In this Mind Over Masculinity episode from Healthy Mind By Avik™ a real-world crisis becomes a leadership masterclass. After losing her husband to a sudden heart attack, Sheyna James became a CEO, widow, single mom, and pastor in one day. Instead of shutting down, she chose responsibility, rebuilt her life, and now coaches leaders on why most leadership problems are emotional, not strategic.
This conversation cuts through the hustle myth that leaders must be stoic robots. Sheyna unpacks her RARE framework. Relational, Authentic, Innovative, Resilient. And shows why men who carry financial pressure, family responsibility, and unprocessed grief hit a breaking point when they never create space to feel. If you are leading a team, a family, or your own life through crisis, this episode gives you practical tools to stay grounded, human, and effective.
About the Guest
Sheyna James is a leadership strategist, pastor, and executive coach who stepped into the top seat after her husband, a CEO and community leader, died unexpectedly from a heart attack. Overnight she became the only parent to two young sons while leading a church and a business through grief and transition. Out of that lived experience she created the RARE framework, helping leaders become more relational, authentic, innovative, and resilient so they can handle pressure without sacrificing their emotional health or the people they serve.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership in crisis is mostly emotional, not tactical. Men often carry silent pressure about money, performance, and provision while pretending they are fine. Unprocessed stress eventually leaks into teams, families, and decisions.
Compartmentalizing work, home, and emotions looks efficient, but it is an illusion. You are one human system. A fight with your partner or child will impact how you show up for your team and leadership decisions.
Sheyna’s RARE framework defines great leaders as Relational, Authentic, Innovative, and Resilient. Most struggle with the relational pillar. Communication, delegation, feedback, and trust building are learned skills, not personality traits.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. In crisis, leaders need scheduled space to fall apart in a controlled way. Time-block grief, rest, journaling, gym sessions, or silence so your nervous system can reset and your brain can stay sharp.
If you never create emotional release valves, your pain becomes a powder keg. It rarely explodes at work in a controlled way. It blows up at home on the people you actually love.
Kindness and clarity are not opposites. The strongest leadership is both accountable and compassionate. When you care for your own grief and stress, people get the best version of you, not the burned-out version.
Connect with the Guest :
Listeners can connect with Sheyna James here.
Free Leader Toolkit and RARE framework
Advisory and speaking: https://www.sheynajamesconsulting.com/
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty. storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate. this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:
• Mental Health & Emotional
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