The Power of Gratitude in Leadership and Mental Wellness

By Ashley Peña, LCSW

National Executive Director of Mission Connection

If you had told me years ago that one of the most powerful tools in my leadership toolbox would be gratitude, I might have been skeptical. As a leader in the mental health field, my days are filled with complex challenges, big decisions, and caring for both my team and the clients we serve. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of what’s next and what’s wrong.

But I’ve learned that pausing to say a genuine "thank you" is far from a soft skill. It’s a game-changer. It’s the practice that keeps me, and my team, mentally strong, connected, and resilient, even on the toughest days.

I see gratitude as a form of mental health hygiene. Just like we brush our teeth every day, we can practice gratitude to clean away the stress and negativity that builds up. When I focus on what I’m thankful for, whether it’s a team member who went the extra mile, a client who showed incredible courage, or even just a moment of quiet on a busy day, it shifts something in me. It grounds me. Science tells us this isn't just a feeling. Actively appreciating the good things actually rewires our brain to be happier and less anxious. For a leader, that mental clarity is everything. It means I can respond to a crisis with a calm heart instead of reacting from a place of panic.

This practice doesn’t just help me. It builds the entire team’s spirit. I make it a point to give specific thanks. Instead of a general “good job”, I’ll say, “Thank you for the compassion you showed that client today”, or “I’m so grateful you spoke up in that meeting with your idea”. This does something important. It tells people they are seen and valued for who they are, not just for what they produce. That feeling of being valued is the foundation of trust. When people feel that trust, they are more willing to collaborate, to help each other, and to be vulnerable. They know they belong.

And what about when things go wrong? Because they will. Projects stall, mistakes happen, and we face setbacks. This is where gratitude becomes our anchor. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about finding the small pieces of good within the hard stuff. After a tough day, I might be thankful for the way the team rallied together, or for the lesson we learned that will make us stronger next time. This habit builds an incredible kind of strength. It teaches us that we can handle difficulty without being broken by it. We can be stressed and grateful at the same time. That is the heart of resilience.

So often, we women leaders feel we have to push harder and do more. I want to suggest a different path. Lead with thanks. Make it a real and regular part of your day. Notice the people around you and tell them what they mean to you. This simple act of appreciation will not only fill your own cup but will empower everyone around you to do their best work, together.

Ashley Peña, LCSW, is the National Executive Director for Mission Connection at AMFM Healthcare. She is passionate about creating supportive communities where both individuals and teams can thrive.

Connect With Ashley

www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-lombardi-socialworker