What happens when the life you've worked hard to build no longer feels like your own? In this episode of The Burnout Club, I sit down with Donny Ebenstein — international expert in negotiation and conflict resolution, Harvard Law grad turned coach, and author of I Hear You. Donny’s story is a powerful reminder that success without self-awareness is a fast track to burnout.

We explore the quiet discomfort that often shows up before burnout fully takes hold — and why that “six-and-a-half out of ten” feeling might be the most dangerous place to stay. From negotiating exits in business partnerships to helping high-level professionals navigate change, Donny brings a deeply practical and compassionate lens to communication and career decisions. Whether you’re at a crossroads or just feeling that inner nudge that something’s off… this conversation will meet you there.

✨ What You’ll Learn

• Why “mild unhappiness” might be a bigger red flag than you think
• The burnout warning signs most people ignore
• What to do when you have the “dream job” — but secretly hate it
• How to influence workplace dynamics (even without a leadership title)
• A powerful reframe for managers who want to lead with more awareness
• How to use emotional honesty as leverage for positive change
• What Donny calls “the upstairs-downstairs shift” — and how it changes everything

About Donny Ebenstein

Donny Ebenstein is an international expert in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution — and the author of I Hear You: How to Repair Communication Breakdowns, Negotiate Successfully, and Build Consensus… in 3 Simple Steps. He works globally as an executive coach, helping mid- and senior-level professionals move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

With a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan, Donny has taught and consulted for clients across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Australia — from corporate boardrooms to Supreme Courts. Fluent in Hebrew and Spanish (and proficient in Arabic), Donny brings both skill and heart to every room he’s in. He’s also a dad, a lifelong learner, and the kind of person who finds joy in helping others rediscover what lights them up.

More from Donny:

• Website:ebensteinconsulting.com
• Book: I Hear You (available wherever books are sold)
• YouTube: @Donny.Ebenstein

If you’re feeling stuck — not miserable, but not quite alive either — that’s not something to brush aside. That’s your inner compass trying to reorient you. Start by being honest about what’s working… and what’s not. Then look for the moments in your day that bring you even a flicker of energy. That’s where your answers begin.

Share your clarity moments with us down in the comments. Your next chapter doesn’t have to be dramatic — it just has to be honest.

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Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/patrice-bonfiglio/