Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing & Leading with Empathy

Hey Wellness Warriors,

Are you ready to stop waiting for things to get better and start taking responsibility for your own wellbeing?

In leadership—and in life—mediocrity doesn’t make headlines. But here’s the truth: it’s not just about standing out; it’s about taking full responsibility for your health and happiness while creating empowering spaces for others to do the same.

????? In healthcare especially, where the demands are constant and the stakes high, leadership requires more than just skill—it requires resilience, clarity, and balance. Yet, too many leaders in this space are overwhelmed and stressed, teetering on the edge of burnout, and it affects not only their work but the wellbeing of their teams and even their personal relationships. But this doesn’t have to be the reality.

? You can’t pour from an empty cup—so before you lead others, you must take care of yourself first. True leadership isn’t just about blazing your own trail; it’s about fostering environments where people feel safe to ask for help, heal when needed, and grow together.

?? Let me share a story from my coaching work.

One of my clients, a senior nurse executive in a large healthcare organization, came to me at a breaking point. She was constantly overwhelmed, juggling a relentless schedule, feeling the weight of chronic stress, and struggling with both her team’s demands and her own personal responsibilities. Her leadership style had become reactive rather than proactive, and this had a ripple effect on her department—team morale was down, stress was up, and the quality of patient care was suffering.

We started by focusing on her own wellbeing first. Through the Mentally Agile Leadership Framework, she learned how to prioritize self-care in a sustainable way. This wasn’t about taking long vacations or finding more time that didn’t exist—it was about weaving small, meaningful wellness practices into her daily routine. We worked on managing emotional energy, building clarity around her leadership goals, and establishing boundaries that allowed her to protect her energy.

?The transformation was remarkable.?

As she began to take better care of herself, her mental clarity improved. With this new clarity, she was able to lead from a place of calm and purpose, rather than from a place of stress and chaos. This shift had a profound effect not only on her but on her entire team. She became more empathetic, more present, and more strategic. By leading with empathy and balance, she created a healthier working environment where her team felt supported, which directly impacted the quality of patient care. ??

The impact didn’t stop at work. Her personal relationships improved as well. By learning to manage her stress, she had more energy and patience for her family and friends. She no longer brought the chaos of work home, and this led to deeper connections and a more balanced life overall.

Here’s how you can take ownership of your wellbeing and create those empowering spaces for yourself and others:

???? Take Responsibility for Your Health & Mindset

Your energy, mental agility, and emotional resilience are critical to your leadership. You owe it to yourself to prioritize your wellbeing as a non-negotiable. If you’re depleted, you’re not just harming yourself—you’re setting the tone for everyone around you.

Leadership in healthcare is demanding, but the leaders who thrive are those who take ownership of their wellbeing. You can’t serve others if you’re running on empty. Start by integrating small wellness habits that replenish your energy—whether it’s mindful breaks during your day, setting clear boundaries, or making space for activities that bring you joy.

???? Connect with Like-Minded Individuals

Surround yourself with people who get it—those who value wellbeing as much as you do. Collaboration and support make the journey more fulfilling. When we’re in spaces that empower growth and vulnerability, we all rise together.

One of my clients, a medical director, was drowning in the pressure of endless responsibilities. The turning point in his coaching journey was when he began connecting with other healthcare leaders who shared similar struggles. Through these connections, he realized he wasn’t alone—and that insight alone helped him make significant changes in how he managed his workload and supported his team.

Building a network of like-minded leaders who prioritize balance and wellbeing not only supports you but also fosters a culture of wellness in your organization.

???? Lead with Empathy

The most powerful leaders aren’t those who have all the answers but those who create environments where it’s okay not to. Build spaces where people can be real, ask for help, and feel supported in their healing. That’s where true transformation happens.

Empathy is a cornerstone of leadership in healthcare. Another client of mine, a chief nursing officer, struggled with constantly feeling responsible for everyone else’s stress. Through our coaching, she learned to shift from “fixing” her team’s problems to leading with empathy. She built a culture where her staff felt comfortable coming to her with challenges, without fear of judgment. This created a much healthier dynamic, and her team’s performance—and morale—improved dramatically.

???? Promote Wellbeing at Every Level

Make wellbeing part of the culture, not an afterthought. Whether you’re leading a team or a community, encourage conversations about mental health, emotional wellness, and self-care. By normalizing these discussions, you’re empowering others to prioritize themselves, too.

This is how you lead for the long term. Wellbeing isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership necessity. When you take care of yourself and encourage others to do the same, you not only ensure longevity in your career but also create thriving environments for your teams, patients, and even your personal life.

So here’s the challenge for you this week: Are you ready to take full responsibility for your own wellbeing, connect with like-minded leaders, and create empowering spaces for others? Your ability to lead and uplift others starts with how you lead and uplift yourself. ??

This is how we shift from just surviving to thriving together, by standing up for ourselves and creating safe spaces for real human connection and healing.

Until next time,

Magda Snowden

Nurse Executive | Mentally Agile Leadership Coach | Wellness Warrior

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