Live Well Lead Well: Top Three Actions for Whole Person Success in Leadership

Mary Axelsen, Founder and CEO of WeMaax Consulting, and Amy Wood, Psy.D. share insights from their conversation with Kim Lloyd and Michelle LaFond

In today's fast-paced world, leaders are expected to perform at their best-professionally and personally. Yet, true leadership excellence comes from whole-person success: integrating every aspect of your life so you can show up as your best self for your team, your organization, and yourself. Here are the top three actions leaders can take to live well and, in turn, lead well:

1. Integrate, Don’t Compartmentalize: Embrace Whole Person Success

Many leaders fall into the trap of compartmentalizing their work and personal lives, believing that strict boundaries are the only way to maintain balance. However, the most effective leaders understand that their personal and professional selves are deeply interconnected.

Why it matters: Physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional resilience don’t just benefit you at home- they directly impact your confidence, decision-making, and presence at work.

Action Step: Start by defining what whole-person success means to you. Reflect on how your well-being in one area (like physical health) influences your effectiveness in others (like leadership presence or emotional intelligence).

2. Prioritize Well-Being with Small, Incremental Steps

Big changes can feel overwhelming, so the key is to break down big goals into small, consistent actions that lead to sustainable success. A great small step method is “exercise snacking” – for example, moving your body whenever you have a 10- or 15-minute block of time – because it all adds up.

Why it matters: Incremental changes are more likely to stick and less likely to trigger burnout. Modeling small changes in small steps sets a powerful example for your team, showing that well-being is a manageable daily practice, not an intimidating ideal.

Action Step: Try starting your day with recalling one thing you’re grateful for, taking a short walk, or simply drinking a glass of water. Stacking these aspiring habits on top of existing habits – for example, getting up from your desk and doing a few stretches whenever you need a bathroom break – is a very effective way of overcoming resistance and building momentum.

3. Champion Mental Health and Self-Care for Yourself and Others

Mental health is foundational to whole-person success. Leaders who prioritize their own self-care, regularly tending to their own mental health and being real about it, are better equipped psychologically to create supportive environments for their teams.

Why it Matters: When leaders are open about their own mental health journeys-whether it’s meditating, seeking therapy, or simply taking time-outs every day for rest-they destigmatize these nourishing practices for others.

Action Step: Make self-care non-negotiable. This could mean scheduling regular time in nature, cutting back on carbs, or ensuring you get quality sleep. Consider finding an accountability partner to help you stay on track.

Final Thoughts: Lead by Living Well

Whole person success isn’t about achieving perfection - it’s about progress, presence, and authenticity. By integrating your personal and professional lives, making incremental wellness changes, and prioritizing mental health, you’ll not only live better - you’ll lead better. And when leaders thrive, so do their teams!

What’s your next small step toward whole-person success? Share your story and inspire others to live well to lead well!