From Purpose to Advocacy Leadership: The Story Behind SheRests

Leadership isn’t always something you raise your hand for. Sometimes it shows up quietly or even painfully right in the middle of life. And sometimes, it emerges from necessity, empathy, or lived experience.

I had the chance to sit down with Candice Boyd, and what struck me most was how she found advocacy leadership not from ambition or titles, but from real-life challenges that demanded action and a willingness to speak up. Her journey reminded me that leadership is a mindset, and often a response to a need you see and care about deeply.

How SheRests Came to Life

Candice is a mother, a former primary school teacher, and the founder of SheRests. She’s adventurous, energetic, and deeply empathetic. These are qualities that, looking back, were quietly shaping her long before she imagined starting a community to support carers like herself.

For years, Candice carried the weight of responsibility quietly. Like so many carers of children with special needs, she often put everyone else first, leaving little space for her own rest or wellbeing. It wasn’t until Candice paused and acknowledged the toll on her own life that change started.

And yet, it was from this space that her leadership quietly emerged.

Candice noticed a truth many carers live every day: carers of children often have nowhere to pause, no one to talk to, and no space to rest. That simple observation became the spark for SheRests, a space where carers could be seen, heard, and supported.

SheRests started small. The first gathering brought together 30 mothers of autistic children for a simple, pressure-free lunch. There were laughs, tears, and honest conversations in a space where judgment didn’t exist. From there, word spread and the real growth came from women sharing their experiences, realising they weren’t alone. Today, SheRests hosts events and conversations that continue to prioritise genuine connection and support for carers of children with special needs.

SheRests Vision & Partnerships

Candice dreams big for SheRests. She envisions a nationwide network of hubs where carers can access respite, resources, and meaningful connections, no matter where they live. She imagines annual gatherings and conferences that also advocate for real change across communities.

At its heart, SheRests isn’t just about self-care. It’s about strengthening families from the inside out. Candice is building communities where carers can form lasting friendships that can help in creating stronger, more supported families.

And this vision isn’t something Candice wants to achieve alone. SheRests thrives on collaboration, and there are many ways individuals, organisations, and businesses can get involved. Whether it’s hosting an event, offering resources, amplifying the SheRests message, or simply showing up, every effort strengthens the community and the families it serves.

Partnering with SheRests means turning small gestures into meaningful impact. A shared conversation, a few hours of respite, or even spreading awareness can contribute to a growing, supportive network for carers across Australia. It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger: a movement that uplifts carers, strengthens families, and builds lasting change.

If you’re looking for a way to make a real difference, consider joining Candice and SheRests as a partner. Your involvement can help transform exhaustion into hope and challenges into lasting change. Together, we can create safe spaces, build connections, and support carers in ways that ripple across families and communities.

Advocacy Leadership Rooted in Empathy

Candice’s story shows that leadership can appear in the most unexpected ways. Even as a shy child, Candice stepped into meaningful roles like volunteering, speaking to strangers, or helping out in her community. Those moments didn’t feel like leadership at the time, but they quietly built skills and confidence that would later support her when caregiving pressures intensified, and she founded SheRests.

Her journey teaches a few key lessons:

• Courage often comes from necessity. Leadership often emerges when a gap is noticed, and action is required, whether or not you feel ready.

• Leadership is about solutions, not recognition. True impact isn’t measured by titles or accolades. It’s about the small, consistent actions that address real needs.

• Advocacy is leadership. Speaking up for those without a voice, championing what matters, and turning personal insight into collective benefit is one of the most powerful forms of leadership.

Candice’s story shows that leadership is cultivated through everyday challenges and small choices to act with empathy and courage. Her journey is proof that the experiences you have every day equip you to lead and make a meaningful difference.

Three Key Takeaways

Candice’s story leaves us with lessons that resonate far beyond caregiving:

1. High-impact leaders turn pain into purpose. They take difficult experiences and channel them into something bigger than themselves. When they rise from exhaustion or adversity with renewed intention, they inspire others to do the same. Purpose often grows from the moments that test us most.

2. High-impact leaders know rest is a leadership strategy, not a luxury. Growth doesn’t come from constant motion. It comes from rhythm, reflection, and moments of rest. When leaders model rest, they give others permission to recharge, think clearly, and bring their best selves to work.

3. High-impact leaders replace judgment with curiosity. Instead of rushing to label or categorise what they don’t understand, they ask, “What might be happening beneath the surface?” This mindset builds empathy, reduces conflict, and deepens trust, whether it’s with a team member, a client, or a child.

What are your key takeaways from this conversation? Share it on YouTube or in the comments below.

If you, or anyone you know, is a carer who might be in need of support, you can listen to my full conversation with Candice Boyd here: From Purpose to Advocacy Leadership: The Story Behind SheRests

Candice shares so many valuable insights, practical advice, and heartfelt stories about caring for children with special needs. It’s a conversation full of honesty, encouragement, and inspiration, perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of caregiving.