The Energy Audit: Leading Without Draining Your Life

Inspired by the Lionesses’ Victory and the Leadership Lessons of the Wild

Leadership can be invigorating. It stretches us, ignites purpose, and—at its best—fuels deep fulfilment.

But let’s be honest: it can also drain us.

Especially when boundaries blur, expectations mount, and the pace never relents. When leadership becomes about constant availability instead of clear intention, the role that once gave us life can start to quietly take it away.

That’s why, in the spirit of the victorious Lionesses—England’s Women’s Football Team, who just lifted the 2025 Euros trophy with pride, power, and purpose—it’s time we explored a different kind of check-in: an energy audit.

Not of productivity. Not performance. But sustainability. Because as the Lionesses have shown us on the field, and as The Lioness Effect reminds us off it, leadership that wins doesn’t come from burnout—it comes from alignment, resilience, and pride in your power.

When Leadership Starts to Cost Too Much

Like the players who train hard but know the value of rest and recovery, many leaders carry invisible loads—emotional, cognitive, and energetic.

We hold space for others, absorb pressure, and push through even when our inner reserves are running on empty.

But here’s the truth: drained leaders don’t lead well. They react more than respond. They lose clarity, compassion, and connection.

Just like the lioness in the wild—who doesn’t chase every gazelle but instead moves with intention and strategy—we must learn to lead deliberately, not endlessly.

A Leadership Sustainability Audit

This isn’t about judging how much you do. It’s about exploring how you feel while doing it.

Ask yourself:

What gives me energy in my work—and what depletes it?
When do I feel most like myself? And when do I feel furthest from who I am?
Where have I let my boundaries slip—and what’s the cost?
What’s the one thing I keep postponing, even though I know it matters?

Leadership like the Lionesses’ success is not an accident—it’s built on strategy, rest, and team trust. The same is true for sustainable leadership in any field.

Five Common Energy Drains for Leaders

Over-functioning Taking on too much, doing it all yourself. It’s unsustainable—and unnecessary.
Emotional Absorption Holding space for everyone else but not yourself? That’s a fast track to emotional exhaustion.
Boundary Erosion Being always “on” leads to never truly being present. Even lionesses rest.
Decision Fatigue Every micro-decision chips away at your clarity. Delegation isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom.
Misalignment When your values and actions are out of sync, your energy leaks—even if no one else sees it.

From Audit to Action: The Lioness Way

1. Protect Your Power Hours

Like athletes in peak condition, use your most alert time for strategy, not just slog.

2. Create Energy Rituals

Reset with small, repeatable habits—like pre-game rituals that ground and refocus you.

3. Set Boundaries as Strength

Boundaries aren’t barriers. They are goalposts for success. Protect your time like it’s match day.

4. Communicate with Courage

Say what you need. Show others how to lead with clarity. The Lionesses didn’t win by staying silent.

5. Reconnect to Purpose

Victory on the pitch and in leadership isn’t just about performance—it’s about purpose and pride.

Leadership That Nourishes, Not Depletes

The England Lionesses reminded the world what happens when power is channelled with focus, and leadership is shared with conviction.

The Lioness Effect—as described by Professor Laura Serrant—teaches us that true leadership doesn’t come from dominance, but from collective strength, quiet courage, and consistent presence.

You can lead in a way that uplifts you and those around you.

Because you are not a machine. You are a lioness.

Reclaiming Energy as a Leadership Asset

It’s time to lead with your whole self—not just what’s left of you at the end of the day.

Do your energy audit. Reflect with honesty. Set boundaries without apology. Because leadership is not about depletion—it’s about sustainable impact.

And as the roar of the Lionesses still echoes across the UK, let it be your reminder:

“We lead best not by shedding who we are, but by standing tall in it—just like the lioness, whose power lies not in dominance, but in purpose, connection, and quiet strength.” — Professor Laura Serrant CBE, from The Lioness Effect