Leadership Reflections

Reflections on My Journey as a Leader:

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Over the years, I’ve realized that being a leader isn’t just about managing people or making decisions; it’s about growth, adaptability, and the ability to inspire those around you. It’s about learning, unlearning, and embracing the challenges that shape us into better leaders and, ultimately, better people.

Early in my career, I thought leadership was about having the right answers. I believed that my value as a leader depended on how much knowledge I had and how quickly I could provide solutions. But experience has taught me that true leadership is not about answering all the questions; it’s about asking the right ones. It’s about listening deeply, empowering others to step up, and allowing space for both success and failure.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t great at stepping aside at first. I was an influx leader, always jumping in to solve problems instead of giving others the chance to navigate their own challenges. Even now, I’m still learning how to create space for others, how to guide rather than dictate, and how to embrace the discomfort of not always having control.

The best leaders don’t just direct; they cultivate an environment where ideas flourish, where challenges become opportunities, and where teams feel valued. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about creating a room where everyone feels capable, heard, and empowered.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of adaptability.

No two days are the same, and no two teams are identical. Being open to change, willing to learn, and unafraid to challenge old ways of thinking has been crucial in my development.

It is not about rigidly following a set plan; it’s about knowing when to pivot, when to rethink strategies, and when to embrace a new perspective. If it’s navigating complex project or supporting my team through uncertainty, I have come to understand that flexibility and a growth mindset are essential. And, I mean absolutely essential.

Leadership is About People…

At its core, leadership isn’t just about performance metrics; it’s about people. It’s about understanding the individual strengths, motivations, and challenges that shape each person’s journey.

I’ve learned that empathy builds trust, and trust fuels collaboration. When people feel heard, supported, and valued, they are more likely to bring their best selves to the table. Strong leadership isn’t about pushing people to perform, it’s about inspiring them to want to perform.

Lets talk challenges..

Like many, I’ve faced moments of doubt, setbacks, and difficult decisions. More recently, I’ve encountered rejections and disappointments. And while rejection is never easy, I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about facing them with integrity, courage, and a willingness to learn from failure. One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that rejection often stirs up old wounds. As a child, I experienced self-doubt and exclusion, and as a leader, I’ve found myself reliving those same emotions when faced with setbacks. But through these experiences, I’ve become more aligned with an important question:

“What truly makes me happy?”

Of course, that’s not a question with an easy answer. But I’m committed to finding it, and when I do, I’ll share it.

I’ve always been a strong advocate for professional development, mentorship, and self-reflection.

Throughout my career, I’ve pursued countless learning opportunities, and I’ve come to realize that there are two types of leaders:

Those who think they know everything. AND: Those who recognize that they don’t know everything and are eager to learn.

Recently, I had a conversation with someone who wanted to move up in leadership. They were looking for that one thing; a title and a promotion that would elevate them. But after months of discussions, I realized that they weren’t willing to put in the work to grow. They wanted the reward without the effort. The truth is, if you want to grow, you must invest in yourself. Your professional development isn’t just about career progression; it’s about mental well-being, confidence, and fulfillment. Believe it or not, achieving that certification, completing that leadership course, or hitting that professional milestone actually boosts your mental health.

Growth fuels happiness.

As I continue this journey, my focus remains on: Building strong teams, with inclusion and leading with authenticity and purpose. My goal is to keep growing, keep inspiring, and keep creating spaces where others can thrive.

#Leadership #GrowthMindset #Resilience #Empathy #LifelongLearning #AuthenticLeadership