Finding Balance & Avoiding Burnout: A Women's Circle for Black Women Leaders

Last week, the Network for Black Women Leaders welcomed wellbeing coach and yoga instructor Pascale Roura for an Network for Black Women Leaders Elevate Session like no other. The session took the shape of a women's circle—a powerful, heart-opening space for honest dialogue, deep listening, and shared wisdom.

“Finding Balance & Avoiding Burnout” brought together Black women leaders from across the UK to explore one of the most pressing challenges in our professional and personal lives: how to stay well while leading in high-pressure environments.

To set the tone, Pascale opened with a simple quote from the book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, by C.Mackesy —“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said? asked the boy. ‘Help,’ said the horse”. Vulnerability, compassion, and connection would guide the evening.

Asking for Help: A Radical Act of Self-Respect

One of the most resonant themes of the evening was the struggle many Black women face with asking for help. Whether in the workplace or at home, participants spoke candidly about the internalised belief that we must be self-sufficient, the fear of being perceived as weak, and the pain of being let down when help is finally requested.

As Pascale reflected, “Men are so much better at letting go and trusting that things will get done. We as women—and especially as Black women—carry so much alone.” The circle became a space where everyone could affirm: asking for help is not a failure, but a practice of strength and discernment.

Joy, Boundaries & Wellbeing Languages

Throughout the evening, Pascale invited participants to reflect on what truly brings them joy, and what their personal "wellbeing language" might be. From grounding walks in nature to dancing in the kitchen, from solo travel to community care, the responses were as diverse as they were affirming.

Many attendees shared that joy has often been sacrificed in the name of duty or productivity. For Pascale, joy is non-negotiable. “If it doesn’t bring you joy,” she shared, echoing Marie Kondo, “you have permission to let it go.”

Participants also explored what it means to set boundaries without guilt at work, with family, and within themselves. The conversation surfaced a common truth: when Black women say no, we’re often met with resistance. But as one attendee noted, “Saying no is how I protect my peace. It’s how I make space to say yes to myself.”

Rest as a Right, Not a Reward

Too often, rest is framed as something we earn after exhaustion. Pascale urged us to flip that script. “Burnout isn’t the price of success,” she said. “We have a right to rest. And to redefine success on our own terms.”

Many participants shared their experiences of burnout, describing how it sneaks in slowly or hits like a crash. From overwork in hostile work environments to the layered exhaustion of racism and microaggressions, it became clear that balance is not just about scheduling, it’s about survival.

And yet, within the heaviness, there was laughter. There was joy. There was solidarity. The chat overflowed with words of encouragement, book recommendations, and shared experiences. One attendee summed it up best: “I leave this session feeling less alone, and more aligned with myself.”

A Different Kind of Leadership

The session closed with a reminder that leadership doesn't have to mean relentless performance. As Pascale shared, leadership can be embodied in how we care for ourselves and each other. It can be soft. It can be spacious. It can be sustainable.

To everyone who joined us: thank you for showing up as you are. Thank you for sharing your truth. And thank you for reminding us that sisterhood is a sanctuary.

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