Hey Leader,
I found out I had a concussion an hour before leading a call with ESPN.
My team was planning a 600-person conference, and I was about to lead a call with their VP of Corporate Citizenship.
My first thought was, “I can’t miss this! There’s no one else who can do it.”
At the time, it felt huge, as if I didn’t lead this call, everything would fall apart.
But underneath that?
It was really, “Oh shit, my boss might get mad.” And, “If I don’t lead this, am I still valuable?”
I called my CEO to give him the news and was a little nervous about what he’d say. I even offered, “I can still lead the call and step out after.”
His response? “Absolutely not. You’re done working, log off and rest.”
So he led the call himself, and it all worked out.
The call happened, ESPN’s VP, Kevin, was ready for his speech, and everything moved just fine.
It was a humbling reminder that I’m not a surgeon saving lives. I had a concussion, and I could rest, and I’m really grateful I had a boss who made sure I did.
That was the moment I started to realize I didn’t need to prove my value by doing everything myself.
Lead boldly, live fully, & don’t forget to breathe.
In your corner,
Scroll-Stoppers
This week’s most valuable scroll-worthy stuff, from tools to truth bombs!
Wellness is the new nightlife. More young people are swapping drinks for saunas, cold plunges, and long walks with friends. A fun read if you're craving a lifestyle reset.
3 scalable self‑care habits for high‑stakes leadership, for when your role demands everything, these habits keep you operating instead of burning out.
We call it leadership, but for most women, it feels like survival. These are the quiet costs of “doing it all” and what leading differently can look like.
Try This Today
Pause before jumping in.
Ask, “Does this actually need me, or just needs doing?”Remind yourself you’ve earned your seat.
You don’t have to prove your value. You’re already here.Lead like you’ve already proven yourself.
Create a space for your team to step up, too.
Your Power Reframe
That’s real leadership.
Creating systems and upskilling your team so that nothing depends solely on you.
This Sparked Something
Little joys, leadership sparks, & random things we’re loving this week!
Unexpected joy: Banff is stunning, but Canmore, just 20 minutes away, totally stole my heart. TJ planned a no-agenda day for us to wander, explore, and be. 10/10 would recommend (especially with a maple old-fashioned in hand!). ~Alli
Joy move of the week: Rode an ATV with my son Toby in Bohol, Philippines, thought it’d be a cute bonding moment until we started arguing over who should drive. He is 9, btw, lol. ~Pau
Little win that felt like a big one: Hosted my first Halloween murder mystery party and had a blast playing detective with my friends - plot twist, I wasn’t the killer. 😂 ~Alli