Nichole Weiler, LCSW, Norfolk Virginia

“The Emotional Weight of Leadership”

If there’s one thing we don’t talk about enough in civic leadership, it’s the emotional toll. Whether you’re a mayor or council member, a school board member, a city manager, or serve in any other public role, you know firsthand how the weight of your responsibilities can affect not just your work but your well-being. The decisions you make don’t just impact your community—they take a personal toll, too. That’s why I want to highlight our latest episode of Community Catalysts, titled "The Emotional Weight of Leadership".

In this episode, I have an important conversation with Nicole Weiler, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker from Norfolk, Virginia, who has deep experience supporting first responders, military personnel, and civic leaders. Nicole will be joining me at the upcoming Virginia Municipal League’s Mayors Institute to support a courageous conversation about the mental and emotional challenges leaders face in public service. Her work is all about helping individuals handle the pressure and trauma of their roles—and the parallels to civic leadership are powerful.

We often associate stress with the immediate demands of our jobs—responding to emergencies, managing crises, and addressing public concerns. But as Nicole points out, the emotional toll doesn’t end when the crisis is over. It accumulates over time, leading to burnout, anxiety, and in some cases, long-term mental health challenges. This is something we can’t afford to ignore.

The reality is that prioritizing mental health isn’t just about self-care—it’s about being the best leader you can be for your community. And beyond the workplace, it’s also about protecting your relationships with family and friends. The stress you carry can spill over into your personal life, affecting those closest to you in ways you might not even realize. Nicole shares mindfulness techniques and practical strategies that anyone in public service can use to stay grounded, focused, and resilient—even in the face of intense pressure.

I know that taking time for yourself can feel impossible when the demands of your community are constant. But if we don’t prioritize our own mental health, how can we be there for the people we serve—or for the people we love? I encourage you to listen to this episode and take the opportunity to reflect on your own well-being. It’s not just an interesting conversation—it’s a vital one for all of us in leadership.

I hope you’ll join me in making mental health a priority in our work. Because in the long run, taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do for your community—and for your loved ones.

Take a listen, and let’s start the conversation.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

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