As we enter the final stretch of 2025—just a few months away from a new year—many are running on fumes. The year-end rush, holiday obligations, performance goals, and the constant demands of a fast-paced work environment can take their toll.
For some, this season brings reflection and gratitude. For others, it highlights exhaustion—the kind that creeps in quietly after months (or even years) of pushing hard to perform, lead, and deliver. In the medical device field especially—where serving others is both mission and passion—burnout isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s a real challenge that impacts performance, morale, and well-being.
Leaders carry a unique responsibility—not only to manage their own energy but to stay alert to burnout warning signs within their teams. It’s easy to miss the subtle cues sometimes: declining engagement, shorter tempers, missed details, or the “always-on” employees who never seem to pause. True leadership means noticing before performance dips or morale cracks. Checking in not just on metrics but on people is part of the job. When we lead with empathy and awareness, we protect our teams from reaching the breaking point—and we model the balance that sustains long-term excellence.
At RX Medical, our family of healthcare businesses is built on people—those who innovate, care, and show up every day to make a difference. And people, even the most resilient ones, need rest and recalibration to stay at their best. That’s why I’m dedicating this month’s LinkedIn Leadership blog to sharing a few strategies that have helped my teams and I stay balanced and focused.
Burnout’s Real — 5 Ways to Regain Momentum
1. Acknowledge It—Then Act: Burnout doesn’t go away by ignoring it. The first step is recognizing when you’re running low and giving yourself permission to pause. Leaders aren’t immune to fatigue—we set the tone by showing others it’s okay to recharge.
2. Reconnect to Purpose: When the “why” gets blurry, burnout grows. Take time to revisit what drives you—your mission, your impact, and the people you serve. At RX Medical, we remind our teams that every surgery and every interaction with our clients (surgeons and other healthcare providers) contributes to improving someone’s quality of life. Purpose brings perspective.
3. Simplify and Prioritize: It’s easy to say yes to everything, especially during the holidays. But focus is the antidote to burnout. Simplify your to-do list. Ask: What truly moves the needle? Then give yourself permission to let go of the rest.
4. Lead with Gratitude: Gratitude is more than a feel-good practice—it’s a mindset shift that fuels energy and resilience. Recognize your team’s effort. Celebrate progress, not just outcomes. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in lifting spirits and renewing motivation.
5. Invest in Recovery: Physical and mental recovery aren’t luxuries—they’re performance strategies. Whether it’s sleep, exercise, or quiet time with loved ones, make recovery part of your professional plan. The best leaders know that long-term success requires sustainable energy, not constant speed.
As I close out this month’s blog, I encourage everyone to pause, reflect, and recharge. The work we do matters—but so do the people doing it. Wishing my LinkedIn network the strength to finish the year strong, the focus to stay connected to what drives you, and the clarity to enter the new year with fresh energy and purpose.
📌LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE: Before the year wraps up, ask your team member what helped them thrive this year—and what drained their energy. Listen, learn, and use those insights to lead smarter in 2026.?
Brandon Rouse, CEO of Rx Medical, a family of healthcare businesses, leads a diverse & growing team of professionals well-versed in the challenges facing the medical field today. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brandon’s experienced team represents various technological & innovative medical device solutions. ZB RX Medical and Rx Medical are direct distributors of Zimmer Biomet among others.