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Being the go-to problem solver might feel like strong leadership — until it quietly burns you out and stalls your team's growth. Middle managers especially feel this pressure, expected to be available, adaptable, and ready with an answer. But that always-on approach comes at a cost.
Julie Armstrong, founder of 3H Leadership Consulting, and Leah Marone, a mental wellness expert, unpack "fixer fatigue," middle manager exhaustion, and why an open-door policy can backfire on everyone.
In this episode, you'll learn how to set boundaries without pulling back from your team, spot the signs your limits are too thin, and ultimately make the critical mindset shift to: Support, Don't Solve.
Dive deep into game-changing topics impacting today's workplaces. And every Saturday, we have top stories, featuring our bi-weekly All Things Work podcast, in SHRM's All Things Work newsletter. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode! Plus, get feature articles, related content, SHRM's latest research, and more.
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Podcast Episode Guest
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Leah Marone
Leah Marone is a psychotherapist, former Yale Clinical Instructor, and corporate mental wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in high achievers struggling with burnout, perfectionism, and performance anxiety.
Leah has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions and has contributed to Psychology Today, Newsweek, and The Atlantic.
She works with organizations on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence, and has delivered her Support Don't Solve framework to leaders at companies and nonprofits nationwide.She is also a TEDx speaker and the author of Serial Fixer: Break Free from the Habit of Solving Other People's Problems, which explores the hidden patterns of over-functioning and how to break free.
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Julie Armstrong
Dr. Julie Armstrong is the Founder and Principal of 3H Leadership Consulting, where she helps organizations develop the head, heart, and hands to lead people well.
In particular, Julie specializes in developing middle managers into middle leaders — the often-overlooked layer of leadership responsible for culture, communication, and turning strategy into everyday practice.
Drawing from experience across Fortune 100 companies, nonprofits, and small businesses, Julie combines research with practical leadership development to help organizations build healthier, more resilient, and more productive workplaces.
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John Arms
John Arms is Founder and CEO of Voyageur University, an education and career transition company helping experienced professionals build successful fractional and independent careers. A leading voice on workforce transformation, career ownership, and the future of work, John has helped thousands of professionals navigate career change and create new income opportunities.
He is the author of Revolt and Consult Your Way to a Full-Time Job, host of the Fractional Unfiltered podcast, and a sought-after speaker on workforce disruption, AI, talent mobility, and the evolving relationship between employers and talent.
Episode Transcript
This transcript has been generated by AI and may contain slight discrepancies from the audio or video recording.
Feature Story
Mental health days can support employee well-being, but employers should consider the ADA, FMLA, and state leave law implications before creating a separate policy.
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