AT the start of 2021, I noticed a change in my behaviour. I was no longer able to wake up before sunrise, and became increasingly disengaged, with my team managers across the different initiatives I am involved with telling me constantly of the ugly and bad happening while being cynical and sensitive to what was said to me, and about me.

I also started questioning my ability and integrity to realise the purpose-driven aspirations for the different projects, including for my social enterprise Hush TeaBar, when a burnt out manager and a burned up team struggled to keep it together, harmoniously.

I know these to be early signs of burnout from the Maslach Burnout Inventory but I did not "let" myself burn… yet. As a leader and employer to more than a few, I didn't think I could/should because I felt I had to hold it together to keep jobs intact and hopes alive.