What happens when the mindset that helped you succeed starts working against you?

In this episode of Unlearning in Progress, we’re joined by Katie Virtue, former Division I hockey player, corporate leader, and self‑described recovering perfectionist.

Katie shares her journey from elite athletics to the corporate world, where busyness became a status symbol and performance was measured by constant output. We unpack the physical, emotional, and relational signals that something wasn’t sustainable, and the pivotal moment when a leader encouraged her to stop operating at 100% and try 70% instead.

In our conversation, we examine why high performers often equate exhaustion with effectiveness, how identity becomes tied to titles and productivity, and what redefining performance around purpose, energy, and sustainability looks like. Katie also introduces her Energy Eval framework and explains how small, intentional shifts can create space for clearer thinking, stronger relationships, and long‑term impact.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in overdrive, tied your worth to productivity, or struggled to slow down without guilt, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder: sustainable growth often begins when we question what we were taught to believe about success.