The Manager Meltdown

“Leadership isn’t about being above anyone—it’s about moving people forward.” In this episode of Business Is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession explores the widespread burnout among managers and the outdated leadership models that are failing today’s workforce. With the traditional top-down structure continuing to crumble, Rebecca challenges the notion of control-based management and advocates for a shift toward connection-driven leadership. She unpacks why millennial and Gen Z professionals are rejecting leadership roles, the fundamental flaws in our work systems, and how businesses can embrace the Age of Humanity. From redefining leadership to fostering intrinsic motivation, Rebecca lays out a vision for a healthier, more sustainable workplace where employees thrive rather than just survive. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why traditional leadership models are failing managers and employeesHow control-based management leads to burnout and disengagementThe importance of intrinsic motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—in creating impactful work Things to listen for: (00:00) Intro (00:44) The reality of manager burnout (02:53) Why leadership training won’t fix a broken system (04:20) The shift from control to connection (09:30) Rethinking leadership in the Age of Humanity (14:29) The importance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose (18:20) The power of knowing your worth at work Connect with Rebecca: https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/