By Laila St.Matthew-Daniel
“A Leadership Imperative for Women Navigating Midlife and Mission”
I ONCE led a team through a high-stakes transition while silently battling burnout. I was the steady voice in the boardroom, the go-to mentor, the fixer.
But behind closed doors, I was running on fumes—surviving on my cups of coffee and pushing through migraines. I wore the exhaustion like armor, believing it was the price of influence. A price to show that I am in ‘control of me’…’no shaking’ as some say.
Until my body—and spirit—said, “enough.” One day I had one of those migraines but with a difference – it was quite intense, so I went to the clinic. Upon taking my blood pressure it was found to be quite high. I was put on some medication and with a strict talk from my doctor.
That moment was a turning point. Not just for my well-being, but for how I viewed leadership itself.
The Cost of Leading Without Care
For women leaders—especially those in midlife or at the helm of mission-driven work—the pressure to “hold it all together” is immense.
I always say ALL women are leaders. We lead families, teams, and causes. We serve, we strive, we deliver. But too often, we do it while sidelining ourselves.
Let’s be clear: Self-care isn’t a spa day. It’s not a luxury. It’s a sustainable leadership strategy.
Because when we’re depleted, we can’t think clearly, connect authentically, or lead effectively. Our impact shrinks when we run on empty. Does this resonate with someone reading this?
My turning-point is the point where most women should step back and take a rain-check on how they have been ‘ignoring’ certain signs. Yes, women are leaders but they are only human as well…remember that.
So let me share the practices I now live by for the past 9 years- not perfectly, but intentionally. Let them guide your hythm of resilience. Again being human you can slide here and there but keep focused – that the way you treat your mind and body is the way it will serve you well.
10 Grounded Self-Care Practices for Women Who Lead
1. Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is non-negotiable. A well-rested leader is a wise leader. Protect your rest like you protect your calendar. Sleep deprivation leads to other medical issues.
2. Manage Your Time with Intention: Not everything urgent is important. Design your schedule around what fuels and fulfills you—not just what demands you.
3. Move Your Body: Daily movement relieves stress and restores energy. Whether it’s a dance break or getting up from your sitting position of hours and walk around – move to stay grounded.
4. Fuel with Purpose: Food is fuel. Eat what energizes, not just what’s easy. It makes a bigger difference than you think. More of vegetables and protein – though it is allowed to cheat sometimes.
5. Practice Mindfulness or Prayer: Even 5 minutes of stillness can reset your day. Use breathwork, meditation, or prayer to center your thoughts. For me, prayer is the core of my stability.
6. Delegate Boldly: You don’t have to carry it all. Let others rise while you rest. That’s empowerment, not weakness. If you don’t them there is a problem within.
7. Say No Without Guilt: “No” is a complete sentence. Use it to protect your “yes” for what really matters. Boundaries require a NO.
8. Seek Support: Therapists, coaches, wise friends—these are leadership tools. Strong leaders ask for help. As you are able to splurge on clothes etc., do same for professional support if need be.
9. Unplug Regularly: Step away from the noise. Clarity often comes when the screens go dark. Discipline is what is required to stop ‘scrolling’ your mobile phone.
10. Reflect Often: PAUSE & BREATHE. Ask: Am I aligned? Am I okay? What needs attention? Your inner compass matters. The issue is that most times our being wants to ignore the inner reading….say NO also to it.
You Deserve to Thrive—Not Just Survive
If you’re a midlife executive, a nonprofit leader, a visionary entrepreneur carrying heavy responsibility, or a home maker with impressionable children hear this:
You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to protect your peace. Your health, clarity, and joy are not distractions. They are essential assets to enable you to perform your duties.
When you care for yourself, you expand your capacity to care for others—from a place of overflow, not obligation.
Let This Be Your Wake-Up Call
Don’t wait for your body, relationships, or passion to break down before you make a change.
👉 Choose one self-care practice from the list above. 👉 Commit to it daily for the next 7 days. 👉 Notice what shifts and write it in your journal each day.
And if you’re ready to go deeper in aligning your leadership with your well-being, let’s connect:
✅ Follow me here for more insights on navigating midlife, mission, and meaning as a woman leader.
✅ Reach out for 1:1 coaching or join my next Leadership Resilience Workshop.
You are not here to burn out. You are here to lead well—and whole.
#leadingintentionally #midlifeleaders #selfcare #resilience #mindfulness
