How managing energy beats time management for business owners

Dr Amantha Imber is an organisational psychologist, founder of Inventium, and host of the acclaimed How I Work pHodcast. Despite years spent teaching leaders how to work smarter, Dr. Imber found herself burning out, leading her to question whether time management is really the answer to sustainable high performance.

In this episode Cec and Amantha explore the importance of managing energy—not just time—and share practical, science-backed strategies for boosting, resting, and protecting your energy so you can thrive in your business without running yourself into the ground.

If you’re a solo operator feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you recharge and avoid burnout.

1. Energy Management vs. Time Management

Many believe time management is the key to success, but managing energy may be more important for sustainable performance.

Burnout can occur even when using optimal productivity systems and time management tools.

The importance of understanding and actively managing energy, not just time, is emphasised for business owners.

2. Recognising Burnout and Early Warning Signs

Burnout is often a slow build-up, not an overnight event.

Early warning signs involve depletion in three areas: physical (chronic fatigue), mental (brain fog, difficulty making decisions), and emotional energy (heightened sensitivity, frequent tears).

Being able to identify these signs early can help individuals intervene before reaching a crisis point.

3. Practical Strategies for Boosting and Protecting Energy