Episode Details

What if the thing holding your career back… isn’t your ambition but your energy?

In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Jen dive into a topic every high-achiever needs but often ignores: sleep, energy, and sustainable performance.

They’re joined by Tanessa Shears, a sleep and performance specialist who has spent over a decade helping entrepreneurs and leaders eliminate brain fog, prevent burnout, and build the physical and cognitive capacity to perform at a high level without running themselves into the ground.

But this conversation goes beyond optimization.

After reaching financial independence at 35, Tanessa stepped away from her business and spent 18 months traveling the world with her family. She returned not just rested—but with a completely reset nervous system, a new perspective on hustle culture, and clarity on what sustainable success actually looks like.

We unpack why so many ambitious professionals are unknowingly burning themselves out, how to recognize the early warning signs (even when everything looks “fine” on the outside), and what small shifts can dramatically improve your energy, focus, and long-term performance.

If you’ve been feeling constantly tired, stuck in brain fog, or questioning whether success has to come at the cost of your wellbeing—this episode is your permission to do things differently.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why high-achievers are especially prone to burnout (and how to spot it early)
• What’s actually happening in your body when you experience brain fog
• The hidden cost of hustle culture—and why it stops working
• What a “reset nervous system” really feels like in real life
• Simple, science-backed habits to improve your sleep, energy, and focus
• How to sustain high performance without sacrificing your health

Connect with Tanessa:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanessashears/

Follow her on Substack: https://imbecomingresilient.substack.com/

🎯 Want accountability while navigating your career pivot?

Maxady’s coaching services help you navigate uncertainty, embrace your strengths, and build a career you love.
👉 https://www.maxady.com/coaching

Stay in Touch with Your Hosts:

• Colleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/comara/
• Connect with Jen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-pasquale/
• Work with Jen: https://www.leadwithcuriosity.co/

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations that transform career complexity into your competitive advantage!