What would you do if everything you worked for came to a crashing halt?
Our guest today, Dr. Olivia Ong, has a truly incredible story – one not just of resilience, grit, and ‘pushing through the pain’… but one of self-compassion.
After a horrible accident, Olivia was told by her doctor that she would never walk again, never practice medicine again and that her life would completely change.
Instead of giving up hope, Olivia has transformed her experience into helping others remember the importance of self-compassion and the prevention of burnout.
Here Are Some Takeaways From the Episode:
- Dr Olivia Ong’s remarkable story of healing after a life-changing spinal cord injury (+ the unexpected path she found).
- Why self-compassion is far more powerful than self-criticism (especially when you are on a journey of healing, navigating burnout, or facing challenges).
- The surprising reason why willpower and ‘pushing through the pain’ isn’t the best path forward.
- Why so many women are unknowingly addicted to busyness and the toll it takes on our brains and bodies.
- The 3 clear signs you’re heading toward burnout – exhaustion, disconnection, and loss of purpose – and how you can spot them early.
- How Olivia describes burnout using the “energy bank account” analogy (and why many women don’t realise they’re in burnout until they are “overdrawn”).
- Practical, science-backed ways to interrupt the burnout cycle and stop it from becoming a repeat pattern in your business and life.
- How to use “micro-moments of self-compassion” to reset your nervous system throughout the day.
- Olivia’s “No, but…” strategy to help you set boundaries without feeling guilty.
- The real cost of ignoring rest, and how cortisol overload leads to brain fog, inflammation, and chronic stress.
If YOU have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in that nasty cycle of burnout… this episode will give you practical tools and a whole new way to think about success, recovery, and self-compassion.
Get Olivia’s Entrepreneurs Book Series and Save 50%
Ready to inspire someone (or yourself)?
Olivia’s Entrepreneur Series Bundle brings together three powerful books designed to ignite dreams, embrace happiness, and lead with purpose—all for just $70 AUD (including shipping).
Perfect for honouring the incredible women in your life who are leading, creating, and inspiring change!
Here’s what’s inside this exclusive package:
- Goodbye Busy, Hello Happy: Stories to help you find joy and reconnect with your vision.
- Ignite: Your guide to starting, refining, or growing your dream business.
- Women Leading the Way: Inspiration and advice to step into your leadership and thrive.
- That’s three books for the price of 2—a 50% saving!
Subscribe to the HerBusiness Podcast
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Mentioned in This Episode:
Celebrating 300 Episodes of the HerBusiness Podcast – Inspiring Insights from 5 Business Icons
Book: Jojo the Kind Sloth (Children’s book on self-compassion)
Karen Rettig, Alternatives for Animals
Episode 299 – 7 Thoughts Stopping You from Making More Money (and How to Change Them)
Episode 296 – Get Your Spark Back, Overcome Burnout, and Grow Your Business
