Prioritizing Wellness to Lead with Balance and Strength

In September 2023, during a PIC session, a moment of clarity changed everything for Kari Miller, Academic Director at Uplift Wisdom Preparatory. Reviewing her Be Well Lead Well® pulse assessment data revealed results that were impossible to ignore—some dimensions were low, including “Fuel.”

“I mean, single-digit low,” she recalls. “It hit me: Suppose I don’t do something to begin to heal myself. Who will?”
Amid the pressures of leading a school and navigating life’s challenges, she recognized the need to prioritize her own well-being—personally and professionally—before burnout could take hold. That lightbulb moment, sparked by PIC’s reflective and vulnerable work, became a turning point.

Embracing Wellness Through Be Well Lead Well
The Be Well Lead Well® pulse report provided Kari with information about her current state of well-being that helped her approach wellness holistically, giving her a lens to manage stress and achieve a healthier balance. Through deep reflection on her purpose, values, and goals, she found renewed energy—both at work and in life.

“By prioritizing self-care, I’ve become more present and energized, which has enhanced my ability to lead with compassion and authenticity,” she shares. Small, manageable actions made all the difference, empowering her to lead effectively while staying grounded.

Daily Wellness Practices: Small Steps, Big Impact
One of the most impactful changes she made was integrating mindful breathing and daily stretching into her routine. When anxiety crept in and her physical health suffered, she discovered the power of techniques like box breathing and the 4-7-8 method to regulate emotions and energy.

Now, a simple sign in her office that reads “Inhale, Exhale” serves as a daily reminder to pause and recenter.

Before bed, 15 minutes of stretching has become so essential that she can’t sleep without it. “These habits may seem small, but they’ve given me a clearer mind and a more balanced sense of well-being. They’ve allowed me to lead with calm and focus,” she explains.

Advice for Fellow Principals
Kari encourages other leaders to start small:

• Introduce breathing exercises to manage stress and stay grounded.
• Add simple reminders in your workspace to pause, refocus, and stay present.
• Make movement—stretching, walking, or any activity—part of your daily routine to build physical and mental resilience.

“The key is starting with manageable, consistent habits,” she advises. “These small steps can make a big difference in creating a balanced, energized approach to leadership.”

Why Wellness Matters in Leadership
Through her journey, Kari exemplifies that prioritizing wellness is not just about self-care—it’s about becoming the most effective leader for your team and students. Her story is a reminder that when leaders take care of themselves, they show up stronger, more compassionate, and are able to endure the challenges associated with school leadership and better sustain in this work.