When Leadership Gets Personal: Navigating Crisis and Community

In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Kelli Baxter, MS, founder and managing partner at KG1 Consulting Group; Maria Huntley, CAE, MAM, CEO of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians; and Celia Chomón Zamora, PhD, CAE, executive director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, for a conversation about leading during times of political and cultural upheaval. The guests share how moments of crisis can feel both professional and deeply personal, particularly for leaders from historically marginalized communities, and reflect on the emotional labor required to support teams while navigating ongoing strain. They also discuss the tension many organizations face between neutrality and silence, noting how decisions about communication, language, and values can shape how leaders and institutions show up for their communities. Throughout the discussion, they explore practical leadership responses, including grounding decisions in mission and values, prioritizing listening and internal communication, and creating space for staff to process challenging moments. The conversation concludes with reflections on integrity, courage, and the importance of modeling humanity while leading organizations through complex times.

 

The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings.