Blog Post
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
Navigating Chronic Health Issues as a Woman Leader
Darlene Hawley
How Women Leaders Can Thrive with Chronic Illness: Energy Management, Boundaries, and Sustainable Success
For years, I operated under the same belief most of us are taught... push through, keep going, don’t let them see you struggle. And I did. I showed up, did the work, hit deadlines, ran my business, supported my clients, and rarely canceled an appointment.
What people didn’t see was the cost: the exhaustion, the brain fog, the moments when my body was screaming for rest but I didn’t listen.
Eventually, my body forced me to.
That moment changed everything — not just for my health, but for how I lead, coach, and help others create sustainable success.
The Moment My Body Said “Enough”
I haven’t always been this open about my health. For years, I pushed through, ignoring the warning signs.
I thought slowing down meant weakness. That I had to prove I could keep up, no matter what.
Until my body forced me to listen.
I had just started a new position in retail management — excited, motivated, ready to prove myself. The long hours, the stress, the non-stop movement?
I told myself I could handle it.
Until one night, I couldn’t.
I was the closing manager, wrapping up a long shift, when my body failed me. A massive flare took over — pain searing through my joints, exhaustion hitting me all over.
The pain in my feet so bad that I physically couldn’t walk out of the store on my own.
So, my team — my employees — rolled me out of the store on a clothing cart.
I was mortified.
That’s how bad it was.
I somehow managed to drive home, using my left foot because my right side was too inflamed to push the pedal. When I finally made it home, I crawled into my house, completely drained — both physically and emotionally.
That moment changed everything.
I realized I had been fighting my body instead of working with it. I had ignored every sign it gave me, convinced that pushing through was the only way. That night, I realized my body would make me if I didn’t learn to listen.
Clients often find out — though sometimes years into working with me, that I live with a chronic health condition, an invisible autoimmune disease called Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and have for the past 25 years. They’re always surprised and say, “but you look so normal, I would have never known just by looking at you.”
What they don’t see is the behind-the-scenes energy management, the mindset work, and the systems I’ve built to make it all work. And I know I’m not alone. Many of my clients, colleagues, and fellow leaders are balancing high-impact work while managing chronic pain, fatigue, or unpredictable health conditions.
We keep going — not because we have to, but because we’ve found ways to make it work. And that’s the shift, instead of fighting against these challenges, what if we integrated them into the way we lead? What if our experience with chronic illness actually made us better leaders, coaches, and entrepreneurs?
Chronic Health Issues: The Unseen Challenge for Women Leaders
Chronic illness impacts women at higher rates than men. Autoimmune diseases, migraines, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and hormonal disorders often go undiagnosed for years, and when they are acknowledged, we’re told to “push through.”
For those of us in leadership, this creates an invisible challenge, how do we maintain credibility, authority, and momentum while managing something that demands so much of us?
For me, the answer hasn’t been to hide my experience (though I didn’t always feel comfortable sharing it) — it’s been about learning how to turn it into a strength.
How My Health Journey Shapes My Coaching and Training
I don’t separate my chronic illness from my thought leadership — it’s part of my lived experience, and that profoundly influences how I coach and support others.
Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable lessons — ones I now teach my clients to help them navigate their own challenges.
1. Energy Awareness is the Foundation of Leadership
I used to operate like my energy was unlimited, like I could run on sheer willpower alone. (Spoiler alert, I couldn’t.) Now, I approach my work differently. I don’t force myself into a schedule that doesn’t fit my natural energy rhythms — I build my business around them. I teach my clients to do the same, whether they have a chronic condition or not. Because when you know how to work with your energy instead of against it, everything flows more easily.
2. Boundaries Aren’t Selfish — They’re Survival
I used to say yes to everything. Every opportunity. Every request. Every last-minute favor. Until I couldn’t anymore. Chronic illness made me get brutally honest about what I can and can’t take on, and that’s been one of the biggest gifts. Now, I help my clients set the kinds of boundaries that protect their time, energy, and well-being — without guilt, without apology. Because saying no to what drains you is really saying yes to yourself.
3. Systems Are the Secret to Doing More with Less Effort
Brain fog and decision fatigue are real. Some days, my brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open and half of them frozen. That’s why I rely on systems — not just for efficiency, but for survival. I help my clients create workflows that simplify their decision-making, eliminate unnecessary stress, and free up mental space for the work that actually moves the needle. Because the less energy you waste on “What should I do next?” the more you have for what truly matters.
4. Rest is a Leadership Strategy, Not a Luxury
I used to see rest as something I had to earn. Now, I see it as something that makes me better at what I do. I don’t wait until I’m running on empty to take a break — I build rest into my routine. Microbreaks, white space on my calendar, and even full days off when my body needs it. I teach my clients to do the same because when you’re well-rested, you’re more creative, more present, and — let’s be real — a lot less resentful of your work.
5. True Resilience is Built on Self-Trust, Not Just Grit
People love to glorify resilience as if it’s just about pushing through. But the strongest leaders I know? They don’t just push through — they pause, they listen, they adjust. They trust themselves enough to know when it’s time to shift gears. That’s what I help my clients develop, not just the ability to keep going, but the wisdom to know when to slow down, ask for help, or pivot. Because resilience isn’t about proving how much you can endure — it’s about building a life and business that supports you, not drains you.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Living with a chronic condition while running a business or leading a team isn’t easy — but it has given me insights and strengths I wouldn’t have developed otherwise. It has made me a better leader. A better coach. A better advocate for the women I work with.
I bring this experience into my coaching because I know what it’s like to navigate leadership while also managing health challenges. I know how to create strategies that actually work in real life — not just in theory.
For those of you juggling work, family, leadership, and health — know you’re not alone. And you don’t have to do it the hard way. There’s a way to thrive, build impact, and show up fully without burning out. I know, because I’ve built it for myself — and I help others do the same.
If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you.
How have you balanced leadership while managing a chronic condition? Let’s talk about it — because the more we share, the more we can support each other in building businesses and careers that work for us, not against us.
*This article was originally posted on Medium.
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Plus, you’ll get a
step-by-step workbook and
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Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
The Day I Learned That Selling Isn’t About Selling Ten years ago, I was on a sales call with someone who I knew would benefit from working with me. I had all my points prepared, I knew the value of my offer, and the moment I started “explaining” the coaching package, I could feel her pulling back. She went quiet. Her energy shifted. You know that moment when you can tell someone is already backing away even though you're still mid-sentence? I paused, smiled and took a deep breath and said, “Can I tell you a quick story?” I shared how I’d once been in her exact shoes... unsure, overwhelmed, and wondering if investing in myself was really the right move. I told her how I’d made that leap anyway… and shared what had changed for me during that process. That’s when she leaned in. She wasn’t sold by my offer. She was moved by the story. And that’s when I realized: Storytelling sells—without the “salesy used car salesman” vibe. Why Storytelling Works So Well in Sales Let’s be honest...no one wants to feel sold to, yet we all love to buy. What people do want is to feel seen, heard and valued. And storytelling does exactly that. In fact, studies show that people remember stories up to 22x more than facts alone. And even more powerful? A story creates emotion... and emotion drives action. If you’re struggling to convert prospects into clients, it’s not that your offer isn’t good. It’s that you might not be telling the right story to make someone feel why it matters. 3 Types of Stories That Sell (Without Feeling Pushy) 1. The “I’ve Been Where You Are” Story This is your empathy bridge. When you share a relatable story from your own experience, your audience sees themselves in you. You’re not just a coach, consultant, or expert.... you’re a human being who gets it. Example: “I used to feel invisible online. I would write a post, hit publish, and hear crickets. It wasn’t until I started sharing my story that people began engaging, reaching out, and eventually becoming a client.” This story builds trust and shows them, “If she figured this out, maybe I can too.” 2. The Client Success Story People like proof, evidence of how it will work. And no, this doesn’t mean sharing stats or results in bullet points. It means telling the transformation journey. Example: “Jackie, a life coach, came to me unsure of what to say in her content. After taking my storytelling course, she started sharing her story in her newsletter and during conversations and landed three new clients within the first month. Why? Because her audience felt connected to her.” It’s not about showing off, it’s about showing what’s possible. 3. The Vision Story Paint the picture of what life could look like for them if they take action. The power of this story lies in aspiration. Example: “Imagine waking up with clarity around your message. You open your laptop, write a post with confidence, and get a message from someone who says, ‘I felt like you were speaking directly to me.’ That’s what happens when your story connects.” When people can see their future selves in the story you tell, they want more of what you have to offer. How to Start Using These Stories in Your Sales Process Now that you’ve got the story types, here’s where to use them: On your website – especially your About page and sales pages In your emails – every time you’re adding value or selling connect with a story On strategy calls – as a way to shift from pressure to connection On social media – to build relationships and nurture your community Tip: Start building a Story Bank. Open a notes tab or a doc and jot down 2–3 small moments from your life or business each day. That way, when it’s time to write content or show up for a launch... you’re never starting from scratch. Selling Through Story Isn’t Manipulative—It’s Meaningful When you tell stories with heart and authenticity, you’re not convincing people to buy, you’re helping them see that they’re not alone. You’re offering a way to move forward. And when you do that? Selling doesn’t feel awkward, It feels like service. One of my mentors, Kendrick Shope, always says: “Selling is helping.” And she’s absolutely right. Because when you sell through storytelling, you’re not pushing, you’re guiding. You’re inviting people into a transformation that you know is possible. When you lead with your heart and with empathy and share your truth, you're not just building a business... you’re building trust What might shift for you if you started weaving more of your story into how you connect with your team, clients and community?
The 3 Biggest Storytelling Mistakes Entrepreneurs & Leaders Make (And How to Fix Them)
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley chats with her long-time friend Danielle Hawthorne, a compassionate disruptor and truth teller devoted to honoring her worth and supporting others on their journey. Danielle shares her path to founding 'Worthy of Dignity,' a company dedicated to teaching leaders to recognize and elevate their teams based on their core values and holistic well-being. Discover how Danielle's experiences in toxic work environments led her to prioritize health and wellness, reducing burnout, and increasing team morale. Learn actionable insights on how leaders can foster inclusive and compassionate workplaces. Don't miss exciting details about Danielle's upcoming women's conference, 'Enough 2025,' aimed at empowering women to embrace their worth without having to earn it. Tune in for powerful stories, practical tips, and much more! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Danielle's Journey to Worthy of Dignity 03:09 Impact of Leadership and Wellness 05:45 Creating a Culture of Value and Respect 13:23 Leading with Curiosity and Human Connection 16:55 Challenges and Changes in Leadership 17:36 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 18:48 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 19:21 The Importance of Rest and Setting Boundaries 21:46 Practical Tips for Slowing Down 25:47 Upcoming Women's Conference: Enough 2025 29:04 Ways to Work with Danielle 30:06 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Danielle 35:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley sits down with transformational coach and author Lenore Kantor. They dive into Lenore's journey from corporate executive to transformational coach, where she now helps high achievers unlock greater personal growth, professional fulfillment, and higher income. Lenore discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and her new book, 'So What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are'. Whether you're a leader looking to navigate career transitions or an entrepreneur seeking authentic alignment in your work, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how to embrace change, align with your true self, and show up authentically in your professional and personal life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Lenore's Background and Journey 03:12 Navigating Career Transitions 06:36 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 09:11 Adapting to Change 14:50 Authenticity and Leadership 23:52 Future Plans and Projects 26:59 Rapid Fire Questions 30:14 Conclusion and Farewell ------- Lenore Kantor is a transformational coach, author, mentor, career advisor and inspirational speaker who guides smart high-achievers to greater personal growth, professional fulfillment and higher income by overcoming their blocks to creating soul-aligned work. She is the author of So, What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are, an unconventional guidebook and eight-step path for conscious leaders to discover their work in the world (launching February ’25). Lenore's holistic multi-disciplinary approach evolved over 30+ years as a former corporate marketing executive, soulpreneur and founder of Growth Warrior. Lenore integrates empathy with no BS, business strategy, marketing and product launch expertise with intuitive insight and multiple healing modalities. She's a former corporate marketing executive and has been a strategic advisor and outsourced CMO to high-growth businesses, mentored founders across multiple startup accelerators, and is a Capstone and Career Advisor to Bard’s MBA in Sustainability and part of Columbia’s Career Coaching Network. www.growthwarrior.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorekantor https://www.instagram.com/lenorekantor/ https://www.facebook.com/growthcoach/ ---- Hi I'm Darlene Hawley, and I help entrepreneurs and executive leaders find their voice and mastering communication in high-stakes conversations and presentations, whether in the boardroom, on a sales call, or around the dinner table. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
Discover the transformative journey of overcoming fear with Kori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim, on the latest episode of the "Attract and Stand Out" podcast. Dive into how adults can conquer their fear of water through tailored mental and physical training. Learn how the life lessons from swimming extend beyond the pool, helping individuals build confidence and personal growth. Perfect for anyone interested in personal development, adult swim education, and the psychology of overcoming fear. Listen now to uncover powerful insights and strategies for embracing your unique path.
Reflect on 2025, choose a transformative Word of the Year, and unlock success in the new year. Discover how 'Trust' fuels growth, leadership, and your personal brand.
Struggling with imposter syndrome even after years of success? Discover how leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt and confidently share their expertise, personal brand, and client results. In this post, learn proven strategies to showcase your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging, transform testimonials into credibility boosters, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. By embracing your unique value, you’ll strengthen your personal brand, inspire trust, and drive sustainable business growth—proving that your “big brain” belongs front and center in your leadership journey.
How Practicing Gratitude Can Recharge Leaders and Strengthen Business Connections
Struggling with poor workplace communication? Discover actionable strategies to improve clarity, confidence, and listening at our holiday-themed Leadership Roundtable for HR leaders and executives.
