The Secret to Peak Performance as a Female Leader

From stress recovery to mental focus and sustained energy, our inspiring guest Nutritional Therapist & Health Coach, Sarah Elizabeth reveals the secrets behind her holistic approach to helping female leaders thrive in leadership and life.

As a nutritionist for high achieving female leaders, when I’m having conversations about  "peak performance”, the first things that usually spring to mind are big goals, packed schedules, and non-stop productivity - and with how glamourised hustle culture is, so many high achieving women are left feeling burnt out, fatigued and struggling with the symptoms that come as the side effect of being overworked and undernourished.

Hello hormonal imbalances, brain fog and a never-ending supply of coffee to get through the day! 

Here’s the thing, peak performance for female leaders isn’t about doing it all - and putting up with the symptoms in the meantime, it’s about showing up intentionally in each area of your life in a way that truly supports and nourishes you first, so you can bring your best energy to everything you do.

And often with the clients I’m working with, peak performance is about creating resilience, clarity, and the ability to manage both energy and stress in a way that feels balanced and sustainable.

To perform at our best, we need to focus on three essential pillars: recovery, mental clarity, and physical wellbeing. And here’s where herbs can make a powerful difference, offering natural support to keep us energised, focused, and balanced.

1. Recovery: Restoring Your Resilience

Let’s face it—stress is an inevitable part of leadership. But it’s our ability to recover from stress and build resilience to it that truly makes all the difference. When we’re constantly on the go, our nervous system can become overtaxed, leading to disrupted sleep, depleted energy levels, and even weakened immunity. For sustainable peak performance, building in regular recovery is essential. One of the things I always remind my 1:1 clients is this: as a female leader, you should be nourishing, recovering, and training like an athlete.

This is where using herbs as supportive tools can be a game-changer. I’m a fan of Hello Energy with lemon balm, gentian and hibiscus, to help recover well from high-stress, intense, high-pressure situations that female leaders often face.

Herbs like Chamomile in Hello Sleep promote relaxation—a powerful ally on those “tired but wired” nights when your brain is on overdrive and sleep feels impossible. Oat Straw further supports recovery by reducing tension, while Valerian Root encourages deeper, more restful sleep, maximising recovery.

Incorporating these supportive herbs into daily recovery routines, like an evening wind-down or a mid-day pause, can help restore energy, strengthen resilience, and prepare you for the challenges ahead.

2. Mental Clarity: Staying Sharp and Focused

Mental clarity is another essential aspect of peak performance. When our minds are clear, we’re able to make better decisions, navigate complex situations, and stay creative, even during busy days. But constant multitasking and pressure can cloud our focus, making it harder to stay mentally sharp and switched on.

To support mental clarity, utilising a blend like Hello Brain alongside brain boosting habits like breath-work to encourage blood flow to the brain, and a diet rich in brain-loving foods such as Omega 3’s, for clear and productive thinking. 

Hello Brain is a powerful herbal blend designed to support cognitive function and mental energy. With ingredients like Rosemary to improve memory, Avena Sativa to boost mental stamina, Lemon Balm to promote a positive mood, and Lion’s Mane to stimulate brain cell growth, this blend helps keep your mind sharp, focused, and energised. It’s the perfect ally for tackling high-demand tasks and staying at your best in both leadership and daily life.

3. Physical Wellbeing: Energising Your Body for Daily Demands

Physical wellbeing is more than just feeling strong—it’s about having the energy to handle long days and the stamina to tackle whatever life throws your way. Female leaders often juggle careers, family, and personal commitments, so sustaining energy is key to maintaining peak performance. Plus, when we feel good physically, our mental resilience follows suit.

I’ve found Hello Energy a great way to naturally support your physical wellbeing. With ingredients like Lemon Balm to help relax and restore energy, Hops to support the nervous system and help you recover from stress, and Gentian Root to fight fatigue and improve physical energy, this blend is perfect for keeping your energy levels stable. By calming the body and supporting mental focus, it ensures you can keep going through your busy day without burning out.

Strong immunity is also a key factor in maintaining consistent energy. With Hello Immunity, you get a blend of Rose Hip for a natural dose of Vitamin C, Elderberry for antioxidant support, and Calendula and Rosemary for antibacterial properties—perfect for preventing illness and maintaining high energy levels. A strong immune system means fewer sick days and more days of sustained focus and vitality.

Adding these herbs into your daily routine, can help keep you energised, resilient, and ready for anything life throws your way.