From burnout to breakthrough: the power of honest communication
In this new episode of The Heels Forward Podcast, journalist and PR-expert An Luyten joins host Francesca Vanthielen for a raw and revealing conversation about burnout, crisis communication, and personal transformation.
Known for her years at the VRT and her role as spokesperson for the Red Cross during the 2015 asylum crisis, An has since built her own communication agency and written a powerful book about her experience with burnout: Superwoman Burn-out. This episode explores the highs and lows of her journey – and what we can all learn from it.
Crisis? “We know, we do, we care.”
During her time at the Red Cross, An became an expert in crisis communication, navigating intense public scrutiny with clarity and empathy. “A good crisis makes me come alive,” she says – not out of thrill-seeking, but because it brings urgency and purpose to her work.
Her golden rule in any crisis?
“We know, we do, we care.”
Recognize what’s happening. Act on it. And show that you care – genuinely. “If communication fails,” she explains, “it’s almost always on that last part.”
An’s insights on language, transparency, and emotional awareness go far beyond corporate PR. Her experience shows the importance of choosing words carefully and staying tuned to what’s happening outside the boardroom bubble.
The moment everything shut down
In 2018, despite being at the top of her game, An experienced a severe burnout. “I thought burnout was for people who were lazy or taking advantage of the system,” she admits. But her body had other plans.
From insomnia and infections to memory loss and panic attacks, the physical and emotional collapse was complete. “I forgot the birthdays of my own children. I couldn’t find the front door key. I thought I had early Alzheimer’s,” she shares. It was a long road to recovery – one that involved medication, therapy, and learning how to rest.
Letting go and becoming who you could be
At a key moment in the conversation, she reads a line that perfectly captures her transformation: “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu
A simple sentence with profound impact. For An, it reflects the essence of her recovery: letting go of old labels, perfectionism, and the illusion of control in order to grow into a stronger, more grounded version of herself.
From diary to book and stage
It took seven years before An was ready to tell her story publicly. “The shame was too great. I didn’t want people to look at me differently,” she says. But after testing the waters with a one-woman show, she saw how many people recognized themselves in her experience.
Her book Superwoman Burn-out began as a personal diary during her recovery – a way to create structure when her memory failed her. Today, it serves as a lifeline for others. “The reactions I’ve received... people telling me they don’t feel alone anymore – that’s why I did it.”
Why listen to this episode?
This is not just a story about burnout. It’s a story about rediscovery, resilience, and finding your voice again after you’ve lost it.
Whether you’ve experienced stress overload yourself, want to better support someone who has, or simply wonder how to communicate more honestly – An’s insights are eye-opening, practical, and deeply human.
She shows that humor can coexist with vulnerability. That strength sometimes looks like rest. And that real communication starts with empathy.
Listen to the full Dutch-language episode or watch the vodcast with English subtitles.
