In this first episode of 2026, I'm asking a question: What matters most to you right now? Not what should matter — what actually does.

I introduce three pillars that guide my work (Clarity, Authenticity, Alignment) and share what happens when the mountain you're climbing isn't wrong... It's just no longer right.

If you're standing at a pivotal moment, questioning your path, or sensing a gap between your success and what you value — this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• Why high-functioning leaders often forget to check if they're climbing the right mountain
• The three pillars of intentional leadership: Clarity, Authenticity, and Alignment
• What it means to be "on autopilot" and how to recognize it in yourself
• My personal journey from corporate HR leadership to clarity and direction work
• How to navigate pivotal moments when success stops feeling like success
• What to do when the career that fulfilled you at 35 doesn't fulfill you at 45
• The difference between the mountain being "wrong" vs "no longer right"
• Why Strategic Calm is essential for sustainable high performance
• How to honour what got you here while choosing what comes next

Questions for Reflection:

• What mountain are you on right now?
• Was it the right one when you started climbing?
• Is it still the right one now?
• What matters most to you in this season of your life and work?
• Where might you be performing a version of yourself rather than being authentic?

Three Pillars of Strategic Calm:

• Clarity - Cutting through mental noise to identify what truly matters
• Authenticity - Ensuring success reflects who you actually are
• Alignment - Matching daily actions with core values

Connect with Me:

If you're sensing a gap between your success and what you value, or if you're at a pivotal moment yourself, I'd love to hear from you.

• Website: ronelpretorius.com
• Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
• Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

Newsletter: Join the Unrushed community for bi-weekly reflections on clarity, direction, and what matters most at pivotal moments. Click here to subscribe.

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Welcome to Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, the podcast for high-functioning women who are tired of holding it all together at the cost of their well-being.

In this short trailer, your host, Women’s Wellness Coach Ronél Pretorius, shares why this show was created and what you can expect each week—honest conversations, practical tools, and gentle encouragement to help you set boundaries, reduce stress, and create a life that feels truly yours.

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

• Website: ronelpretorius.com
• Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
• Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, host Ronél shares her personal story of experiencing burnout and what led to her realisation that a significant change was needed in her life.

She describes the physical and emotional symptoms she faced, how she sought help from a therapist and a coach, and the ongoing strategies she uses to maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Ronél emphasises that burnout is preventable and provides insights into recognising early warning signs, the importance of seeking support, and prioritising one's own needs. She encourages listeners to take proactive steps toward a more meaningful and less stressful life.

✍🏻Here's the link to the recent blog post, Thriving Beyond Survival Mode: Why I Created This Programme for High-Functioning Women

📥 Don’t forget to download your copy of the 14 Small Steps to Reset Your Survival Mode Toolkit

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss a moment of calm clarity and grounded support.

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

• Website: ronelpretorius.com
• Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
• Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.