How to Overcome Burnout and Lead High-Impact Projects with Confidence
Written by Rod on November 18, 2024
If you’re a Digital Health project or programme manager, you know the feeling: deadlines are looming, the scope keeps shifting, and suddenly it feels like the weight of the entire project is on your shoulders. The pressure to deliver can be relentless, and before you know it, you’re burnt out. You’ve been pushing through, but the spark you once had for your work is fading. Sound familiar?
Let me tell you about one of my clients, Tony, a junior project coordinator who was on the brink of burnout. Tony prided himself on his ability to manage large, complex projects even though he didn’t get the credit. But as the demands grew, so did his stress levels. He was managing multiple stakeholders, juggling conflicting priorities, and navigating constant changes in project scope. Tony felt like he was putting out fires every day and couldn’t see a clear way forward. His passion for his work was disappearing, and he was worried he wouldn’t be able to keep up.
When Tony first came to me, he was exhausted and ready to throw in the towel. He loved leading projects, but the constant stress had taken a toll on both his performance and his well-being. We quickly identified the core problem: Tony was so caught up in the day-to-day grind that he’d lost sight of the bigger picture. He was reacting to everything around him instead of leading with purpose.
We started by reframing Tony’s approach to project management. Instead of focusing solely on the tasks, we zoomed out and looked at his leadership style and confidence. Tony wasn’t just managing projects—he was leading teams, driving strategy, and making decisions that impacted the entire organization. This was a shift in perspective that allowed him to regain control. Together, we worked on creating clear boundaries, delegating more effectively, and setting realistic expectations with stakeholders. Tony learned that saying “no” to certain requests wasn’t a failure, but a way to protect the integrity of the project and his own sanity.
As we continued to fine-tune his leadership approach, Tony also started working on his mindset. His initial excuses for not performing evaporated. We developed strategies to help him manage stress, prioritize self-care, and keep his energy levels up. The more he focused on his own well-being, the better he became at leading his team with clarity and confidence.
Within a few months, Tony’s transformation was incredible. Not only did he formally stpe into project management, but he also started leading with a renewed sense of purpose. He went from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to being proactive and in control. His projects were running more smoothly, his team was more engaged, and Tony himself was thriving.
The best part? Tony didn’t just stop burning out—he started delivering even higher-impact results. Tony has gone one to programme management and then portfolio management. By focusing on leadership, communication, and strategic thinking, he was able to drive projects forward in a way that felt sustainable and rewarding. Now, Tony tackles even the most complex programmes with confidence, knowing he has the tools to lead effectively without sacrificing his well-being.
If you’re feeling like burnout is just around the corner, or if you’ve already hit that wall, it’s time to make a change. You don’t have to sacrifice your health or happiness to deliver exceptional results. Book a call with me today, and let’s work together to build a leadership strategy that allows you to lead with confidence and create high-impact projects—without burning out.
