When Your Voice Is Too Loud for the Room: Burnout, Boldness & the Power of Self-Care for Minority Women in Leadership
Have you ever been praised for your leadership…. Until you actually led?
The Performance of Diversity in Leadership
So many organizations love to look diverse, especially when it’s time to post on social media, submit a report, or pose for a board photo. But what they don’t love? The truth that often comes from the mouth of women of color. The accountability. The courage. The calls to action.
“We Want Your Face, Not Your Voice.”
I read that quote in a recent article and it stuck with me. Because I’ve lived it. The moment you advocate for equity, call out toxic behavior, or stand up for yourself or others, the tone shifts. Suddenly, you’re not the “perfect candidate” anymore, you’re “too passionate,” “too much,” “difficult.”
My Story: Silenced…. Until the Truth Came to Light
Years ago, I found myself in a toxic work environment where I witnessed inappropriate behavior. Harassment, to be exact, by someone in leadership. I spoke up. I expected the issue to be handled with integrity, but instead, I was told to “quietly consider resigning.”
Why? Because the individual in questions was close friends with my supervisor. After I refused to stay silent, the workplace became unbearable. I was gaslit, isolated, and made to feel like I was the problem.
But here’s the plot twist: the truth always rises. Eventually, it was my supervisor who was asked to leave for his unethical leadership. I didn’t just speak up, I stood in my truth and reclaimed my power. And that’s what I help other women do now.
The Emotional Toll of Advocacy for Women of Color
Burnout Is Real, Especially When You’re the Only One Speaking Up
Being the “first,” the “only,” or the “token” comes with emotional labor that most of our peers will never understand. We’re expected to lead, educate, advocate, and perform without ever showing emotion.
The invisible burden leads to exhaustion, self-doubt, anxiety, and yes, burnout.
Introducing: “Leading Without Losing Yourself”
I wrote a blog post called “Leading Without Losing Yourself: The Power of Self-Care for Women in Leadership” that dives even deeper into how self-care isn’t just a trend, it’s a survival tool.
When you’re constantly fighting for justice, representation, or your own peace, you must prioritize rest and reflection. You must check in with yourself before you check off your to-do list.
The Solution: Leading Boldly, But Caring Deeply for You
Self-Care is a Form of Resistance
In a world that profits from your burnout, rest is revolutionary. Self-Care isn’t selfish, it’s how we restore the energy needed to speak up again. To lead again. To become whole again. Need a little motivational message? Listen here.
Ready to Take Your Power Back? Let Me Support You.
If you’re a woman in leadership feeling exhausted, dismissed, or overwhelmed, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Through my 1:1 coaching under Building Yourself 360, I help powerful women like you:
Reclaim your confidence
Set boundaries with boldness
Heal from workplace trauma
Build habits that support peace, power and purpose
👉🏽 Learn more and book a discovery session: Click Here
Your Journey Deserves to Be Documented: Wins & Lessons Journal
Whether your week felt like a breakthrough or a breakdown, reflection is key to growth. My Wins & Lessons Journal, available now on Amazon, was created for women like you. Leaders who want to track progress, process challenges, and protect their peace.
✨ It’s more than a journal, it’s your accountability partner.
📙 Get your copy by clicking here.
Final Thoughts: Keep Speaking, But Care for Your Spirit
Your voice has the power to shift rooms and systems. But you must be well to keep speaking. Stand in your Truth. Take the risk. Call out injustice. But don’t forget to pause, breathe, and return to yourself.
You are not “too emotional.” You are not “difficult.”
You are a woman in leadership, and your voice matters.
Hi, I’m Marilyn! A life coach, motivational speaker, and founder of The Burnout Breakup blog. I help women over 45 in leadership rediscover themselves through intentional self-care, mindset shifts, and personal reinvention.
After experiencing burnout firsthand, I created The Burnout Breakup as a space to share real stories, practical tools, and empowering resources for women who are ready to lead without losing themselves. Whether you’re rebuilding, recharging, or redefining what success means to you, you’re not alone here.
🖥️ Work with me: Building Yourself 360
📙 Shop my Wins & Lessons Journal: Here on Amazon
💌 Join the community here
