In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, co-hosts Candice and Chris delve into a deeply resonant and often overlooked topic in leadership: self-care. With humor, vulnerability, and practical insights, they unpack how taking care of oneself is not a luxury but a leadership necessity. Candice introduces her unique self-care framework, DERPAT—a mnemonic for Diet, Exercise, Relaxation, People, Attitude, and Time—and walks listeners through how each component supports her well-being, both personally and professionally.
Candice shares how her physical health journey, especially with a partial lung, has shaped her intentional commitment to practices like Taekwondo, structured relaxation, and boundary-setting with the people in her life. She emphasizes that self-care isn't passive; it’s about choosing the right people to be around, maintaining a resilient attitude, and managing time according to personal energy rhythms. Chris resonates with these principles and expands the conversation with his philosophy of "work-life equilibrium," challenging the conventional notion of balance. He believes integrating work and life thoughtfully leads to more purpose-driven days.
Chris also reveals how a recent health scare pushed him to rethink how he cares for his body. From staying hydrated and eating more functionally to rediscovering the therapeutic joy of gardening, he shares how these changes have helped him find mental clarity and physical stability. The episode takes a compelling turn as both hosts explore the difference between getting motivated and staying motivated, especially when personal health and leadership responsibilities collide.
Throughout their exchange, Candice and Chris remind listeners that self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and downtime—it’s a dynamic and intentional act of leadership. They close the episode by inviting listeners to reflect on their own self-care practices and share their insights, building a community where leadership and well-being can thrive together.
Candice Solomon-Strutz and Chris Tidrick are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Senior Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.
