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10.13.25
Leadership Wellness Strategies: How Laughter, Connection and Self-Awareness Build Stronger Leaders
By Setareh Campion, Director of Programs, FMWF Chamber
Discover leadership wellness strategies from Leadership FMWF that help build stronger, more resilient teams through laughter, connection and self-awareness.
Leadership wellness starts with understanding yourself, connecting with others and creating space to thrive.
When you hear “wellness,” your first thought might be hitting the gym, eating healthier or getting more sleep. Those things matter of course, but wellness as it pertains to leadership places a focus on how we show up mentally, emotionally and relationally, and knowing when to pause, laugh or lean on others.
That was the core of our recent Leadership FMWF session, where participants explored how wellness, humor and self-awareness all work together to shape stronger, more balanced leaders.
Here are three leadership wellness strategies highlighted through Leadership FMWF that can help leaders cultivate balance, resilience and stronger teams.
Strengthening Teams With Laughter and Connection
Humor and authentic connection are often overlooked, yet laughter reduces tension, builds trust and fosters collaboration. Leaders who embrace joy and connection create environments where people feel safe to share ideas and take risks.
Leadership FMWF underscores how incorporating levity into leadership supports team resilience and engagement. JJ Gordon with Midwest Communications shares strategies for bringing joy back into leadership practices.
Takeaway: Prioritize moments of levity and authentic engagement. Leadership wellness includes creating space for relationships to flourish.
Understanding Your Work Strengths
The Working Genius framework demonstrates how leaders can identify where they find energy and joy—and where burnout may appear. Recognizing personal “working geniuses” and “working frustrations” helps leaders structure work, delegate effectively and communicate in ways that align with their strengths.
Leadership FMWF emphasizes using these insights to improve team alignment and productivity. Connor Johnson, trainer, coach and speaker, shares techniques for leveraging the Working Genius framework to strengthen leadership strategies and energy management.
Takeaway: Self-awareness of how you work enables better team alignment, higher productivity and sustainable energy—key components of a leadership wellness strategy.
Tailoring Wellness to Your Needs
Wellness takes many forms: physical movement, emotional rest, reflection or meaningful connections. Leaders who proactively address gaps in wellness are better equipped to make decisions, handle stress and inspire others.
Leadership FMWF encourages leaders to reflect on which strategies work best for them personally. Sustainable leadership begins with practices that restore balance and resilience, ensuring leaders can lead with purpose over the long term.
Takeaway: Sustainable leadership starts with personal practices that restore balance, energy and focus.
Apply These Strategies Today
Ask yourself:
- Which aspect of wellness am I overlooking?
- How can I bring more joy, connection, and self-awareness into my work?
- How can I structure tasks to align with my strengths?
Chamber programs like Leadership FMWF, Women Connect and the Young Professionals Network provide tools to explore these strategies, connect with peers and strengthen leadership impact. Strong leaders cultivate their own wellness—and in doing so, elevate their teams and organizations.
Ready to strengthen your leadership wellness and grow your impact? Join Leadership FMWF or explore other Chamber programs today to gain practical tools, connect with like-minded peers and lead with balance, purpose and resilience.
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