Let’s Talk About Capacity (Not Just Burnout)

Hi friends and colleagues,

For most of my life—and much of my conservation career—I was taught to hide emotions.

But the most common thing I hear now?

“I just want to know I’m not alone.”

That longing led me to write this blog exploring how we move from emotional silence ➡️ to emotional intelligence ➡️ to emotional inclusion in conservation workplaces.

The post presents five small yet powerful shifts, accompanied by real-life stories from the field.

Read the blog here: https://anavahconsulting.com/beyond-emotional-intelligence-5-steps-toward-emotional-inclusion-even-if-youd-rather-numb-out/

If you’d like the companion worksheet or would like to explore how emotional inclusion could look in your team or agency, please DM me on LinkedIn or reach out to michelle@anavahconsulting.com—I’d be happy to share it.

What I Witnessed at Wildlife Academy

Last week, as part of my keynote entitled "Beyond Burnout and Bubble Baths," I introduced the Connect, Encourage, Thrive (CET) model at Minnesota’s Wildlife Academy. Toward the end, I asked participants to reflect on which part of the model was most needed right now.

Here’s what they said:

• 64% chose ➡️ A system built for thriving
• 24% chose ➡️ Encouragement
• 12% chose ➡️ Connection

The message was clear: Many are just surviving. They don’t just want to survive this work, they want to thrive within it. And they’re not asking for quick fixes. They’re asking for structures and support that can hold the weight of what they carry.

This work—supporting others, making decisions under pressure, protecting the wild—isn’t just complex. It’s heavy. And, this isn't a judgment of leadership. It is simply today's reality.

People don’t need more bubble baths. They need capacity.

And building emotional capacity isn’t about being soft. It’s about being strong enough to stay human while doing hard things.

The Voices Survey Is Still Open

The Voices from the Field survey is open until July 10, and what I’m hearing so far is powerful and consistent.

▶️ Add your voice here: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/8TCIeO

Here are a few early themes:

• Burnout and emotional fatigue are being named as the primary concerns.
• Many describe feeling unseen, overcommitted, and unsure where to turn.
• There is a deep desire to feel genuinely supported, not just managed.

“I feel unproductive due to lack of structure, and I’m burned out from pretending everything is okay.” — From the survey

Need Someone to Talk To?

One thing the survey made clear: Many of you want a space to talk it out, without judgment, hierarchy, or pressure to perform.

If you're feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure what’s next, I offer 1:1 coaching for conservation professionals, environmentalists, and changemakers. Whether it’s navigating burnout, significant transitions, or just finding your way back to purpose, I’m here.

Schedule a free inquiry call here: https://michelle-anavahconsulting.zohobookings.com/#/4178956000000025046

Upcoming Client Events:

• July 9: Beyond Burnout Workshop
• Week of July 14th: Leadership Launchpad
• I'm also conducting Hearth sessions for Center for Purposeful Leadship (ask me how to join)

Final Thought: Let’s Stop Pretending

This isn’t about spa days or self-care tips. It’s about building the emotional and relational foundation we need to keep doing work that matters, without losing ourselves in the process.

You don’t have to do it alone. But you do have to take the first step.

▶️ Read the blog: https://anavahconsulting.com/beyond-emotional-intelligence-5-steps-toward-emotional-inclusion-even-if-youd-rather-numb-out/

▶️ Take the survey: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/8TCIeO

▶️ Reach out for coaching: https://michelle-anavahconsulting.zohobookings.com/#/4178956000000025046

With care and encouragement,

Michelle