Episode 3 | The Burden of Responsibility: Managing Leadership Stress!
When the Weight of Leadership Feels Heavy, You’re Not Alone.
About the Episode:
Being a leader isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about holding it all together when everything feels like it’s falling apart. In this heartfelt episode of the Muddy Boots podcast, Melissa Wood and Al Hopper step into the real, messy middle of leadership — where stress is high, pressure is real, and the weight of being “the strong one” can be overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it.
This conversation is a reminder that stress doesn’t make you weak — it makes you human. And there are better, smarter ways to carry it.
Why You Should Watch:
Redefine Strong Leadership
Learn why self-care isn’t soft — it’s smart. And how letting go of perfection can make you a more effective leader.
Recognize the Signs
Discover how stress shows up — physically, emotionally, and even in your posture — and how to spot it before burnout hits.
Build a Culture of Trust
Explore how empowering others to lead can reduce your decision fatigue and create space for growth (for them and you).
Get Practical, Not Just Philosophical
From keeping a stress log to starting your day with intention, get small, doable actions that lead to real change.
What You’ll Hear:
- How “Please Take Off” became the new definition of PTO
- Why looking in the mirror might be the best stress check-in
- The link between delegation and decision-making fatigue
- The grounding power of walking barefoot in the dirt (literally!)
- A surprising tool for stress relief: the Kit Kat jingle
- Why smart leadership starts with oxygen — for yourself
Real Talk from Real Leaders:
💬 “You have to understand that the burden of leadership can be shared, should be shared, needs to be shared.”“ – Al Hopper
💬 “Make a mistake. Break something. Just don’t break it the same way twice.“ – Jim Iyoob
Meet the Experts:
Melissa Wood – Dean of Leadership Development
Albert Hopper – Project Manager, Etech Global Services
Watch Now and Lead with Less Stress, More Sanity
Whether you’re juggling people, projects, or both — this episode will help you step back, breathe deep, and lead from a healthier place.
Real leadership starts with real conversations — and this one just might be the one you needed today.
📢 Subscribe to Melissa’s Muddy Boots for more real-world leadership insights.