The Relentless, Illusive Pursuit of Success and The Power of Rest - Maryben Omollo's Story

Maryben Akinyi Omollo, the founder and CEO of The Maryben Foundation in Kenya, has made a significant impact as a global mental health and leadership coach. With over 50 million people reached globally and 14 awards to her name, she is a beacon of resilience and inclusivity. However, her journey has not been without its challenges.

A Harrowing Experience

On May 9, 2025, Maryben shared a deeply personal story that underscored the importance of rest and self-care. The demands of running three startups had taken a severe toll on her health. She had been working tirelessly, often late into the night, pushing herself harder and sacrificing sleep. This lifestyle, often glorified in our society, had devastating consequences on her well-being.

The Breaking Point

A few weeks prior, Maryben began experiencing excruciating migraines and felt utterly exhausted. The severity of her symptoms made her fear for her life, yet she was hesitant to seek medical help. When she finally visited a doctor, the initial tests showed no alarming results, but the headaches persisted. Concerned, her doctor recommended a CT scan. It was at this point that her family intervened, urging her to take a break and get some much-needed rest.

The Healing Power of Sleep

Heeding their advice, Maryben did something she hadn’t done in a long time: she took three full days off. During this period, she disconnected completely — no calls, no meetings, no work. She focused solely on resting and sleeping. To her amazement, when she woke up after those three days, her migraines had vanished.

Lessons Learned

This experience was a revelation for Maryben. She realised that sleep is not a luxury or a waste of time; it is a vital component of health and healing. She understood that adequate rest has profound effects on various aspects of health, including mental well-being, immune function, skin health, blood pressure, recovery ability, and focus.

A Message to All

From this ordeal, Maryben learned several crucial lessons. She emphasised the importance of making rest a priority, protecting one’s peace, and treating sleep as an essential part of maintaining health. She shared this story during a recent session, and the impact was palpable — the room fell silent as attendees resonated with her message.

Redefining Strength

Maryben’s story is a powerful reminder that burnout is not a badge of honour. True strength lies in recognising the need for rest and taking steps to ensure one’s well-being. Her experience serves as an important lesson for everyone, especially those who are constantly pushing themselves to the brink in the pursuit of success.