A Note from the Artist, Not the Writer
This month’s blog is a little different. It’s my birthday month, and I felt pulled to share something more personal beyond my paintings. As I celebrate another trip around the sun, I find myself reflecting on the lessons that come with time, especially in leadership and mental well-being. With each passing year, I gain experience and a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Blogging is a new outlet for me, and I’m grateful to have you here as I explore this form of self-expression.
At first glance, this may seem more like a leadership blog than a mental health one, but work is a significant part of life. It influences our well-being, energy, and sense of purpose. How we show up at work impacts not only ourselves but also those around us. So, here’s a reflection on navigating challenges while protecting mental health and staying true to what matters most.
Leading Through Challenges: Protecting Mental Health While Building a Thriving Culture
Leadership and mental wellness must coexist. But if I’m being honest, I haven’t perfected this, not even close. Navigating complex work environments while staying true to my values is an ongoing process I work at every day. Yet, despite the challenges, I believe I was called to this role for a reason. My passion is to spread kindness, build strong, collaborative teams, and help create a culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Some days, that mission feels effortless. On others, it feels like I’m swimming against the tide. But I’ve learned that staying intentional makes all the difference.
The Emotional Weight of Leadership
Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, especially for those who lead with empathy and intuition. The higher you climb, the more responsibility you carry. As empaths, we don’t just see problems, we feel them. We sense unspoken tensions, disengagement, and struggles before a word is spoken. This intuition is a gift, enabling us to lead with compassion and build strong, connected teams. But it can also be draining.
When dysfunction or resistance takes hold, internal conflict becomes exhausting in environments misaligned with our core values. We want to create solutions, provide support, and turn challenges into opportunities. But not every situation is easily changed, and not everyone is ready for transformation. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions, it’s about managing emotions, creating stability, and maintaining resilience. It’s walking into a room and knowing something is off before anyone says a word. It’s being fully present for others while striving not to lose yourself.
Still, we keep going, because leadership isn’t about power; it’s about purpose. For those of us who lead with empathy, our purpose is clear: to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. It’s easy to retreat or disengage, but true leadership requires staying present and intentional. Along the way, these books have helped shape my approach to leading with mental health in mind.
Be the Sun, Not the Salt
In Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Harry Cohen reminds us that the sun provides warmth, light, and energy, creating space for things to grow. Salt, while necessary in small amounts, can corrode and deplete when overused.
When facing challenges, I ask myself:
• Am I bringing light, or am I allowing my environment to dim my own?
• Am I helping others grow, or am I being drained by things outside my control?
• Am I staying grounded in my core values, or am I letting frustration take over?
Some days, I get it right; others, I don’t. But the key is intention—choosing, over and over again, to be a force for good.
Extreme Ownership: Taking Control of My Mental Health
Recognizing our impact on others is essential, but true leadership also requires looking inward. Just as we choose to be the sun rather than the salt, we must take ownership of our own well-being—because leading others starts with leading ourselves.
In Extreme Ownership, Jocko Willink’s philosophy is clear: Leaders take responsibility—not just for their teams but also for themselves. That includes mental health. I used to think leadership meant pushing through, staying strong, and handling stress without showing it. But I’ve learned that ignoring my well-being doesn’t make me a better leader; it makes me a burned-out one.
So now, I ask myself:
• Am I setting boundaries or carrying stress home with me?
• Am I focusing on solutions or letting challenges consume my energy?
• Am I taking care of myself as much as I take care of my team?
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making small, intentional choices that protect my energy and well-being so I can lead more effectively.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Mental Health
The connection between leadership and mental health becomes even clearer when we look at what holds teams back. In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni identifies patterns that impact team dynamics and well-being.
He outlines five common challenges:
• Absence of trust – Stress increases when people don’t feel safe.
• Fear of conflict – Avoiding tough conversations leads to unresolved tension.
• Lack of commitment – When people don’t feel heard, they disengage.
• Avoidance of accountability – Without clear expectations, stress builds.
• Inattention to results – Burnout happens when people focus on survival rather than growth.
Understanding these dysfunctions has helped me reflect on my role as a leader and how I contribute to the team’s success and well-being. When we prioritize trust, open communication, and a shared vision, we create an environment where people feel supported and valued.
Final Thoughts
Leadership is a journey—one filled with lessons, self-reflection, and growth. It’s about balancing ambition with well-being, resilience with self-care, and strength with vulnerability. Some days are easier than others, but the key is staying intentional in how we show up for ourselves and those around us.
So as I celebrate another year, I’m embracing this ongoing learning process—one that challenges me, shapes me, and reminds me of what truly matters.
Thanks for coming to my TedTalk; your regularly scheduled content will continue next month. 😊
SJ