Why Rescuing Your Team Is Not the Same as Leading Them with Amy Birkel

She built a career caring for others — and somewhere along the way forgot to care for herself. For Amy Birkel, COO of Heritage Communities, rescuing her team wasn't just a habit. It was an identity. Learning the difference between rescuing and leading turned out to be the hardest leadership lesson of her career. In this episode of the Small Brave Moves Podcast, Nicole Bianchi is joined by Amy Birkel — COO of Heritage Communities for a conversation that goes far deeper operational leadership. Amy gets honest about what it cost her to be the person who always had the answer, why letting go of control felt like losing herself, and what finally shifted when she gave herself permission to stop carrying what everyone assumed she was strong enough to handle. She and Nicole talk about the loneliness of leadership at the top, the guilt of working motherhood, and why the best servant leaders aren't the ones who give the most — they're the ones who know how to fill their own cup first.  You'll leave this episode understanding why it's important to: 1. Recognize the difference between rescuing and leading — and why high achievers are most at risk of confusing the two 2. Release the identity tied to always having the answer, and find a new source of fulfillment in empowering others to lead 3. Extend real grace to yourself as a working parent, a leader under pressure, and a human being who doesn't always get it right This is a conversation for every high-achieving leader who has ever confused over-functioning with excellence. Let Nicole know you're interested in attending a future Brave LeadHERship Retreat👇 Join the waitlist (https://forms.zohopublic.com/nicolebi...) Follow along with Amy's journey👇 Linkedln (  / amy-birkel-69789812  ) Work with Nicole Bianchi⬇️ 🎤Book Nicole Bianchi as your next keynote speaker (https://www.nicolembianchi.com/speaking) 🏅Hire Nicole Bianchi to coach you or your team (https://www.nicolembianchi.com/coaching) 📖Check out Nicole Bianchi's books, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicole-...) Find Nicole Bianchi👇 LinkedIn (  / nicolembianchi  ) Small Brave Mondays Newsletter (https://www.nicolembianchi.com/small-...)