Forty-three applications for sabbatical support in five months. That’s not a data point — it’s a verdict on what we’ve built.

But what The Cocoon Initiative is doing feels genuinely revolutionary. Placing self-care and well-being at the heart of its mission challenges the long-held notion that self-sacrifice is an inevitable part of the change-making journey. It’s saying that your well-being matters, not just for your own sake but also for the sustainability and impact of your work.

I was particularly inspired by the initiative’s commitment to trust and autonomy. Allowing leaders to design their own sabbaticals tailored to their unique needs is a powerful recognition of their wisdom and self-awareness. This approach acknowledges the transformative potential of letting go, of creating space for organic growth and renewal.

I am glad we are having honest conversations around the challenges of this work and collectively re-imagining what supportive, human-centric leadership can look like.

Burnout, guilt about rest, and a profound appreciation for a space to breathe are experiences that unite so many in this field.

That’s why this initiative is so crucial. It reminds us that our well-being isn’t a luxury but a necessity, that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish but an act of service—to our work, our teams, and the communities we’re striving to empower.

Also, a shout-out to The Wellbeing Project

Aaron Pereira

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Originally written for LinkedIn on 5 May 2024. View original →