From Frenzy to Focus: Dr. Michele Leno On How We Can Cancel Hustle Culture And Create A New Sustainable Work Paradigm
An Interview With Drew Gerber
Take a break. When we allow our minds to rest and refresh, we are more likely to be productive and achieve success.
“Hustle Culture” is an ethos often propounded by young self-proclaimed internet gurus that centers around the idea that working long hours and sacrificing self-care are required to succeed. This mentality may have gained popularity in the mid-2010s, but it has peaked, and now it has been sardonically renamed “Burnout Culture.” So why exactly is Hustle Culture the wrong path to take? What damage can it cause? What is a viable, sustainable alternative to hustle culture? How can we move from Frenzy To Focus? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, mental health leaders, marketing experts, business coaches, authors, and thought leaders who can share stories and insights about “How We Can Cancel Hustle Culture And Create A New Sustainable Work Paradigm.” As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Michele Leno.
Dr. Michele Leno is a licensed psychologist and owner of DML Psychological Services, a company that provides mental health support to individuals and organizations. Dr. Michele is also the host of TV talk show, Mind Matters with Dr. Michele. Dr. Michele’s motto: Improve Your Mental Health, Improve Your Life.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to know how you got from “there to here.” Inspire us with your backstory!
I believe I was born to be a psychologist, although I initially planned to study law and become an attorney. During my studies, I became obsessed (in a healthy way) with psychological theories and the brain. The more I learned, the more I realized the need for a practical approach to addressing human behavior — a need to understand how mental health conditions look in real life. So, I became that source for people dealing with real problems and seeking real solutions.
Tell us about your typical day!
A typical day is anything but typical. Prior to becoming a TV Host and executive producer, my days were rather predictable. My schedule consisted of business meetings and therapy sessions. Nowadays, I spend a lot of time developing show topics, and talking with producers, editors, and potential show guests.
What lessons would you share with yourself if you had the opportunity to meet your younger self?
Never place yourself in a box. Degrees and jobs are often defined for the purpose of attracting the right person; however, your life is more than a job, so don’t let it define you. Your opportunities are endless.
Ok, thank you for sharing your inspired life. Let’s start with a basic definition to make sure that all of us are on the same page. How do you define Hustle Culture?
Hustle Culture is the ‘Who needs sleep culture.’ Every aspect of it is about the grind, driven by a hard-work-pays-off mindset. We work until we are emotionally and physically overwhelmed, hoping to reap benefits that we are too exhausted to even appreciate.
Now let’s discuss an alternative to Hustle Culture. To begin, can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority on the problems that come with Hustle Culture?
I once believed that Hustle Culture was the club to join. I soon realized, it was not for me. Now, I still set and go after goals, but my approach is wiser and more sustainable. Remember: life is not all or nothing. You may hustle for a week to complete a project; however, weeks filled with grind are certain to exhaust you.
The specific term “Hustle Culture” may have been popularized in the 2010s, but the concept behind it and the behaviors that come with it can be traced back hundreds or perhaps even thousands of years. From your vantage point, experience, or research, what were the main drivers of Hustle Culture?
We have been conditioned to believe that success requires hard work, and sleep is for lazy underachievers.
I work in the marketing industry, and so I’m very cognizant of this question. What role do you see that marketing and advertising has played in creating the frenzy caused by Hustle Culture that many of us feel?
Media is filled with images of people who represent getting the job done at any cost. We hear phrases such as ‘I had to work around the clock to get this done,’ or ‘I didn’t sleep until I finished the project.’ If such statements are coming from someone we perceive as admirable, we are inclined to follow suit.
Can you help articulate the downsides of Hustle Culture? Why is this an unsustainable work paradigm?
We are naturally energetic. Hustle Culture requires us to abuse our energy, and we soon learn, or are forced to learn, that hustling is not for the long haul. What happens when we are drained? We are less likely to think clearly, critically, or creatively. We lose the ability to problem solve. One may look busy even when they are lacking in productivity. This is the essence of the culture, which makes it unstainable.
Let’s now discuss Focus, the opposite of Frenzy. Can you please share one area of your personal or business life where you simplified things and then felt less frenzied and more fulfilled? Can you please explain?
As I began working from home more frequently, I knew I had to set boundaries with myself. I learned long ago that working evening or late-night hours were not for me, as I had a hard time getting my brain to calm enough for sleep. If I must work later than usual, I make sure it’s nothing that will make me too wired to relax.
What life experiences have you adopted in your business or personal life that have left you more satisfied? Can you please explain?
I practice baby steps and self-care. If I have a goal that makes me feel more stressed than happy, I allow myself the freedom to drop it and set a new one. I am more about mindfulness these days.
Okay, fantastic. Here is the main part of our interview. In your opinion, how can we break the addiction to being busy or trying to find the next big thing? How can people truly focus on tasks that make THE difference to their business and lives giving them satisfaction or life purpose alignment? Based on your experience and your area of expertise, can you please share “Five Ways To Move From Frenzy to Focused”?
1 . Before going after something, figure out your purpose for wanting it in the first place. Define your “why” and this will help you stay on track and avoid simply becoming a busy body on the path to burnout.
2 . Increase your self-awareness. What are your stress triggers? What are your signs of becoming overwhelmed? What makes you happy? What are your traditional thoughts about selfcare?
3 . Remember: two people with the same goal can take different paths to achieving it. Instead of following another person’s approach simply because it worked for them, think about and do what works for you based on your personality.
4 . Take a break. When we allow our minds to rest and refresh, we are more likely to be productive and achieve success.
5 . Engage in a little self-talk to stay in touch with your mood throughout the day. Sometimes we get so caught up in finishing a task, we are not aware how we really feel. I’m not suggesting carrying on full blown conversation with yourself (although this can be effective), but simply stating, “time for a break” keeps us in touch with the worthiest project of all, which is maintaining our mental stability.
How would you describe a work paradigm that is a viable alternative to Hustle Culture? What would it look like, and what would you call it?
A healthy workplace values and encourages mental wellbeing. In an ideal setting, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and managers remain cognizant of productivity goals as well as the potential for exhaustion when employees are pushed to the limits. There is nothing wrong with a bit of hard work if it is coupled with team-focused solutions, proper time off, vacations, and breaks. The Grind-Less Culture can replace Hustle Culture.
Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or resources that have inspired you about working differently?
My latest inspiration is, The Power of the Master Mind Journal, 2023 version.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can inspire.
Let’s evolve and embrace new ways of thinking about work. The workplace does not have to be a dreaded space that causes the ‘Sunday Blues.’ While rules and policies are necessary, it’s time to open that manual and replace those that no longer apply. CEOs, the health of the environment starts with you. Bosses who do not respect their staff are not fit to lead. Managers who only micromanage are ineffective and will only promote turnover. Finally, employees, you were hired to do a job that involves contributing to another person’s bottom line, which may not coincide with your own, and when you are no longer inspired to do the job, it may be time for a change or conversation.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
Website: dmlpsych.com
Drmicheleshow.com https://www.facebook.com/MindMattersWithDrMichele
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About The Interviewer: For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. Drew is the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, Inc., a full-service PR agency lauded by PR Week and Good Morning America. Wasabi Publicity, Inc. is a global marketing company that supports industry leaders, change agents, unconventional thinkers, companies and organizations that strive to make a difference. Whether it’s branding, traditional PR or social media marketing, every campaign is instilled with passion, creativity and brilliance to powerfully tell their clients’ story and amplify their intentions in the world. Schedule a free consultation at WasabiPublicity.com/Choosing-Publicity.
