You can’t lead well if you’re not well.

Too many of us today are struggling to lead while running on fumes. And when we think about wellbeing, it often becomes just another thing on the list, something we turn to only after burnout hits.

In this episode of Let’s Talk, People, Emily sits down with Rosemary Mancino, President of Meridian Brands and Founder of The Wisdom Collective, to reframe wellbeing as a leadership competency, not a nice-to-have. They talk about what wellbeing really looks like beyond massages, gym workouts, and vacation days and why it’s about showing up whole so you can lead with clarity, make sound decisions, and create space for others to thrive.

Whether you’re holding too much, moving too fast, or haven’t paused to check in with yourself, this conversation is a grounded invitation to lead from a place of sustainability and self-awareness.

Timestamps

• [00:06:05] Making space for yourself – Rosemary shares how giving yourself permission to pause is an essential part of showing up with clarity and presence.
• [00:15:40] Wellbeing as a leadership skill – Emily and Rosemary reframe wellbeing not as a luxury but as a leadership practice that sustains decision-making, energy, and trust.
• [00:26:18] Honoring your season – Rosemary reflects on how personal and professional rhythms shift over time and why sustainable leadership requires pacing and perspective.
• [00:35:02] Modeling wellness at work – The conversation closes with a look at how leaders can normalize wellbeing by living it themselves and making space for others to do the same.

As an added bonus, head to arosegroup.com/resources to grab your complementary guide to prioritizing your wellbeing at work. 

Access the episode transcript.

Join the Conversation: This year we’re taking audience questions! Send in your toughest people management and leadership challenges, and we’ll anonymize them and tackle them in an upcoming episode. Email Abigail on our Let’s Talk, People team with your situation as a written note or voice memo to [email protected].

Connect with Emily Frieze-Kemeny on LinkedIn and Instagram or explore her work through AROSE Group’s website.

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