Beyond Superhuman: Redefining Self-Care and Realism
Attending the Supersummit event, hosted by Superclub – a cultural ecosystem that unites, inspires, and powers BIPOC leaders to create access for all – was an eye-opening experience, not only because of the valuable insights shared but also because of the genuine self-care focus that extended throughout every session. In our daily lives, especially for medical administrative staff, self-care often gets overlooked. This event, however, was a refreshing reminder of how vital it is to prioritize our well-being. It offered a comprehensive approach to self-care through its thoughtfully curated sections: Mind, Identity, Body & Beauty, and Money. Each segment was designed to help participants reflect, recharge, and realign with their personal and professional lives, providing lasting tools to combat burnout and foster resilience, especially for those in demanding fields.
We’re Not Broken, Just Bent
The “Mind” segment, led by psychotherapist Ting Ting Pan, delved into the mental health impact of societal structures, particularly for those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour). Ting Ting Pan delivered a powerful message: “We are not broken. We live in a broken system.” This statement highlights the fact that mental health struggles are often magnified by systemic flaws rather than personal failings. Her session encouraged attendees to reframe their perspectives on mental health and advocate for themselves in a world that often overlooks them. During the panel, Demore Barnes invited the audience to consider how we expand and rewrite our vision for our lives, so that we are not confined by the story that was placed on us even from a place of love. So, I challenge you today, and moving forward, to redefine your life. Who are you, truly, and who do you want to be?
Event Performance
Following this session, the event featured a moving performance by a comedy troupe, Legally Brown, which addressed the ways Black and Brown individuals overextend themselves in professional spaces. I especially identified with the candidate in the sketch who responded with There’s a salary? When asked “What’s your salary expectations?” Because really, I am always ready to volunteer my time and services to others without considering my compensation. Their piece brilliantly showcased the unique pressures faced by people of color, often feeling compelled to go above and beyond to prove their worth.
This theme struck a chord with me, especially given the demanding nature of admin roles where balancing multiple responsibilities can often lead to exhaustion. Reflecting on my previous blog, where I discussed the pervasive burnout in admin roles, this summit highlighted how events like these can be a vital antidote. It reinforced the importance of carving out intentional spaces to reset, something many admins desperately need but rarely find time for. This segment led seamlessly into the next section on Identity, where the audience was asked to consider who they truly are beyond roles, race, and expectations.
Layers of Me: Rediscovering Identity Beyond Work and Labels
The “Identity” panel featured inspiring speakers, each of whom provided unique insights into the complexities of identity and self-worth. Here are my three key takeaways from each panelist:
- Lauren Russ-Constant reminded us that Black people are not a monolith, encouraging each of us to “dare to be more complex.” Rather than simply identifying ourselves by name, race, or job title, Lauren challenged us to explore deeper questions about who we are. Her message urged attendees to recognize the full spectrum of their identities beyond societal labels. Instead of “Hi, my name is Schamona and I am a young, black, medical secretary,” I will now say, “Hi my name is Schamona and I am destined for greatness”.
- Prasanna Ranganathan used the metaphor of being the “sun” to emphasize the importance of self-care. While it’s natural to support others, we must also be “the sun” in our own lives. Showing up as our best selves at work is important, but Prasanna reminded us not to give 100% to our jobs at the expense of our personal lives. His message was a reminder that our identities and well-being deserve as much care and attention as the roles we fulfill.
- Hugh Lawson closed the panel with a powerful piece of advice: continue to seek spaces where you are loved and celebrated. Hugh’s words underscored the importance of cultivating environments that affirm and uplift us. His message encouraged attendees to prioritize spaces that reflect and support their unique identities.
Fuel Your Fire, Don’t Burn Out: General Takeaways and Future Inspiration
Supersummit was a truly transformative experience, emphasizing that self-care isn’t just about relaxation but also about conscious efforts to support our mental, physical, and financial health. This experience inspired me to consider how transformative it would be to have an event focused solely on administrators’ well-being and development. Creating a similar space specifically for administrative staff could offer a much-needed break, especially for those who may not have access to self-care resources. By fostering this kind of supportive environment, we can renew our sense of purpose, gain valuable skills, connect with peers, and be reminded of the importance of caring for ourselves as we care for others.
Beyond Superhuman: Redefining Self-Care and Realism by Schamona Pounall
