From Crisis to Clarity

As we enter a new year and witness a shift in leadership, it's important to acknowledge the challenges we face—both globally and personally. We've recently experienced devastating natural disasters like the LA fires, ongoing wars, and shifts in technology and policy, such as social media bans. Coupled with the changing leadership in our country, we find ourselves in a time of reflection and uncertainty. Regardless of our personal political beliefs, one thing is certain: we are navigating a critical moment in leadership.

Leadership in times of crisis doesn't just involve quick decision-making; it requires emotional intelligence. Leaders—whether in politics or the corporate world—must be open, thoughtful, and prepared to face difficult challenges. To be truly effective, they must first take care of themselves.

As the VP of HR for a retail services company, I led over 10,000 essential workers across 37 states during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainty and varying laws across states, we successfully navigated that time by prioritizing our health—not just our physical health with PPE, but our emotional and mental well-being as well. In order to address these needs for my organization, I had to first address them within myself.

As we watch the next administration move into the White House, I believe we all hope that our leaders are getting enough rest, drinking enough water, eating nutritious food, and exercising to ensure they’re in the right frame of mind to make decisions that affect millions.

While the challenges faced by Washington may seem vastly different from those in business, the principle remains the same: no leader can lead effectively without first caring for themselves. As individuals, we are the foundation of the teams we lead—whether in government, business, or our personal lives. If we want to lead others well, we must first lead ourselves well.

Self-care isn’t about spending hours at the gym (though some do). It’s about being in a place where we can make decisions with clarity, impartiality, and emotional intelligence. When leaders are "cranky" or "hangry," unfocused or unwell, their ability to guide others is compromised. It doesn’t matter if they’re in a boardroom or the White House—self-care is essential for any leader.

In the corporate world, it's also crucial to recognize that our teams may be carrying emotional burdens as well. Emotional stress isn’t just a mental issue—it physically manifests in the body. When we fail to address our own emotional needs, it affects our ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence.

This is where emotional intelligence comes into play. Emotional intelligence is about being in tune with both our own emotions and those of others. It involves recognizing how stress, fatigue, and emotional baggage influence decision-making and actions. Leaders who cultivate emotional intelligence within themselves can create healthier environments where their teams can thrive, even in tough times.

As we navigate this pivotal moment in history, reflecting on leadership in both government and business, let’s commit to being the change we want to see in the world. Let’s take responsibility for our emotional well-being and invest in self-care, understanding that it’s not a luxury but a vital tool for success. The better we care for ourselves, the more we can lead with compassion, clarity, and strength.

We all have the potential to create positive change, and it begins by taking the first step in leading ourselves.

Welcome to Holistic Hustle, where we redefine success to honor our ambition, while prioritizing our well-being. True success is not just about what we achieve but how we feel while achieving it. It’s time. Let’s create a world where ambition and wellness go hand in hand.