You Have a Choice: Rethinking Leadership with Eric Nehrlich

What if the cost of “success” is your health, your joy, or your identity?
This raw and powerful episode dives deep into the emotional journey behind leadership development and what it takes to come back to yourself.

Executive coach and former Google Chief of Staff Eric Nehrlich sits down with MaryAnn Means-Dufrene for a vulnerable conversation about burnout, parenting, trauma, and the inner reckoning that changes everything. They explore how real leadership isn't about pushing harder, it’s about learning to pause, feel, and choose differently. If you're carrying too much, pushing too hard, or quietly breaking down behind the scenes… this one is for you.

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

• 00:25 Introduction and Guest Welcome

• 01:14 The Importance of Inner Work

• 02:03 Personal Growth and Transformation

• 03:37 Challenges and Failures

• 11:43 Burnout and Realizations

• 14:26 The Power of Choice

• 18:52 Embracing Emotions and Trauma

• 22:03 Empowerment and Leadership

• 26:28 Discovering Personal Passions

• 31:04 Continuing the Journey of Healing

• 31:57 Lessons from Parenting

• 33:17 Balancing Self-Care and Responsibilities

• 35:35 Understanding and Managing Emotions

• 40:42 Parenting as Leadership

• 55:01 The Importance of a Safe Space

• 56:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About the guest

Eric Nehrlich is an executive coach who helps leaders increase their impact by challenging the mindsets and habits that hold them back. Drawing on 25+ years in tech, including 6 years at Google, he guides high achievers toward more meaningful impact. He’s the author of You Have A Choice and lives in the Bay Area with his partner and three children.

Learn more: https://www.toomanytrees.com/

🔗 Feeling the weight of it all? Book a clarity call with MaryAnn: 👉https://collectivegrowthleadership.com/book-call