Across the country, we’re witnessing a pullback from diversity and inclusion programs, rollbacks of environmental protections, and new limitations on LGBTQ rights. For mission-driven entrepreneurs and CEOs who have dedicated themselves to progressive change, these trends are deeply disheartening. It can feel like the very values they champion are under attack. I see the frustration and fatigue in the leaders I work with – and yet, I also see their unwavering passion. As someone who supports these changemakers, my focus is on helping them stay strong, resilient, and hopeful despite the headwinds.
I’ve found that strengthening a leader’s resolve in times like these comes down to a few key practices. It’s about expanding the capacity of their heart to hold everything that’s happening, anchoring in their purpose, nourishing their body and mind, regulating their nervous system, grounding in core values, leaning into community, remembering joy, and continuing to take action. Here’s how I’m supporting mission-driven leaders to lead with courage and hope:
Expanding the Capacity of the Heart to Hold It All
The first thing I encourage is opening the heart to all that these times bring. There is grief, anger, and disappointment when hard-won progress is rolled back – and it’s tempting to shut down or grow cynical. Instead, I help leaders expand the capacity of their heart to “hold it all.” This means acknowledging the pain and frustration without letting it overwhelm them, while also holding space for hope, love, and compassion. When a leader can sit with sorrow and anger yet still keep their heart open, they build emotional resilience. This allows them to move forward without drowning in despair or bitterness.
Practicing Nervous System Regulation Before Work
Before diving into the demands of the day, I encourage my clients to take a moment to resource themselves and regulate their nervous system. It’s easy to rush straight into emails, meetings, and decisions, but starting from a place of internal steadiness changes everything. A few deep breaths, a grounding exercise, or some mindful movement can send a powerful signal to the body that it’s safe to relax. By calming their nervous system before work, leaders increase their ability to think clearly, make values-aligned decisions, and respond to challenges with resilience rather than reactivity.
When leaders start their day from a regulated state, they are more patient, present, and able to access creative problem-solving. This small but profound shift ensures that they are leading from intention, not just reaction.
Anchoring in Their Purpose
When external support falls away, anchoring in purpose becomes more critical than ever. I work with leaders to reconnect with why they started on their mission in the first place. We revisit their core purpose – the vision of justice, sustainability, or community well-being that fuels them. By remembering the lives they’ve touched and the impact they still want to create, they find a steady light in the darkness. This sense of purpose is their anchor in the storm. It grounds them when everything else feels unmoored and renews their motivation when outcomes don’t come easily.
Nourishing the Body Holistically
Mission-driven CEOs and entrepreneurs often push themselves to the brink fighting for change. I remind them that they cannot pour from an empty cup. Nourishing their body and mind holistically is not a luxury – it’s a leadership necessity. Stress and burnout are very real, so we build habits that keep them healthy and energized:
Getting restful sleep to recharge.
Eating healthy, energizing foods and staying hydrated.
Exercising or practicing yoga to release stress and reconnect with their body.
Meditating or journaling to center the mind and process emotions.
Taking breaks in nature to restore their spirit.
By caring for their whole self, these leaders build the stamina and clarity needed to face each day’s challenges.
Grounding in Their Values
In tumultuous times, I encourage leaders to root down into their core values. Policies may change, but their fundamental values – things like equity, integrity, and sustainability – remain solid ground. By grounding in their values, they gain a sense of stability and self-trust. Their values act like the roots of a tree in a storm, keeping them upright when the winds of change howl.
Staying true to their values also brings clarity. When faced with tough choices or backlash, they ask: Does this action align with what I truly believe? If the answer is yes, it’s easier to move forward with confidence. Living and leading in alignment with their values provides an inner compass that no external challenge can take away.
Leaning into Community Support
No one can do this work alone. I remind the people I support that they are surrounded by allies – peers, team members, mentors, friends – who understand their mission and share their concerns. Community is everything. In these times, having a circle of support makes all the difference.
We prioritize community by:
Joining peer support circles or leadership groups.
Having regular check-ins with like-minded CEOs.
Reaching out to friends and family for encouragement.
When one person’s energy wanes, another’s enthusiasm can ignite it again. This mutual support not only helps each individual leader stay resilient, but also creates a network of changemakers who amplify each other’s impact.
Remembering Play and Joy
Amid serious challenges, I often coach leaders to remember joy and make time for play. Joy and play are essential for sustainable leadership. They are not frivolous – they are fuel for the soul.
We look for small ways to infuse joy into their daily life and work. It could be as simple as sharing a light-hearted moment with the team, celebrating small wins, or pursuing a hobby. These moments of play remind them that they are more than their struggle; they are whole humans who deserve delight.
Taking Action and Continuing to Move Forward
Finally, we focus on turning hope into action. In the face of injustice or regression, taking purposeful action is how we push back and make progress. One of my favorite reminders is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s timeless quote: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
We celebrate progress over perfection. Even if a policy fight is lost or a project faces delays, I encourage them to ask, “What can I do next?” Movement is the antidote to despair. When they keep moving forward, they are literally creating the future they believe in, step by step.
Standing Strong with Heart and Hope
To every leader feeling the weight of the world: I see your heart and your courage. You are not alone. By staying true to your purpose, taking care of yourself, standing firm in your values, leaning on your community, finding joy amidst hardship, and pressing forward, you are making a difference.
So keep going. Keep leading with your heart wide open and your eyes on the horizon. These challenging times will eventually pass, and because of leaders like you, a better day will come. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and know that your mission matters – now more than ever.
