Ep. 39 - Finding Relief When It's All Too Much

In this episode of Lead Through It, Jada Willis and Kim Andrews reflect on a powerful conversation with leadership consultant Rachel Cooke and unpack what it really means to lead in seasons of uncertainty, overwhelm, and constant motion.

Together, they explore the tension between planning and presence, and why letting go of rigid expectations can actually create more clarity, energy, and forward movement. From Steve Jobs’ idea of “connecting the dots looking backward” to the reminder that “two things can be true,” the conversation centers on the idea that leadership doesn’t always require a perfect plan to move forward effectively.

Jada and Kim also dig into the small but meaningful shifts that help leaders stay grounded in the middle of chaos…what Rachel calls “small increments of relief.” Whether it’s building tiny habits, noticing what brings energy versus what drains it, or allowing space for imperfection and inconsistency, they highlight how real change often starts in the smallest, most practical adjustments.

At the heart of the episode is a reminder that burnout doesn’t always require a major overhaul. Sometimes it starts with small sparks of relief, a little more presence, and the willingness to loosen your grip on how things “should” go.

This episode is for leaders who are carrying a lot, trying to do everything right, and wondering if there is a more sustainable way to lead. The answer shared here is simple but not always easy: slow down enough to notice what’s working, take the next small step, and allow space for things to unfold.