Episode SummaryWhat happens when the person who's been protecting everyone else forgets to protect herself? For Isabelle Tremblay, the answer was burnout so complete she couldn't draft a simple email. In this episode of Humor in the C Suite, Kate Davis sits down with Isabelle to trace the arc from 24 years of high-pressure global brand leadership to a full reinvention — and the role humor, empathy, and heart played in every part of that journey. This is a conversation about what it really costs to lead inside hustle culture, and what becomes possible when you decide to lead differently.Key Topics CoveredIsabelle and Kate explore how humor was a cornerstone of Isabelle's leadership style long before burnout entered the picture — including the Two Truths and a Lie meeting exercise that consistently turned into genuine laughter and connection. They dig into how hustle culture systematically squeezes humor and humanity out of leadership, and what Isabelle wishes she'd done differently to protect not just her team but herself. Isabelle speaks candidly about how burnout eroded her ability to laugh — and how consciously rebuilding a humor-filled environment was part of her healing. They also cover why Isabelle believes humor is a genuine leadership superpower, how it moves leadership from transactional to human, and why authenticity and levity together create what she calls a love story in business. Kate brings in the broader cultural shift happening in leadership — more heart, less hustle — and why that's exactly what the next generation of employees is asking for."A leader's job is really to serve their team — so all of it, the authenticity, the humor, the transparency, will become a beautiful love story in business." Isabelle's Advice for LeadersKeep humor authentic to who you are and always be respectful — never punch down, never make it about a person. The Two Truths and a Lie exercise is a simple, low-stakes way to bring playfulness into any team setting without pressure. Set boundaries not just for your team but for yourself — protecting only others while neglecting yourself is a fast track to burnout. And if the environment is truly toxic and damaging your health, give yourself permission to leave. Life is too short, and you have unlimited potential — at any age.Connect with Isabelle Tremblay 🌐 Eyenovating  💼 LinkedInAdditional Links & Resources:Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.caThank you for tuning in to this episode of Humor in the C-Suite! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast, share it with your friends, and leave a rating or review. Your support helps the podcast continue to grow. Hosted by Kate DavisEdited by Chris @ Wider View Studios