The Antidote to Burnout: Lacey Newman on Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Scaling Smart

Burnout is not just a wellness problem; it is a business risk. Mental exhaustion can affect decision-making, team interactions, and client fulfillment. And for entrepreneurs, burnout can mean the end of their business.  

A startup’s success often depends on the performance of its founder. What’s more, entrepreneurs are highly vulnerable to burnout and other mental health stressors, often driven by long hours and the intense focus required to build a business. More than 87% of entrepreneurs report burnout, anxiety or depression. Nearly half say their mental health is poor. 

“We entrepreneurs build our businesses from a place of service. ‘Absolutely, I can do that for you. I am responsive and dependable, and you can count on me, and I will be there for you when you need me to be.’ And that is a beautiful place to start a business, but it is an impossible place to scale one,” says Lacey Newman.  

Lacey spent 20 years building a luxury real estate team that achieved over $1 billion in sales. She was the most recognizable agent in Nashville. Then, she walked away. Lacey took the insights she gained and founded Rise Higher coaching. During our conversation, she explained how to protect your mental health as you take a company to the next level.