In this episode of Empowered by AI, Michelle Muncy-Silva is joined by Michelle Singh for a deep, human-centered conversation about disengagement, burnout, belonging, and what it really means to design learning and leadership systems that allow people to stay fully themselves.

Drawing from more than 20 years in education and leadership, Michelle Singh introduces her EQUAL Methodology, shares how her lived experience as a Jamaican immigrant shaped her work, and explains why disengagement is often self-protection rather than a lack of care. The conversation explores how equity, rest, boundaries, and intentional use of technology can support more sustainable, humane systems.

Time-Stamped Discussion

00:00 – Introduction and Michelle Singh’s background in education and leadership

01:30 – Why “disengaged” does not mean “doesn’t care”

02:45 – Disengagement as self-protection, not apathy

04:00 – Navigating systems that were not designed with you in mind

05:30 – Invisibility, compliance, and people-pleasing as survival strategies

07:00 – Why disengagement is human data, not disruption

08:15 – Introducing the EQUAL Methodology

09:30 – Equity and belonging as daily practices, not add-ons

10:45 – Evaluating context and examining assumptions and bias

12:00 – Qualifying learning without lowering rigor

13:30 – Belonging, emotional safety, and identity affirmation

15:00 – Collaboration and creating communities of care

16:30 – Leveraging evidence beyond grades and test scores

18:00 – Using technology and AI to support reflection and feedback

19:30 – Making online learning more human through voice and language

21:00 – Burnout as a systemic and cultural signal

22:30 – Overwork, exploitation, and “doing it for the good of others”

24:00 – Why rest is a leadership strategy

25:30 – High-functioning versus over-functioning

27:00 – Letting go of perfectionism and productivity as identity

29:00 – Redefining rest and honoring different nervous systems

31:00 – Small, intentional rest practices that sustain energy

33:00 – The question shift: what can I release or no longer tolerate

34:30 – Boundaries, outsourcing, and protecting capacity

36:30 – Naming what no longer serves you

38:30 – Designing learning and leadership with intention and care

40:30 – Using technology cautiously and ethically

42:30 – Learning as relational rather than transactional

44:00 – Final reflections and how to connect with Michelle Singh

You can connect with Dr. Michelle at connectwithmichelle.com

Watch the full episode and future conversations on YouTube:

youtube.com/@EmpoweredbyAISLAI

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