Liz Dozier Of Chicago Beyond On The Self-Care Routines & Practices Of Busy Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

Lead by example: When you model healthy habits, it encourages your team to do the same.

All of us know that we have to take breaks in our day to take care of ourselves. “Selfcare is healthcare”, the saying goes. At the same time, we know that when you are a busy leader with enormous responsibility on your shoulders, it’s so easy to prioritize the urgent demands of work over the important requirements of self-care. How do busy entrepreneurs and leaders create space to properly take care of themselves? What are the self-care routines of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders? In this interview series, we are talking to busy and successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and civic leaders who can discuss their self-care practices and self-care routines. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Liz Dozier, Founder and CEO of Chicago Beyond.

Characterized by her relentless pursuit of equity and justice, Liz Dozier has dedicated her career to reshaping the narrative for overlooked people and communities.

In 2016, Liz founded and launched Chicago Beyond, a national philanthropic organization that addresses systemic inequity by backing solutions led by those closest to the issues. Chicago Beyond makes strategic investments, leads national initiatives, and shares valuable insights to drive equitable change in philanthropy, justice, health, and beyond.

Since its founding, Chicago Beyond has invested more than $60M in community-led initiatives and individuals and launched unique collaborations with major institutions like the NBA Foundation, Clinton Global Initiative, MacArthur Foundation, Chicago Public Schools, JustLeadershipUSA, Birth Center Equity, the Office of IL Governor Pritzker, and more.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! It is an honor. Our readers would love to learn more about your personal background. Can you please share with our readers your personal backstory; What has brought you to this point in your life?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story. It truly is an honor to connect with you and your readers.

My journey is rooted in a unique blend of influences, beginning with my parents’ extraordinary meeting. My mother, a dedicated Catholic nun and educator for 20 years, crossed paths with my father, who was incarcerated. Growing up at the intersection of these two distinct worlds has profoundly shaped my personal and professional life perspectives.

My father’s childhood and adult experiences with the very systems that Chicago Beyond aims to support have been a powerful inspiration for my career path. Prior to founding Chicago Beyond in 2016, I served as the principal of Fenger Academy High School on the South Side of Chicago. During my tenure, we achieved remarkable success, transforming a school once labeled as one of the most challenged in the city into a symbol of positive change.

At Chicago Beyond, we are deeply committed to a holistic approach rooted in well-being, a commitment that was honed during my time at Fenger. We recognize that solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all, as people and communities are diverse and complex. By leveraging the expertise of those closest to the issues, we cultivate a trust-based strategy that addresses the intricate challenges we face.

Chicago Beyond is more than just a philanthropic organization; it is a collaborative journey. We bring together voices, experiences, and expertise to build a future defined by equity and opportunity across the United States.

What is your “why” behind what you do? What fuels you?

What fuels me is the unwavering belief in the possibility of change and the inherent value of every person’s life. Every success story, every transformed life, and every uplifted community remind me why I embarked on this journey and inspire me to keep moving forward.

How do you define success? Can you please explain what you mean from a personal anecdote?

One of the most meaningful measures of success for me is seeing the positive outcomes from our collaborations, such as our partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Chicago Children’s Museum. This initiative focused on creating family-oriented, child-centered visitation experiences, allowing children to spend meaningful, positive time with their incarcerated fathers. Since its inception, this program has facilitated over 1,000 visits, helping children reconnect with their fathers in a supportive environment that reduces the trauma of family separation. Witnessing these families rebuild their relationships and the positive impact on their lives is a powerful reminder of what true success looks like. I don’t know how to measure that level of intimacy and care numerically but I know that it matters to those families in a deep and profound way.

At Chicago Beyond, we measure success by the positive outcomes and lasting impacts our partnerships and investments have on the communities we serve. Seeing the profound effects of initiatives like our family visitation program reinforces my belief in the importance of our work and the potential for meaningful change on the micro and macro level.

What is the role of a growth mindset in your success? Can you please share 3 mindset mantras that keep you motivated, sane, and propel you forward?

• I’ve survived 100% of my darkest days.
• No matter how bad things may seem, I always come out stronger on the other side.
• I believe in people, full stop.
• It’s people that inspire us to do the work that we do. Every historical moment in time was brought about by people. The power of the human and collective experience and spirit can change the world.
• Slow down to slow down.
• Resist the urge to do more. The best ideas start small when you have the time to nurture them. Don’t slow down to speed up. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is slow down, do less, and gather your energy to catalyze a massive leap toward your goals.

You are by all accounts a very successful person. How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

• Thank you so much, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without an important group of mentors. My success came from amazing mentorship so I try to pay it forward and do the same for others. I love having the opportunity to use my platform and voice for others in the world. It is not something I take lightly.
• My success is built around an ethos of supporting others and that is also a core part of the work we do at Chicago Beyond.
• Since the founding of the organization, we have invested over $60 million in more than 200 individuals and community organizations. We did this while leading national initiatives in partnership with diverse changemakers to challenge and reshape the status quo. Our collaborative efforts with leaders across sectors aspire to shift structures, policies, relationships, and behaviors to positively impact the fields of philanthropy, justice, health, and more.
• Chicago Beyond has achieved so much in the past several years because we invest in leaders who are driven by a desire to transform their communities and rebuild systems from the ground up. Chicago Beyond’s Leader in Residence, Jeanine Valrie Logan, is a great example. Jeanine is a lifelong champion of improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. We were incredibly moved by her commitment, dedication, and efficacy over her career in the health field. We worked with Jeanine to provide the funding and tools she needed to actualize her dream of creating and opening the Chicago South Side Birth Center (CSSBC). CSSBC is a nonprofit, Black midwife-led birth center on Chicago’s South Side that was recently uplifted by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Chicago Beyond has also expanded our maternal health work nationwide to ensure that more women have access to the care and support they deserve.

Can you share a mistake or failure which you now appreciate, and which has taught you a valuable lesson?

• When I launched Chicago Beyond, my vision was clear: fight for freedom and opportunity for all. However, early on I realized our approach was missing the mark. The misstep was steeping ourselves in theory while disconnecting from the real experiences of the communities we aimed to serve. Unfortunately, this “theory over practice” paradigm is one that afflicts much of the philanthropic industry.
• We shifted and prioritized centering humanity in all of our actions. We refined our approach to invest in people and communities holistically, mirroring the trust-based methods we used at Fenger. This change led to significant impacts, from creating trauma-informed frameworks for schools to leading efforts to make correctional facilities safer nationwide. We made philanthropic innovation a centerpiece of our work while sharing our learnings and insights with the field along the way.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Integrity forms the bedrock of effective leadership and is pivotal to achieving success. A successful leader steadfastly upholds honesty, ethical behavior, and strong moral principles. This commitment fosters trust and respect among team members, stakeholders, and the community alike, even in the face of difficult decisions. Throughout Chicago Beyond’s journey, we’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional team members who contributed significantly to our mission. However, maintaining integrity sometimes meant me making tough choices about the direction of our organization and team composition. Rooting these decisions in our values and ultimately integrity was crucial in being able to move us forward in a way that was thoughtful and true to the importance of this work.

Empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership, enabling a deep understanding and connection with the experiences, emotions, and perspectives of others. This trait is not only crucial in our work but also within the dynamic of the Chicago Beyond team. Recognizing that we serve individuals, I’ve made deliberate decisions in our workspace to support a healthy balance between personal and professional lives. I’ve found that when people feel supported in managing these aspects, they are more productive and engaged at work. For example, we’ve implemented flexible work policies and supportive programs that accommodate diverse needs and responsibilities. By fostering an environment where team members feel understood and valued, we cultivate a culture of empathy that enhances collaboration and promotes overall well-being. This approach not only strengthens our team dynamics but also enriches our ability to positively impact the communities we serve.

Adaptability is essential for navigating through the constantly evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities. I prioritize flexibility and remain open to new ideas, ready to adjust strategies as needed. This ability to adapt ensures our organization can effectively respond to unexpected situations and maintain resilience in times of change. I also acknowledge that I don’t always possess all the answers. For instance, when the idea arose to publish our clarion call on equity in research, I initially doubted the impact it would have or its reception within the field (this was in 2019). However, I trusted our team, and we proceeded to publish “Why Am I Always Being Researched?” It has since become our most widely read publication, downloaded in over 50 countries and influencing research policies at major institutions, including the Gates Foundation.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting new projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

• We’re expanding our birth equity work by empowering Black maternal health leaders nationwide through our Fellowship for Black Maternal Health. The initiative involves investing $2M to support maternal health practitioners around the country and catalyzing a total of $5M in funding for maternal health leaders over the course of four years.
• We also recently committed $4M to the nonprofit Birth Center Equity, a vital nationwide support network for individuals seeking safe birthing options in their own communities.
• We recently joined forces with the NBA Foundation to launch a first-of-its-kind hyperlocal leadership initiative that will invest $1M in supporting nonprofit organizations driving economic opportunity for Black youth in Chicago. This is the NBA Foundation’s first philanthropic collaboration to deploy resources to hyperlocal leaders, building upon Chicago Beyond’s local expertise and trust-based philanthropic model.

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about Self-Care. Let’s start with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. What does self-care mean to you?

To me, self-care is the use of daily rituals or practices that soothe and regulate. People typically understand self-care as something that you should only do on the worst days. The days when you’re feeling burned out and are struggling with your tasks. We should definitely focus on our health in those moments, but self-care should be a process of ongoing maintenance. Checking in with yourself daily sets you up for more good days and fewer of the tough ones. It’s not just what makes you feel good in the moment, it’s also tying consistent habits to a healing regimen.

As a successful leader with an intense schedule, what do you do to prioritize self-care, and carve out regular time to make self-care part of your routine?

Prioritizing self-care for me involves establishing clear boundaries, in my personal life and professionally, and scheduling time to do things that bring me joy. Lately, I’m starting my day by creating space for myself — whether it’s consciously making a healthy breakfast, instead of scarfing down food, grabbing coffee and jumping on a zoom call (although that still sometimes happens :), doing “walking” meetings with teammates, or catching up with friends to unwind and share a good laugh. This intentional approach to creating spaciousness not only supports my overall well-being but also enhances my effectiveness as a leader.

Will you please share with our readers 3 of your daily, or frequent self-care habits?

Each day is different based on checking in with myself and what practices I may pull from. Some days self-care might look like taking a long walk with a friend or cooking my favorite meal.

I also regularly try to take a moment to check in with myself, ask myself how I’m feeling and take stock of how far I’ve come.

Based on your own experiences or research can you please share 5 ways that taking time for self-care will improve our lives?

• Lead by example: When you model healthy habits, it encourages your team to do the same.
• Check in with yourself: The healthier you are, the more impact you will achieve and the happier you will be.
• Plan your day with intention: Make sure your day is balanced with personal fulfillments, whether that be a daily yoga session or scheduling a phone call with your closest friends.
• Create balance: Setting realistic work hours for yourself and your team produces a supportive work environment.
• Boost productivity: Taking time for self-care can refresh your mind and body, leading to increased focus, creativity, and efficiency in your tasks.

Sometimes we learn a great deal from the opposite, from a contrast. Can you please share a few ways that NOT taking time for self-care can harm our lives?

• Burnout can have physiological effects. The risk of inaction can be detrimental to your health.
• Self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy — all important facets of life for each and every one of us.

What would you tell someone who says they do not have time or finances to support a regular wellness routine?

I would suggest exploring simple and accessible ways to incorporate wellness into daily life, such as short walks, deep breathing exercises, or even moments of meditation at home. It’s about finding small moments throughout the day to prioritize self-care, regardless of financial or time constraints. Taking care of oneself doesn’t always require expensive memberships or extensive time commitments; it can start with small, manageable steps that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We each deserve peace and we deserve to be well.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

I’d love to share a meal with Michelle Obama because of her unwavering commitment to education, community, and equity. Her efforts through initiatives like “Let’s Move!” and “Reach Higher” have demonstrated her deep understanding of the systemic issues that impact young people and her dedication to creating opportunities for all. Given her profound influence and experience, it would be incredibly valuable to discuss how we could collaborate to amplify the work of Chicago Beyond in disrupting inequities and supporting community-led solutions. It would be inspiring to explore ways we could join forces to further our mutual goal of empowering the next generation.

What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?

I encourage your readers to subscribe to Chicago Beyond’s newsletter to keep up with our ongoing initiatives, visit our website, and follow us on our social channels (LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook).

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.

About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher, and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness, and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.