Boundaries, Burnout & the ‘Good Girl’ Myth: Leading on your terms with Mel Kettle
Ever find yourself putting others’ needs before your own?
Saying ‘yes’ when you want to say ‘no’.
Feeling resentful, stretched too thin, or quietly burning out?
You're not alone.
Many high-achieving women – whether in the boardroom or running their own business carry the invisible weight of ‘good girl’ conditioning. You’ve been taught to be helpful, agreeable, and available… often at the expense of your own energy, priorities, and wellbeing.
This session is a powerful reset.
We will explore why boundary-setting is not just a personal act of self-care, but a professional strategy that fuels leadership, confidence, and sustainable success. You’ll gain insight into:
- The hidden cost of people-pleasing and perfectionism
- How boundary breaches erode your influence and clarity
- The neuroscience behind why saying "no" can feel so hard—and how to rewire it
- Practical, real-world boundary phrases and tools you can start using immediately
- Ways to protect your time, energy, and attention without guilt
Whether you’re leading a team, managing clients, or scaling your own business, boundaries are the foundation of your authority.
It’s time to lead on your terms – without burnout, without apology.
Saying ‘yes’ when you want to say ‘no’?
Feeling resentful and burnt out?
For many successful businesswomen, old patterns of ‘good girl’ conditioning keep them overworked and undervalued.
Learn some practical strategies to establish powerful boundaries that enhance your leadership authority and create sustainable success, on your terms.
About Mel Kettle
Mel Kettle is a food loving, book reading, beach goer who lives on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She is a trusted advisor to leaders and teams, specialising in helping them achieve sustainable success without burning out. With almost 30 years of experience in leadership, communication, and strategy, Mel is passionate about empowering professionals to thrive by focusing on sustainable growth, confident communication, and aligned leadership.
She is the host of podcast This Connected Life and author of two books, the best-selling Fully Connected and The Social Association.
In her spare time, Mel loves to cook, go to the beach, and lounge on the daybed with cups of tea and a crime thriller.
Visit www.melkettle.com.
