Navigating Burnout in Mission-Driven Work with Beth Cocuzza
Jul 24, 2025
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In this episode of the Dominate Your Day podcast, I speak with Beth Cocuzza, nonprofit strategist and author of Promises Broken: Reclaiming Your Health and Humanity When Mission-Driven Work Lets You Down.
We discuss the challenges women face in mission-driven organizations, particularly around organizational culture, burnout, and leadership. Beth shares her observations from years in the education and nonprofit spaces, where individuals often enter the work with a strong sense of purpose, only to encounter internal practices that conflict with that mission. She notes how these environments can sometimes lead to unhealthy work habits, especially when clear boundaries and supportive leadership are lacking.
We also discuss the importance of building a reliable support network—both inside and outside the organization. Beth emphasizes that external perspectives are especially useful in recognizing when workplace norms are not aligned with professional or personal well-being. She shares strategies for assessing organizational culture during interviews, such as asking for specific examples rather than relying on broad, positive statements.
Her approach encourages professionals to be more intentional in their career decisions and to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term obligations.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 15:00 — Common Themes in Toxic Workplaces
- Minute 20:00 — Recognizing Red Flags
- Minute 25:00 — Stories of Transformation
- Minute 30:00 — The Importance of Support Networks
Links + Resources from This Episode:
- Get your copy of Promises Broken: Reclaiming Your Health and Humanity When Mission-Driven Work Lets You Down
- Learn more about Beth’s work at www.almavina.com
- Learn more about The Strengths Journal
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