As leaders, parents, partners, and professionals, many of us are conditioned to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. We tell ourselves we’ll prioritize our health, well-being, and self-care once the project is finished, the kids are older, or work slows down.
But what if making yourself a priority isn’t selfish? What if it’s one of the most important leadership decisions you can make?
In the latest episode of the Inspirational Leadership Podcast, I sit down with wellness and resilience expert Lisa Lounsbury to explore why sustainable leadership begins with sustainable well-being. Together, we discuss the mindset shifts that help healthy habits stick, the importance of leading by example, and how organizations can create cultures where people truly thrive. We also have an honest conversation about menopause, breaking the stigma, and why it’s time to normalize conversations that help women feel informed, supported, and empowered.
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Why Making Yourself a Priority Matters
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is that wellness isn’t another item on your to-do list—it’s the foundation that allows everything else to flourish.
Lisa shares a powerful perspective: when something truly becomes a priority, we naturally find ways to overcome the barriers in front of us. We don’t question whether we’ll take our child to the doctor or attend an important meeting. We make it happen because we’ve already decided it matters.
The invitation is to begin treating your own well-being with that same level of importance.
When we prioritize ourselves, we don’t just benefit personally. We become more resilient, more present, and better equipped to support the people who depend on us.
Building Healthy Habits That Last
Lasting change rarely comes from dramatic overhauls. Instead, it begins with small, consistent actions.
Lisa introduces the concept of keystone habits—simple habits that naturally lead to other positive behaviours. Something as simple as drinking more water, taking a daily walk, or creating time for movement can build momentum that makes other healthy choices easier.
We also discuss the importance of self-compassion. Even people who have maintained healthy lifestyles for years have days when they don’t feel like exercising or taking care of themselves. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s curiosity instead of judgment and returning to the habits that support you over the long term.
Leading by Example
Leadership isn’t just about what we say—it’s about what we demonstrate.
Our teams, families, and communities notice how we treat ourselves. When leaders consistently work through lunch, skip vacations, or sacrifice their own well-being, they unintentionally give others permission to do the same.
Conversely, leaders who model healthy boundaries, prioritize rest, take breaks, and care for themselves create cultures where others feel permission to do the same.
Healthy leadership starts with healthy leaders.
Breaking the Stigma Around Menopause
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was our discussion about menopause and the growing movement to normalize conversations around women’s health.
For far too long, many women have experienced menopause in silence, unsure whether what they were experiencing was “normal” or where to find support.
Lisa shares practical insights about self-advocacy, seeking knowledgeable healthcare providers, and recognizing that menopause isn’t something to fear—it’s a natural stage of life that deserves understanding, education, and open dialogue.
Creating space for these conversations benefits everyone—not only women experiencing menopause, but also leaders, colleagues, partners, and organizations striving to create more inclusive workplaces.
Creating Workplace Cultures That Support Well-Being
Organizations have an incredible opportunity to create environments where wellness is genuinely valued.
That goes beyond offering occasional wellness initiatives or gym reimbursements. It means creating cultures where people are encouraged to take breaks, use their vacation time, prioritize their health, and feel supported in doing so.
When employees feel cared for, respected, and trusted, engagement, retention, and performance all benefit.
Well-being isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one message Lisa hopes everyone takes away from this conversation, it’s this:
Making yourself a priority isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
When we care for ourselves, we become better leaders, better partners, better parents, and better humans. Our well-being creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves.
I hope this conversation encourages you to reflect on one simple question:
What is one small step you can take today to make yourself a priority?
About The Guest:
Lisa Lounsbury is a resilience and well-being expert, certified lifestyle wellness and menopause coach, speaker, author of Making Wellness a Priority, and founder of New Day Wellness. For more than 30 years, she has helped individuals and organizations build healthier, more resilient workplaces by making wellness a core part of leadership and culture. Connect on LinkedIn or learn more about here work here.
Let’s Connect:
If this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you!
And if you’re interested in exploring ways we can work together—through leadership coaching, team development, or speaking at your next event—please reach out. You can reach me at kristen@kristenharcourt.com
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