Welcome to another episode of Frustrated and Exhausted ! This week, we’re joined by Elizabeth Brauer, Head of HR at 1IO, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about stepping away from the traditional career path and redefining what success really means. Episode Highlights: Early Career Crossroads: Elizabeth shares how, at just 18, an unexpected life event led her away from the “expected” pathway (college → university → job) and into an unconventional—and ultimately fulfilling—career. Ambition and Pressure: Elizabeth reflects on the pressures (real and imagined!) she felt as a young mum, her innate ambition, and how that drive evolved from trying to prove herself to a more personal, meaningful ambition. Success Isn’t Linear: We discuss the myth of the “career ladder” and why progression often looks more like a “net”—expanding in unexpected directions and enriched by life experiences outside of work. Life Lessons in Growth: Elizabeth opens up about early failures, “timing errors,” and bravely admitting when she didn’t know something. She shares the power of vulnerability and how it’s shaped her as a leader. Work, Rest, and Burnout: Burnout and the “workaholic badge of honour”—why it’s not sustainable, and why true success often means working less and living more. Personalized Success: Advice for anyone stuck in a high-achieving rut: take a pause, check in with yourself, and make sure your goals serve you—not some imaginary audience. Career Myths to Ditch: Elizabeth’s one piece of advice to ban forever: Stop glorifying “always being on.” Quality over quantity—embrace downtime! [00:01:41] – Elizabeth describes becoming a young mum and how it forced her off the traditional path. [00:03:30]– Elizabeth shares how she sought careers that fit her life, returning to college, and studying psychology. [00:06:33] – Elizabeth reflects on proving herself and how her definition of success evolved. [00:08:06] – Ruth and Elizabeth explore healthy vs. unhealthy ambition. [00:10:40]– Elizabeth discusses what’s wrong in how we approach career progression, especially for women. [00:12:04] – Net/ladder metaphor and the value of lateral experience. [00:12:20] – Discussion on how broad experience can act as support/catch you. [00:15:32] – Ruth and Elizabeth discuss the dangers of hyper-focus on work. [00:16:03] – On supporting different work styles (quiet contributors, etc). [00:16:46] – Learning from mistakes and the value of reflection. [00:17:57] – Ruth asks about career risks that paid off or didn’t. [00:20:30] – Admitting you need help and learning to take slower steps. [00:21:51] – Elizabeth describes the vulnerability of asking for help and the support she received. [00:22:01] – Vulnerability as a strength in leadership. [00:23:30]– Importance of people connection over just policy/process. [00:24:46] – Startup burnout, reassessing success, and discovering the cost of “doing it all.” [00:29:45] – Importance of checking in with yourself. [00:31:02] – Elizabeth: Ban always being “on,” glorifying workaholism. [00:31:39] – Value of rest and switching off. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review. If this episode made you think, challenged, or reassured you, let us know! Contact Linkedin Elizabeth brauer Connect with Ruth: Instagram
