Episode 311: Leading Like You Give a Damn: Building Teams That Thrive with Paula Davis

Written By Erin Diehl
 
 
 

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Burnout isn’t a personal problem, it’s a team dynamic. And according to Paula Davis, the fix starts with empathy, connection, and leadership that actually gives a damn. 

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Paula Davis, former lawyer, founder of the Stress and Resilience Institute, and author of Beating Burnout at Work. Together, they unpack how to prevent burnout by building resilient teams rooted in psychological safety, intrinsic motivation, and small-but-mighty moments of care — what Paula calls TNTs (Tiny Noticeable Things). 

If you’ve ever felt like your team is running on empty, this conversation is your roadmap to re-energizing culture from the inside out. 

Why Burnout Isn’t a “You” Problem, It’s a “We” Problem 

Burnout isn’t about weak individuals — it’s about misaligned teams. Paula explains why real prevention starts by addressing group dynamics, not just personal stress management. 

The Power of TNTs (Tiny Noticeable Things) 

Forget grand gestures. TNTs are small, intentional actions that create connection, reduce friction, and remind people they matter. 

The ABCs of Thriving Teams 

Paula breaks down her simple, powerful framework: Autonomy, Belonging, and Challenge: the three ingredients every resilient team needs to stay motivated and engaged. 

Empathy as a Leadership Skill  

Empathy builds trust, drives motivation, and protects teams from burnout. Paula shares how leaders can model it in ways that stick. 

Your Play Challenge 

This week, drop one TNT. Send a genuine thank-you. Ask a teammate how they’re really doing. Notice something good and name it out loud, because small moments can spark big change. 

If you’re ready to lead with empathy, build resilience, and create a workplace where burnout can’t take root, this episode is your cue to start doing the little things that make a big difference. 

Blocked time, made lists, promised yourself this time will be different—and yet by 5 PM, the work that actually matters is still staring back at you.  

Enter The Ready-Made 90-Minute Focus Kit: your done-for-you reset for ditching distractions and finally making progress on what matters most. With this simple framework, you’ll reclaim your brainpower, protect your energy, and actually finish the work you care about. 

Download it now and turn “Where did the day go?” into “Wow, I crushed that.”

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) 

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Connect with Paula Davis 

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Erin Diehl
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Episode 310: Nervous While Presenting? How to Calm Nerves in the Moment