Let's Talk Women in Spiritual Leadership - Part 1 of 2

A candid conversation with Pastor Raelle Harland on calling, criticism, and caring for yourself as you lead.

Last week, the Church of England appointed its first-ever female Archbishop, The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, now Archbishop of Canterbury. It’s a milestone that’s made headlines around the world. However, it has not been met with celebration from all corners of the globe. This woman has already faced great public criticism—not for her leadership, but for her gender.

If you missed Julia Baird's commentary in the Sydney Morning Herald, on this momentus historical moment, I have included it below for you. She writes so well. It is worth the read.

As someone who works closely with women in leadership, especially those in spiritual and people-helping roles, I know the burden many carry:

• Feeling like they need to prove themselves more

• Doing twice the emotional labour for half the recognition

• Showing up for everyone—sometimes even in the middle of their own health battles, or family challenges

This video is a conversation with someone who embodies this reality with grace and grit.

🎥 Meet Pastor Raelle—a woman who:

• Continued to lead through her 30s and 40s as a single woman

• Battled and survived cancer while remaining in ministry

• Learned to care for herself without apology

• Shares what it’s really like to lead in faith-based spaces as a woman

Her story is raw, real, and incredibly moving. It’s not just for pastors—it’s for any woman who’s ever had to lead with more weight on her shoulders than others even realise.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you reflect on how you’re really doing—what’s working, what’s getting in the way, and what kind of support might help you continue without burning out. In my work as both a Professional Supervisor and Leadership Coach, I walk alongside leaders just like you—creating space for honest reflection, growth, and sustainable leadership 

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

If you know any other women in spiritual leadership—perhaps navigating their own health journey, holding space for others, or simply carrying more than most people realise—please forward this blog to them too.

This conversation might be the reminder she needs: that she’s not alone, and that her wellbeing matters just as much as her calling.

Let me know if I can support you or your organisation with Reflective Supervision, Executive Coaching, or a workshop for your team on Healthy Leadership Mindsets for Leaders.

If you are a neurodivergent leader, or have a neurodivergent team member, I also offer workplace assessments and psycho-education for the workplace to promote inclusive leadership practices.

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