How to Lead Without Burning Out: Corey Lewis on Balance, Mentorship, and the Power of Saying No

Burnout is not just a buzzword. It is a real challenge that business owners and leaders face when they are constantly running on empty. In this episode of The Balanced CEO, Chris sits down with Corey Lewis, a gym owner, mentor, and nonprofit leader, to talk about the path to sustainable leadership. The conversation goes deep into topics like setting boundaries, investing in personal health, and how to build a life that works with your priorities, not against them.

From Burnout to Boundaries

Corey built his gym business from the ground up and saw it thrive before the pandemic. But when COVID hit, everything changed. Like many others, he realized the strategies that once worked no longer applied. The stress of rebuilding led to long hours, lack of clarity, and burnout. That experience pushed him to seek mentorship, refine his systems, and rethink how he approached leadership.

He now prioritizes what he calls the “triangle of strength”: health, family, and business. Corey believes that while these areas may not always be perfectly balanced, they can exist in harmony. To make that possible, he schedules recharge time, sticks to non-negotiable blocks for his health and fitness, and communicates clearly with his team and loved ones.

The Power of Saying No

One of Corey’s biggest lessons was learning to say no. Many entrepreneurs think they have to do it all, especially in the early stages. But Corey emphasizes that saying no is not about missing opportunities—it is about protecting the ones that matter most. Even in busy seasons, he carves out time for his mental and physical health so he can show up fully for his team and his family.

He reminds leaders that taking a 20-minute walk, unplugging for a short break, or simply doing one thing for yourself each day can be the reset you need to lead better.

Mentorship, Leadership, and Letting Go

Corey credits much of his growth to mentorship. He talks about how being part of a leadership community helped him rebuild after the pandemic. More importantly, he explains how most gym owners and entrepreneurs struggle not because of their services, but because of weak leadership systems.

He encourages business owners to improve how they communicate, set expectations, and develop their teams. It is not enough to be great at your craft. You also have to lead others clearly and consistently.

Legacy through Service

Outside of the gym, Corey works closely with nonprofits like Brace for Impact and Lift for Life. These organizations support children in Haiti and underserved communities in St. Louis. His involvement with these causes reminds him why building a strong business matters—it gives you the freedom to create impact beyond your bottom line.

Final Takeaway

Corey leaves us with a powerful reminder. You do not have to wait until your business hits a certain milestone to start living your life. The goal is not to be perfectly balanced every day. The goal is to stay grounded in what matters and keep moving toward the life you want, one clear decision at a time.

“Filter your priorities. Say no when you need to. And build a life that works in harmony, not chaos.”

Listen to the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

If this episode resonated with you and you're looking for something to help you reflect and realign, you might enjoy my book Labels to Legacy. It’s a practical and personal guide for anyone ready to build with intention.

If you’re in a season where you’re growing something and want a bit more clarity or support, feel free to reach out. I work with leaders who want to keep things simple and meaningful.

Keep digging in 😤