Searching for Grace
THE FOUNDER: ANYANWU
THR is a Black woman-owned grassroots company driving transformative change to address biases and -isms in communities and institutions nationwide. Through trauma-informed professional development, consultation, and partnerships with educators, families, and communities, we help shift cultures toward healing and liberation.
ANYANWU is the Founder and CEO of THE HUMAN ROOT, bringing over 28 years of grit, vision, and expertise as a social entrepreneur, educator, activist, doula, and herbalist. She moves with purpose, empowered by her unshakable relationship with God and the clarity that comes from being accountable to her gifts of reverence and discernment. ANYANWU has spent her career fighting for youth development and the wellness of educators, building spaces where real healing and growth can happen. Her story is one of resilience, shaped by her Caribbean roots, Marin City, CA activists and her ability to rise above harm from gun-violence, PTSD, and breast cancer.
Searching for Grace: A Leader’s Journey Through Disappointment and PTSD
By ANYANWU, NOVEMBER 2024
READ: THE FORBES ARTICLE
Leadership isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding path of success, failure, and everything in between. In 2019, I shared my story of founding The Human Root with Forbes, a moment filled with pride in my work to help communities overcome bias and redistribute power. But shortly after that article, I found myself in a deeply challenging place. I disappointed my team and clients while silently battling the effects of PTSD—a storm I tried to weather alone.
Disappointment is a heavy burden, especially when you carry the expectations of those you lead. I remember moments of deep guilt as I faced the reality of not meeting the standard of care I prided myself on. Yet, in my quiet moments of reflection, I realized something profound: my humanity was not a failure—it was an invitation to heal and recalibrate.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, has a way of creeping into every aspect of life. It affects how you think, work, and connect with others. For me, it created a cycle of perfectionism and withdrawal. I didn’t want to burden anyone with my struggles, but in doing so, I inadvertently distanced myself from those who needed me most.
Turning Toward Healing
Acknowledging my struggle became the first step toward accountability. I sought support, engaged in therapy, and leaned on the principles I teach: emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and reconciliation. I learned that searching for grace meant giving it to myself first.
Through this journey, I’ve grown into a stronger, more empathetic leader. I’ve also come to understand the importance of transparency in leadership. Sharing your struggles doesn’t make you weak; it humanizes you and creates a bridge for authentic connection.
Tips for Leaders Navigating Challenges
If you find yourself in a similar space of disappointment or struggle, here are a few lessons from my journey:
Acknowledge Your Humanity: Leadership doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up authentically, even when things are hard.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with trusted advisors, therapists, or coaches who can help you process and heal.
Practice Transparency: Share your journey with your team, showing them that challenges can be overcome with accountability and grace.
Prioritize Self-Care: Healing requires nourishment—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Rest, reflect, and restore.
Rebuild Trust Through Action: Apologize when necessary, then show through your actions that you’re committed to growth.
Moving Forward with Purpose
The journey from disappointment to growth isn’t easy, but it’s transformative. I’ve emerged from these struggles with a deeper understanding of the resilience it takes to lead while healing. Today, I use my experience to empower others through The Human Root, reminding them that even in our darkest moments, there’s always a way forward.
If you’re a leader facing challenges, know that you’re not alone. Grace, healing, and reconciliation are possible—they’re waiting for you on the other side of accountability and reflection.
