Welcome to Crossroads + Catalysts: Leadership & Career Strategy for Directors and Managers!
Crossroads + Catalysts Leadership Podcast
Crossroads + Catalysts Leadership Podcast
Leadership gets more complicated the higher you go—and too often, you're expected to figure it out as you go. Crossroads & Catalysts is a leadership podcast for managers, directors, emerging leaders, and experienced professionals who want practical strategies for becoming more effective and thoughtful leaders. Hosted by Shenita Brown, financial executive, leadership strategist, and speaker, each episode tackles the challenges that come with actually leading people: difficult conversations, accountability, team performance, communication, decision-making, executive presence, managing up, leading through change, and the transition from individual contributor to leader. But great leadership isn't only about how you manage others. It's also about how you manage yourself. That's why we explore the judgment, self-awareness, discipline, courage, and strategic thinking required to lead well—especially when the answer isn't obvious. You'll hear practical leadership advice, real-world experiences, and perspectives designed to help you think more critically about how you lead and what you can do differently. Whether you're a new manager learning how to lead a team, a director preparing for executive leadership, or an experienced leader sharpening your skills, you'll find conversations here that meet you where you are—and challenge you to keep growing. Because becoming a better leader isn't a destination. It's a practice. New episodes every week.
Dec. 22, 2025

The Indispensability Tax: Why Never Taking Time Off Is Undermining Your Leadership

The Indispensability Tax: Why Never Taking Time Off Is Undermining Your Leadership

In this episode, we're talking about The Indispensability Tax—the hidden cost leaders pay when they refuse to take time off. If you're skipping vacations, struggling with vacation guilt, and wearing your exhaustion like a trophy, you're not building loyalty or proving your value. You're creating a fragile organization and fast-tracking leadership burnout.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: your "dedication" might be insecurity in disguise. Your refusal to take PTO is teaching your team that work-life balance is impossible. And in an era where loyalty is often rewarded with a pink slip, the only person guaranteed to care about your wellbeing is you.

Self-care for leaders isn't optional—it's what makes sustainable leadership possible. If your company can't survive you taking time off, that's their business model problem—not your vacation problem. It's time to set some boundaries and stop confusing martyrdom with executive leadership.

Perfect for: managers, directors, executives, and leaders at any level who are running on empty and ready for real leadership development that starts with taking care of themselves.

Your team doesn't need a cautionary tale. They need a well-rested, recharged leader. Ready to stop paying the tax? Listen now.

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