Better At Work with Cathal Quinlan Q&A: Work as a "Friend Factory" + Burnout Advice You Can Use Tomorrow
Q&A episode with Annette's top takeaways from Russell Beck + critical advice for dealing with burnout at work.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Annette's 3 Takeaways from Russell Beck:
1. The Rise of Artist Engineers (STEM → STEAM)
Why creativity and art matter more than ever in the future of work. Drawing as a tool for thinking.
2. One Size Fits One
Managers need to understand how each person works best while balancing the team's needs.
3. Work as a Friend Factory
Why having friends at work isn't just nice—it's critical for engagement, retention, and culture.
Listener Question: Burnout at a Major Organisation
Ellie asked: How do I get out of a toxic workplace without destroying my career?
Cathal's advice:
- You need at least 2 months off to recover
- Consider consulting/contract work instead of another corporate role
- Get back to the work you love (not just management drama)
Annette's practical daily tactics:
- 10-minute morning meditation (Calm app)
- Mammalian dive reflex for grounding (2-min exercise)
- Schedule 20-min coffee with work friends
- Weekend self-care: massage, sauna, nature walks
- Career counseling or coaching
- Bill Cowan's career transition process
Key Insights:
"Work can be a friend factory." - Aisha Bousaid
"Employees with a best friend at work are 7x more likely to be fully engaged." - Gallup
"We take jobs for the salary. We quit because of culture." - Bruce Daisley
"Burnout is really real. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to pull back out." - Annette Sloan
Resources:
Books: "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards, "Building a Winning Career" by Bill Cowan
Apps: Calm (meditation)
Better at Work: Better Careers modules at betteratwork.net
Submit your career dilemma: betteratwork.net
Next Episode: Laura Gassner-Otting on "Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody and Carve Your Own Path"
Better at Work - Making work better, one conversation at a time.
New episodes every Thursday.
Hosted by Cathal Quinlan & Annette Sloan