In this powerful episode of The Energized Leader Podcast, Desi Payne sits down with David Cameron, City Manager of Springfield, Missouri, to talk about a topic leaders cannot afford to ignore: mental health.

David shares the real story behind his high-performance leadership journey, including what he learned from growing up in a small Missouri town, leading city growth and development, and helping secure major projects like Amazon’s million-square-foot facility during the height of COVID. But beyond the achievements, David gets honest about the hidden weight many leaders carry, and why success at work can sometimes mask pain, burnout, and trauma.

You will hear how David discovered the importance of counseling, emotional awareness, and taking intentional time away from work to reset his mind and reconnect with life. He explains his groundbreaking leadership practice called Freedom Leave, a bold approach that requires leaders to take extended time off with no email, no calls, and no work contact, so they can truly disconnect, reflect, and return healthier.

This episode is packed with practical takeaways for leaders, managers, HR professionals, and anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where people feel supported, valued, and cared for both on and off the clock. If you want to lead with energy, courage, and authenticity, this conversation will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you that your mental health matters.