Sherrye Willis is a wife, CEO, nonprofit leader, trainer, coach and author. She has nearly 40 years’ experience raising millions of dollars for worthy causes, advising federal and local officials, corporate and philanthropic CEOs and community leaders. 

In 2001, Willis founded Alliance for Greater Works to equip leaders and organizations to transform under resourced communities into successful, thriving neighborhoods—for the betterment of society. 

For over two decades, Willis poured her talents and skills into Alliance’s vast work, often neglecting her own well-being—mind, body, and spirit. In 2021, Willis’ body broke down. She became critically ill with post acute COVID-19, along with an autoimmune condition—which rendered her unable to walk more than two steps or breathe without an oxygen tank. 

During that life-threatening season, God’s Word, particularly Psalm 118:17-18, anchored her: “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” Willis began to heal by incorporating stillness, daily devotional time with God, prioritizing rest, building physical strength, realigning her life with spiritual growth efforts, along with a tremendous focus on work-life balance and re-establishing her purpose. 

Through Willis’ life-affirming journey, she discovered that many leaders face identical struggles—burnout, isolation, and neglect of their mind, body and spirit while serving others. Today, Willis is growing healthy, strong and deeply committed to uplifting senior leaders by helping them recognize that they can achieve a life balance as a servant leader. However, leaders must first overcome burnout, restore balance, and align their leadership with God’s calling upon their life. 

Willis’ story is a reminder: We cannot lead others well if we don’t care for ourselves first.