The Charlene Gisele Show

The show for successful professionals wanting to achieve career excellence without the stress.

Join former high-powered lawyer turned executive coach Charlène Gisèle as she guides you to the pinnacle of balanced career success. Drawing from her experience helping professionals overcome burnout and manage anxiety, Charlène shares research-backed frameworks, transformative mindset shifts, and science-based tools to help you optimize performance, prevent burnout, and sustain excellence in demanding roles.

Learn how high achievers strengthen resilience, recover like elite athletes, focus deeply,

Episodes

Feb 4, 2026

1 hr 44 sec

If you’ve ever had one week where you’re unstoppable… and another where everything feels heavier, this conversation will change how you see your calendar. In this episode, Renae Fieck breaks down cycle syncing (and cyclical living), why ovulation is the “queen” of the cycle, and how to align your work, workouts, food, and sleep with your natural rhythms, without letting your cycle limit your ambitions.
Timestamps 
0:00 – Introduction4:05 – Cycle tracking vs syncing vs charting (and why it matters)8:26 – Biggest misconception: your period isn’t the “main event”—ovulation is11:32 – Menstrual phase: energy, iron, rest, and vision-setting18:55 – Follicular phase: momentum, productivity, workouts, and “get it done” energy19:59 – Ovulation: confidence, communication, visibility, and pitching/asking21:46 – Luteal phase: detail work, admin, emotional depth, and turning inward23:39 – Sleep changes across the month (and why luteal + menstrual can be harder)25:42 – Cravings, carbs, iron, and planning date nights around nourishment33:16 – When life doesn’t sync: races, board meetings, and performing on “low” weeks
What We Cover
Why women’s hormones operate on a monthly rhythm (vs a 24-hour rhythm)
The 4 phases of the cycle and how they can affect energy, mood, and focus
Practical ways to match work outputs to each phase (creative, social, admin, strategy)
Training and performance: when to push, when to recover, and how to stay consistent
Sleep patterns, vivid dreams, and what helps during tougher sleep phases
Food rhythms: warming vs fresh foods, carbs, iron, and listening to cravings
How to handle real life: big meetings or events that land on your hardest days
Cycle syncing on hormonal contraception + using the moon cycle as a rhythm
Key Takeaways
Ovulation drives the cycle, your period follows what ovulation is doing.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness + support, so you stop blaming yourself.
“Low” phases still have strengths: intuition (menstrual) and emotional/detail power (luteal).
Sleep often needs more protection in luteal and menstrual phases—plan accordingly.
Cravings can be information (iron, magnesium, hydration)—not a character flaw.
Cycle syncing should be a flexible framework, not another rigid system to “get right.”
Guest Resources 
Website: https://cyclesyncyourbusiness.com/
Free Audiobook (Cycle Sync Your Business): https://renae-fieck.mykajabi.com/offers/BFXdXMLG/checkout?preview=true
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renaefieck/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingmoms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaeFieck
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renaefieck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaefieck/
Connect With Me
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/✉️ Subscribe to my Life Less Burnt Out Newsletter
If this episode resonated, share it with a high-achieving woman who’s doing “everything right” but still feels like her energy is unpredictable.
 

Feb 4, 2026

1 hr 44 sec

Jan 28, 2026

59 min

What happens when a traditional profession meets generative AI, and now agentic AI? In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Dixon (Chief Innovation Officer) to unpack how law firms can adopt GenAI responsibly, train teams to critically evaluate outputs, and use AI to deliver more value, without burning out in the process.
We cover what GenAI is (and isn’t), why humans must stay in the loop, how to overcome resistance to change, the reality of “hallucinations,” and what the next phase, agentic AI, could mean for legal research, negotiation simulation, and early-talent development.
Timestamps 
0:00 – Intro 1:39 – Sam’s role as Chief Innovation Officer & how he defines innovation5:29 – Getting partners to embrace change (and what actually works)8:39 – Why GenAI adoption is different from past legal tech waves10:26 – Explaining AI to senior leaders (without the jargon)14:49 – “Human in the loop” + the risks of over-trusting AI19:26 – GenAI vs Agentic AI: what changes, and why it matters22:46 – New lawyers, verification skills, and “AI makes people lazy?”33:11 – Simulation: negotiation practice, interviews & training with GenAI47:02 – AI & well-being: tool or threat?
What we cover
The real job of innovation inside a law firm
How to get buy-in from busy, skeptical stakeholders
The difference between AI, ML, GenAI, and Agentic AI
Why hallucinations are misunderstood, and why that matters
Guardrails: verification, accountability, and client expectations
The future of training: simulations for negotiation, interviews, and client conversations
AI and burnout: productivity vs cognitive load and recovery
Key takeaways
Innovation isn’t just tech, sometimes it’s removing a step entirely.
GenAI adoption is faster because users can get value immediately, unlike tools that require heavy setup.
Agentic AI adds value through multi-step planning, not just answering prompts.
“Hallucinations” aren’t a rare bug, GenAI always generates probabilistically; the key is how you manage risk.
The winning model is human + AI, where each catches different kinds of errors.
As outputs become “more accurate,” verification discipline becomes even more critical, not less.
AI may improve efficiency, but well-being depends on how work is redesigned, not just sped up.
Guest Resources
Sam Dixon’s Legal Firm: https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/uk/people/sam-dixon
Sam Dixon’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/innovationinlaw
 
Connect with Me
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/✉️ Subscribe to my Life Less Burnt Out Newsletter

Jan 28, 2026

59 min

Jan 21, 2026

1 hr 14 min

In this eye-opening clean health episode, I sit down with Ashley Deeley, clean beauty expert and wellness educator, to uncover the hidden toxins quietly impacting our skin, hormones, thyroid, and overall wellbeing, often without us realizing it.
From exposing where heavy metals, forever chemicals, and endocrine disruptors hide in everyday products to explaining how “natural,” “fragrance,” and “long-lasting” labels can be misleading, Ashley breaks down how modern living is contributing to inflammation, fatigue, skin issues, and hormonal imbalance.
Whether you’re a high-performing professional dealing with unexplained exhaustion, someone struggling with thyroid or skin concerns, or simply trying to make healthier choices without extremes, this conversation will completely change how you think about your bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
Ashley doesn’t promote perfection, she teaches practical, realistic upgrades that protect your health without adding stress.
What we cover:
Why “clean beauty” is about what you remove, not what you add
How forever chemicals hide in makeup, floss, and waterproof products
The connection between fragrance, hormones, and thyroid disruption
Why many anti-aging products actually accelerate aging
Heavy metals in cookware, glassware, and kitchen appliances
What to know about mattresses, bedding, and fire retardants
How synthetic dyes affect skin and immune function
Why detergents and cleaning products matter more than you think
Travel hacks to reduce toxic exposure on the road
How to read labels without needing a chemistry degree
Small, realistic changes that make the biggest impact over time
 
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
06:00 - Forever chemicals explained: where they hide in beauty & daily products
14:00 - Bedding, mattresses & fire retardants: what you’re breathing at night
22:00 - Cookware, slow cookers & air fryers: hidden lead and heavy metals
31:00 - Daily exposure overload: detergents, fragrance & “natural” marketing traps
40:00 - Skincare myths: retinol, vitamin C, collagen & what actually works
50:00 - Botox, anti-aging & safer alternatives for skin health
57:00 - Thyroid health, blue light & hormone disruption
1:03:00 - Travel hacks: reducing toxin exposure on the road
1:07:30 - Final takeaways: small upgrades that make a big difference
Key Takeaways:
For High-Performers: You can’t outwork environmental stress. Hidden toxins quietly drain energy, disrupt hormones, and slow recovery, even when your habits look “healthy.”
For Thyroid & Hormone Health: Everyday products can interfere with endocrine function. Reducing exposure often matters more than what you add.
For Skin & Aging: What you put on your skin matters just as much as what you eat. Clean ingredients support regeneration; synthetic ones can accelerate inflammation and aging.
For Sustainable Wellness: Health isn’t about doing everything, it’s about removing what doesn’t belong and upgrading gradually.
Ashley doesn’t just talk about clean beauty, she provides a grounded framework for creating a healthier environment that supports long-term energy, sleep, and resilience.
Guest Resources:
🌿 Ashley Deeley’s Website:  https://www.ashleydeeley.com/▶️ Ashley Deeley on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ashleydeeley
📱My Home Ready Fertility E-Book: https://charlenegisele.com/your-fertility-ready-home/
 
Connect with Me:
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/

Jan 21, 2026

1 hr 14 min

Jan 14, 2026

1 hr 7 min

I am joined today by William Peake, Global Managing Partner at international law firm Harneys, who has become one of legal's most influential voices on social media. We expose why traditional law firm marketing keeps partners invisible and reveal how real human communication can transform your professional presence. William reveals why boring announcement posts destroy your credibility. He explains how he posts twice daily while running a global law firm without spending hours online. He breaks down the myths around LinkedIn perfectionism and shows you exactly how busy lawyers can build authentic connections that actually drive business results. Whether you're a senior partner posting obligatory updates once a month, a legal marketing director fighting partner resistance, or a lawyer who thinks you're too serious for social media, this conversation will change everything. It proves that LinkedIn success has nothing to do with becoming an influencer. It's about showing up as an actual human being.
What we cover:
Why speaking like a real person beats polished corporate speak every time
The fatal "delighted to announce" mistake that kills your engagement
William's twice daily posting routine that takes under a minute
Strategic content timing: nostalgic Sundays, professional mornings, lighthearted afternoons
Drawing boundaries between personal life and professional content
Why ghostwritten posts fail but AI editing assistance works
Turning vulnerability into your most powerful content hook
The discipline system that prevents burnout in demanding leadership roles
Timestamps:
07:12 Attention spans are dead: you must hook readers in the first line
22:18 Why "delighted to announce" posts are completely pointless
24:57 Posting twice daily: the actual time investment is under 45 seconds
29:00 Ghostwritten content fails: people can smell inauthenticity immediately
35:14 Burnout prevention: drinking less, eating well, exercising consistently
58:15 Conference post formula: lead with "I'm nervous" to create instant connection
01:04:25 His proudest post: vulnerability about grief created unexpected human connection
 
Resources:
William Peak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-peake-368953143/
Harneys Law Firm: https://www.harneys.com/
 
📲 Connect with Me:
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/charlènegisèlebourliout

Jan 14, 2026

1 hr 7 min

Jan 8, 2026

1 hr 20 min

I sat down with Mike Fave, metabolic health coach and bioenergetics expert, to expose the dark side of keto, carnivore, and intermittent fasting. Mike reveals why high-performers are wrecking their metabolisms while thinking they're "optimizing" and explains how stress hormones literally cannibalize your body tissue. He destroys the insulin hypothesis myth and shows you how to reclaim your energy, fertility, and thyroid function through strategic carbohydrate refeeding. Whether you're a burnt-out executive, a former keto dieter who can't lose weight despite eating 1200 calories, or someone terrified that sugar will give you diabetes, this conversation will revolutionize how you understand metabolism. Key Topics: Why keto works initially but destroys you long-term How energy deficits force your body to shut down reproduction and digestion Why low-carb crashes your thyroid function The fertility-metabolism connection Sugar fear deprogramming: the two-week experiment Real vs fake carbs: why orange juice heals but blueberry muffins harm Executive meal strategies and practical solutions Timestamps: 0:02:06 The common journey: paleo → keto → IF → OMAD → carnivore → disaster 0:04:29 Why keto feels amazing initially: stress hormones and confirmation bias 0:14:04 The insulin hypothesis: elegant theory, wrong conclusion 0:20:02 Stress hormone breakdown: how cortisol cannibalizes protein tissue 0:24:33 Reproductive and digestive shutdown: your body's non-negotiable cuts 0:31:08 Meet Jessica: the attorney archetype (stubborn weight, fertility, thyroid) 0:38:03 Why forcing T3 on a low-carb body backfires 0:42:36 Breaking the sugar fear: the two-week experiment framework 0:51:03 The muffin myth: "high-carb" processed foods are actually high-fat 0:53:00 Body composition wins: DEXA scans reveal muscle loss on keto 0:56:22 Stress management through carbs: why cravings are intelligent 1:01:42 Executive snack strategies: dried fruit, chocolate, macadamias 1:08:04 Meal prep solutions: restaurants, shakes, personal chefs Resources: Mike Fave's Website: https://mikefave.com Mike Fave on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mikefave Connect with Me: 🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/ #ProMetabolic #ThyroidHealth #KetoRecovery #MetabolicHealth #Bioenergetics #ThyroidHealing #FertilityJourney #HighPerformers #BurnoutRecovery

Jan 8, 2026

1 hr 20 min

Dec 31, 2025

35 min

In this guided sleep meditation episode, I transport you to a cozy wooden chalet hidden in the snow-covered mountains. This immersive winter journey is designed to quiet your racing thoughts and guide you gently into deep, restorative sleep.
This isn't a conversation or interview. This is your personal sleep escape. I walk you through a richly detailed winter wonderland, from the first crunch of snow beneath your boots to the hypnotic dance of firelight and the breathtaking beauty of northern lights painting the night sky. Each sensory detail is carefully crafted to slow your thoughts, warm your body, and dissolve the day's tension.
Whether you struggle with overthinking at bedtime, need help transitioning from your busy day to rest, or simply want to experience the most peaceful sleep possible, this meditation will transport you far from stress and deep into winter's embrace.
What this winter journey includes:
Breath foundation: Gentle settling into comfort and ease
Cozy chalet arrival: Warm timber walls and golden firelight
Snow walk meditation: The hypnotic crunch of footsteps in fresh snow
Forest encounter: A peaceful moment with a wise reindeer
Fireside relaxation: Watching flames dance while rocking gently
Warm drink ritual: Sipping comfort as heat spreads through your body
Northern lights display: Ribbons of green, violet, and pink across the night sky
Deep sleep descent: Sinking into bed as the fire crackles softly
This meditation uses no music, only the sound of my voice painting each winter scene. You don't need to stay awake until the end. You don't need to remember the words. If your mind drifts, if images soften, if sleep arrives early, that is exactly how this recording is meant to work.
How to use this meditation:
Listen lying down in bed, ready for sleep
Close your eyes and let the visualization unfold naturally
Don't try to stay awake, let sleep come whenever it's ready
Perfect for bedtime, middle of the night waking, or restless evenings
Can be used nightly as your winter sleep companion
Best for:
Anyone who struggles with racing thoughts at bedtime
Those who respond well to detailed visualizations
People who find nature sounds and imagery calming
Anyone experiencing stress or anxiety interfering with sleep
Those seeking a magical escape from daily pressures
People who love winter, snow, and cozy atmospheres
Step into the snow. Feel the warmth of the fire. Watch the northern lights dance. And drift into the deepest sleep.
Sweet dreams and deep rest await you in your winter chalet.
📲 Connect with Me:
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charl%C3%A8ne-gis%C3%A8le-bourliout/

Dec 31, 2025

35 min

Dec 24, 2025

14 min

In this guided relaxation episode, I guide you out of constant thinking and into direct sensory experience. This meditation uses memory-based anchoring through all five senses to help you shift from mental overwhelm into embodied calm.
This isn't a conversation or interview. This is your personal relaxation companion. I walk you through a scientifically grounded technique that activates your parasympathetic nervous system by anchoring awareness in sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Each sensory memory creates a physiological shift toward ease and presence.
Whether you're stuck in analysis paralysis, feeling disconnected from your body after hours of screen time, or simply need a midday reset, this meditation will help you transition from the thinking mind to the feeling body. And the beauty is that these anchors become yours to use anytime, anywhere.
What this meditation includes:
Breath foundation: Gentle settling through extended exhale
Visual anchoring: Recalling a calming place from your own experience
Auditory anchoring: Bringing to mind soothing sounds that signal safety
Olfactory anchoring: Accessing comfort through remembered scents
Gustatory anchoring: Tasting memories of warmth and enjoyment
Kinesthetic anchoring: Feeling supported through touch sensations
Integration: Blending remembered calm with present moment awareness
Grounded return: Coming back feeling steady, clear, and centered

Dec 24, 2025

14 min

Dec 17, 2025

1 hr 48 min

In this raw conversation recorded in New York City, I sat down with James Sexton, a leading divorce attorney and bestselling author with 25 years of frontline experience through thousands of failed marriages. What sets this episode apart is James's unflinching honesty about what actually ends relationships, not the polite narratives people tell themselves.
James dismantles the prenup myth keeping couples financially vulnerable. He maps the marriage patterns where high performers consistently fail. And he reveals why understanding the full ecosystem you're marrying into matters more than the romantic connection that brought you together.
This is not theoretical relationship advice. This is data from a man who has an unavoidably honest seat to what destroys marriages. From Wall Street titans to A-list celebrities to world-class surgeons, James has identified the patterns most people only recognize when it's too late.
What we cover:
Everyone has a prenup: the government wrote yours and can change it without your permission
The only good reason not to have one: when you're marrying for money and want maximum entitlement
High-performer marriage patterns: why two Type-A partners almost always fail
The civilian advantage: why actors married to teachers succeed where actor-actor marriages collapse
Polarity matters: why lack of balance creates endless unhealthy competition
Work as narcotic: addiction isn't just drugs—it's any behavior to avoid feeling
The musician's trap: touring schedules that breed sex and substance addiction
CEO's stimulant cycle: from Adderall to alcohol to benzos on repeat
Sex, money, power: everything is about sex except sex, which is about power
The pairing principle: learning what love is by experiencing what it isn't
Marriage as technology: a structure we built over love that gives false security
Tradition as peer pressure: wisdom from ancestors or pressure from dead people?
Red flag #1: any plan contingent on someone changing
Red flag #2: any plan contingent on someone never changing
Red flag #3: forgetting you marry the ecosystem, not just the person
The interview question: "Why are you getting married?" should never be rude
86% remarry: not insanity, but proof of how desperately we want love
Divorce as asset: viewing failed marriages as PhD programs in relationships
The wine pairing wisdom: learning what works by experiencing what's wrong
Chapters not failure: relationships are parts of your life's novel, not pass/fail tests
James doesn't sugarcoat divorce. He reveals that sex is always part of the equation—whether it's sexual disconnection, infidelity during connection, or infidelity despite connection. And I share my own perspective as someone who paid for my divorce, lost property, and still views it as my greatest education.
Timestamps:
[15:30] – The worst time to learn to fight is when you're in a fight
[17:45] – Everyone has a prenup: the government wrote it for you
[20:12] – The only valid reason not to want a prenup
[25:15] – Enough vs not enough: the only two amounts of money
[31:20] – 50/50 custody: what men actually mean when they say it
[38:15] – Work as favorite narcotic: the addiction question
[58:15] – Sex, money, power: which one matters most?
[01:02:30] – Everything is about sex, sex is about power
[01:08:45] – What percentage of divorces involve sex? All of them.
[01:15:20] – Couple archetypes most likely to divorce
[01:23:15] – Two Type-A's: the endless competition that kills love
[01:28:40] – Marriage as structure over love: the false security
[01:36:20] – Three red flags James watches for
[01:42:10] – 86% remarry within five years: hope or insanity?
[01:48:15] – Wine pairing wisdom: learning by experiencing wrong pairings
 
Resources:
James Sexton's website: https://nycdivorces.com
The Sexton Show on YouTube: https://sextonshow.com
Instagram: @nycdivorcelawyer
Books by James Sexton:
If You're in My Office, It's Already Too Late: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying Together
How to Stay in Love: Practical Wisdom from an Unexpected Source
📲 Connect with Me:
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/

Dec 17, 2025

1 hr 48 min

Dec 10, 2025

1 hr 12 min


In this episode focused on holistic skincare and anti-aging, I talk with Chris Gibson, a best-selling author and renowned YouTube personality. Chris, who looks decades younger than his 61 years , shares the powerful strategies he developed after struggling with persistent acne for over a decade. His journey led him to a career as a holistic esthetician and a deep understanding of how internal health, diet, and stress manifest on the skin.
 
Chris reveals the simple but non-negotiable routine that keeps his skin youthful. He shares the crucial connection between high stress, cortisol, and inflammatory skin conditions (acne, eczema, rosacea) and why "beauty sleep is a real thing".
For high performers struggling with skin issues, this is a masterclass in holistic self-care.
What We Cover:
The Acne Breakthrough: How a simple three-day fast proved his long-term acne was rooted in diet, specifically sugar and antibiotic use.
Botox Alternative: How the peptide Argireline acts as "Botox in a bottle" to relax muscles, and the power of facial yoga to reverse muscle weakening from prior Botox use.
The Neck Lift: Chris demonstrates the "swallowing" 3-in-1 face yoga exercise to tone the jaw, chin, and vertical neck muscles.
Immune Response & Stress: Why ongoing stress and high cortisol trigger inflammation, leading to rashes, flare-ups, and breakouts.
Micro-Infusion & Collagen: How at-home stamping stimulates collagen, and the power of daily bovine collagen peptides (amino acids) to aid overnight repair.
Sunscreen Safety: Why Hybrid Sunscreens (mineral + chemical) are the safest choice and why you don't need an SPF higher than 45.
Skincare Misconceptions: Debunking social media "BS" like using lemon juice and toothpaste on your skin.
The Body Routine: The benefits of beef tallow for deep hydration and using a turmeric soap and Goshi shower towel for body exfoliation.
Sleep Environment: Why you should switch to a silk or bamboo pillowcase to avoid wicking away skincare products and prevent dynamic wrinkles.
 
Resources
YouTube Channel: Chris Gibson Live (1700+ videos on all things skincare):
Clear Revolution Skincare 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgibsonfriends
Facebook: Chris Gibson Friends Fan Page
 
Connect with Charlene
Website: https://charlenegisele.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlenegisele/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charl%C3%A8ne-gis%C3%A8le-bourliout/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachedbycharlene/

Dec 10, 2025

1 hr 12 min

Dec 3, 2025

1 hr 4 min

In this deeply raw conversation, I sit down with Quinn Stanfield Bruce, former corporate executive turned humanness visionary, for the most vulnerable episode we've ever recorded. Quinn shares his decades-long battle with cocaine addiction. And I reveal my own work addiction that enabled my ex-husband's substance abuse.
Quinn exposes the uncomfortable truth about enablement: staying with an addict isn't love, it's codependency. I share what it's like to mix drug cocktails at 3am because you're too afraid to call an ambulance. And together we unpack why workaholism is just as destructive as substance abuse—it's just socially acceptable.
This isn't a conversation about recovery as a destination. It's about recognizing that any time you use something outside yourself to change how you feel—whether it's cocaine, work, or status—you're running from the same core wound: I am not enough.
What we cover:
The Core of Addiction: Why the decision to use drugs or alcohol is simply wanting to change how one feels, regardless of the substance.
The Escalation: How drug use went from early experimentation (weed) to a cocaine habit, which allowed for staying awake and creating maximum damage.
The Deadly Cocktail: The reality of co-addiction, using massive doses of sedatives like Valium to cope with stimulant use.
Enabling vs. Love: Why the only loving action for a partner of an addict in active addiction is to leave and shut the door.
Workaholism as an Addiction: The "insidious" parallel between drug use and work as a form of escapism and a void filler.
The Sneaky High: How sneaking into the office at the weekend provides an adrenaline kick and thrill similar to having an affair or taking drugs.
Self-Worth and Conditional Love: The root cause of high-performance addiction and finding worth in professional status rather than unconditional love.
The Path to Change: Being willing to change everything in life and what that first step looks like.
Quinn doesn't sugarcoat recovery. He reveals that he'd rather have been dead than continue living as a functioning addict with house, car, marriage, kids, and job intact. And I share the painful realization that my work addiction fed his cocaine addiction in a toxic codependent dance.
 
Timestamps:
05:25 The brutal truth: addiction was never recreational, just a way to change how he felt.
08:16 The breaking point: realizing the rest of his life would be spent routinely taking drugs to cope.
09:39 The drug of choice: why cocaine was "amazing" compared to weed and alcohol.
12:00 The cocktail: taking up to 110 milligrams of Valium in one night to sleep.
16:27 The hard truth about leaving: why anything but walking away is enabling.
19:25 The connection: how a partner's workaholism bred codependency and guilt.
25:26 The amazing parallel: sneaking into the office felt like an affair and gave an adrenaline high.
28:03 The real dishonesty: using work to alter a state and fulfill a void.
31:28 Parenting and pride: learning to tell children you are proud of them just because.
 
Resources:
Quinn's Work:
Humanness: Quinn helps leaders and businesses rebuild cultures with empathy, creativity, and purpose.
Show Sponsor:
CaptureBee.io: A done-for-you outreach service that books warm leads and gets you featured on leading podcasts.
 
📲 Connect with Me:
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com 
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele 
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charl%C3%A8ne-gis%C3%A8le-bourliout/

Dec 3, 2025

1 hr 4 min

Charlène Gisèle

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