When passion fuels you… and when it drains you
This week, I had three speaking engagements. All different in size, all requiring me to show up and lead a conversation.
After the third engagement, I was knackered, exhausted. And the funny thing is, it was the smallest group of the three. Conversely, it was the larger groups that had me walking away energised, uplifted even, and thinking, “I could do this all over again.”
So what made the difference?
It wasn’t the topic.
It wasn’t the size or nature of the audience.
It wasn’t even the time of day.
It was ownership.
It was purpose.
It was how much skin I had in the game.
Purpose, passion and personal fuel
The two sessions that gave me energy were tied to causes I care deeply about. Topics I’ve lived, breathed, questioned and embodied. I wasn’t just speaking about something. I was speaking from somewhere.
But the third? Well, it was still valuable, still meaningful… but it wasn’t mine. I was fronting it on behalf of others. Filling a gap. Doing my part, yes but with far less heart.
And it dawned on me: It’s not just the task that determines your energy. It’s the meaning behind it.
When your voice is in service of something you believe in, truly believe in, it lifts you. When your voice is carrying someone else’s agenda (even for good reason), it can wear you down.
What are you fuelled by?
So many of us have been conditioned to simply "push through". To show up, speak up, step up even when it’s not quite aligned with who we are or what we stand for. Of course, sometimes that’s necessary. But if that becomes the norm? That’s when burnout creeps in. That’s when our voice starts to feel like a script. That’s when our contribution feels like a chore.
So, what's the solution? Not to do more, but to be more. More you. More grounded. More clear. More aligned.
Which brings me to something I’ve been quietly working on behind the scenes…
💥 Coming soon: The 5 Days to Getting Ahead by Being More, Not Less, of You Challenge
If this blog triggered something in you, if you’re tired of showing up in spaces that don’t align, or tired of leading in a way that drains rather than fuels you, then this is for you.
Over 5 days, I’ll walk you through my Becoming Unapologetically You 5-step framework. It’s practical. It’s powerful. It’s personal. And it works!
Best of all, I’m offering a handful of free spots exclusively to a few lucky readers on my mailing list.
Why? Because those are the people who’ve already made some commitment towards growing (with me).
Want to be in the draw? Just make sure you’re signed up to my list and keep an eye on your inbox. Join the newsletter now.
Final thought: Check your fuel
No, I don't mean choosing between 91 or 95 octane. No, the next time you’re feeling drained after doing something you’re “supposed to be good at" or usually enjoy doing, pause and ask:
Was this aligned with something I care about?
Did this reflect who I really am?
Was I leading with borrowed energy, or my own?
Because sustainable leadership doesn’t just come from pushing harder. It comes from showing up with clarity. You, your whole, honest, unapologetic self. Let’s get you back there.
👣 What about you?
What work fills your tank and what depletes it?
Are you showing up out of obligation or from ownership?
Let’s explore it together.
