An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Recognize and reward effort — A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Publicly acknowledge hard work, whether it’s in a team meeting or through a simple thank-you note.
In today’s high-pressure business landscape, burnout has become an epidemic affecting both employees and leaders. The question is — how can companies create workplace cultures that prioritize well-being without compromising performance? To dive into this important topic, we are interviewing Andre Oentoro.
Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning animation video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I started in the construction industry but quickly realized my passion lay elsewhere. I’ve always loved tech and design, so I transitioned into graphic design. One day, a client asked if I could create an explainer video. I took on the challenge, learned from scratch, and the rest is history. That one request turned into Breadnbeyond, and we’ve now produced thousands of animated videos for businesses worldwide.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of our first big clients initially doubted whether an animated explainer video could impact their business. After launching it, they saw a massive boost in engagement and conversions. Seeing that transformation firsthand reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling through animation.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Adaptability — The industry evolves fast, and staying ahead requires constant learning. When explainer videos gained traction, I pivoted our entire business model to focus on them.
- Resilience — Running a business isn’t always smooth sailing. Early on, we faced setbacks, but persistence kept us going.
- Empathy — Understanding both clients and employees has been key. A happy team creates better work, which leads to happy clients.
Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a pivotal moment in your career when you realized the importance of creating a burnout-free workplace culture? How did it influence your approach to leadership?
There was a time when our team was pushing too hard to meet deadlines, and I saw the toll it took — exhaustion, lack of creativity, and lower morale. That’s when I realized we needed a sustainable pace. We started prioritizing work-life balance, and not only did productivity improve, but so did job satisfaction.
What are some of the most common causes of burnout in today’s workplaces, and what signs should leaders look out for in their teams?
- Unrealistic workloads — When deadlines pile up with no breathing room.
- Lack of recognition — Feeling undervalued can lead to disengagement.
- Poor work-life balance — Always being “on” drains energy and creativity.
- Signs to watch: Increased absenteeism, declining enthusiasm, and frequent mistakes.
How do you personally balance the need to drive results with the need to ensure employee well-being?
We focus on efficiency over long hours. Clear goals, streamlined processes, and open communication help our team work smarter, not harder.
What role does communication play in creating a burnout-free workplace, and how can leaders foster open dialogue about mental health and work-life balance?
It’s everything. We encourage honest conversations about workload and mental well-being. Regular check-ins ensure everyone feels heard and supported.
What is your take on traditional corporate norms, like long working hours and “always-on” availability? Are these practices outdated, or do they still have a place in certain industries?
Absolutely. Productivity isn’t about clocking the most hours — it’s about working effectively. People do their best work when they’re well-rested and motivated.
Ok, let’s dig into actionable strategies. Based on your experience and research, can you share “5 Ways to Build a Burnout-Free Workplace Culture”? If you can, please include examples or stories for each.
- Set realistic expectations — Give your team enough time to complete tasks without feeling rushed. We always aim to set achievable deadlines.
- Promote work-life balance — Allow employees to work at times that suit them best. Breadnbeyond introduced flexible working hours, which led to better results and happier employees.
- Encourage breaks — We offer wellness days and encourage regular breaks. Taking care of mental health is crucial for productivity.
- Recognize and reward effort — A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Publicly acknowledge hard work, whether it’s in a team meeting or through a simple thank-you note.
- Foster a supportive culture — Teamwork and open communication reduce stress. Our team works closely, and it creates a supportive environment that reduces individual pressure.
What do you say to skeptics who believe that creating a burnout-free culture may come at the cost of productivity or profits?
It’s actually the opposite. A burnt-out team is less efficient, less creative, and more likely to make mistakes. Sustainable work habits drive long-term success.
Can you share a real-world example of a team or organization where prioritizing employee well-being led to unexpected or exceptional results?
When we shifted our focus to a healthier work culture, our creativity and turnaround times improved. Clients noticed the difference, and retention rates soared.
How can leaders in high-pressure industries (like tech, finance, or healthcare) realistically apply these principles without falling behind on deadlines or performance goals?
By redefining success. It’s not about working non-stop — it’s about making every working hour count. Prioritizing efficiency, automation, and delegation can help teams stay productive without burning out.
What trends or innovations are you seeing in workplace well-being and culture that excite you the most?
The rise of mental health awareness in the corporate world. More companies are recognizing that taking care of employees leads to better business outcomes.
In your opinion, how does a burnout-free culture impact a company’s long-term success, its relationships with employees, and even its customers?
It builds loyalty, attracts top talent, and enhances creativity — all of which translate into better customer experiences and sustainable growth.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement to help more companies embrace burnout-free workplace cultures, what would it be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
#WorkBetterNotLonger — A movement to shift the focus from working harder to working smarter, ensuring employees thrive while businesses grow.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Website : https://breadnbeyond.com
linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreoentoro/
This was great. Thank you so much for the time you spent sharing with us.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.
Andre Oentoro of Breadnbeyond On How the World’s Best Leaders Build Burnout-Free Workplace Cultures was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.