Excellence Without Burnout: Redefining Success for Black Students and Families

On this episode of The Lifestrong Project, we’re digging into what it really means to pursue excellence without losing yourself. Depression, anxiety, and suicide are rising among Black youth and college students, often fueled by intense pressure to succeed. At the same time, more high-achieving Black students are gaining access to elite spaces—while silently battling burnout, isolation, and unspoken mental health struggles. Our guest, Nicole Olaniyi, is the founder of Lionheart Coaching Academy and co-creator of Black Founder’s Formula. She’s a Princeton admit, author, and nonprofit leader whose life checks every “success” box on paper—but behind the scenes, she wrestled with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder she didn’t yet have the language for. In this conversation, we explore:

• Why external achievement doesn’t guarantee internal peace
• How the pressure on Black high achievers is showing up as burnout and breakdown
• What elite achievement looks like in a post–affirmative action landscape
• Practical ways families can redefine success to include mental health, identity, and wholeness
• Tools to help Black students pursue big opportunities and protect their well-being

This episode is for parents, students, educators, and anyone who believes success should never cost you your sanity, your story, or your soul.

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