In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Jennifer Halsall is joined by co-host Dr. Lou Atkinson and psychotherapist and author Anna Mathur to talk about the “H-word”: asking for help.For high-performing women, asking for help often isn’t about competence — it’s about identity. Many of us have built careers on being capable, calm, and reliable. The same traits that get rewarded, promoted, and praised can also quietly drive burnout, reduce creativity, and strain relationships.This episode is a keynote reveal for the FIBO Women’s Leadership Summit (17 April 2026, Cologne), where Anna will speak on The Case for Slowing Down. Together, the conversation explores why rest feels undeserved, why support feels risky, and how leaders can ask for help in ways that are practical, human, and sustainable.This is not about doing less because you can’t cope.🔗 LinksWomen’s Leadership Summit programmehttps://www.wearethecollective.world/fibo-womens-leadership-summit-programmeAnna Mathur — Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/annamathur/Anna Mathur — Websitehttps://www.annamathur.com/The Collective — Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/wearethecollective_/FIBOhttps://www.fibo.com/It’s about doing less alone — and leading in a way that lasts.00:47 – Welcome + why this episode mattersIntroducing the episode, the FIBO Women’s Leadership Summit, and why asking for help surfaced as a critical leadership topic.02:04 – Anna Mathur’s journey: high-functioning, high-achieving, burned outWhy over-functioning women are often applauded — and quietly exhausted.05:30 – Dr. Lou Atkinson on behaviour change and burnoutWhy knowing what to do and being able to do it are not the same thing.08:59 – The case for slowing downAnna outlines the themes of her keynote: perfectionism, control, productivity, and rest.12:11 – “Do I deserve rest?”The worthiness question that keeps many leaders stuck.14:28 – What burnout actually looks likeEarly warning signs, loss of joy, and why pushing harder backfires.17:18 – “There is no beyond”When the nervous system finally forces a stop.20:31 – The superwoman problemGendered expectations, mental load, and modern leadership pressure.25:47 – Hustle culture vs sustainable leadershipWhat leaders model — and how coping cultures get passed down.27:00 – Why asking for help feels threateningIdentity, control, competence, and nervous system safety.31:54 – The cost of not asking for helpFor leaders, teams, and organisations.34:26 – The ripple effectWhy leaders who don’t ask for help teach others not to either.36:37 – What space really gives youA real example of how stepping away unlocks clarity and creativity.41:41 – Learning to let go (awkwardly, then better)Anna on practicing trust and releasing control.44:52 – How to ask for help (without apology)Practical language shifts and scripts that actually work.47:43 – When help feels awkward or gets refusedWhy one “no” doesn’t mean asking was wrong.49:46 – Final reflectionsWhy asking for help early beats needing rescue later.51:17 – Anna’s closing messageDoing less alone, protecting energy, and leading for longevity.53:11 – The listener challengeAsk for help once this week — deliberately and without overthinking it.⏱ Episode Timestamps

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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