Busyness doesn’t equal effectiveness. In fact, the busier you are, the less effective you often become. In this episode of Reflect Forward, I tackle one of the biggest leadership lies: that a full calendar equals impact. It doesn’t. Busyness creates reactive leadership. Why? Because there’s no time for strategy, innovation, or even pausing to ask, “Is this the right move?”
Years ago, while running StoneAge, chairing a new economic development alliance, and preparing to become a mom, I hit the wall. Completely overwhelmed, I called my mom in tears. Her advice was simple: “Focus on what matters most and say no to everything else.” That moment changed how I approached leadership and life.

Since then, I’ve learned that busyness feeds our egos, masks fear and provides false validation. We think if we’re busy, we’re important. But true leadership comes from clarity, presence, and creating space for ourselves and our teams.

What We Explore in This Episode
•	The trap of busyness: Why leaders confuse activity with achievement
•	The real costs: Burnout, stress, and reactive decision-making
•	Escaping the trap: How to prioritize, delegate, say no, and protect white space
•	Leading by example: Why your team mirrors your busyness (and how to model intentionality instead)
•	Life beyond work: How less busyness creates more joy, energy, and presence

Key Takeaways
1.	Audit your calendar
Eliminate anything that doesn’t align with your top priorities. Decline meetings you don’t need to attend.
2.	Say no, unapologetically
No is a complete sentence. Every no creates space for a bigger yes.
3.	Delegate and empower
Frame the why, set outcomes, then let your team lead. Growth follows when you step back.
4.	Schedule white space
Thinking time isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership requirement. Protect it on your calendar.
5.	Model intentionality for your team
Normalize focus time, give space after big pushes, and encourage your people to decline low-value meetings.

Mic Drop Moments
•	“If you’re too busy to lead, you’re not leading.”
•	“Never mistake activity for achievement.” – John Wooden
•	“No is a complete sentence. Use it.”
•	“Busy cultures are built by busy leaders—calm cultures are built by intentional leaders.”
•	“Every no makes room for a bigger yes.”

Busyness is not a badge of honor. It’s a trap that keeps us reactive and robs us of effectiveness. The best leaders create space—for clarity, for creativity, and for growth.
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs this reminder. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review helps me spread the message of intentional leadership and the ownership mindset even further.

Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok!

Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward 

Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/


Busyness Doesn’t Equal Effectiveness

Reflect Forward isn’t your everyday leadership podcast. This show is about exceptional leadership. Game-changing leadership. Learn from peers, experts, authors, and more on how to be an uber successful leader…one that stands out from the rest. One that inspires others to do great things. One that others want to follow. How does Reflecting Forward fit into exceptional leadership? You can only become great at what you do by deliberately creating your future by reflecting on the past and present…what you did well, mistakes you’ve made, and lessons you’ve learned.

Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge, the global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of high pressure waterjetting tooling and automated equipment. Kerry is also a member of Young President's Organization (YPO) and sits on several boards. She is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, leadership blogger and podcast host.