Pour Into Yourself First: Lessons from Sitting Beside Sallie Krawcheck

A month ago, I had the honor of sitting on stage with Sallie Krawcheck the powerhouse behind Ellevest —a game-changing investment platform designed by women, for women, to address the “feminization of wealth." at the Chief X event in NYC.

Just recently, Sallie announced she’s stepping away as CEO to focus on what matters most: her health. In a world that glorifies the hustle, her decision feels radical—and deeply inspiring.

Her legacy at Ellevest has been transformational, shining a light on the structural challenges women face globally:

?? The Gender Wealth Gap Globally, men hold $105 trillion more wealth than women. This disparity is tied to unequal wages and compounded by the fact that women tend to live longer—often without the financial security needed to thrive. By age 85, 81% of people still alive are women.

?? The Gender Health Gap On average, women spend 11 years in poor health compared to 8 years for men. That’s more than a decade of navigating financial, physical, and emotional challenges disproportionately impacting women.

These gaps are real. They’re daunting. But Sallie’s decision to prioritize her well-being is a powerful reminder: we have the power to choose ourselves and rewrite the narrative.

The Holiday Season’s Quiet Reminder

This time of year is magical but overwhelming, especially for women. As mothers, caregivers, and professionals, we’re often the ones holding it all together. The shopping lists, the holiday magic, the year-end work chaos—we carry it all.

But let’s take a lesson from Sallie: pour into yourself first.

Here’s the truth: we can’t give our best to our families, careers, and communities if we’re running on empty. Whether it’s your financial health, your mental health, your emotional well-being, or your physical strength—this season is a moment to reflect and refuel.

One Small Step Forward

What if today, you took one small step to prioritize YOU?

?? Set aside 10 minutes to sit with your thoughts and breathe. ?? Start a conversation about your financial goals for the new year. ?? Say “no” to one thing that’s stretching you too thin.

Sallie’s decision isn’t a retreat; it’s an act of courage. It’s an invitation to all of us to do the same. This holiday season, let’s follow her lead and make space for ourselves—not as an afterthought, but as a priority.

The Gift of Balance

The greatest gift we can give this season isn’t the perfect holiday meal or a flawless to-do list—it’s showing up as the best version of ourselves. When we prioritize our well-being, we strengthen our ability to give, to lead, and to love.

So, let me ask you: What’s one thing you can do today to pour into yourself?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re choosing YOU this season.

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