On Leadership…
Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege—and sometimes the misfortune—of working under a wide range of leaders. Some have been mentors in the truest sense, leading with vision, integrity, and a deep sense of care for their teams. They inspired me, challenged me, and gave me the space to grow. They made me feel seen, heard, and valued.
But I’ve also encountered leaders who operated on the opposite end of the spectrum. They led through intimidation, belittled rather than built up, and seemed more focused on asserting control than cultivating potential.
Experiencing both ends of the leadership spectrum taught me invaluable lessons. It showed me the kind of leader I never wanted to become, and more importantly, the kind of leader I aspired to be. One who empowers, not controls. One who listens, supports, and shows up always.
These reflections shaped my understanding of what leadership truly means.
As a woman in leadership, I’ve often had to navigate spaces dominated by male voices—where my ideas were second-guessed, my assertiveness mislabeled, and my presence sometimes seen as an exception rather than the norm. In these rooms, I learned to speak up even when it felt uncomfortable, to trust my instincts when others doubted them, and to stand firm in my decisions without needing validation. The path hasn’t always been easy, but it has made me more resilient, more intentional, and more committed to opening doors for the women coming behind me.
That brings me to the heart of this article…
Leadership is often mistaken for charisma, authority, or popularity. But true leadership is quieter. It’s found in consistency, courage, and the ability to inspire action without demanding it. It’s not about commanding attention, but about paying attention—listening, learning, and lifting others as you climb.
A great leader doesn’t just chart a course—he/she creates space for others to bring their own compass. Great leaders understand that success is not measured by how high they rise, but by how many people rise with them. This kind of leadership is rooted in empathy, built on trust, and fueled by vision.
Leadership (good leadership) also means making hard choices, standing firm in values and showing up with integrity- especially when no one is watching. It’s being resilient in the face of setbacks and humble in the face of triumph and praise.
Sadly, not all leaders embody these qualities. Some lead through fear rather than inspiration—quick to berate and belittle rather than support, inspire and empower. These leaders overlook the challenges their staff face and respond not with guidance or encouragement, but with criticism and control. This erodes morale, stifles creativity, and creates environments where people struggle to survive, rather than thrive.
True leadership means recognizing the human element in every task and the emotional weight that often comes with it. It means showing up for your team when things are tough, offering direction without diminishing dignity, and choosing compassion over condescension.
In any organization, leadership is not reserved for those with titles—it belongs to those with purpose.
In today’s world, we need leaders who unite rather than divide, empower rather than ridicule and control, and serve rather than rule. Because leadership, at its best, is not about being in charge—it’s about taking care of those in your charge.
