Episode 9: "When Tomorrow Never Comes: Why Self-Care Is a Leadership Issue" with Holly Bertone

Many high achievers spend years believing they'll slow down once things settle down.The problem is that "once things settle down" rarely arrives.In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra Collins sits down with Holly Bertone, former FBI Chief of Staff for Counterintelligence, Certified Holistic Health Coach, and Tri-State Leadership Summit speaker, to explore why self-care isn't a luxury for leaders. It's a responsibility.Together, they discuss why burnout often develops long before we recognize it, how unmanaged stress quietly influences our decision-making and relationships, and why caring for ourselves is one of the most important ways we can care for those we lead.Whether you're leading a business, a team, your family, or simply trying to keep up with life's demands, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what sustainable leadership really looks like.Because tomorrow isn't promised, and neither is the opportunity to become the leader your future self needs.Resources & LinksConnect with Holly Bertone here:https://academy.pinkfortitude.com/Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summitwww.theTSLS.comConnect with Sierra Learnership Collaborativewww.sierralearnership.comAdditional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierraFollow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/About Branching Out with SierraBranching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead.Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.comPodcast SponsorThis episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital.Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth.Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast?If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast ProfileBranching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have.Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life.Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most.Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.