From Burnout To Brilliance

Joanne Lockwood is joined by learning and development manager Emma Parnell to explore what burnout can look like, how it can creep up even when you understand the theory, and what recovery requires in practice. Emma shares her own experience of reaching a point where stress, grief, and depleted wellbeing left her feeling unable to function in a new role, prompting her to step away and reassess how she was living and working.

Together they unpack the patterns that often sit underneath burnout: perfectionism, fear of being “found out”, taking on too much responsibility, and not setting boundaries at work and at home. Emma reflects on the mindset shift that helped her most—seeing self-care as essential rather than selfish—and describes changes she’s making around nutrition, health, energy management, and gratitude.

The conversation also widens into workplace practice: how organisations can embed DEI into everyday culture rather than treating it as a tick-box exercise, and how learning design can drive real behavioural change. Joanne and Emma discuss scenario-based learning, human-centred storytelling, accessibility considerations, and the importance of psychological safety—especially the ability to speak up, make mistakes, and set boundaries without fear.

The episode closes with a focus on hope and practical takeaways: noticing early warning signs, seeking help, and building environments where people feel valued, heard, and able to thrive.