The unCorporate Leader | Leadership, Communication, Teamwork, Productivity, Strategy
The un-Corporate Leader: next-level leadership—without next-level burnout
Did you think that making it into a leadership position would mean your job would get easier? Do you look back and realize you were wrong when you used to think, “If I had the chance, I could do it better?”
Being “closer to the sun (aka. the c-suite)” isn't always easier. The politics get thicker, the demands come from even more places and the strengths that helped you get promoted, seem to have become your new weaknesses. For many of us, we assumed that autonomy would increase as we climbed the ladder, but the truth is you have more people to please in order to get your work done.
I know, because I experienced this phenomena for decades in my career in tech. Whether it was the promotion to Director, the appointment to VP or finally stepping into the C-suite, there was always more to balance and more to navigate. On top of that, there were shifts I needed to make in how I thought about and ran my team and organization. I struggled with my identity and with managing myself, while managing everyone else so we could get things done. If quite cracking had been a thing while I was on the inside, I would have raised my hand and said, “yes that’s me”.
But, I did it! I had a successful career in tech, so much so that I was able to retire at 45. I have mentored, coached and taught others how to approach their jobs differently and I can teach you too.
If you are ready to think more strategically, run your team more effectively and lead with executive presence, then this podcast is for you. Within these episodes you will learn how to hack your job, with proven tools and methodologies that will allow you to easily grow and scale as you continue on your leadership journey. Who knows, it might even give you what you need, to strive for the next level, without burnout!
Grab your Starbucks, sparkling water, or your wine (no judgement here) and cozy up to hear what it takes to navigate this changing corporate world while maintaining your sanity and NOT giving up on your leadership dreams.
Want to get access to The unCorporate Leader community AND get a chance to receive a Clarity Convo worth $375 (yours FREE if accepted)? Join me here, today!
If you have a question or comment, feel free to contact me at: silvia@heysilvia.com
Listen on:
Episodes
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
Hey un-Corporate Leader,
Welcome to Episode 4 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where we focus on your number 1 Leadership Skill as a Leader.
Even if you have done all the work to create the best Strategic Plan, it doesn't guarantee that your team will execute against the plan. Because of this you must focus on one thing and one thing only to ensure success.
That said, this is something that is simple, but it isn't always easy. So, grab your drink of choice to listen to this week’s episode.
Best, Silvia
Join the Community! If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at https://theuncorporateleader.com/
Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.
Want more clarity? If something's not working and you suspect burnout might be creeping in, apply for a Clarity Conversation with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5
Monday May 18, 2026
Monday May 18, 2026
Hey un-Corporate Leader,
Welcome to Episode 3 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where we focus on the 5 questions that help create a best-in-class Strategic Plan.
Here is the thing, if you are feeling pulled in all directions, asked to do more with less, while constantly putting out other people's fires, then you may have a problem with your Strategic Plan Process.
There have been moments when I've inherited a team, gone into an interim gig and found that the team had no idea what to focus on. Instead of being able to focus on the critical few, they have to deal with the trivial many.
This leads to overwhelm, stress, confusion and A LOT of re-work. If you are ready to begin pairing down your and your team's workload — let's tackle it with this simple Strategy framework.
By the way, I've been there — and I've helped hundreds of leaders just like you not only survive but thrive through best-in-class Strategic Planning, and I know this will help you too.
What are we covering?
What it means to be a "Lazy Overachiever" and why it matters to your Strategic Plan
What a Strategic Plan really is and why its set-up is essential to ensuring you aren't overtaxed at work
The 5 questions that will help you create a best-in-class Strategic Plan Process
Why a good Strategy helps you say "no" so you can get time back
Bonus: An example of creating a best-in-class culture by using the 5 questions of a best-in-class Strategic Plan
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode.
Best, Silvia
Join the Community! If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at www.uncorporateleader.com
Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.
Want more clarity? If something's not working and you suspect burnout might be creeping in, apply for a Clarity Conversation with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Hey un-Corporate Leader,
Welcome to Episode 2 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where we focus on the 4 Behaviors to Implement for Strategic Leadership.
I get it. You feel pulled in all directions, asked to do more with less, while constantly putting out other people's fires. I've been there — and I've helped hundreds of leaders just like you not only survive but thrive through Leadership Development.
In this week's episode, we'll cover:
Why climbing the corporate ladder without Leadership Coaching won't actually make things easier
Why understanding and staying grounded in your Strategy is the superpower that will make the difference for you
Why focusing on just 4 behaviors will help you develop your Leadership Qualities
Why becoming a "Lazy Overachiever" is something to aspire to for your sanity
And bonus, learn a quick Leadership Coaching tip on how to pause and protect your priorities.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode.
Best, Silvia
Join the Community! If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at theuncorporateleader.com
Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.
Want more clarity? If something's not working and you suspect burnout might be creeping in, apply for a Clarity Conversation with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5
Monday May 04, 2026
Monday May 04, 2026
Hey un-Corporate Leader,
Welcome to Episode 1 of the un-Corporate Leader Podcast — where we focus on the key strategies you need to lead well and avoid burnout.
I get it. You feel pulled in all directions, asked to do more with less, while constantly putting out other people's fires. I've been there — and I've helped hundreds of leaders just like you not only survive but thrive.
In this week's episode, we'll cover:
Why good leadership practices are essential (and why this podcast exists)
Why people remain essential — even in the age of AI and robotics
Why "Systems Thinking" is the key to avoiding burnout, and what it means
The 3 strategies you need to achieve next-level results without next-level burnout
Why you can't escape the judgment of others as you grow as a leader — and how to reframe it so it doesn't consume you
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode.
=================
Join the Community If you haven't already, join the un-Corporate Leader Community at theuncorporateleader.com
Got questions? I have answers! Send them to silvia@heysilvia.com and I may answer yours on a future episode.
Want more clarity? If something's not working and you suspect burnout might be creeping in, apply for a Clarity Conversation with Silvia — limited spots are available now: https://forms.gle/LFL6m7LkR4qwaUhu5
Monday Apr 13, 2026
Monday Apr 13, 2026
Have you realized being promoted and being closer to the C-suite isn't actually easier, but you still want to be successful without the headaches?
Then join me, Silvia Johnson as we explore all things leadership in the un-Corporate Leader podcast.
You can achieve those next level results without the next level burnout. I know because I’ve been there. From Director level to C-Suite exec and Board member. You have questions, I have answers.
So, if you are ready to think more strategically, run your team more effectively and lead with executive presence, grab your drink of choice and cozy up to hear what it takes to navigate the changing corporate world while maintaining your sanity.