Liz Herrera

Learning to balance

This Saturday, I’ll be walking 10K at GLOW London in support of Mental Health UK.

For me, this is about something that is often difficult to see: the mental load we can carry while still appearing completely fine.

I have always been good at carrying things quietly. At work and in life, my instinct is usually to anticipate risks, solve problems and keep moving.

That can be a strength. But it can also make it easy to normalise carrying too much for too long.

The challenge is that when someone remains capable, responsive and composed, it is not always obvious when the load has become heavy.

Sometimes, not even to ourselves.

That is one reason this walk matters to me.

Mental health should not only become a conversation when someone reaches breaking point.

It is also about recognising pressure earlier, being able to say when something is becoming difficult, checking in properly with others and creating environments where asking for support is normal.

For me, that is not separate from performance or leadership. It is part of making both sustainable.

So on Saturday, I’ll be walking for a little less silent carrying and a little more openness, connection and kindness.

If you would like to support me, donations will help Mental Health UK continue supporting people across the UK.

💚 Support my GLOW 10K here:
https://fundraising.mentalhealth-uk.org/s/17096/18140/w

And if donating is not possible, there is another way to support the cause:

Check in on someone. Ask how they really are. Make it easier for them to answer honestly.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthUK #GLOW2026 #Wellbeing #Leadership