Over the last few days, I’ve been a part of numerous conversations with leaders across business and community, people like you and me who are deeply invested in our futures and in the well-being of those we serve. We’ve shared insights, voiced concerns, and reflected on what this recent election means for our communities and the causes that matter most.
And amidst these powerful exchanges, I keep coming back to a single piece of guidance: Rest, first.
But when I suggest rest, I see two telling reactions. First, there’s a sigh of relief—a moment where it seems they’re giving themselves permission to pause, acknowledging a deep need to slow down. Then, almost instantly, there’s a shift: shoulders square, eyes sharpen, and the drive to act reignites. This pattern reveals an internal struggle many leaders face—the tug between the awareness that they need to rest and the pull of external pressures pushing them to keep moving. It’s a powerful reminder that, in leadership, allowing space to pause is just as critical as the will to act.
What I am suggesting isn’t rest as an end; it’s rest as preparation—a step toward reactivation, tenacity, and perseverance.
In the POWER Tribe, we nurture 7 essential skills that I believe every leader of consequence must cultivate. These are skills I’ve seen in action countless times, grounding us through challenges and equipping us to lead effectively, no matter the uncertainty.
What I teach to my executive clients and the members of the Tribe is that leadership begins with inner work—knowing ourselves, clarifying our values, and committing to a sense of purpose. And this is why rest is so vital: it’s the quiet power we allow ourselves to draw on, a chance to return to our core, so we can emerge even stronger.
For Black women leaders especially, rest is a necessary, radical act of resilience. In this moment of political and social uncertainty, REST is essential. It’s a powerful process of Recovering, Empowering, Strategizing, and Transforming.
R - Recover
In times of difficulty, we must allow ourselves to pause, to recover. This isn’t just about physical rest; it’s about caring for our spirits, too. It’s a chance to reconnect with our values, to remember why we lead, and to rediscover what fuels our resolve. This is where Identity Development, our first POWER Skill, becomes invaluable. Recovery is a time to realign with who we are, reconnecting with our roots and honoring our journeys so that we emerge grounded, centered, and focused.
Reflect: What does recovery mean to you? What would it take to truly let yourself rest in this moment?
E - Empower
To rest is not to abandon our power but to reclaim it. In fact, this pause is a potent reminder of our agency and resilience. Your Unique Voice, our second POWER Skill, is key here. As we pause, we regain our voice and our purpose, knowing that our leadership is only as powerful as the authenticity we bring to it. Rest becomes a time to reaffirm our mission, reminding ourselves that our work is rooted in strength and that we are equipped to rise with purpose.
Reflect: How can you use this time to empower yourself from within? What beliefs can you reaffirm?
S - Strategize
Rest is also about intention, and that includes planning for what’s next. The clarity we gain in rest makes way for strategic, thoughtful decision-making. Executive Presence, our third POWER Skill, is critical here because presence requires that we’re fully engaged. In rest, we step back to gain perspective, reflect on recent experiences, and make space for insights. When we return, we’re able to lead diplomatically, seeing more clearly the path ahead and how best to approach it with compassion and courage.
Reflect: What are your biggest takeaways from recent challenges? What vision are you setting for yourself and those you lead?
T - Transform
At the core of rest lies transformation. This pause redefines how we show up in our roles, ready to engage with fresh insights and renewed resolve. Here, the external POWER Skills come into play—Leading Diplomatically, Wielding and Sharing Power, and Negotiation and Consensus Building. In rest, we consider how we will use our voices, share power responsibly, and foster unity. It’s how we prepare ourselves to transform situations and strengthen our capacity to lead through high-stakes moments, embracing the healthy tension that spurs growth.
Reflect: How has rest changed your perspective as a leader? What transformation will you bring to your community?
Leadership isn’t only about the forward march; it’s also about gathering strength, redefining our purpose, and finding the grace to pause when we need it.
Let REST—Recover, Empower, Strategize, Transform—be your reminder that rest is not a luxury; it is a necessary act of resilience and a tool to lead with intention.
In the POWER Tribe, we know that true strength is built not only in action but in these moments of pause that prepare us for all that lies ahead.
This is our time to gather strength, and REST is the gateway.
Let’s lead by example and remind those who look to us that pausing is part of the journey to sustainable, impactful leadership.
Let’s rest today so we may rise tomorrow—resilient, ready, and rooted in our purpose.
In Light, Love & POWER
-Kenya Dunn
Founder, The POWER Tribe
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