This study examined burnout, academic performance, and leadership skills as predictors of leadership performance among student leaders in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Manila. The researchers determined which factors most strongly impact leadership performance. One hundred seven (107) student leaders participated in the study, and the following instruments were employed: Maslach Burnout Inventory- General Survey (MBI-GS) to assess burnout, the Leadership Skills Questionnaire (LSQ) to measure leadership skills, and the Student Leadership Behavior Scale (SLBS) to evaluate leadership performance. The student leaders’ recent General Weighted Average (GWA) was determined as the academic performance. For the descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho correlation and linear regression analysis were used to determine the relationships and predictive values. The analysis revealed that burnout is manifested infrequently, while academic performance was classified as good. Leadership skills were found to be very high, and leadership performance was correspondingly high. Correlation analysis revealed that burnout and academic performance were not significantly associated with leadership performance. Conversely, leadership skills indicated a strong positive correlation with leadership performance. The regression analysis supported that leadership skills substantially predicted leadership performance. The findings suggest that while burnout and academic performance continue to be elements of the leadership journey, leadership skills are revealed to be the most important determinant of leadership performance. Given the results, HEIs in Manila should adopt comprehensive leadership programs accompanied by mental health support activities to strengthen leadership skills, promote well-being, and uphold good academic performance.

Keywords: burnout, academic performance, leadership skills, leadership performance, student leaders, higher education