Two pioneering women who served as leaders and role models — Condoleezza Rice, the first Black woman to serve as Secretary of State, and Allyson Felix. most decorated U.S. Olympians in track and field history are now working together to help other women succeed by prioritizing their health.
recently KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit At Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, Rice and Felix spoke to CBS News about their advice for reducing stress, especially since they are firsts in the field.
“Nobody really tries to be the first,” Rice said. “I’ll never forget the conversation I had with my best friend, the late Sally Ride. She said, ‘I didn’t want to be the first woman to go to space. I just wanted to go to space.’ , I think if you think too much about being first, you won’t enjoy the opportunities in front of you.
“Enjoy the ride!” she laughed.
The road to the top wasn’t always smooth. Ms. Rice said.
“I grew up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama. If I had thought about barriers, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My father used a very good word. It means you shouldn’t make it your problem.”.”
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“It’s hard to be alone in a room,” Felix said. “But I think on the other side of fear there is freedom.”
At times, Felix feared he would lose his livelihood if he didn’t hide some of his truth. “She was training in the dark from 4 a.m. so no one would know she was pregnant,” Felix said.
That’s because back in 2018, her sponsor, Nike, said it would reduce a player’s pay if they were unable to compete, even if the player was sidelined due to pregnancy. Felix went public the following year. New York Times editorial.
“I went through a very difficult time when I had my daughter, just looking at her and thinking about the world I wanted her to grow up in,” she said. “It was really scary, but I truly believed I was doing the right thing.”
Nike changed course and Felix started his own athletic shoe company. Saishaimed at supporting women, especially mothers.
Felix has previously spoken out about the health of Black mothers, most recently speaking out about his friend and former teammate Tori Bowie. people who died in may From complications during childbirth.revealed by autopsy Bowie may have been having seizures caused by pre-eclampsiaa condition of high blood pressure that disproportionately affects Black women.
“I think it was a really tough situation for everyone. It highlighted the maternal and child health crisis we face for women of color,” Felix said.
according to CDC dataBlack women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, and 80% of cases are preventable.
“Women of color need to know that they are at risk,” Felix said. “They need to know the signs to look out for, such as poor vision, swelling in the feet, and headaches.”
In addition to awareness, Felix also expressed concern about the impact of implicit bias in the medical field. “Until now, black women’s voices have not been heard. Their pain has been unbelievable. And it has to stop,” she said.
Health, childcare, and work can all contribute to increased stress levels. New research from KPMG shows that 91% of female executives report feeling that stress has increased sharply over the past three years.
“Stress is a part of life,” Rice said. “Especially the higher you go up the stairs, the more stress you get. And frankly, that’s true for men, too.”
How does she manage it?
“I’ve always been able to acknowledge that first and foremost,” Rice said. “Suppressing it doesn’t help. I always told myself, ‘It’s okay, this is a stressful situation.’ By naming it, I feel like I can deal with it in the moment.” And you said, “Oh, I’m not stressed”? Now all you can say is, “I’m stressed. How can I deal with it?” ? ‘And I think that’s the most important thing. ”
When asked about his health habits, Felix said, “I start my day with a gratitude journal, which really helps me focus. I’ve started playing a little bit of tennis. When the days get really crazy, being healthy means sitting down. “Sometimes it looks like it’s happening,” he said. Are you going to spend some time in the car? I meditate a little before I go into the house. ”
Both men say practicing good health has been the key to their success. For Rice, that means making time to play the piano and unplug. Even in her powerful role as Secretary of State, she sought to keep her Sunday afternoons to herself.
“And I said, ‘If you have to call, call me. But if not, let me watch football on TV.’
Rice’s love for soccer is more than just a hobby.she is also co-owner of the Denver Broncos.
“My father, who’s gone to heaven, thinks I’ve finally got an important job, right?” Rice laughed. “My father was a soccer coach when I was born, and some of my happiest memories are watching soccer with my father. When you’re seven years old, you’re like, “Condoleeza, what are they doing?” “Daddy, that’s a trap block.” Or, “We’re setting up a screen, Daddy!” ”
Felix also talked about the lifelong memories he would like to pass on to his daughter. And I want her to really prepare her for that battle of hers. ”
When asked what his affirmation would be today, Felix answered, “I haven’t achieved it yet, but I think it will be “Challenges will help me grow.”
Adriana Diaz
