Prioritize Self-Care: Regular exercise, sleep, and relaxation techniques are key. A friend adopted a morning walk routine and noticed a significant mood boost.
Millions of Americans are returning back to work after being home during the pandemic. While this has been exciting for many, some are feeling burned out by their work. What do you do if you are feeling burned out by your work? How do you reverse it? How can you “get your mojo back”? What can employers do to help their staff reverse burnout?
In this interview series called “Beating Burnout: 5 Things You Should Do If You Are Experiencing Work Burnout,” we are talking to successful business leaders, HR leaders, and mental health leaders who can share insights from their experience about how we can “Beat Burnout.”.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Gary Quinn
Gary Quinn is an international motivational speaker, intuitive life coach, intuitive strategist, and best-selling author. Gary shares his valuable insights and knowledge with a worldwide audience via his self-help inspirational books, podcasts, television appearances, online digital downloads and numerous worldwide speaking engagements and seminars. His teachings have been embraced by people from all walks of life, including entertainers, athletes, and corporate leaders. Among his many clients are Academy Award winners, Grammy winners, and Olympic gold medallists.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Thank you so much for asking! I’d love to share a bit about my childhood because it truly shaped who I am today. Growing up, my family moved frequently because my stepfather was in the army, so I learned at a young age to adapt to new environments and stay open to new experiences.
One of the constants in my life, however, was my love for swimming. At thirteen, I realized that I wanted to take my passion for swimming to the next level. My mother, who was my greatest supporter and cheerleader, believed in my potential and sought out some of the best Olympic swim coaches — Sherm Chavoor and Mark Schubert. They had trained some of the greatest athletes of their time, and through their guidance, I learned the value of hard work, determination, and belief in myself.
It was during this time that I truly began to understand the importance of trusting yourself and the power of belief. Setting records and competing at high levels gave me a foundation of confidence, not only in swimming but in every area of my life. But life is full of unexpected twists. When the U.S. boycotted the 1980 Olympics, the dreams I had worked so hard for were suddenly out of reach.
It was a devastating moment, but one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life is that when one door closes, another opens. That disappointment led me to Hollywood, where I began training actors and eventually built a career in the entertainment industry. Along the way, I discovered a deeper spiritual path that helped me stay grounded, connected, and open to life’s opportunities.
What I take from my journey is this: no matter the circumstances, there is always a higher purpose guiding us. Challenges, heartbreaks, and changes are often stepping stones to something greater than we could have imagined. I truly believe that with self-love, forgiveness, and an unwavering belief in yourself, you can turn any obstacle into an opportunity for growth and authentic happiness.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
My journey has been shaped by so many incredible individuals who have impacted and inspired me to be a vessel of growth and transformation for others. One of the key figures who influenced me deeply was inspirational teacher Terry Cole-Whittaker. I had the profound privilege of working with her at her home and events, and through her teachings, I discovered the importance of self-love, faith, and empowerment. She ignited in me a desire to help others recognize their own inner strength and spiritual potential.
As my path unfolded, I was fortunate to encounter a number of remarkable spiritual teachers — Gregg Braden, Dan Millman, James Redfield, Deepak Chopra, Don Miguel Ruiz, and Debbie Ford — who each left their own indelible mark on me. Their teachings reinforced the idea that we are all capable of profound transformation when we tap into our inner wisdom and embrace the journey toward higher consciousness. Working alongside them as a colleague was not only an honor but a constant source of inspiration to continue evolving, both personally and professionally.
My journey didn’t just include spiritual teachers; many celebrities and public figures also played pivotal roles in my life. Sitting down for lunch or dinner with James Coburn, Linda Gray, Nastassja Kinski, Robert Downey, Jr., Belinda Carlisle, and even the legendary Lucille Ball gave me an intimate look at the resilience, creativity, and depth that each of them carried. Spending time with Jill Ireland and Charles Bronson when I was just 24 taught me that even those who seem larger than life carry their own wisdom and struggles, and they reminded me that no matter who we are, we are all on this journey of self-discovery together.
Throughout my journey, I’ve also had the privilege of connecting with top businessmen from all walks of life, including Andreas Kurtz, former CEO of Diesel, and David Bailey, Chairman and CEO of the David J. Bailey Foundation. These leaders have inspired me with their vision, drive, and commitment to making a positive impact in both their industries and the world at large. Their insights and leadership have provided valuable lessons on resilience, purpose, and creating lasting change.
What I took from these interactions — whether with celebrities, high powered business individuals or spiritual teachers — was that everyone carries a unique nugget of wisdom. Each person, no matter how different their life experiences, has something profound to teach us if we are open to receiving it. These moments taught me that authentic happiness and fulfilment come from living a life of connection, purpose, and self-trust. These individuals inspired me to pursue a path where I could help others awaken to their own potential and live their truth with courage and grace.
In essence, my career has been a reflection of all these influences. It’s been about creating spaces where people can discover their own light and walk their path of self-love, forgiveness, and trust in themselves. I continue to be inspired by the idea that we are all interconnected, and through our shared experiences, we can uplift one another toward the ultimate fulfillment of our souls.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
My mother has been my greatest inspiration throughout my entire life. She’s not only been my anchor but a living example of resilience, unwavering support, and the power of having faith in life’s breakthroughs. I remember vividly the moment when my dreams of making the Olympic swimming team slipped through my fingers after years of intense training. It was a devastating reality to face — having to let go of something I had poured so much of myself into.
During this challenging time, my mother’s strength shone brightly. She was the one who encouraged me to see beyond what I thought was a loss and helped me pivot toward a new path — one I hadn’t fully considered before. Her faith in my potential led me to embark on my journey into the entertainment industry, which was a complete shift from where I started. She even organized a place for me to stay with my aunt and uncle in Los Angeles during those first eight months of transitioning. It was a leap into the unknown, but I knew she had my back and believed in me wholeheartedly.
Her constant encouragement wasn’t just words; it was action, grounded in the belief that life always opens up new doors when one seems to close. My mother’s resilience and unconditional love continue to inspire me, reminding me that success isn’t about the medals we collect but about embracing every chapter and trusting in the divine timing of life’s journey.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
One of the funniest and most enlightening experiences happened during a retreat I led in Japan. We were in a serene village nestled in the mountains, and I had just finished guiding a meditation session with the group. Inspired by the tranquil surroundings and eager to embrace the local customs, I decided to participate in a traditional Shinto offering at a small shrine nearby.
Wanting to immerse myself in the experience, I approached the shrine and, in what I thought was impeccable Japanese, recited a short prayer. I felt confident and deeply connected — until I saw the puzzled looks on the faces of the shrine’s caretakers. Moments later, they burst into laughter. When I asked what happened, one kind elderly gentleman explained that instead of offering blessings of prosperity and health, I had mistakenly asked for ‘a thousand tiny frogs’ to enter my life!
This unexpected prayer brought laughter not just to the caretakers, but also to my retreat group, who witnessed my earnest attempt gone hilariously wrong. I quickly learned that humility is one of the best companions on any spiritual journey, and sometimes connection is built not through precision, but through shared moments of joy.
The lesson I took away? We’re all students in this vast, beautiful classroom called life, and it’s not about perfecting every step, but embracing the detours with grace and humor. Laughter, after all, is one of the most universal forms of spirituality — it’s the reminder that beneath our differences, we are all delightfully human.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” This quote inspires me because it emphasizes the importance of passion and fulfillment in our pursuits. It reminds me that true success comes from aligning our goals with what brings us joy and purpose. When we find happiness in our endeavors, we naturally cultivate the motivation and resilience needed to reach our goals, transforming our journey into a source of inspiration and achievement.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Currently, I’m thrilled to be developing a talk show television project centered around mindfulness and inspiration. This show aims to create a space where guests can share their transformative experiences and practical tips for living a more mindful life. I believe that by fostering open conversations about mental well-being and personal growth, we can empower viewers to incorporate these practices into their own lives.
Additionally, I’m excited about an inspiring movie project that I’ve co-written, which explores themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit. Through storytelling, I aim to uplift audiences and encourage them to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.
Finally, I’m in the process of writing a new book focused on daily wisdom, offering readers bite-sized insights and reflections to guide them through their everyday lives. This book is designed to serve as a companion for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Together, these projects aim to inspire and uplift individuals, providing them with the tools to navigate their journeys with mindfulness, purpose, and resilience.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
As a business lifestyle and mindfulness coach, I believe three character traits have been instrumental to my success in helping others create a blueprint for their lives: resilience, empathy, and adaptability. Each of these traits has deeply influenced my approach and coaching philosophy.
1. Resilience: One of the core principles I share with my clients is the power of resilience. Early in my coaching career, I faced a challenging moment when a new program I launched didn’t resonate with my audience as I had hoped. Rather than seeing this as a failure, I embraced it as an opportunity to refine my strategies. I took the time to understand what my clients needed, reworked the program, and relaunched it successfully. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about recovering from setbacks, but growing from them. I often remind my clients that building a successful life blueprint requires seeing obstacles as stepping stones, not roadblocks.
2. Empathy: Mindfulness isn’t just about self-awareness; it’s also about understanding others. In my work, I’ve found that true empathy allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level. One particular client was dealing with the pressure of balancing a demanding career with family life, leading to burnout. Instead of offering generic advice, I listened closely to their struggles and feelings. By holding space for them to express their challenges, I could help them redefine their goals and create a more balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. Empathy allows me to customize each blueprint to my client’s unique circumstances, which is vital to their success.
3. Adaptability: In today’s ever-changing world, being adaptable is essential. As a coach, I’ve had to pivot my methods and strategies to meet my clients’ evolving needs. For example, during the pandemic, many of my clients faced new uncertainties, and their plans required significant adjustments. I adapted by shifting my sessions online and developing new tools and resources to help them navigate their careers and personal lives remotely. This adaptability not only kept my coaching effective but also demonstrated to my clients the importance of staying open and flexible in their own blueprints for success.
These traits — resilience, empathy, and adaptability — have been foundational in my journey as a business lifestyle and mindfulness coach. They allow me to guide others in creating personalized, sustainable strategies that align with their goals and values, helping them design a life they can truly thrive in.
For the benefit of our readers, can you briefly let us know why you are an authority on the topic of burnout?
I have in-depth experience with the topic of burnout from both a personal and professional perspective. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with individuals across various fields, observing and understanding the patterns and signs of burnout. My research and practical engagements have enabled me to identify the root causes and develop actionable strategies to prevent and recover from burnout.
Ok, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview about beating burnout. Let’s begin with a basic definition of terms so that all of us are on the same page. How do you define “Burnout”? Can you explain?
Burnout is a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork. It often involves three main dimensions: emotional exhaustion (feeling drained), depersonalization (feeling detached or cynical), and reduced personal accomplishment (feeling ineffective). It’s more than just tiredness — it’s a deep sense of overwhelm and disconnection from one’s work or life.
How would you define or describe the opposite of burnout?
The opposite of burnout is engagement. It’s a state where you feel energized, connected, and fulfilled in your work or life. You have a sense of purpose, enthusiasm, and balance, allowing you to manage stress effectively and stay motivated.
This might be intuitive to you, but it will be instructive to expressly articulate this. Some skeptics may argue that burnout is a minor annoyance and we should just “soldier on’’ and “grin and bear it.” Can you please share a few reasons why burnout can have long-term impacts on our individual health, as well as the health and productivity of our society?
Burnout isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it can lead to serious long-term effects like chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health issues such as heart disease or weakened immunity. It also reduces productivity, increases absenteeism, and leads to higher turnover, which impacts not just individuals but workplaces and the economy. When burnout becomes widespread, it undermines collective well-being and hinders societal progress.
From your experience, perspective, or research, what are the main causes of burnout?
The main causes of burnout include chronic overwork, lack of control, unclear expectations, poor work-life balance, and insufficient support or recognition. Other factors include toxic work environments, unrealistic demands, and feeling disconnected from a sense of purpose or meaningful work.
What can an individual do if they are feeling burned out by work? How does one reverse it? How can you “get your mojo back?” Can you please share your “5 Things You Should Do If You Are Experiencing Work Burnout?”.
Here’s an answer for each question:
5 Things You Should Do If You Are Experiencing Work Burnout: Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” and protect your personal time. For instance, one of my clients started leaving work on time, which helped her regain balance.
Prioritize Self-Care: Regular exercise, sleep, and relaxation techniques are key. A friend adopted a morning walk routine and noticed a significant mood boost.
Seek Support: Open up to friends, family, or a therapist. I had a colleague who benefited from simply sharing his feelings with a supportive peer group.
Reframe Your Mindset: Focus on what you can control and celebrate small wins. A client of mine shifted from obsessing over deadlines to acknowledging daily progress.
Take Breaks or Time Off: A change of scenery can help you reset. I once took a short leave and returned feeling recharged and more focused.
How Friends, Colleagues, and Life Partners Can Help:
Offer a listening ear without judgment, encourage them to take breaks, and gently suggest seeking professional help if needed. Sometimes, simply expressing concern shows them they’re not alone.
What Employers Can Do to Help Staff Reverse Burnout:
Employers can foster open communication, offer flexible work options, promote mental health resources, and recognize efforts regularly to build a supportive environment.
Strategies to Raise Awareness about Employee Mental Wellness: Lead by example by prioritizing mental health, offer regular workshops or training, and encourage open conversations about well-being to create a culture of support.
What can concerned friends, colleagues, and life partners do to help someone they care about reverse burnout?
Concerned friends, colleagues, and life partners can offer a listening ear, express empathy, and encourage taking breaks or seeking professional help. They should also gently remind the person to prioritize self-care and offer practical support when possible.
What can employers do to help their staff reverse burnout?
Employers can help reverse burnout by promoting open communication, offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, recognizing employee efforts, and fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes well-being.
These ideas are wonderful, but sadly they are not yet commonplace. What strategies would you suggest to raise awareness about the importance of supporting the mental wellness of employees?
To raise awareness about supporting employee mental wellness, organizations can implement regular mental health training, encourage open discussions about well-being, share success stories of support, create wellness committees, and lead by example with leadership prioritizing mental health initiatives.
What are a few of the most common mistakes you have seen people make when they try to reverse burnout in themselves or others? What can they do to avoid those mistakes?
When it comes to reversing burnout, a few common mistakes I see people making are:
1. Ignoring the need for rest — People often believe that pushing through the exhaustion will lead to success, but rest is critical for recovery. Burnout is a sign your body and mind need a reset. Ignoring it only deepens the problem.
2. Not setting boundaries — Whether it’s work, relationships, or personal obligations, people often neglect to set clear boundaries, which contributes to stress and overwhelm. It’s essential to learn to say no and prioritize your well-being.
3. Focusing solely on the problem — Focusing only on what’s wrong can keep you stuck in a negative mindset. The key is to shift your focus toward solutions, growth, and the small wins that lead to bigger progress.
To avoid these mistakes, I recommend:
Rest and recovery: Recognize that rest is just as productive as work. Your mind and body need downtime to rebuild and recharge.
Set clear boundaries: Define what you need to protect your energy, both professionally and personally. Don’t be afraid to communicate these boundaries firmly.
Reframe your mindset: Rather than fixating on the challenges, focus on the opportunities for growth and progress.
Celebrate small victories along the way to fuel your momentum.
By being proactive and mindful of these points, people can start healing burnout and build a sustainable path forward.
Burnout often stems from the feeling of being depleted — emotionally, physically, and mentally. It’s that constant feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t go away, no matter how much rest you think you’re getting. But the truth is, simply resting isn’t always enough. What’s needed is a full recharge of your energy, and that’s where practices like meditation and exercise come into play.
Meditation helps to reset the nervous system, calm the mind, and center your focus. It allows you to step out of the “doing” and into the “being,” which is vital for reducing stress and preventing burnout from worsening. By creating a regular meditation practice, you activate a space of inner peace that gives you clarity and emotional resilience, which is crucial when you’re navigating a high-stress environment.
Exercise, on the other hand, is a powerful way to release built-up tension and re-energize your body. Physical activity stimulates endorphins, your body’s natural mood boosters, and helps improve sleep quality — both of which directly combat burnout. When you move your body, you’re not only improving your physical health but also your mental health, making it easier to manage stress and approach challenges with a clear mind and renewed strength.
Incorporating both meditation and exercise into your routine isn’t just about fighting burnout in the moment, it’s about proactively building energy reserves that allow you to maneuver through life sustainably. By doing so, you can handle the ups and downs with more grace, allowing you to continue pursuing your goals without burning out again.
Ok, we are nearly done. You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement, it would be a movement of radical self-love and mindfulness — a collective awakening to the understanding that we are all divinely worthy of peace, joy, and abundance. This movement would guide people to reconnect with their true essence, their deepest purpose, and their inherent ability to heal and create.
It would be a shift from the hustle, the noise, the pressure, to a more intentional and present way of being. A world where people aren’t just going through the motions of life, but are truly living with conscious awareness, nurturing their bodies, their spirits, and their relationships in alignment with their highest selves. Imagine a society where we all begin to recognize that our energy, our thoughts, and our intentions are powerful tools for transformation — not just for ourselves, but for the collective.
This movement would encourage meditation, mindfulness practices, and daily rituals of gratitude and love. It would empower individuals to take responsibility for their well-being, creating a ripple effect of compassion and unity across the globe.
By shifting the focus inward — healing ourselves, reclaiming our peace, and recognizing the divine in each of us — this movement would spark a global transformation. It would activate a shared consciousness where every individual’s personal growth contributes to the healing of the collective. The greatest good would emerge from the understanding that when we elevate ourselves, we elevate the world around us.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 🙂
We are all connected, and by awakening to this truth, we can create a world of profound peace, joy, and love, where every person feels seen, heard, and deeply valued. This is the movement I would ignite. And in that ignition, lives would be changed, hearts would.
If I had the opportunity to have a private breakfast or lunch with someone, it would be with Sir Richard Branson. The man embodies integrity, fearlessness, and a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He’s not just a trailblazing entrepreneur; he’s a seeker, someone who’s always been driven by curiosity, a passion for adventure, and a desire to create positive impact in the world.
What I admire most about Sir Richard is his authenticity — he’s someone who truly leads with heart. In a world where it’s easy to get lost in the noise of success metrics and titles, he’s remained grounded in his purpose: to make a difference while enjoying life’s journey. His approach to business and life is one that inspires not just innovation, but a way of being that elevates the collective consciousness.
I’d love to sit with him, to explore how he’s cultivated such resilience, creativity, and wisdom over the years. How does he tap into that endless well of inspiration? How does he balance risk-taking with responsibility? And most of all, how does he continue to stay connected to his purpose while navigating the complexities of the business world?
Having a conversation with Sir Richard would be a rare gift, one that I believe would spark new levels of insight, growth, and innovation not just in business, but in how we show up in the world as conscious creators. I’m beyond grateful that some of the biggest names in business, sports, and entertainment read this column, and if he sees this — Sir Richard, I’d be honored to share a meal and wisdom with you!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can also listen to my popular podcast, READY SET LIVE, where I interview top inspirational leaders, authors, and celebrities. You can listen on all podcast outlets such as Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts. To dive deeper into my work, visit my website at www.garyquinn.tv, where you’ll find resources, insights, and ways to connect. Follow me on Instagram @garyhquinn, where I share daily inspiration, thoughts, and tools to help you live with purpose and passion. Stay updated on my latest events, workshops, books, and media appearances as we continue this journey together. Let’s stay connected and keep striving for greatness!
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!
