The Weight We Carry: Leadership, Sisterhood, and Rewriting the Narrative

Kenya Dunn
Oct 2
3 min read

Leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. But sometimes leadership feels heavy.

The weight we carry isn’t always visible, but it is real.

It lives in the decisions we make, the teams we nurture, the communities we advocate for, and the families we protect.

Leadership often requires us to fix issues we didn’t create, resolve conflicts between others to move a project forward, work with people whose values do not align with ours, and navigate the pokes and prods of doubt and fear that others in positions of power may deflect onto us. These are all “par for the course” in leadership.

But here’s the truth, how we carry the weight matters.

The Power of Sisterhood

Sisterhood is more than camaraderie; it is a covenant. It’s the assurance that when one of us grows weary, another will step in to help shoulder the load. It’s the unspoken understanding that our struggles don’t make us weak—they make us human.

I remember one of the most tumultuous moments in my corporate career, when I felt stuck. I was paralyzed by uncertainty and anger. I was thrust into a situation where performance was moving in the right direction, but a previous incident by my predecessor somehow became my challenge to navigate and even defend my own reputation. After approaching the situation like I had other difficult moments, to no avail, I spoke with a mentor. The conversation made all the difference. That safe space allowed me to process, strategize, and regain clarity.

I was reminded that even heavy loads can be lightened when we lean on others.

Sisterhood isn’t only about professional life. It shows up in our personal lives as well. Last year, right after my daughter graduated college, she lost one of her favorite “aunties” who had been with us at her graduation. I was worried because she’s in a city without me or her father. But a phone call from her college friends put me at ease: “Don’t worry, Ms. Dunn. We will take care of her.” Later that day, when I called to check, I could hear them in the background. I may not have known exactly what they did, but their support gave me peace. It reminded me that women of color are actively helping each other carry heavy loads both in work and in life.

When the Stakes Are High

When the decisions we make effect the lives of others, the weight feels heavier. In these moments:

The margin for error shrinks. Decisions affect employees, clients, and communities.
The isolation deepens. Many leaders feel they can’t show vulnerability.
The emotional toll increases. High stakes bring responsibility for others’ well-being and opportunity.

This is where sisterhood becomes strategic: perspective, courage, shared wisdom, and resilience. Without sisterhood, that weight can crush you. With sisterhood, it can strengthen you.

How to Help Your Sister Carry the Weight

Supporting a sister through high-stakes leadership isn’t about taking over. It’s about showing up with intention:

Listen first, advise second.
Help clarify what’s critical versus urgent.
Offer perspective without pressure.
Assist in strategy and preparation.
Provide emotional anchoring.
Hold her accountable gently.
Share the load.
Protect confidentiality and trust.

When we show up intentionally, we transform the burden of leadership into shared power. Sisterhood amplifies strength, expands perspective, and helps women carry the weight with clarity, courage, and confidence.

Rewriting the Narrative

For many women of color, leadership has often come with the unspoken rule: you don’t ask for help, you don’t show vulnerability, and you must always have your guard up.

But this is our moment to change that story.

We get to lead from wholeness, not isolation. We get to show up knowing when and how to ask for help, and we get to receive it openly and fully.

By embracing sisterhood intentionally, we shift the culture, transforming leadership from a solitary struggle into a shared journey. Asking for help isn’t weakness, receiving support isn’t dependency, and together, our collective power multiplies.

Stepping Into Sisterhood

Leadership is heavy, but it doesn’t have to be carried alone. Whether leading a team, a business, or a community, there is power in showing up for one another. Listen deeply, offer perspective, share the load, and hold space for those walking high-stakes paths.

Look around you. Identify the women carrying heavy loads. Ask how you can support them. Be intentional in your sisterhood. Even small acts of presence, affirmation, or guidance can transform the weight they carryan d the way they lead.

When we choose to lead together, the burden becomes lighter, the impact greater, and the strength we build enduring. That's the kind of power that fuels culture shifts and systems change. This is the power of sisterhood.

Kenya

#SisterhoodisStrategy