The Journey from Burnout to Inner Peace - with Katherine Baldwin

What happens when the life you dreamed of doesn’t bring you happiness? This week on the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, we’re joined by Katherine Baldwin. Former Reuters political and foreign correspondent who once travelled the world alongside Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and David Cameron. From covering wars, natural disasters, and global crises, Katherine lived a life of adrenaline, success, and status. Yet behind the scenes, she was battling burnout, binge eating, alcohol dependence, and an overwhelming sense of emptiness. In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, Katherine shares how she transitioned from chasing external validation to finding inner peace and purpose. We discuss the dangers of overachievement, the role of addiction and denial in high-pressure careers, and the courage it takes to step away from an identity built on success. Katherine also reveals the practices and mindset shifts that helped her recover, embrace self-love, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or professional striving for balance, this episode will give you tools to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. 👉 If you find value in this episode, please subscribe, share it with others, and leave us a review. It really helps the podcast grow.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Success Doesn’t Guarantee Fulfilment: Katherine shares how her dream career reporting from Downing Street and the White House left her feeling empty and unfulfilled despite the outward success. Adrenaline Can Be an Addiction: Katherine describes how her life was fuelled by adrenaline, excessive work, binge eating and drinking, unaware she was using these to avoid unresolved pain. Numbing Isn’t Coping: She explains how we often use work, alcohol, exercise or even relationships to numb discomfort, but the feelings always catch up with us. Burnout Is a Wake-Up Call: A personal crisis and grief forced Katherine to face years of denial, leading her to finally seek help and reassess her life’s direction. Tell Yourself the Truth First: Recovery starts with self-honesty. Katherine encourages listeners to ask hard questions: What am I avoiding? What’s this behaviour really about? Healthy Relationships Start With Self-Love: Katherine talks about how early trauma creates patterns in love, and how self-worth and boundaries are the foundation for meaningful connection. Presence Over Productivity: From sea swims to journaling, Katherine shares the small daily rituals that keep her grounded and help her avoid falling back into old habits. Redefine Success as Inner Peace: Her definition of success has shifted from status and prestige to something simpler and more profound: peace, fulfilment, and joy.   Soundbites “I was in Downing Street, the White House, rubbing shoulders with world leaders—and I still felt dead inside.” “Externally, it looked like I had it all. Internally, I was crumbling.” “I was using food, alcohol, adrenaline, and achievement to numb the pain inside me.” “Tell the truth. Start by telling yourself the truth.” “If you’re numbing out—through alcohol, overwork, relationships, social media—what are you trying to escape?” “Our bodies will keep the score. Burnout, illness, even disease—these are the costs we pay when we don't pause.” “We think hustling is the answer. But at what cost? To our peace, our health, our families?” “We care for ourselves not just for us—but so we can care for the business, the team, the people we love.” “Presence is a superpower. It’s not weakness. It’s everything.”   ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Katherine’s Background 04:30 – Success on the Outside, Struggles Within 10:15 – Burnout, Breakdown & Denial 17:00 – Leaving Reuters & Facing Identity Loss 23:30 – First Steps Toward Healing 30:00 – Daily Practices for Self-Care & Presence 41:00 – Boundaries, Balance & Saying “Enough” 47:00 – Building Healthy Relationships & Her Book 55:00 – Quickfire Round & Defining Success 56:30 – Closing Reflections & Where to Find Katherine

Summary On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Declan O'Toole shares his remarkable journey from marine biology to building a successful catering business, Forerunner Catering. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from Meals on Wheels to providing school meals, the importance of cash flow management, and the lessons learned from navigating public sector contracts.  Declan reflects on the decision to exit the business, the sale process, and life after exit, emphasising the need for resilience and the fulfillment found in the entrepreneurial journey.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Define "Enough" Early: Declan covers what “enough” was in his life. He applied the 4% rule to plan his exit and financial future. Public Sector Contracts Can Be Goldmines: Declan talks about public sector contracts and how they can be stable and profitable when executed well. Systems and Process Create True Business Ownership: A business that can run without the owner is a real business. Declan emphasises how important it was for his catering company to be people-independent and systems-led. Cashflow is Everything: Declan emphasises that cashflow forecasting is a non-negotiable practice. Exit Requires Strategy, Not Spontaneity: Declan discusses his exit from the business by tightening operations, ensuring clean books, and building scalability before stepping away. Legacy Over Maximum Payout: Declan talks about choosing the right buyer, by assessing their values and ability to take care of his team and legacy. Soundbites “The bit that’s really good about generating wealth is not having the wealth. It’s the journey from not having it to getting there.”   “You only own a business if it can run without you for three to six months.”   “Cashflow, cashflow, cashflow. There’s nothing else. That’s priority one.”   “Once you get public sector contracts, just don’t f* up.”   “You’ve got to have grit. Everyone I know who’s made it has been through some deep, deep s*.”   “I’m great at building systems. I’m absolutely crap at doing them.”   “Success is waking up looking forward to the day and being happy with what you’ve achieved so far.”   “I’d be a corporate muppet if I hadn’t read Rich Dad Poor Dad.” Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Declan O'Toole 01:20 From Marine Biology to Catering Business 05:00 Transitioning from Meals on Wheels to School Meals 10:00 Challenges of Rapid Growth and Cash Flow Management 15:00 Navigating Public Sector Contracts 20:48 The Importance of Relationships in Business 27:47 Lessons Learned from the Public Sector 32:54 Deciding to Exit the Business 38:28 The Sale Process and Finding the Right Buyer 47:38 Life After Exit  

Dave and Alicia Store, co-founders of DSNM, join the Evolve to Succeed podcast to trace their 25-year journey from a one-man, paper-based chart-correction service to an award-winning super-yacht-navigation technology company with 27 employees and 620 vessels under subscription. Dave candidly recounts the scrappy early years - dot-matrix printers, Pritt Stick, and fax machines - while Alicia explains how joining the firm (initially to cover maternity leave) professionalised its finances, people processes and long-term vision.   The couple unpack the pivotal moments that reshaped the business: realising captains would pay for a fully managed service; raising prices to signal quality; surviving the 2008 crash, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine shock; and, most dramatically, self-funding and launching their proprietary software, Compass. Their complementary personalities - Dave the risk-taking visionary, Alicia the detail-driven operator - emerge as the engine behind DSNM’s culture of obsessive customer service and constant product iteration.   They also share the realities of running a high-pressure, family-run company in a glamorous, yet unforgiving industry. Topics range from work-life integration with their young son Louis, to tight recruitment standards, to the pride (and responsibility) of winning two Queen’s Awards and employing a close-knit team.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…   Find a pain-killer, not a vitamin. Early success came from doing the tedious chart-correction work crews hated. Price can signal value. Raising rates—rather than undercutting incumbents—attracted more super-yacht clients. Service DNA first, tech layer next. DSNM’s core white-glove support never changed; software (Compass) scaled it. Complementary co-founders matter. Visionary risk (Dave) + operational diligence (Alicia) created balanced growth. Crisis = clarity. COVID and the Ukraine conflict forced the team to reassess purpose, costs and future bets. Culture of “no passengers.” Every hire must be a self-starting problem-solver; weak links show instantly in a small team. Bootstrapping builds resilience. Funding software internally preserved speed and ownership—crucial in a niche market. Work-life “blend” beats balance. Shared purpose, clear role boundaries, and intentional family time keep burnout at bay.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to DSNM and Its Founders 06:50 The Evolution of Services and Software Development 12:04 Navigating Business Challenges and Financial Lessons 20:39 Balancing Growth with Company Culture 30:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Strategy 38:18 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth 42:50 Family Dynamics and Work-Life Balance 48:53 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts  

In this captivating episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, host Warren Munson reconnects with returning guests Julie and Sally, fresh from their epic adventure of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. After 59 grueling days at sea, the team successfully completed their journey from La Gomera to Antigua aboard the Ebb & Flow. Julie and Sally share vivid tales of their extreme challenge, from breathtaking wildlife encounters to the relentless mental and physical tests they faced. This episode is a moving testament to courage, camaraderie, and the power of human determination. Tune in and be inspired!   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Triumphant Arrival: The powerful emotions of crossing the finish line to a cheering crowd and reuniting with loved ones. Surprises & Challenges: Navigating unexpected battery issues, hand steering for hours, and battling huge storms. Life at Sea: Their daily routines, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and how they coped with the isolation and vastness of the ocean. Wildlife Wonders: Magical moments with whales, playful dolphins, and even a curious marlin! Team Dynamics: Insights into working as a team of three, including how they supported one another during tough times. Mind Over Matter: The mental strength and resilience it took to row day after day, and how they now see challenges in everyday life differently. Personal Growth: Reflections on how this experience changed their perspectives and their lives.   Chapters 00:00 - The Journey Begins: Crossing the Atlantic 06:02 - Surprises and Challenges at Sea 10:13 - Daily Life on the Ocean 14:39 - Overcoming Fears and Isolation 20:02 - Mental Resilience and Personal Growth 28:31 - Highlights and Pinnacle Moments 29:07 - Surfing the Waves of Adventure 30:08 - Wild Encounters: Whales and Wildlife 31:13 - The Thrill of the Ocean: Sounds and Sights 32:10 - Team Dynamics: Bonding Through Challenges 33:42 - Resilience and Problem Solving at Sea 39:00 - Physical Challenges and Recovery 43:14 - Adjusting to Life After the Ocean 46:35 - Future Adventures: What's Next?  

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Emma Burke, co-founder of Laceeze, shares her entrepreneurial journey from the inception of her innovative shoelace solution, to her recent experience on Dragon's Den.    Emma discusses the challenges and successes of developing her product, transitioning to a full-time commitment, and the importance of marketing strategies and brand ambassadors in driving growth.    Emma shares her journey on Dragon's Den, the challenges and opportunities that arose from her appearance, and how it impacted her brand. She discusses the intense experience of pitching, the immediate spike in brand awareness following the show, and the subsequent growth and challenges in her business.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Transitioning from a side project to a full-time business. Product development. Brand ambassador programs. Utilising platforms like Amazon. Emma’s Dragon's Den experience. Understanding your audience. Building a brand community. Utilising freelancers. New marketing platforms like TikTok. Balancing personal life with business.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Laceeze 03:13 From Concept to Product 05:46 Transitioning to Full-Time 08:48 Product Development and Expansion 12:05 Marketing Strategies and Brand Growth 15:10 Funding and Financial Growth 17:47 The Dragon's Den Experience 21:07 Preparing for the Pitch 27:56 The Intensity of Pitching on Dragon's Den 30:58 The Impact of Dragon's Den on Brand Awareness 34:45 Post-Show Opportunities and Challenges 39:34 Embracing New Marketing Trends 41:02 Personal Reflections 46:28 Balancing Business with Personal Life 48:27 Defining Personal Success  

On the 250th episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, shares insights into the legacy of the family-owned brewery and pub company, which has been in operation since 1777.  He discusses the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a family business over generations, the importance of reinvestment in the company and community, and the balance between tradition and innovation in the hospitality sector.  Anthony emphasises the need for educating future generations about the business's values and the impact of structural changes in the industry.  Anthony discusses the evolution of pub culture, emphasising the changing demographics of pub-goers. He also addresses the significance of succession planning in family businesses, sharing insights on legacy and the need for a forward-looking mindset.    This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… The importance of being a custodian of the family business. How reinvestment leads to longevity. Community impact over shareholder profits. Educating the next generation. Balancing tradition with innovation. Headwinds in the hospitality sector. Changes in pub culture and demographics. Moral decisions leading to better commercial outcomes. Trusting the next generation. Engagement with the community.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hall & Woodhouse 02:56 Custodians of a Legacy 05:58 Longevity in Family Businesses 09:04 Reinvestment and Community Impact 11:56 Educating Future Generations 15:13 Balancing Tradition with Innovation 18:13 Headwinds in the Hospitality Sector 26:10 Pub Culture and Gender Dynamics 31:27 The Brewing Legacy 36:15 Succession Planning 39:18 Mindset Shift 46:08 Personal Definition of Success  

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Jo and Oscar Hjälmås discuss their journey as co-owners of Baggette + Co., a financial services firm.  They share insights on their management buyout experience, the importance of maintaining company culture during rapid growth, and the strategies they implemented to ensure effective communication and team engagement.  In this engaging conversation, Jo and Oscar discuss the delicate balance between delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring financial viability in their business. They share insights on navigating personal and professional boundaries while working together as a couple, the impact of family dynamics on their business, and their definitions of success both personally and professionally.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… The importance of defining roles and responsibilities in a partnership. Effective communication. Celebrating team successes. Customer satisfaction. Organisational structure. Working as a married couple in a business setting. Employee well-being.  Delivering service with no sales targets.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Baggette + Co. 03:10 The Journey to Business Ownership 05:53 Navigating Roles and Responsibilities 09:03 Management Buyout 11:58 Growth and Expansion 14:54 Maintaining Company Culture During Growth 17:49 Communication and Team Engagement 20:56 Client-Centric Business Approach 31:35 Balancing Customer Delight and Financial Responsibility 36:30 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries 42:31 Family Dynamics on Business 46:10 Defining Success: Business and Personal Aspirations

  On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Louise Southam of Beyond Belief Couching shares her journey from a successful career in recruitment to becoming a leadership and business coach.  She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to pursue her passion for coaching, the challenges she faced as a single mother and the personal growth she experienced during her journey.  Louise emphasises the importance of resilience, manifestation and the power of positive thinking, as well as practical tools like journaling to facilitate self-discovery and empowerment.  Her story is one of courage, determination, and the belief that we can shape our own destinies.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…   Transitioning from recruitment to coaching. Balancing motherhood and career aspirations. Taking leaps of faith. How personal challenges can shape resilience and determination. The importance of manifestation in creating a desired life. Journaling. Overcoming fears of public speaking. The importance of networking and asking for help. Balancing masculine and feminine energies in leadership. Values in organisations. One-on-one coaching. Creating a supportive work environment.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:07 From Recruitment to Coaching 06:07 Motherhood and Career Aspirations 08:49 The Leap of Faith 11:59 Divorce and Self-Discovery 15:11 Manifestation and the Power of Positive Thinking 18:05 Journaling 21:05 Finding Confidence Through Public Speaking 24:01 Building a Coaching Business 26:17 The Power of Helping Others 28:50 Leadership Challenges 30:36 Heart-Centered Leadership and Generational Shifts 32:08 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 35:51 Masculine and Feminine Energy in Leadership 36:43 The Importance of Values in Organisations 40:45 One-on-One Coaching 45:54 Personal Growth and Inner Happiness 49:19 Quickfire Questions  

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Cassidy Macken shares her inspiring journey of starting Cassidy's Beauty Academy.  From her early passion for beauty to the challenges of running a business while raising children, Cassidy discusses the importance of education in the beauty industry and her drive to fill the gaps she identified. She also opens up about her experience with ADHD and how it influences her approach to business. Cassidy emphasises the significance of securing funding and overcoming fears in the entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights for aspiring business owners. Cassidy shares her journey of entrepreneurship, discussing the nuances of good and bad debt, the challenges of securing funding, and her experiences as a young mother balancing family and career.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Cassidy's journey in the beauty industry at a young age. Balancing motherhood and running a business. Education in the beauty industry. ADHD in business. Stepping out of comfort zones. Adapting to industry trends. Understanding the difference between good and bad debt. Securing funding. Finding the right business location. Having a clear vision for business growth. Taking risks when young.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Inspiration Behind Cassidy's Beauty Academy 10:16 From Beauty to Education 20:02 Navigating the Competitive Beauty Industry 22:02 ADHD in Business 27:49 Securing Startup Funding 28:20 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt 29:51 The Journey to Securing Funding 32:53 Finding the Right Business Location 34:27 Resilience in Business 37:40 Balancing Motherhood and Business 40:05 Vision and Goals for the Business 42:17 Staying Focused on Your Goals 47:11 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 55:32 Defining Personal Success  

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Brendan Hall shares his experiences leading a team in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.  He discusses the challenges of managing a diverse group of sailors, the emotional realities of leadership, and the importance of consistency and autonomy in team dynamics. Brendan reflects on his early leadership challenges, the pressure of performance, and the critical lesson that a leader's mood can significantly impact the team's morale.  He discusses the challenges of leading under pressure during a dangerous sailing race, highlighting the need for transparency and psychological safety.  Brendan reflects on the emotional toll of leadership decisions and the lessons learned from navigating crises. He also offers insights on creating high-performing teams and the challenges of transitioning to life after such a significant achievement.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. Managing diverse motivations within a team. Emotional intelligence in leadership roles. Consistency in leadership. The influence a leader's mood can have on team performance. Empowering team members. Letting go of control. Transparency and open communication. Dealing with high-pressure situations. Creating psychological safety. Investing in team members' development. Life transitions after significant achievements.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:37 Clipper Yacht Race 04:51 Team Dynamics and Leadership Challenges 06:32 Realities of Leadership 09:03 Early Leadership Challenges 15:37 Consistency in Leadership 18:32 Team Autonomy 19:54 The Evolution of Leadership 24:37 Dealing with Pressure 30:28 Resilience in Crisis: A Leadership Test 36:24 Creating High-Performing Teams 37:31 Life After the Race