From Burnout to Belief: The Journey That Created The Thoughtful Leader
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
By Jill Golledge
Growing up, I was always one of the quieter ones, constantly told to “speak up more” or “contribute more in group discussions.” I rarely put my hand up to answer questions in class and I hated the thought of standing in front of others to speak. The burning cheeks, sweaty palms, and racing heartbeat became too familiar. Then, I didn’t understand these physical reactions, I just thought something was wrong with me. Fifteen years would pass before I discovered I was an introvert, suddenly, everything made sense.
It was in my mid-twenties that I first completed the Myers-Briggs personality test and realised the word introvert applied to me. It explained why I struggled with decision-making, especially about my own life; why I disliked small talk and found conversations with strangers so draining.
Back then, I hadn’t realised the strengths my introversion gave me. My natural tendency to look for innovative solutions instead of complaining was a hidden asset. My ability to focus and attention to detail were exactly the qualities that had allowed me to excel in forensic science. Unfortunately, for many years, I’d been focused on what I lacked rather than the skills I possessed.
I spent over twenty-five years working in a large organisation, navigating the unique challenges introverts face in workplaces designed for extroverts. Open-plan offices drained me, meetings made it difficult for my voice to be heard, and I struggled to secure that promotion. Truthfully, I held myself back from pursuing senior leadership roles, not because I lacked ability, but because I doubted myself and worried about being judged.
By the end of 2021, I reached burnout. Covid-19 hit, and I was wearing many hats: forensic scientist, coach, home-school teacher, wife, daughter, and mother. The workload was relentless, and like many introverts, I placed everyone else’s needs above my own. Perfectionism kept me striving, but the pressure became impossible to sustain.
When I finally asked for help, I didn’t get the support I needed from my manager, so I created my own strategies. I set firmer boundaries, stopped taking on more than I could handle, and focused on one small task at a time.
I carved out self-care moments and sought coaching, which gave me the clarity I had been searching for: I didn’t just need to recover, I needed to change direction completely.
That realisation began my transformation. I asked myself: What really matters to me? The answer became clear, helping others develop, grow, and become their best selves. That’s when I decided to step into my own self-belief and start my business. The Thoughtful Leader was born.
Becoming an entrepreneur demanded a massive mindset shift. I had to move from seeing myself as just an employee to embracing the identity of a business owner. I had to believe that I could make it happen, even though it had never been a dream. Sharing my voice and my perspective felt uncomfortable at first, but I reminded myself of something powerful: when I am passionate about fairness and justice, I always find my voice.
Today, I no longer hide behind self-doubt. I know, without question, that introverts make incredible leaders. We bring thoughtfulness, depth, innovation, and authenticity into spaces that desperately need it. My mission is to ensure other introverts don’t shrink themselves to fit into an extroverted mould. Instead, I help them embrace their unique strengths and step into leadership with confidence, passion, and authenticity.
Starting my business wasn’t just about creating a new career, it was about stepping into my own self-belief for the first time. And once I did that, everything changed.
Connect With Jill
Instagram: @the.thoughful.leader
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