Executive Burnout, White River Manor

Interview with Vusi Thembekwayo

Published on February 27, 2021

In this candid and illuminating interview, our New Business Development Manager, George Georgas, chats to venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and business speaker, Vusi Thembekwayo.

We hear about Vusi’s own experience of burnout, the importance of wellness, and learn how to spot the warning signs.

Let’s Talk Wellness   

“Don’t wait for Rome to burn down,” says Vusi Thembekwayo, offering valuable insights into the importance of accepting that you need help with your wellness. 

Often corporate executives, facing increasing pressure with hugely traumatic decisions about the future of their businesses due to the COVID pandemic, don’t act until there’s a cataclysmic event which stops them in their tracks.

Why? Because many high performers still think that admitting vulnerability, or mental health problems, is a sign of weakness.

It’s not, says Vusi – it’s a sign of strength. The venture capitalist reveals his experiences of burnout and tells us the signals that he knows to watch out for, warning him that his body is externalising stress and that he needs to slow down and take care of himself.

At White River Manor, these top achievers can take time out to examine with psychologists the challenging situations they are battling and to consider how they can improve aspects of their person and professional life.

The aim? To achieve a balance of mind, body and spirit using tailored holistic treatment plans. Vusi tells of the incisive questions which the centre’s psychologist asked him, so he could understand his own motivations and improve his focus.

About Giles Fourie

Giles Fourie is the director and co-founder of White River Manor. He is dedicated to providing the best care for clients seeking recovery from substance abuse, anxiety, depression, or co-occurring disorders.

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