The T.O.C Talk Podcast with Dr. Dwan Bryant

How NOT to lead on Autopilot...

Dr. Dwan Bryant

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Episode Overview:

Ever driven home and couldn’t remember the drive?
 That’s not just fatigue. That’s autopilot and it might be leading more of your life and leadership than you realize.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal moment when I caught myself drifting and break down what’s really happening in your brain, body, and nervous system when you lead from exhaustion instead of presence. If you’ve ever found yourself physically present but emotionally absent, this is your wake-up call.

We’re exploring:

  • Why your brain is hooked on busyness (hello, dopamine!)
  • The real reason detaching from work is so hard
  • How to know when you’ve slipped into autopilot
  • The hidden dangers of leading while disconnected
  • And how to REWIRE your leadership with presence, peace, and purpose

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • What "drifting" really means psychologically
  • Why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to autopilot leadership
  • How our brains reward productivity—and why that can be a trap
  • 5 signs you're leading on autopilot (and how to spot them early)
  • Why leading from burnout creates a ripple effect on your team and family
  • A breakdown of the REWIRED model to interrupt the autopilot cycle

The REWIRED Model Preview:

R = Recognize the Drift
Notice when you’re reacting from stress, not clarity.

W = Wellness First
Ground your nervous system to regain mental clarity.

I = Intentionality
Reconnect to your values, choose how you want to show up, and lead from alignment—not survival.

Key Quotes:

“Autopilot is not laziness—it’s your nervous system trying to protect you from overload.”“You don’t need a 10-day retreat to come back to yourself. You need one pause. One breath. One reconnection.”“Your presence is your power. And your peace? That’s your leadership strategy.”


Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories—tag me [@drdwanbryant] and tell me your biggest “aha” moment.

And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow leader who needs to come back to herself.

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Until next time…
Breathe. Reset.
And lead with soul. 

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1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (NIV)