EP266 Beyond Busy: Building Self-Worth Without the Burnout with guest Dani Said

Introduction

Hello, Bold Goal Crushers! In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dani Said, the founder of Club Slay, a personal development community for millennial women. Dani’s journey from corporate burnout to creating a life and career on her terms is both inspiring and educational. Here’s a deep dive into our conversation, packed full of insights and actionable advice for anyone looking to break free from burnout and build self-worth. 

From Corporate Hustle to Major Burnout

Dani spent over a decade in advertising and TV production, working with brands like Kia, PayPal, and Porsche. Despite the prestige of these projects, the intense hustle led her to major burnout and level two adrenal fatigue by the age of 34. She reached a breaking point and realized she needed to make a significant change. 

Sara Mayer: "Wow, you worked for some major brands."

 Dani Said: "Yeah, I think that’s just a bit of a like wanky hall pass to say I did big things. But it’s a nod to the time I did spend hustling in corporate, putting in the groundwork to build skills and a network that have led me here today."

The Reality of Feeling Stuck

Many people find themselves in careers that, on paper, should be fulfilling but instead feel stuck and unfulfilled. Dani shared her experience of this, which so many can relate to—feeling miserable despite having what society deems a successful job. She recognized this early in her career but continued on the same path due to fear, social expectations, and ego. 

Sara Mayer: "Many of my listeners may be sitting in a cubicle or corner office, loving their job but feeling there's more to life. You talked a lot about burnout and actual medical issues from it."

Dani Said: "I empathize with anyone questioning their life and feeling miserable. Just because you’ve ticked certain societal boxes doesn’t mean you’re on the right path for you."

Medical Wake-Up Call

Dani’s burnout led to severe health issues, including adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalances, and insulin resistance. Traditional medical advice fell short, pushing her to seek help from an integrative doctor, which eventually provided the answers and treatment she needed. 

Dani Said: "I was physically run down and emotionally beaten. It took an integrative doctor to figure out what was going on. I did have level two adrenal fatigue; my adrenal glands were completely done." 

Sara Mayer: "I'm glad you identified those issues. It's intriguing that within one year, you knew corporate life wasn't for you, but you continued for another twelve years. Why didn’t you change earlier?"

Dani Said: "Fear of the unknown, neglecting the years I spent studying, social fears, and ego kept me there. It’s a hard switch when you've built your identity around your job."

The Ego and Productivity Trap

Often, our self-worth gets tied to productivity, making it hard to slow down even when it's necessary for our health. Dani’s story is a reminder that sometimes we need to take drastic steps to prioritize our well-being over societal pressures. 

Dani Said: "I moved to an island to reinvent myself, but it took time to learn to rest. I was conditioned to constantly be productive, which jeopardized my healing."

Advice for Those Stuck in a Similar Cycle

Not everyone can pack up and move to an island, but Dani encourages small changes to regain control over your life. Whether it’s seeking support, rearranging your schedule, or simply taking some time for self-care, every little step helps. 

Dani Said: "What can you do to take back time for yourself? Even small changes can add up and help you calm your nervous system and reflect."

Building Club Slay

Dani’s journey led her to create Club Slay, a personal development community for millennial women seeking a massive impact. Despite challenges, like taking on a consulting job to support herself, Dani stayed focused on her goal. 

Dani Said: "It’s not a failure to take on another job while building your business. It supports your goal and takes the financial pressure off." 

Sara Mayer: "People often think they need to give up everything and start from scratch, but everyone’s path is different."

Final Thoughts

Building self-worth and a meaningful life doesn’t follow a linear path, and it certainly isn’t void of challenges. Dani’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and community. Whether you’re pivoting careers, managing burnout, or seeking a supportive community, remember that it's okay to take your time and find what truly aligns with your values. 

Dani Said: "Welcome the part of you that is multi-passionate and creative. It’s not a negative. Connect with your true desires, even if they seem shameful or embarrassing."

Sara Mayer: "Dani, thank you for sharing your journey and insights. For anyone interested, you can join Club Slay at clubslay.co and connect with Dani on Instagram at @weareclubslay."* 

Conclusion

Let’s crush our goals and everything that gets in the way. Remember, you don’t need to work double time to achieve greatness. Take time to reflect, take care of yourself, and find what truly lights you up. 

Until next time, Bold Goal Crushers, let's get to it! 

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