Feeling exhausted, unfulfilled, and questioning everything? In this powerful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with author Kathy Slack about a journey many women can relate to: climbing the career ladder only to realize it's against the wrong wall. This conversation is an essential guide for any female leader experiencing burnout or feeling lost on her path. Kathy shares her personal story of navigating burnout and depression, and how she found rejuvenation and healing in the unexpected solace of her garden, as detailed in her book, Rough Patch: How a year in the garden brought me back to life. Discover how the pressure to be "always on" contributes to burnout and why nature, rest, and reflection are essential for your creativity and well-being. Lauren and Kathy also offer practical advice for those considering a career change, highlighting how your existing skills are valuable assets for a new, more fulfilling direction. This episode is an inspiring reminder that it’s okay to prioritize your health and happiness above all else.   Key Discussion Points Recognizing and Overcoming Burnout: How to identify the signs of burnout and begin your journey to recovery. The Power of Nature and Rest: Why stepping away from the "always on" culture is critical for healing and creativity. Career Reinvention: How to leverage your skills and experiences to pivot to a new career path that aligns with your true self. Prioritizing Well-being: A compassionate look at why your health and happiness should be your ultimate priority.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Reinvention 02:02 Kathy's Journey Through Depression 04:20 The Healing Power of Nature 07:32 Career Crossroads and Self-Discovery 10:50 The Impact of Corporate Culture 15:41 The Importance of Rest and Creativity 18:02 Recognizing Burnout and Its Signs 21:16 Connection to Nature and Self-Identity 24:08 Feminism and Personal Choices 27:29 Transferable Skills and New Beginnings 29:49 Advice for Emerging Executives   Guest bio Kathy Slack is the author of Rough Patch: How a year in the garden brought me back to life. It’s a fabulous memoir with a lot of delicious recipes. It explores Kathy’s journey, from the dizzying heights of being a Global Strategy Director in a London advertising agency, through the bumpiness of burnout and depression, and finding rejuvenation in nature and coming home to herself. Reinvention is something that all of us can relate to and this could be the Eat, Pray, Love of our time. Connect with Kathy on Instagram at @gluts_gluttony or visit kathyslack.com where you can sign up to her weekly newsletter of seasonal recipes & veg patch tales. Buy Kathy’s books here or on Amazon: ‘Rough Patch’a memoir with recipes  'From the Veg Patch'cookbook   Host bio Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change as an Executive Coach and Mentor. She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader. She started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely. Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management. Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.   Follow us on social  Insta   https://www.instagram.com/femaleexecutivesurvivalguide Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564348226928 Or listen to the Female Executive Survival Guide playlist on itunes!   Keywords Women in Leadership Burnout Female Leaders Career Change Self-Care Mental Health C