On this episode of The Truth About Burnout podcast, Avery welcomes Joan, a dedicated coach specializing in hospitality who works with independent restaurateurs. Joan identifies strongly as a high achiever, a trait she's carried with her throughout her life, driving her to excel academically and professionally. She shares her passion for helping restaurateurs who often find themselves working grueling 18-hour days, believing that burnout doesn't have to be the norm.

Joan's experience during the pandemic as a multi-unit manager is particularly enlightening. She managed both a retail outlet and a restaurant, often finding herself juggling multiple roles simultaneously—from host to bartender, server to dishwasher. The pressures were immense, with labor shortages and a challenging chef exacerbating the stress. Physically and mentally, the toll was evident, manifesting in bizarre symptoms like aching limbs and immovable thumbs.

In her journey to recover from burnout, Joan adopted meditation, journaling, and daily walks as self-care practices. A pivotal shift in focus from herself to her crew members proved transformative. Joan recognized that when her team felt supported, they were more engaged and committed, reducing the burden on her as a manager. Drawing from this insight, Joan created a program aimed at helping independent restaurateurs hire and retain strong teams. This initiative empowers restaurant owners to trust their teams, work fewer hours, and achieve a better work-life balance.

Episode Highlights:

0:00 - Introduction

Avery introduces Joan, a high-achieving coach in the hospitality industry, who works with independent restaurateurs facing burnout.

2:45 - Identifying as a High Achiever

Joan shares her lifelong identification as a high achiever, attributing her ability to think outside the box and problem-solve to this trait. However, it also leads her to feel guilty when prioritizing self-care over work.

4:15 - Burnout Experience During the Pandemic

Joan recounts her challenging experience managing a retail outlet and restaurant during the pandemic. She details the stress of labor shortages, juggling multiple roles, and dealing with a demanding chef.

7:30 - Physical Symptoms of Burnout

Joan shares the bizarre physical symptoms she experienced, including body aches and immovable thumbs, highlighting the toll burnout took on her.

9:00 - Recovery Strategies

Joan discusses the self-care practices she adopted to recover from burnout, including daily meditation, journaling, and walking. She also emphasizes the importance of shifting focus from herself to supporting her team.

11:30 - Building a Strong Team

Joan introduces her program aimed at helping independent restaurateurs hire and retain strong teams. She explains how this approach allows restaurant owners to work fewer hours and achieve a better work-life balance.

Guest links:

• Website: YourRestaurantMaven.com
• Program: Solving Your Restaurant Labor Problems and Saving Your Sanity
• Podcast: You Can Do It TOO
• Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram