Dear friends,
I find myself reflecting deeply on the remarkable strides of women to be seen and heard during this Women’s History Month. One thing is often overlooked outside of specific groups or communities, yet still very vital, and that is sisterhood. It’s the bond of support, the exchange of wisdom, and the shared resilience that propels us as women in our journey toward leadership in our families, communities and professions.
I’m reminded of my own journey and that of the women around me. The recent passing of several women leaders I knew has me contemplating the invaluable support of female friends and mentors that have been the cornerstone of my growth, health and well-being.
In moments of doubt and adversity, my trusted sisterhood has steadied me. It’s through this safe space that I’ve kept my head when I wanted to scream. Or, sometimes my sister friends would scream and cry with me. And then after, they would sit and plan with me.
I can’t fully express what moments like that did to strengthen my self-awareness, creativity and overall mental health. It brings to mind my mother’s advice that has echoed in my mind throughout life’s challenges. She advised me early on to stay focused on excellence, be kind to others, and put in the work to achieve my goals, regardless of what room I entered – be it the class room, board room, or operating room.
In moments of doubt and adversity, my trusted sisterhood has steadied me. It’s through this safe space that I’ve kept my head when I wanted to scream.
Women like my mother, whom I consider role models, taught me about resilience, perseverance, authenticity, and the importance of lifting each other up, especially in a world that doesn’t always value women in leadership. Their lessons became my pitfalls to avoid. Their wise counsel opened my mind to other options. Their quick wit lifted my confidence to discuss challenges openly. My willingness to prioritize well-being amidst the demands of leadership sprouted from what these women taught me.
True success is not achieved in isolation, but through a collective effort and lessons passed down. Taking nothing away from the men in my life and career, it’s the women who influenced me the most to break barriers and challenge norms. And as I witness the emergence of future female leaders, here’s what I would pass on to them that I learned from the women in my life:
Amidst the demands of leadership, carve out time for activities that help you rest, recharge, and bring joy.
Seek Support: Embrace the strength of your network of women leaders. Engage in candid conversations about mental health struggles. Connect over Zoom, meet for coffee, or walk together, but find a way to seek guidance and encouragement.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around work hours, personal time, and commitments to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By creating space for creativity, innovation and sustained productivity, you protect your mental and physical health.
Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate inner peace and clarity through mindfulness practices. Whether through prayer, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling, prioritize resilience in the face of challenges so that you can lead with presence and purpose.
Prioritize Self-Care: Amidst the demands of leadership, carve out time for activities that help you rest, recharge, and bring joy. When you safeguard your well-being by nourishing your mind, body and spirit, you also enhance your own productivity. That makes you an effective leader.
This month, let’s honor the women trailblazers who have paved the way, and the ones following in their footsteps who are setting their own paths. With sisterhood as our compass, may we continue to uplift and support one another on journeys to success and leadership. And woman or man, please share this message with the women in your life, be they younger, older or peer.
Let’s cherish the relationships that underpin our success, and may we never underestimate the strength that lies in solidarity and sisterhood. For many of us, it is an essential and healthy ingredient on our path forward.
With your health in mind,