Caring for the People Who Care for Others: Building resilient leaders, healthier workplaces, and sustainable careers
Over the past few weeks, I've had several conversations that, although with different audiences, all came back to the same idea:
The people who spend their lives supporting others also need support.
Whether we're talking about leaders, attorneys, mediators, therapists, parenting coordinators, or other professionals working in emotionally demanding roles, there is often an unspoken expectation that they should simply keep going.
Stay strong.
Push through.
Take care of everyone else first.
But that's rarely sustainable.
This week on Conscious Corner, I had the pleasure of speaking with leadership mentor Ashley Cox, PHR, SHRM-CP about compassionate leadership. One of the themes that resonated most with me was that leadership doesn't require us to harden ourselves. In fact, one of the greatest strengths we can develop is self-compassion. When leaders care for their own wellbeing, they're better equipped to support the people who depend on them.
That same message came up in a different way during my recent appearance on Randall Borden's podcast, where we discussed mindfulness for professionals working in family law.
I shared something that lies at the heart of the work I do - whether I'm teaching a mindfulness program, speaking to an organization, or working one-on-one with professionals in high-stress careers:
"It's so important to take good care of ourselves, to find ways to calm our own nervous systems, and to strengthen our ability to be in this work."
Mindfulness isn't about eliminating stress.
It's about developing the inner resources to remain grounded, present, and resilient in the midst of it.
That's especially important for the professionals who help individuals and families navigate divorce, conflict, caregiving, illness, workplace challenges, and other difficult life transitions.
When we strengthen our ability to care for ourselves, we become better able to care for others.
That philosophy is also at the heart of the workplace programs that psychotherapist and executive performance strategist for midlife women leaders, Shonda Moralis, MSW, LCSW and I are bringing to organizations.
Beginning January 1, 2027, Philadelphia employers will need to comply with new workplace protections related to menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. While compliance is certainly important, we believe this is also an opportunity to ask a larger question:
How can organizations create workplaces where people feel genuinely supported?
Together, we're helping organizations prepare not only for the law itself, but also for the human side of leadership - creating cultures where employees can thrive and leaders have the tools to support both their teams and themselves.
This Week:
🎙️ New Podcast Episode
My conversation with Ashley Cox, PHR, SHRM-CP is now live! If you're interested in compassionate leadership, healthy boundaries, and why self-compassion makes us stronger leaders, I hope you'll give it a listen on Spotify or watch it on YouTube.
🙋🏻 Podcast Guest Appearance
You can also watch my recent conversation with family law attorney Randall Borden, where we explore mindfulness, resilience, and supporting professionals working in family law.
📅 Upcoming LinkedIn Live - July 15
If you'd like to learn more about the workplace programs Shonda and I are offering to help organizations prepare for Philadelphia's new workplace protections while building healthier workplace cultures, we'd love to have you join us for our LinkedIn Live on July 15.
As always, thank you for being here and for allowing me to be part of your journey toward living and leading with greater presence, compassion, and resilience.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Courtney