183: The “Why” Is Everything with Madison Utendahl

In this episode, I sit down with Madison Utendahl, Founder of Utendahl Creative, to discuss recovering from burnout in an accolades-driven society. Madison shares her history with overachievement and excellence over the years, how her burnout manifested throughout several periods in her life, and the tools and practices she uses now to prioritize her mental health. We discuss learning to love not being “the best,” what Madison’s experience with making 30 Under 30 was actually like, and why “the why” in what you do is everything. Finally, Madison tells us how she structures her mornings to protect her peace, and how she built an anti-burnout culture within Utendahl Creative for herself and her employees.

Key Takeaway / Points:

Madison’s history with overachievement and burnout
How institutions shape our work mindsets through the years
On generational trauma and our parents’ resistance to vulnerability
On learning to love not being “the best”
What Madison experienced during her periods of burnout
Madison’s tools for preventing burnout and prioritizing her mental health
On appreciating other peoples’ work without being envious or disparaging of it
On allowing black creators to be mediocre
Madison’s experience with Forbes 30 Under 30
On the universe not rewarding an accolades-driven mindset
The “why” is everything
Madison’s morning routine to protect her peace
How Madison has structured her agency, Utendahl Creative, to prevent burnout

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

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Follow Madison:

Instagram: @madison.utendahl

Utendahl Creative: utendahlcreative.com

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Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers

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Youtube: Cameron Rogers / Freckled Foodie