The Superwoman Myth: Dr. Nakia Smith on Burnout and Soft Strength

Welcome back to a conversation that I think is going to hit home for so many of you—especially those of you who feel like you're constantly juggling 85 balls while "performing normal." Today, I am joined by the incredible Dr. Nakia Smith, a board-certified anesthesiologist who reached the top of her field only to burn out—not once, but twice. We're peeling back the layers on the "Superwoman" persona and the psychological and physiological cost of being the one who always handles everything.

In this episode, we dive deep into the structural features of healthcare and corporate culture that quietly demand women take on the "invisible labor" of committees, note-taking, and emotional de-escalation. We're talking about "allostatic load" in a way that's raw and real, from the microaggressions faced by women of color in high-stakes environments to the revolutionary power of a "soft strength" that isn't afraid to say no. If you've ever felt like you're slowly simmering in a pot of water, waiting for the boil, this episode is your permission to pause, reset, and reimagine what thriving actually looks like.

Stacie

For more episodes, visit StacieBaird.com.