Unmasking Leadership: Vulnerability, Boundaries, and Burnout at NSSPF Friday Night Check-ins!
By Wonderful Tomilade Aderibigbe
4th June 2025
Did you know that even the strongest leaders can cry? And that admitting mistakes isn’t a weakness, but a superpower? If you’re a student navigating the exciting, sometimes overwhelming, journey of leadership – whether in your studies, a student society, or even just your personal life – then you need to hear about the incredible insights shared at NSSPF’s latest Friday Night Check-in!
On May 16, 2025, at 7:54 PM (UK time), our virtual space buzzed with vibrant conversation, anchored by the ‘wonderful’ Wonderful Tomilade Aderibigbe. This wasn’t just another online meeting; it was a candid, compassionate, and incredibly real deep dive into the very heart of what it means to lead effectively while staying authentically human.
The evening kicked off with warm introductions, setting the stage for what would become a truly safe and open environment. Then, we plunged into a topic often whispered about but rarely discussed openly: Leadership and Vulnerability.
Leading with an Open Heart (and Admitting When You’re Wrong!)
Imagine a leader who isn’t afraid to say, “I made a mistake.” That’s the powerful truth that emerged from our discussion. As Debs brilliantly shared, vulnerability means “admitting mistakes, acknowledging issues, and being transparent with the team.” She even gave real-world examples from her banking and current roles, showing how openly admitting errors not only humanizes leaders but also builds incredible trust within a team. It’s about taking responsibility, not hiding behind excuses – a crucial lesson for any aspiring leader!
Charity further emphasized this, reminding us that leaders are human, too! The idea that we must always be stoic and unshakeable is a myth. She powerfully articulated that accepting one’s humanity and allowing oneself to express emotions, even cry, is vital. Suppressing emotions can lead to depression and emotional trauma. This sparked a fascinating side discussion with Andrew about leaders crying in front of their children, with Charity sharing her own poignant experience of her father expressing grief. Gloria added that for men, particularly husbands, vulnerability is often deeply appreciated by wives who yearn to understand their partners’ emotional landscapes.
The Tightrope Walk: Balancing Leadership & Life
Let’s be honest, balancing responsibilities can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Our attendees bravely shared their own struggles:
* Andrew admitted to the challenge of delegation, often taking back tasks he’d assigned, a relatable struggle for many who feel it’s “easier to do it myself.”
* Charity grapples with the immense pressure of living up to others’ high expectations as a leader.
* Ogba Chukwuebuka voiced the difficulty of creating a “stop-work routine” and truly switching off from professional demands.
The conversation then took a critical turn to the feeling of guilt when asking for help. Debs candidly shared her past experience of overworking without pay, driven by the fear of appearing incompetent. And J.R. Jadesola articulated the frustration of constantly chasing people for assistance.
This is where Elizabeth dropped a vital truth: the power of saying “no.” Learning to set boundaries as a leader is paramount, ensuring you don’t neglect your own needs while trying to support everyone else.
Battling Burnout: Rest is Not a Weakness, It’s a Weapon!
The discussion moved to a topic that resonates deeply with students and aspiring leaders alike: burnout. Henry courageously shared his experience of constant headaches and overwhelming stress – classic signs of being pushed too far. Charity drove home a critical point: we must proactively create time for rest, rather than waiting for our bodies to force a break. She even shared her clever strategy of “disappearing” from her lab for crucial recharges!
This led to a brilliant distinction between rest and sleep. As Andrew insightfully shared, drawing on Biblical principles of God’s commanded rest, rest isn’t just about sleeping; it’s about intentional and periodic recuperation and regeneration. It’s a deliberate choice to recharge your physical and mental well-being. Andrew used his trip around Europe late last year as an example, facilitated by Dgitech Travels.
Andrew and Charity concluded this part by encouraging exercise because working or trekking is not exercise; they both concluded with the saying that “the day you realise the difference between stress and exercise your body will be grateful”.
Your Well-being, Our Priority: Next Steps for Growth!
The evening concluded with a powerful emphasis on mental wellness strategies. From regular sleep and healthy eating to physical activity, digital detoxes, and setting boundaries, the NSSPF community is committed to holistic well-being. Wonderful passionately stressed the importance of reaching out for support when struggling, reminding us of available resources, including university services and organizations across the UK.
And the best part? The NSSPF team is ready to support you beyond the check-in!
* Dreaming of adventure? Reach out to Adenike (info.travels@dgitechsolutions.net; +441202028277) about the group travel trips planned for July/August and November!
* Schengen Visa on your mind? Adenike also has the info you need – just contact her via the provided email address!
* Boost your financial literacy! Adenike or Debs (+447507445916) can connect you with free financial education sessions, and for those interested in earning money through financial education, DM Debs directly on the WhatsApp number provided!
* Want to know more about NSSPF? Contact: email: info@nsspf-uk.org; or DM Andrew on +447448356792
For all our incredible leaders, remember:
* Practice setting boundaries and saying “no” to protect your peace.
* Pay attention to signs of burnout and take steps to rest and recharge.
* Incorporate regular breaks, exercise, and digital detoxes into your routines.
Reflections:
* What’s YOUR biggest takeaway from this discussion on leadership and vulnerability?
* How do YOU prioritize mental wellness amidst your responsibilities?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
We can’t wait to connect with you at the next NSSPF Friday Night Check-in – because together, we grow!
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