don’t just hand out recommendations—they put their reputation on the line for you.
That’s why they’re drawn to people who deliver. Show up, own your work, and let your talent speak for itself.
Sponsors aren’t there to help everyone—they help the ones who’ve earned their trust.
Why Your Squad Matters
Burnout loves to isolate you. It makes you believe you have to handle everything on your own or that asking for help is some kind of weakness.
But recovery happens in community. The right people can remind you of your worth, help you set boundaries, and show you how to align your career with your life—not the other way around.
Your squad isn’t just there to make life easier (although it does). They’re there to make your goals possible.
So, who’s on your squad? Take time today to think about it. Do you have role models, mentors, coaches, cheerleaders, and sponsors?
If not, start small:
- Pick someone you admire and study their habits.
- Reach out to a potential mentor with a specific question.
- Look into coaching (hint: I know someone who can help).
Building your squad doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with one person and build from there.
Because you’re not just building a career. You’re building a life. And having the right people by your side? That’s how you make it happen.
Got thoughts or questions from this week’s episode? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! 🫶
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00:00 Introduction to the Balance Badass Podcast
00:20 Understanding Burnout and Its Causes
00:38 The Importance of a Support Squad
01:14 The Five Key People You Need
04:41 Role Models: Learning from the Best
08:40 Mentors: Your Career GPS
12:47 Coaches: Unpacking Your Potential
20:25 Cheerleaders: Your Emotional Support
23:49 Sponsors: Advocates for Your Success
28:21 Conclusion and Next Steps
32:59 Burnout Resistant Career Playbook
👉 Check out the Burnout-Resistant Career Design Playbook: https://tarakermiet.com/playbook/
I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach specializing in burnout prevention and work-life integration. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re holding it all together with duct tape and coffee. But success doesn’t have to mean running yourself ragged. I help high achievers find work-life balance and shine as badass leaders.
👉 Take my quick quiz to find out where you stand on the burnout spectrum, plus get tailored tips to help you turn things around before it’s too late. Visit: https://tarakermiet.com/free-resources/
😍 If we’re not friends yet on social media, why the heck not? Follow me on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or LinkedIn (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected!
🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email.
Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices!
Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.
