In today’s fast-paced professional world, success is often measured by how much you can juggle and how long you can keep going. But the hidden cost of being “unstoppable” is real — careers stall, health declines, and relationships quietly suffer. What if the bravest step forward is to give yourself permission to stop?

In this talk, Gary Smart — a career engineer, best-selling author, and award-winning speaker — shares his journey from high performance and constant motion into burnout and recovery. Along the way, he discovered that strength isn’t found in pushing without pause, but in knowing when to reset, reflect, and re-balance.

Drawing on three decades of experience in technical and corporate environments, Gary reveals the early warning signs of burnout and the unseen toll it takes not only on careers but also on families and personal well-being. More importantly, he offers practical strategies to create sustainable performance: how to recognize tipping points, reframe what success means, and build a rhythm that supports both professional achievement and meaningful relationships.

This session is designed for professionals in demanding roles who want to excel without sacrificing health, family, or happiness. It will inspire you to rethink what true success looks like — and leave you with the conviction that sometimes the most powerful way forward begins with permission to stop.