We talk a lot about burnout, disconnection, and disengagement at work—but we don’t talk enough about how community can be the antidote.

In this episode of DEI After 5, I share some reflections on how easy it is—especially for middle managers—to feel like you're carrying the load alone. You're expected to show up for everyone else, but who’s holding space for you? That’s where community comes in. And I’m not just talking about team bonding or a happy hour after work. I’m talking about the people who see you. The people who remind you that you’re not crazy. The ones who tell you the truth, even when it’s hard—and love you through it.

Community isn’t just one thing. It might be your team, your friend group, your family, your group chat, or even your sorority sisters. Each circle gives us something different—sometimes it’s laughter, sometimes it’s accountability, and sometimes it’s the silence we need to breathe. But here’s the catch: we have to nurture it. Community doesn’t just happen. We have to choose to show up and be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable.

In one of my recent trainings, folks from different departments came together for the first time—and they were shocked to realize how much they had in common. That moment reminded me how often we operate in silos, even within the same organization. We’re so focused on the work that we forget to connect as people. But when we make time for real conversations, we start to see that we’re not alone. And that changes everything.

So I’ll ask you what I asked the group:Who’s in your corner right now?Where do you feel safe enough to be real?And what communities have you maybe drifted away from, that it might be time to revisit?

This is about survival. Especially in times like these, we need spaces that refill our cup. And when we tend to those spaces, we become better teammates, better leaders, and better humans.

We don't have to do this alone.Let’s stop pretending we do.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deiafter5.substack.com/subscribe