This free presentation is given by Kafi A. Joseph, PMP, a member of Free Speakers Washington D.C..
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Why overwork persists even when you "know better" — and what it's actually protecting. Burnout is typically framed as overwork. A capacity problem. A resilience gap. What if exhaustion isn’t the result of working too hard — and is instead the symptom of something more fundamental?
In this keynote, Kafi Joseph introduces a reframe: Burnout = Threatened Safety × Limited Agency High performers do not burn out because they lack endurance. They burn out when rest, boundaries, change, or disengagement feel unsafe — psychologically, socially, morally, or professionally
Drawing from her experience as a West Point graduate, Army officer, and corporate Chief of Staff, this session with Kafi helps participants identify where “No” feels dangerous, why effort persists even when resources are available, and how to distinguish between real threats that require protection and perceived threats that require restored agency.
This is not a resilience talk. It is a diagnostic lens for clarity.
Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:
✓ Reframe burnout as a symptom, not an outcome
✓ Identify your primary burnout pattern and its safety–agency drivers
✓ Recognize early signals that rest, change, or boundaries feel unsafe
✓ Distinguish when to restore agency v. when structural change is required
Best For: Professional Development, Wellness Initiatives, High Performers
No charge, no honorarium, no mileage costs. This guest speaker is free for in-person presentations in Washington D.C. and virtual presentations nationwide.
Free Speakers Washington D.C. is a pro bono speakers bureau. Since 2018, our speakers have given free presentations to Rotary clubs, libraries, schools, and community groups across the Washington D.C. area. Learn more about how it works.
