In the final episode of Project Pivot, we explore the intricate topic of burnout with Australian psychiatrist, Professor Gordon Parker. The discussion shines a light on the critical role of personality as a predisposing risk factor, and reveals the many layers of burnout, and its causes.

Professor Parker introduces the analogy of soil and seed to articulate the intricate relationship between the environment and burnout. Highlighting that burnout isn't a random occurrence and is often synonymous within the legal profession, where the demands for reliability and perfectionism are paramount.


We hear how personality traits like dutifulness, reliability, and perfectionism can lead to burnout, and how strategies to cope should be seen as an opportunity for personal renewal. 


Key Takeaways:

Personality Predisposition: Personality, specifically traits like dutifulness and perfectionism, emerges as a critical predisposing risk factor for burnout.

Professions at Risk: Burnout finds a stronghold in caregiving professions and those that demand reliability and perfectionism, such as the legal profession.

Warning Signs Unveiled: The episode explores warning signs of burnout, from emotional exhaustion to cognitive impairment, providing valuable insights for self-awareness.

Opportunity in Burnout: Contrary to its negative connotations, burnout is reframed as an opportunity for renewal and a chance to reevaluate one's life and priorities.

Tailored Treatment Strategies: The effectiveness of treatment strategies for burnout is explored, emphasising the need for a bespoke approach tailored to individual cases, addressing the personality component.


Meet Professor Gordon Parker: 


Professor Parker is Scientia Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He was the founder and Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute from 2002-2011. He was, for nearly two decades, Head of the School of Psychiatry at UNSW and Director of the Division of Psychiatry at Prince of Wales and Prince Henry Hospitals. Professor Parker has an international research profile having published over 1,000 academic papers, 23 books and in 2004 was awarded a Citation Laureate as the Australian researcher most highly referenced in Psychiatry/Psychology.

For more information about Professor Parker visit https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/gordon-parker

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In this episode, Catherine Grum shares the importance of building meaningful client relationships, the unique skill set required in her field, and the decision to embrace the autonomy and freedom of an independent career.

Our conversation with Catherine delves into the nuances of her expertise, emphasising the blend of technical knowledge and relationship management crucial in private client and family office work. The episode unfolds the significance of cultivating strong connections with clients, providing a more personalised and impactful approach to their needs.


As Catherine reflects on her transition to an independent career, she paints a picture of the autonomy and freedom it brings. We also hear about her role as a trustee at the Beacon Collaborative, and the rewarding experience of contributing to a cause and making a positive impact has had on her life.

Key Takeaways:


Specialised Skill Set: Private client and family office work demand a unique skill set, seamlessly combining technical expertise with the finesse of relationship management.


The Power of Relationships: Building robust client relationships is not just a strategy; it's a critical element that allows for a more personalised and impactful approach in this field.


Autonomy in Independence: Transitioning to an independent career opens doors to autonomy and freedom, creating a purposeful and fulfilling professional journey.

Trustee Tales: Catherine shares insights into her role as a trustee at the Beacon Collaborative, highlighting the rewarding aspects of contributing to a cause and making a positive impact.


Wealth and Happiness Dynamics: The complex relationship between wealth and happiness is explored, acknowledging that wealth brings both benefits and challenges to individuals and families.


Meet Catherine Grum:



Catherine advises families and family offices around family office establishment, strategy, family governance and succession. She believes that when families understand their values and the purpose of their wealth, they can build on much stronger foundations and, by aligning their structures and activities with this, create sustainable long-term solutions.

 Recent work has included advising on the governance and succession arrangements for a founder-led family office, facilitating family workshops and shareholder committees and supporting trustees to establish family governance arrangements.

 Now running her own consultancy, Catherine has worked with enterprising families for over 20 years, gaining a unique perspective from the combination of roles she has held including private client lawyer at A&O, wealth adviser at Barclays, head of a private office and sitting on the board of its international trust companies at Salamanca Group and establishing family office advisory practices at BDO and KPMG.

For more information about Catherine visit https://www.catherinegrum.com

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In this episode of Project Pivot, we hear about the transformative journey of Myles Preston, a seasoned commercial lawyer turned educator and vice principal. Myles candidly shares his motivations for leaving the legal realm and the challenges encountered in transitioning to the rewarding world of teaching. Swapping the corridors of law firms to the classrooms of education, we unpack the nuances of this unique career metamorphosis.


Hear about the Teach First program and the cultural contrasts between schools and law firms. Myles shares insights into the intense but supportive and collegial culture within the education sector, and the transferable skills from the legal arena to assembly hall, including the art of drafting, negotiation prowess, and effective communication.



Key Takeaways:

Fulfilment in Transition: The shift from law to teaching proves to be a fulfilling career change, opening doors to new opportunities and challenges.

Navigating Challenging Schools: Teaching in demanding environments requires the building of strong relationships with students and adaptability across diverse subjects.

The Tapestry of School Culture: Schools offer an intense and relentless, yet supportive and collegial culture, creating a unique professional tapestry.

Skills that Bridge Professions: Transferable skills from law, such as drafting, negotiation, and communication, find a new home in the field of education.

Exploring the Classroom: For those contemplating a career in teaching, Myles suggests stepping into the classroom environment as a valuable first step.

The Allure of Bristol: Bristol is seen as a sought-after location for lawyers seeking a better work-life balance.

For more information about Myles visit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/myles-p-b478421a/

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