“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” a line from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 2, is often misquoted as “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” Regardless of the adage one prefers, the message is the same: While it is rewarding, leadership at the highest ranks is also fraught with challenges, conflict, uncertainties, difficult decisions, and unreasonable expectations, including sacrificing oneself and one’s family to care for others. The events of the last four years have only exacerbated the difficulties leaders face. This is especially true in the nonprofit sector, resulting in rising burnout, turnover, and a slew of body-mind-spirit maladies among our top leaders. This presentation puts a spotlight on how many issues affecting the mental health and wellness of C-Suite leaders are not adequately discussed and answers the clarion call to facilitate safe spaces for vulnerability, authentic conversation, support, and the shared learning of tips and techniques to overcome trauma in the C-Suite.
This session was created and designed in conjunction with Tayuanee Dewberry, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council.
