292 | Burnout, Wilderness, and the Way Forward: A Conversation with Scott Savage

05/13/25 • 43 min

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a quiet epidemic. Across every industry, leaders are exhausted, teams are stretched thin, and emotional resilience is wearing down. And it’s not just happening out there. It’s happening to us—in boardrooms, church offices, classrooms, and Zoom calls.

That’s why we’re revisiting one of our most timely and needed conversations: Scott Savage’s raw and hope-filled journey through burnout, wilderness seasons, and the rhythms that restore us.

Scott, a pastor and writer, shares what really happens when a leader hits the wall—and how to recover with grace, intention, and new resolve. If you’re feeling the pressure (or know someone who is), this episode is essential listening.

💥 Why this episode matters now:

New research shows:

Burnout is now one of the top three reasons employees leave organizations (Gallup, 2024).
Emotional exhaustion is contagious—leaders who aren’t well unintentionally wear out their teams.
Leaders who build in recovery rhythms like sabbaticals lead more engaged, resilient, and loyal teams.

🎧 What you'll take away:

What burnout really feels like—and why it often creeps in slowly
How to reframe a “wilderness season” from something to escape into something that transforms
The leadership power of sabbaticals and sustainable rhythms
How to lead yourself so you can lead others well
Practical ways to build a culture that prioritizes health, not just hustle

👀 Don’t miss this if you’re a leader who:

Feels like you’re running on fumes
Is navigating team disengagement or high turnover
Wants to build a healthier, more sustainable leadership culture
Is ready to lead from wholeness, not hustle

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

Review us on Apple podcasts
Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!

That’s why we’re revisiting one of our most timely and needed conversations: Scott Savage’s raw and hope-filled journey through burnout, wilderness seasons, and the rhythms that restore us.

💥 Why this episode matters now:

New research shows:

Burnout is now one of the top three reasons employees leave organizations (Gallup, 2024).
Emotional exhaustion is contagious—leaders who aren’t well unintentionally wear out their teams.
Leaders who build in recovery rhythms like sabbaticals lead more engaged, resilient, and loyal teams.

🎧 What you'll take away:

What burnout really feels like—and why it often creeps in slowly
How to reframe a “wilderness season” from something to escape into something that transforms
The leadership power of sabbaticals and sustainable rhythms
How to lead yourself so you can lead others well
Practical ways to build a culture that prioritizes health, not just hustle

👀 Don’t miss this if you’re a leader who:

Feels like you’re running on fumes
Is navigating team disengagement or high turnover
Wants to build a healthier, more sustainable leadership culture
Is ready to lead from wholeness, not hustle

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

Review us on Apple podcasts
Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!

Previous Episode

291 | Leadership Insights with Ashley Warren: Building a Team Culture of Clarity and Care

In this episode of the LeadCulture Podcast, Jenni Catron sits down with Ashley Warren to dive into the core of leadership and team culture. They discuss the critical role of self-awareness in leadership, the importance of creating a culture of clarity and care, and the practical strategies that help leaders foster an engaged, thriving team. Drawing from their own experiences, Jenni and Ashley explore how leaders can better support their teams through understanding individual strengths, practicing empathy, and maintaining clear communication. Tune in for actionable insights that will empower you to lead with confidence and cultivate a positive, high-performing team culture.

Key Takeaways:

The role of self-leadership in effective team management.
How clarity and care can drive team success.
The importance of checking in on your team's emotional and mental well-being.
Balancing driven leadership with empathy.
Building relationships within your team for greater performance.

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

Review us on Apple podcasts
Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!

Next Episode

Unlocking Your Team's Potential: The Transformative Power of Gratitude

As we head into summer—a season when team energy can dip and distractions rise—it’s more important than ever to ensure your people feel seen, valued, and appreciated. In this week’s episode, Jenni Catron breaks down why employee appreciation isn’t just a feel-good bonus—it’s a strategic leadership move that strengthens organizational culture, boosts motivation, and builds trust.

Why this conversation matters now:
According to Gallup, employees who feel recognized are 4x more likely to be engaged. Yet 65% of workers say they haven’t received any form of recognition in the last year (Workhuman & Gallup, 2023). That’s a gap leaders can’t afford to ignore—especially as we enter a season where burnout and disengagement can quietly take hold.

Jenni unpacks:
✅ Why appreciation must become a cultural norm, not a calendar event
✅ No-cost strategies to increase motivation and belonging
✅ Creative ideas like “post-it parties” and gratitude rituals that leaders can start today
✅ How simple gestures—like handwritten notes—can shift the tone of your entire team

Whether you lead five or fifty, this episode will equip you with practical, meaningful ways to build a culture of gratitude—one action at a time.

🎧 Take a listen. Then forward it to a fellow leader who needs the reminder too.

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

Review us on Apple podcasts
Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!