In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Donte Shannon, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the Industrial Designers Society of America, to explore the shift from the traditional idea of work–life balance to a more realistic model of work–life integration. Donte shares how embracing integration helped him move beyond the guilt of addressing personal needs during work hours, tracing that mindset to rigid workplace norms and time-based measures of commitment. The conversation examines how leaders can focus on outcomes over hours, manage energy rather than just time, and normalize stepping away when needed, including taking mental health days. Donte also discusses practical culture strategies he uses to support wellbeing, such as pacing major initiatives across the year, closing the office on holidays, offering summer hours, and celebrating wins to reinforce healthy productivity. The episode concludes with a candid reminder that sustainable integration begins when leaders stop prioritizing external judgment and instead design work patterns that support both wellbeing and high performance.

This episode is sponsored by Matrix Group International.

The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Danielle Baron, MA, MBA, FASAE, CAE, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Industry Relations at the School Nutrition Association, for an honest conversation about mental health and leadership. Danielle reflects on how moments like January—often framed as times for fresh starts—can carry added emotional weight, and she shares personal insights from her own mental health journey. The discussion explores the importance of vulnerability in leadership, how to model healthier norms without oversharing, and why intentional language matters in creating psychologically safe workplaces. Throughout the episode, the conversation emphasizes breaking stigma, building trust, and fostering supportive team environments. Danielle also discusses balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being, the value of strong support networks, and practical ways leaders at all levels can cultivate a culture that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing.

The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, speak with John Bacon, MBA, vice president of enterprise sales for the American Society of Association Executives, about the realities of year-end burnout for leaders. John unpacks why December often feels like a “perfect storm”—with deadlines, budgets, and planning for the year ahead all converging at once. He shares practical insights on recognizing early signs of burnout, setting meaningful boundaries, and treating rest and recovery as nonnegotiable components of effective leadership. John also reflects on workplace culture, the influence of ingrained work ethic, and how leaders can model healthier habits for their teams. The conversation offers a timely reminder that proactive self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential for sustaining strong leadership.

Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by Vetted Solutions.

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The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings.