Leading Through Crisis: Being a Leader Without Losing Yourself

In times of global crisis, whether it’s a pandemic, political upheaval, climate emergencies, or economic instability, leaders are thrust into roles demanding strength, clarity, and presence. Yet beneath those outward qualities is a human being navigating the same anxieties as everyone else. They too are balancing the fear, fatigue, and emotional toll of uncertainty with their responsibility of leadership. All leaders face these challenges; Executive Directors (EDs) often carry an additional load, which is that their roles are often unsustainable in their design (it’s not humanly possible to complete all the roles, responsibilities, and tasks outlined in a typical ED job description), and it becomes even more essential to maintain your mental wellbeing as a leader while you support others.

Whatever leadership role you play in your organization, there are a few helpful things to keep in mind while leading during periods of high stress.

The Myth of the Unbreakable Leader 

There’s a deeply ingrained myth that leaders must be invulnerable. Showing stress, anxiety, or doubt can be perceived as weakness. But the truth is, leaders are not immune to the emotional impact of crisis. Pretending to be unshakeable doesn’t help anyone—it creates unrealistic expectations and isolates the leader from their own support systems. 

In TREC’s Leadership Program, we do an exercise called “Secret Fears” where folks write down on pieces of paper what they are feeling about themselves in their role that they are scared to say out loud. Over the past 20 years, the most common notes have been phrases like, “I feel like an imposter,” “I don’t know what I’m doing,” “I’m so tired,” and “I don’t know if I can do this”.  

You are not alone. 

The truth is that the more we step into our leadership, the more we face increasing complex scenarios with unclear paths forward. Being authentic and vulnerable, while also steady in your commitments and values, can be incredibly powerful. Sharing your struggles in appropriate ways fosters connection, empathy, and trust among your team. When people see their leader as a real person navigating difficulty with authenticity and care, it inspires resilience, not fear. It also lets folks know that they aren’t alone or that they aren’t ‘less than’ for not being able to handle what life throws their way. 

Setting Boundaries Without Abandoning Responsibility 

In a crisis, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overextending yourself. Leaders may feel they need to be available 24/7, respond to every request, and solve every problem. But constant overcommitment quickly leads to burnout.

Setting boundaries doesn’t mean abandoning your role. It means defining your limits so you can show up fully and effectively. That might look like scheduling non-negotiable breaks, turning off notifications after a certain hour, or delegating more intentionally. Boundaries are not selfish—they’re sustainable. 

Mental Health is Leadership 

Caring for your mental health is not a separate activity from leading; it’s a foundational part of it. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Practices such as mindfulness, therapy, journaling, or regular physical activity aren’t indulgences—they’re tools for clarity, emotional regulation, and stamina.

During a crisis, decision-making is often clouded by urgency and emotion. Leaders who prioritize their well-being are better equipped to make grounded, long-term decisions, rather than reactive ones. Your example empowers others to do the same.  

As a leader, model curiosity, seek out new strategies for mental wellness, reflect on what isn’t working, and adapt. Ensure your organization has policies that support mental health, such as flexible hours, mental health days, or coaching resources. Other ideas include conducting wellness check-ins, initiating peer-coaching circles, and establishing small teams to monitor stress and propose proactive interventions. This systemic approach shifts wellbeing from individual duty to shared responsibility. 

When individuals feel empowered and supported, they are more likely to take risks, learn from mistakes, and strive for personal and professional growth. This leads to increased motivation and a greater capacity for innovation and problem-solving.  

And remember, leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, listening deeply, and guiding others toward solutions together. As political leaders work to divide us, we need to come together more than ever and ensure that no one is left behind; that no one feels alone. When you lead with integrity and humanity, you not only help others survive the storm, you help them rise up through it. 

 In solidarity,

– Bruce

How do we lead and strategize in a time of shift and upheaval? A Panel Conversation

Join this powerful panel discussion with conservation leaders as they share emerging strategies to advance their goals and amplify impact amidst increasingly volatile political landscapes in the U.S. and Canada. Facilitated by TREC co-executive director, April Nishimura, this timely conversation will explore ways to mitigate risk, sustain momentum through uncertainty, and envision new possibilities for the future of conservation.

New Year, Resilient You: Nourishing Your Well-being in Service of Your Leadership 

Leaders in the conservation movement are often fighting on the frontlines of multiple fronts, leading to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. The beginning of the year is an opportune time to turn our attention to the practices that are needed to fortify our resilience and feel fully resourced so that we are prepared to face the road ahead.

During this webinar, TREC leadership faculty, Nailah Blades, will offer practical, actionable strategies to build a solid foundation of resilience to better nourish your energy, focus, and well-being in the upcoming year and beyond.

Bruce Passmore

Contract Consultant

Organizational Development Team

Favorite food, favorite hobby, hometown, special holiday?

Pick ONE favourite food or hobby? That’s like asking a parent to choose a favourite child. I guess the type of food I love the most is fresh, in season fruit. For example, where I live in K’emk’emeláy (East Vancouver), when blueberry season hits between June and August, I’m like a bear trying to fatten up for winter eating buckets of these little balls of sugar. Funny story: one time while picking wild blueberries I did come face to face literally with a black bear (we almost bumped into each other). We were both so absorbed in our foraging we didn’t see each other. Thankfully we both went our separate ways without incident other than a lot of blueberry juice dripping from our faces and maybe a little annoyed that our feeding was disrupted.

Place that brings you joy or meaning?

Similarly to hobbies or foods, it’s hard to pick just one place that brings me joy or meaning. However, I do see a theme in some of the places that come to mind: places where mountains meet the ocean or water. There is something in that that gives me inspiration and a moment of reflection. I feel small, and yet hopeful – inspired and grateful. 

Top book, article, art album recommendation?

I love reading. Each year I make sure part of my reading list includes all five of Canada Reads books, among others. Several years ago, one of those books referenced Dr Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass. It’s become my favourite non-fiction book.