Burnout Banter

In this special Halloween episode of Burnout Banter, we're trading burnout for bone-chilling banter as we share real-life horror stories from the trenches of AEC marketing. From cursed proposals to ghosted deadlines and inboxes that just won't die, these are the terrifying tales that linger long after the final submission. Whether you've ever sacrificed sleep to a "quick revision," watched a file freeze at 98% with seconds to spare, or questioned reality while updating org charts from the passenger seat—this one's for you. It's all in good fun (sort of), but it's also a reminder of how unsustainable some of our industry's expectations can be. So pour your favorite fall drink, dim the lights, and join us… if you dare. Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at [email protected].

As Q4 ramps up, everything suddenly feels urgent. Deadlines move closer. Teams scramble to "finish strong." And somewhere along the way, urgency becomes the default operating mode—whether it's necessary or not. In this episode of Burnout Banter, Jeff and Rachelle explore the seasonal pressure that hits many AEC professionals in the fall. The push to hit year-end metrics, wrap up key initiatives, and juggle increasingly complex schedules can leave teams running on fumes before the holidays even start. We'll unpack the difference between true urgency and manufactured urgency, why leaders often (accidentally) escalate pressure, and how to spot when you're caught in a frenzy that's doing more harm than good. Most importantly, we'll share strategies to slow the spin, prioritize what matters, and lead without panic. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels like the calendar flipped to October and suddenly everything became a fire drill. Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at [email protected].

Even the most experienced professionals in the AEC industry—people who manage complex projects and navigate high-stakes deadlines—still struggle to hold their boundaries. It's not a time management issue. It's a culture, communication, and identity issue. In this episode, Jeff and Rachelle explore why boundaries feel so elusive, even for high performers. They dig into how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and unspoken team norms wear down even the clearest intentions. From vague client expectations to the "hero" mentality of being the one who always steps in, AEC professionals are often rewarded for boundary-breaking behavior—and punished (implicitly or explicitly) for pushing back. You'll hear real-world examples, practical communication scripts, and a mini coaching framework to help redefine boundaries not as limitations—but as strategies for aligned leadership and long-term sustainability. Whether you're burned out from always being "the fixer," or just need a better way to protect your time and energy, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and reinforce what matters most. Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at [email protected]

We assume vacation is the antidote to burnout—but for many AEC professionals, it's just a brief escape before diving back into chaos. In this episode, Jeff and Rachelle unpack why we're getting vacation wrong and how to shift from escape mode to recharge mode. They explore the myth of the summer slowdown, the false belief that vacation is the ultimate fix, and how poor boundaries and internal pressure prevent true rest. The conversation invites leaders and professionals to look at how they prepare for, experience, and return from time off—and what that says about the rest of their work life. You'll hear honest reflections, real-world examples, and practical strategies for using vacation as part of a sustainable energy management plan—not just a temporary relief valve. If you've ever returned from vacation and immediately felt behind, guilty, or like nothing's changed... this one's for you. Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at [email protected]

In this episode of Burnout Banter, Jeff and Rachelle explore one of the most underused tools in the burnout recovery toolkit: movement. Most people immediately think of exercise when they hear "get active," but physical activity is only one piece of the puzzle. Drawing from both research and lived experience, Jeff and Rachelle break down five types of activity—physical, creative, social, organizational, and reflective—that help shake off the fog of burnout and get people moving again. They dive into why burnout thrives in stillness and how intentional movement, in any form, can help restore momentum, confidence, and emotional regulation. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed—and especially for those who say, "I know I should exercise, but I just can't right now." The good news: You don't have to run a marathon to move forward. You just have to move something. Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at [email protected]