How to Build High-Performing Teams Without Breaking Them | The Breakdown Series

What if your leadership was costing your team more than you realize?

Underneath the metrics and meetings lies a truth most leaders ignore: burnout isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a warning signal. This episode takes you into the heart of that tension.

In this episode of the Inner Work series, The Breakdown, MaryAnn Means-Dufrene and Karen Finney revisit a powerful conversation with Brad Wallace. Together, they explore what it means to lead like a “corporate athlete,” why pushing harder isn’t the answer, and how redefining rest, feedback, and capacity can transform team performance.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “do more” while your team quietly unravels, this one’s for you.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• 00:19 Introduction and Episode Breakdown

• 01:00 Sports Metaphors and Corporate Athlete

• 03:44 Marketing and Communication Strategies

• 05:22 Work-Life Balance and Team Norms

• 10:30 Feedback and Leadership Challenges

• 19:17 Learning from Failures and Growth Mindset

• 26:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

About our past guest

Brad Wallace, CFA, is a Partner at LKCM Headwater Investments. With roots in competitive sports and finance, he’s known for building values-driven companies and leadership cultures that scale.

👉 Want to explore your own leadership shift? Book a 1:1 with MaryAnn: https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call