Paramount Chair Shari Redstone has revealed her battle with thyroid cancer, prompting founder Billie Whitehouse to share her experience leading a company through a significant health challenge. Whitehouse’s story offers valuable lessons for other women leaders facing similar situations.
In a public statement, it was announced that Redstone, Chair of Paramount Global, is currently undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. While Redstone has chosen to maintain her professional and philanthropic activities during her treatment, her decision to keep her health battle private highlights the pressure women leaders often feel to project strength and resilience in the face of personal health crises.
Whitehouse, the CEO of Wearable X, took a different approach when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2022. Despite initially keeping her diagnosis private, Whitehouse now shares her story to help other women navigate personal crises while leading their companies effectively.
Whitehouse’s experience taught her valuable lessons, including the importance of over-communicating about the state of the business, reframing vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness, setting boundaries, and creating a support system. These lessons can guide women leaders in managing their health challenges while maintaining their professional responsibilities.
If we find ourselves going through a difficult time, it’s important to reach out to our close circle for support, both material and emotional. However, if we choose to keep our struggles private at work, we may miss out on the support we need the most.
That’s why it can be beneficial to confide in a select group of colleagues.
“Facing a serious illness or a significant loss without the knowledge of those around you means carrying the burden alone, especially in a professional setting,” Marchiano explains. “This can have a negative impact.”
LESSON #5: Rediscover Your Passion
“I regained my passion by focusing on things that brought me joy, such as meaningful projects, travel, and spending time with loved ones,” shares Whitehouse.
“I’m currently finding a new appreciation for my work,” she adds. “Rediscovering what excites you about your job can help reignite your passion.”
This also involves letting go of toxic clients. After dealing with a difficult client that caused her stress, Whitehouse decided to end the business relationship. “I’m proud of myself for making that choice. The stress isn’t worth it.”
Whitehouse has also launched a yoga e-book and is working on a vibrating breast pad to help reduce mastitis in breastfeeding mothers.
Her most empowering move yet may be her recent photoshoot showcasing her surgical scars. “It’s a personal decision, but I feel it’s time to be completely open,” she shares.
Wearable X founder Billie Whitehouse shares her surgical scars resulting from her cancer-related … More
Billie Whitehouse
LESSON #6: Find Meaning in Adversity
“One way to cope with suffering is to find meaning in it,” explains Marchiano. “This can make it more manageable.” Marchiano applauds Whitehouse for sharing her story to potentially help others in similar situations. “She is using her suffering for a positive purpose.”
Gonzalez echoes this sentiment, noting the importance of sharing our experiences. “There is a sense of relief in sharing our stories and embracing the strength found in vulnerability, and the unexpected gift of our stories resonating with others.”
Whitehouse concurs, stating, “I’ve decided not to let fear control me anymore. I want to live life to the fullest, and for me, that means speaking up.”
Whitehouse’s Nadi X yoga wear by Wearable X
Wearable X
Being vocal is crucial. While everyone handles crises differently, the key is to communicate honestly and on your own terms.
“Communicate authentically with yourself,” advises Whitehouse. “For me, that meant being transparent about the company’s status and ensuring there was still a path to success—even if it meant slowing down for a while.”