The Resilience Trap: What’s Quietly Costing You The Next Level with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier

In this episode of Promoted with Denise Harris, I’m joined by Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, leadership psychologist, executive coach, and author of The Resilience Plan. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of high performance and mental health, Dr. Pelletier challenges one of the most common leadership assumptions: that resilience is a fixed trait. Instead, she reframes it as a dynamic, strategic resource that must be actively built and sustained.

Our conversation explores what Dr. Pelletier calls the “resilience trap”—the belief that being capable, dependable, and strong means you don’t need to prioritize your own well-being. We unpack why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to this mindset, how burnout quietly builds over time, and the subtle signals leaders often overlook. From declining focus to rising cynicism, she offers a clear lens on what running on overdrive really costs.

Most importantly, we discuss how to approach resilience as a leadership strategy. From setting boundaries to prioritizing energy through sleep, nutrition, movement, and relationships, this episode offers practical ways to sustain performance without sacrificing yourself.