Issue #1 – The Mute Challenge

The Pause That Changed Everything

Have you ever taken the mute challenge?

If you attended Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour, you may remember the moment when the crowd went completely silent — a collective pause that felt powerful and connected. That version was fun, joyful, and electric.

For me, the idea of going "on mute" became something deeper…the kind where you step all the way back, not because you want to, but because you have to.

That was me after I left Mailchimp in December.

I’d spent years building brands, leading teams, delivering results and I was proud of the work. But somewhere along the way, I stopped hearing my own voice.

I was running on empty, overextended, and pushing through in a way that too many of us do. Especially Black women. Especially leaders. Especially those of us who carry all the roles: executive, mom, daughter, partner, caretaker, friend, mentor…without skipping a beat.

I used to think rest and reflection were luxuries. Now I know they’re survival.

So I did something I’d never done before: I paused.
Not to chase the next title. Not to rebrand overnight.
But to reset and figure out what alignment actually feels like.

From Burnout to Breakthrough

What I uncovered wasn’t a new job.
It was a new relationship with myself. A new kind of clarity.
And what I’ve always known, what I was finally able to name, is that I have a gift:

👉🏽 To help others find clarity, shift perspective, and achieve success on their own terms, by leading with empathy, deep connection, and a commitment to helping people grow into their best selves.

That’s why I created Glow by Design, a bi-weekly newsletter for anyone navigating a career pivot, feeling stuck, or reimagining what life looks like on the other side of burnout.

This isn’t a life coach launch.
It’s a personal conversation. A space to be honest. A moment to glow, with intention.

Questions That Quiet Helped Me Answer

If any of this resonates, you might be in your own moment of awakening.
You know, that point where you realize what you value in life, career, and everything in between no longer aligns, and you need a hard reset.

You’re not alone.
And it’s more than okay to go “on mute” to do the work and find a place where you can finally hear yourself again. That pause might just be the most powerful move you make.

Here are a few questions I had to face that might help you too:

• Where have I been doing more, achieving more, pushing more, while seeing little real return, and putting myself last in the process?

• What roles or responsibilities have I accepted without ever asking, “Is this still serving me?”

• Who do I become when I stop trying to prove I can do it all, and start giving myself the grace to simply be, love who I am, and honor how I show up?

Let’s Keep This Glow Going

This space isn’t just about me. It’s about us—and I’d love to hear from you. What resonated most? What are you reflecting on?

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: I’d love to hear how this landed with you and follow along for more reflections between issues.

• Forward to a friend: If this reminded you of someone who needs it, share it.

• Join the journey: If someone shared this with you, subscribe by clicking the link below to get future issues.

I truly believe the glow gets brighter when we share it.

Until next time, wishing you love, light, and the courage to listen to your own voice.

LaShanda 💫