HuffPost Editor-in-Chief Opens Up About Burnout After Layoffs: 'I Was Falling Apart'

A former HuffPost editor-in-chief has revealed the personal toll of executive leadership, describing a public image of success that masked private turmoil. In a candid personal account, the media executive details how reaching the C-suite did not shield them from burnout, which intensified after stepping away from the role following company layoffs. The departure made the burnout 'even more apparent,' underscoring how high-pressure roles can exact a heavy mental health cost. The story highlights a growing conversation about burnout among senior media leaders, a group often expected to project resilience while managing relentless news cycles and organizational change. The layoffs at HuffPost, part of broader industry contractions, added a layer of survivor's guilt and exhaustion. By sharing this experience, the executive joins a chorus of voices advocating for greater transparency around mental health in leadership. Why it matters: Burnout at the top can lead to poor decision-making, high turnover, and a toxic workplace culture. This account serves as a reminder that even those who appear to have 'made it' may be struggling, and that organizational support for mental health must extend to all levels. As media companies continue to navigate economic pressures, stories like this may prompt a reevaluation of how leadership wellness is prioritized.