Condoleezza Rice and Allyson Felix, two remarkable women who have paved the way as leaders and role models, are now joining forces to prioritize wellness and empower other women to succeed. As the first Black woman to serve as secretary of state and the most decorated U.S. Olympian in track and field history, Rice and Felix recently shared their advice on managing stress during an interview with CBS News.
Rice, reflecting on her journey, revealed that being the first was never her primary goal. In fact, she recounted a conversation with her late friend Sally Ride, the first woman in space, who expressed a similar sentiment. Rice emphasized the importance of not fixating on being the first, but rather enjoying the opportunities that come along with it.
However, Rice acknowledged that her path to success was not without obstacles. Growing up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, she chose not to let the barriers in her way deter her progress. Rice’s father always reminded her not to let someone else’s prejudice dictate her life.
Felix, too, discussed the challenges of being a trailblazer. Overcoming her fears, she shared her experience of hiding her pregnancy while training at 4 a.m. in the dark because her sponsor, Nike, would reduce pay for athletes unable to compete due to pregnancy. Felix eventually went public in a New York Times op-ed, leading Nike to change its policy. Inspired by her own journey, Felix founded Saysh, an athletic shoe company aimed at supporting women, especially mothers.
Felix has been an advocate for Black maternal health, shedding light on the disproportionate impact of pregnancy-related complications on Black women. She stressed the need for increased awareness and emphasized the significance of recognizing the signs of conditions like preeclampsia, which affect Black women at a higher rate. Felix also highlighted the presence of implicit bias in the medical field, calling for a change in how Black women are treated and listened to.
In a recent study by KPMG, it was found that 91% of executive women have experienced a significant growth in stress over the past three years. Stress is an inherent part of life, according to Rice, especially as one climbs the ladder of success. The key, she explained, is acknowledging and managing stress rather than suppressing it. For Rice, this means playing the piano and creating time to disconnect, even during her tenure as secretary of state.
Felix shared her own wellness practices, starting her day with a gratitude journal and finding solace in activities like playing tennis and meditation. Both Rice and Felix attribute their success to prioritizing their well-being.
Rice also revealed her love for football, which she shares with her late father. As a part-owner of the Denver Broncos, football holds a special place in her heart. Similarly, Felix spoke about the importance of instilling confidence in her daughter through affirmations and preparing her for the battles she may face in life.
The interview concluded with Felix expressing the affirmation for the day: “Challenges help me grow.”
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