209. Is Obsession with Fast-Paced Work Leading to Burnout?

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In this episode, Julia speaks with Tam about burnout — and why one of the most powerful things one could do to prevent it is surprisingly simple: slow things down. Tam reflects on how modern workplaces often move at a relentless pace. Meetings pile up, deadlines tighten, and we feel pressure to keep everything spinning faster and faster. But constant speed, he argues, does not create better work. At best, it helps people survive — not thrive.

Through practical examples, Tam explains how intentionally slowing down can improve both performance and wellbeing. Creating a space at the start of meetings to clarify context, reflect, and align expectations, can help teams understand the work more deeply and avoid last-minute panic. His approach follows a simple rhythm: stop, slow down, think, and act.

The conversation explores the idea of leadership as energy management rather than time management. Teams move through natural peaks and dips of energy, and good management and leadership recognise when to accelerate and when to create moments of calm — what Julia calls an “oasis” in the middle of a noisy world.

Tam also reflects on the importance of observation and care. Burnout rarely appears suddenly; it shows up in small signals — fatigue, reduced focus, or changes in behaviour. When one leads mindfully, they’re able to notice these early signs and responds with empathy, addressing issues privately before they affect the whole team.

Ultimately, this episode challenges the assumption that constant urgency equals productivity. Instead, it suggests that sustainable pace, thoughtful conversation, and shared understanding may be the real foundations of effective leading.

And perhaps the most powerful insight of all: burnout spreads. Like a communicable disease, stress and exhaustion can pass from one person to another — making the responsibility for pace and energy even more important.

About the Guest:

Tam Nguyen

Tam Nguyen is a distinguished multidisciplinary leader with a foundational background in Engineering from Vietnam’s top-tier university and a Master’s degree from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand. She has spearheaded high-impact projects in rehabilitation and community mental health, earning a formidable reputation among domestic and international partners for her executive excellence. As a visionary strategist, she has successfully designed and implemented pioneering initiatives that have set new benchmarks within the specialized healthcare sector. Her work is highly regarded by industry experts for its innovative approach and sustainable social impact. Currently, she continues to be a trusted voice in driving systemic change and operational success in complex social projects.

About the Host

Julia Middleton

Julia Middleton is the host of the Women Emerging podcast and a best-selling author of “If that’s leading, I’m in” as well as two previous books: “Leading beyond Authority” and “Cultural Intelligence”. She is deeply committed to helping people from all backgrounds to find their own approach to leading. In 2020, Julia launched Women Emerging and in 2022 she lead an expedition of 24 women to find ‘an approach to leading that resonates with women’. She now leads expeditions with women all over the world based on 4Es methodology, discovered in the first expedition.

Prior to that, Julia was founder and, for over thirty years, Chief Executive of Common Purpose, which grew to become one of the biggest leadership development organisations in the world.
Julia is also an Ambassador for the Aurora Prize based in Armenia, on the boards of Alfanar Venture Philanthropy in the Arab World and Equality Now, which operates globally, and on the Advisory Councils of Fundacao Dom Cabral in Brazil and Synapse in Pakistan. Born in London and brought up in New York, Julia was educated at French Lycées and graduated from the London School of Economics. She is married, with five children and lots of grandchildren.