Quarterly Resiliency Forecast-Spring 2025
#CompassionateCareYourself
On a recent work trip, the team and I were celebrating a job well done after a months-long planning process for a large tabletop discussion. Spirits were high, and I reminded everyone to take some R&R that evening, expressing how important it was to step back, reset, and take care of themselves. “Compassionate care is important,” I said with full conviction.
Not five minutes later, I launched into my laundry list of to-dos: the follow-up items to wrap up the project, the emails I’d answer at the airport, and the documents I’d review on the plane so I could hit the ground running for another client. Without missing a beat, Lori Bundick—our Emergency Management and Business Continuity specialist—turned to me and said with a smile, “You need to #CompassionateCareYourself!”
I froze for a second. She was right, of course. Painfully, obviously right. There I was, preaching the importance of taking a break while making it crystal clear that I had no intention of doing the same for myself—heavy sigh.
It’s in moments like that when I’m reminded that I still have work to do—not just in my profession, but in how I show up as a leader.
The truth is, I’ve been trying to find balance for more than 25 years, since the start of my career in crisis management. And like many people in helping professions—or those running a business, leading a department, or wearing multiple hats—it can feel impossible to hit pause. We often push through burnout because we believe we must. But here’s the thing I keep relearning: you cannot lead well if you’re running on empty.
So what does it actually look like to #CompassionateCareYourself?
Here are a few things I’m learning (and re-learning) along the way:
1. Model the behavior you want to see. Your team is watching—not just your words, but your actions. If you want them to prioritize their well-being, you have to show them what that looks like. That means logging off when you say you will, taking actual vacations, and honoring your own boundaries.
2. Schedule your recovery time like you would any other meeting. If it’s not on your calendar, it probably won’t happen. I’ve started blocking off time—even if it’s just 30 minutes—to walk, read something non-work-related, or sit in stillness. It's not a luxury; it’s a leadership strategy.
3. Ask your team what support really looks like. Sometimes, compassionate care means space. Other times it’s offering backup or just listening without trying to fix things. Creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up about burnout or stress starts with how we respond when they do.
4. Give yourself grace. We don’t need to be perfect to be effective. Leadership is a long game. If you fall into old habits, take the moment as a nudge—not a failure.
5. Remember that compassionate care is a cycle. When you take care of yourself, you show up better for your team. When your team feels supported, they produce better work. And when the work is sustainable, your whole organization thrives.
I’m still learning to #CompassionateCareYourself. It’s a work in progress—but one I’m committed to.
So here’s your gentle reminder, in case no one has said it to you today: Take the break. Drink the water. Put down the phone. You’re allowed to rest—and you’ll be better for it.
The TRI Influence
Read COO Lorraine Schneider’s interview for the Securing Our Climate Substack. Lorraine talks about California wildfires, challenges to emergency services in the US and globally, and how they can stay resilient amid multiple crises.
Read President and CEO Andrea Davis’ interview for the Louisiana Illuminator about possible changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Subscribe to TRI’s YouTube channel. In June, we are launching our “Profiles in Resiliency: Stories of Hope and Tenacity” Uncut from America’s Heartland” series. More information will be available soon.
TRI About Town
Watch: Clinton Preston, Director of Security and Resiliency, and President and CEO Andrea Davis in person in New Orleans, LA on April 14 at the National Hurricane Conference and virtually on April 15 for The Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference. They will present Automating the Future: Transforming Crisis Response and Recovery Through Smart Technology.
Hear: Faith Newton, Chief Client Engagement Officer, at the annual Continuity Insights conference in The Woodlands, TX, on April 30. Faith will be presenting on Making Metrics Simple: How To Assess Emergency Management Programs.
See: Andrea Davis, President and CEO, present a risk communications workshop in San Francisco, CA on May 6 at the California Emergency Services Association annual conference.
Check TRI’s event section on LinkedIn. On April 16, we will host an evening reception during the National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans, LA in honor of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and an open house at our new office location in Rogers, AR, on May 14.
Recent Blog Posts
January 2025: What Andy’s Cow Patty Palace Taught Me about Community and Resilience.
February 2025: Future-Proof Your Business: The Resiliency Academy Advantage.
About TRI
The Resiliency Initiative (TRI) is a certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) with Fortune 500, government, military, and non-profit leadership experience focusing on crisis and risk mitigation planning.
The TRI team has over 200 cumulative years of experience in crisis management, business continuity, and security. The team has responded to and supported the recovery efforts of some of the US’ largest disasters, from the Northridge Earthquake, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Super Storm Sandy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2023 Maui fires.
TRI specializes in developing crisis and business continuity plans, employee and executive trainings, and engaging discussion-based, functional, and full-scale exercises.
TRI’s mission is to create resilient communities around the world. We accomplish this by providing our expert services to businesses, non-profits, and communities.
To request a free consultation, email info@theresiliencyinitiative.com or call +1 (424) 478-0779.
