Hey Reader, It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and year-end is just around the corner. If you’re struggling to catch your breath as you brace for what’s next, you’re not alone. I believe we’re experiencing collective anxiety—a shared feeling of unease, fear, and apprehension as we enter a new season of uncertainty and navigate this heavy moment. The harsh reality is there’s never a "right" time for change, disruption, or challenges. But they are a natural part of life and work. The...
15 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, Given the state of the world, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the nature of change. During the 2016 election, I was the communications lead for an association focused on ending HIV and hepatitis. There was the initial shock by many as the results were confirmed. Shock turned to anxiety and fear of funding cuts, program rollbacks, and the undoing of hard-fought progress. Then a sobering reality set in. The need for our work was still immense, and the work needed to keep moving...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, For nearly 10 years, I’ve helped hundreds of mission-driven professionals navigate overwhelm and burnout while making an impact. I've been driven by a vision to create a culture of well-being in the sector to support you in doing your best work, living your best life, and sustainably creating a better world without burning out. Yet for many of us, the past year has been a wild ride fighting for change in a world that often resists it. This has been one of the hardest seasons of...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, The year is more than half over, and things don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I know the work you do is critical, and the stress and uncertainty of this moment can feel overwhelming. I also know you have what it takes to keep things moving, but you can't do that if you're running on empty. As you plan for the end of the year, I invite you to take a moment this week to pause, reflect, and reset. This is an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and prepare you and your team...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, If you're really feeling the weight of this moment, you're not alone. With shifting budgets, layoffs, policy changes, climate anxiety, and global unrest, the pressure on changemakers like you has never been heavier. Whether you’re a fundraiser, CEO, executive director, people manager, board member, or movement leader—it’s time to pause and refill your cup. Slowing down isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. Your well-being isn’t optional right now. It’s essential. That's why I'm offering a...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, I know you’re doing great work. But the truth is, you can’t give your best if you’re not at your best. And if you’re not around to help create a positive impact in your community, then who will be? To support your journey through this intense season, here are three ways you can get started with cultivating a stronger culture of well-being for your organization: 1. Replenish your closest sphere of impact. You have many spheres of impact representing the different levels at which...
2 months ago • 8 min read
Hey Reader, With everything going on right now, I know you’re doing your best to stay afloat while also moving your work forward. The weight of this moment is even greater if you’re leading a team. You may wonder how to help your people who are overwhelmed. Here are a few tips for getting started. Step 1 Acknowledge that we’re in a challenging season that may trigger a range of thoughts and emotions. This is a natural response to stress. Stick to the facts about what’s happening and how it...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, I know you’re juggling a lot right now. I also know the work you do is critical. But moving the mission forward when things aren’t okay is tough. You’re not alone if you’re wondering how to keep going. Here are a few ways to get started with keeping yourself grounded and continuing to show up for the work even when things get heavy. 1: Regularly check in with yourself and tune in to what you need. I call my version of this the H.A.U.L.T. self-check-in. The check-in works by taking...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, I hope you’re holding up well. I know it’s a busy and intense season. During times like this, many of us think the best way to make an impact is to work longer, harder, and try to get as much “work” done as possible. Otherwise, we feel like failures or that we aren’t doing enough. But real and lasting impact happens when we take time to rest, recover, and refocus. Slowing down and refilling your cup isn’t selfish or lazy. If you want to make a difference during this consequential...
3 months ago • 4 min read
