The Slow Drift Into Misalignment

EPISODE 59 with guest megan leasher

What Got You Here Is Holding You Back

What happens when the strategies, habits, and identity that once made you successful suddenly stop working?

In this episode of The BOLT Podcast, Todd Bertsch sits down with organizational psychologist and executive coach Megan Leasher to unpack the hidden reality many high achievers face: misalignment. Together, they explore why leaders often feel stuck at the next level, how disruption at work creates internal disruption, and why burnout is often a symptom of something deeper.

Megan shares practical insights on recognizing the “smoke signals” of misalignment, letting go of outdated identities, empowering teams, and using pause and reflection to realign with purpose, growth, and fulfillment.

Watch the Full Episode

Watch the full conversation with Megan Leasher on leadership, disruption, burnout, and the slow drift into misalignment.

Listen to the Podcast Episode

Listen to the full audio episode on your favorite podcast platform.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why high achievers often feel stuck at the next level
• The difference between burnout and misalignment
• How disruption impacts leaders internally and externally
• Common “smoke signals” leaders miss
• Why reflection and pause are critical for growth
• Leadership habits that quietly hold teams back
• How fear and identity keep people stuck
• Why delegation and empowerment matter
• The importance of building a support system
• Why leadership development often starts too late

Key Quotes from This Episode

“It’s not burnout, and this isn’t typically a performance issue—it’s misalignment.”

“Sometimes it feels like it happened overnight, when really there were a lot of signs we didn’t realize.”

“You’re not supposed to be the smartest person in the room.”

“Your body tells you when you’re misaligned before your mind does.”

“Take the time to reflect on the question: Where do I want to be?”

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview
• 03:20 – What industrial-organizational psychology really is
• 09:46 – What disruption looks like for leaders today
• 13:55 – Losing your spark and the danger of comfort zones
• 16:12 – Who is responsible for recognizing misalignment?
• 24:33 – What got you here won’t get you there
• 31:06 – Building a “support army”
• 36:32 – Body signals and hidden stress responses
• 39:07 – Fear, identity, and feeling stuck
• 44:05 – Why leadership development starts too late
• 59:42 – Final reflections and next steps

Misalignment vs. Burnout

Many leaders assume burnout is the problem, but this episode explores why misalignment is often the deeper issue. When work no longer aligns with your values, energy, strengths, or purpose, disengagement and frustration begin to surface. Recognizing those early signals can help leaders and teams make intentional changes before reaching full burnout.

Leadership Growth Requires Letting Go

Growth at the next level often requires leaders to let go of control, outdated habits, and the pressure to have all the answers. Todd and Megan discuss how empowerment, delegation, trust, and vulnerability create stronger teams and healthier leadership cultures.

Resources and Books Mentioned

The following books, tools, and resources were mentioned or referenced throughout this episode.

• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
• Halftime by Bob Buford
• Indistractable by Nir Eyal

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes high achievers to feel stuck?

High achievers often feel stuck when the habits and identity that once drove success no longer align with who they are becoming personally or professionally.

What is the difference between burnout and misalignment?

Burnout is often the result of chronic stress, while misalignment happens when your work, values, energy, or purpose no longer fit your current role or environment.

What are common signs of misalignment at work?

Common signs include low energy, frustration, disengagement, lack of curiosity, emotional reactivity, and physical stress symptoms like tension or dread.

How can leaders realign and move forward?

Leaders can realign by pausing to reflect, seeking honest feedback, working with a coach, clarifying what matters most, and making intentional changes instead of reactive ones.

Explore More Resources

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